Soaring Together Webinar with Rebecca Sendel '86 : Lehigh University

About the Event

Demystifying the Role of Chief of Staff in Corporations

The chief of staff (CoS) position is becoming increasingly pivotal in executive offices across many industries, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood positions in the corporate world. How does this role compare to an executive assistant or a chief operating officer? Does the leadership team report to the chief of staff? (Definitely no.) What are the roles and responsibilities that seem to make this job so important these days?

In this webinar, Rebecca Sendel BSEE'86 will delve into questions like these and will help you understand the sweet spot for chiefs of staff helping to run organizations. We will talk about how this role can provide value for an executive, and in turn, help a leadership team and organization operate more effectively.

In addition, we will discuss tips for aspiring chiefs of staff, how to look for a job in the space, and what backgrounds are good fits to transition into chief of staff positions and why.

The role of chief of staff can be highly varied depending on multiple factors including the needs of the leader (e.g. strategic, tactical, or both), the type of company or industry (e.g., big tech vs. non-profit), and maturity of the organization (e.g., start-up vs. established). It is also a highly personal role, as the chief of staff is often the thought partner and confidant of the leader. As a result, it is critical for a leader and a chief of staff to not only know they can work together functionally, but also feel they will be able to build a trusting working relationship.

Join this webinar if you are a leader who has wondered about this role or considered hiring a chief of staff, if you have thought about working as a chief of staff as a step in your career, or are simply interested in the topic.

Staff Contact: Morgan Nelson M.Ed.’19

Guest Speaker

Rebecca Sendel BSEE’86 is a versatile leader with a diverse background in product management, strategy, marketing, and business management. She has a passion for working with senior executives as a chief of staff, helping them tackle strategic challenges, enhance company culture, and improve cross-functional operations. In addition, Sendel mentors numerous aspiring and current chiefs of staff in both large and small companies. Her career has focused on bringing new technologies to market, from avionics and wireless communications to software and Internet of Things (IoT). She is dedicated to leadership development and team collaboration, working with enthusiasm, empathy, and positivity.