The Lightbulb Moment
For years, I ran the operations of my company, Spaeth Hill, ensuring that everything behind the scenes functioned seamlessly. As Managing Partner, I was responsible for both high-level strategy and daily operations—overseeing financials, building and managing client relationships, and handling internal processes ranging from project management to onboarding, invoicing, and payroll—all while ensuring the business remained profitable and running smoothly.
But only recently did I realize—I had been a Chief of Staff all along.
That moment of clarity came when I looked at my day-to-day responsibilities. I wasn’t just keeping the company afloat—I was enabling my business partner to lead and his team to thrive by protecting their time, solving bottlenecks before they even reached them, and ensuring they had everything they needed to do their best work.
Through that experience, I came to understand something few people talk about: leadership is lonely.
The Role of a Chief of Staff: The Missing Piece for Many Leaders
When you're at the top, there’s a constant pull for your attention. Everyone needs something. Decisions stack up. Bottlenecks form. There are fires to put out—and some that are better left burning.
But behind the scenes? No one sees how much of that weight rests on your shoulders alone. Who has your back in those moments? Often, the answer is: no one. It doesn’t have to be that way.
And that’s the problem. Even the best CEOs shouldn’t have to carry everything alone.
A company’s success isn’t just about vision—it’s about execution. And for that, a leader needs a trusted right hand. Someone to slay the dragons, prioritize, execute, and prioritize again. Someone who can move the needle behind the scenes while they focus on what only an executive can do.
That’s what a Chief of Staff is. A trusted partner. A strategic confidant. A force multiplier.
I understand this not just in theory, because I lived it. I know what it’s like to be in that position of leadership, to feel the weight of it all, to know that at the end of the day, every problem, every decision, and every crisis ultimately lands at your feet. And I know how game-changing it is to have someone by your side who truly gets it.
That’s what led me to this role—I’ve seen firsthand that even the strongest leaders need support, and I’m uniquely positioned to provide it.
A Case Study: How I Was Already a Chief of Staff
At Spaeth Hill, my business partner, Nathan, was the visionary. He led our creative team and set the design direction. My job was to ensure nothing got in the way of that. I managed everything behind the scenes—anticipating needs, removing distractions, and elevating only the most critical decisions to his attention.
The best example? The äntrepō project.
Prior to our partnership, Nathan had envisioned a publication that explored experimental design. But like many big ideas, it needed structure and execution to become reality. That’s where I stepped in.
Here’s how we made it happen together:
The Vision: Nathan defined the big idea and it’s execution—an oversized, beautifully designed publication featuring experimental design next to art and critical essays.
The First Step: We needed an interim step before diving into full-scale production. Nathan designed a limited edition poster, and I handled everything needed to bring it to life—from printing to budgeting.
The Build-Up: We partnered with a PR team and launched a podcast with The Line Hotel, giving Nathan a platform to have conversations around the intersection of art and design.
The Talent: We needed more hands to execute the project. Nathan identified the right designer to align with his vision, and I handled everything to bring them on board—negotiating financials, setting up benefits, onboarding, and ensuring they had the tools to succeed.
The Momentum: We hosted a launch event featuring äntrepō, Extras, vol. 1—an experimental newspaper designed by Nathan and the team to launch the podcast and tease full book. I managed all event logistics and oversaw the production and printing of Extras, vol. 1 to ensure every detail aligned with the vision.
The Execution: While Nathan and the team focused on design, interviews and essays, I handled the logistics—copyediting, coordinating with the printer, managing expenses, and developing a full marketing and PR strategy.
The Launch: I built the online shop, integrated payment processing, and set up shipping logistics—right down execution of the custom packaging that matched the publication’s aesthetic.
The result? We printed 100 copies—and sold every single one.
But beyond the numbers, this project reinforced something deeper: I thrived in the role of ensuring our team had everything they needed to bring a vision to life.
And that’s exactly what a great Chief of Staff does.
Why Now?
For years, I built and ran my own company—solving problems in real time, refining systems, and making the business stronger. As an entrepreneur, you don’t just learn leadership—you live it.
Looking back, I see it clearly: I wasn’t just running a business; I was operating as a Chief of Staff. I optimized systems, removed roadblocks, and ensured our team could execute at the highest level. More importantly, I provided the strategic partnership allowing Nathan to do what only he could do.
That realization changed everything.
I wasn’t just leading—I was built for this role. After years of refining these skills in the trenches, I know I’m ready to step fully into the Chief of Staff position. The timing is right—not just because I’ve done the work to prepare, but because I’m at a point where I can bring the most value to another leader.
The demand for strategic, behind-the-scenes leadership has never been greater. And with my experience, instincts, and ability to drive real impact, now is the moment to step into this role fully.
What’s Next?
As of March 2025, I’m all in. I’m stepping fully into the Chief of Staff role and actively seeking the right opportunity. This isn’t just a career move—it’s the next step in a path defined by solving complex problems, driving impact, and making leaders more effective. I know the weight of leadership firsthand—the pressure, the isolation, the endless decisions. And I know how game-changing it is to have the right person by your side. I’m ready to be that person—because when the right partnership clicks, everything changes.
This is just the beginning. Here on Substack, I’ll share insights on what makes a Chief of Staff indispensable—how they remove obstacles, create leverage, and help leaders operate at their highest level. I’ll explore how running a company prepared me for this role and how those lessons translate into real impact for another organization.
The bottom line? I know what it’s like to sit in the seat of leadership—and how transformational it can be to have the right person by your side. Now, I’m ready to be that person.
If you’re a CEO, founder, or executive who’s been carrying too much on your own, let’s talk. Because leadership is hard—but it doesn’t have to be lonely.