How I Shaped a Leadership Philosophy from Scratch
Interested in how a "dealmaker extraordinaire" shaped a leadership philosophy from scratch? Marc Bodner, a Chief of Staff with a unique background, shares his insights on leadership, deal-making, and creating a supportive work environment.
Key takeaways
Fair deals: Aim for deals where everyone walks away satisfied to build good relationships.
Value employees: Recognize that employees stay in jobs because they like the people they work with, feel comfortable, and see a career path.
Adaptable leadership: Adjust your management style to suit individual needs, offering support and pushing when necessary.
Notable Quotes:
"Sometimes the best deals that you do are the ones that you don't do".
"A very big part of a young company maturing is remembering that the employees really drive the business".
"You have to be ready to have somebody act as your proxy".
Real-World Application:
Negotiations: When negotiating a deal, focus on creating a win-win situation. For example, when negotiating a vendor contract, ensure the terms benefit both your company and the vendor to foster a long-term partnership.
Employee retention: Create opportunities for professional development and advancement. For instance, implement a mentorship program where employees receive guidance and support to grow within the company.
Conflict resolution: Instead of assigning blame, focus on helping team members resolve issues collaboratively. For example, if a project falls behind schedule, bring the team together to identify roadblocks and find solutions.
Shaping a leadership philosophy involves focusing on simplicity, fairness, valuing employees, adapting to individual needs, and building trust. These principles can help any leader create a supportive and productive work environment.
They also include insights on working with other members of the executive team, advice for someone looking to hire a Chief of Staff, and the importance of adaptability in this role.
(00:06) Introduction to Leveraging Leadership
(00:15) Understanding the Role of Chief of Staff
(00:53) Guest Introduction and Background
(01:12) Insights into Business Development and Deal Making
(03:46) Transition from Law to Venture Capital
(08:15) Challenges and Rewards of the Chief of Staff Role
(10:42) Building a Strong and Diverse Team
(16:07) The Importance of Employee Satisfaction and Retention
(24:58) Adapting Management Styles for Effective Leadership
(29:08) The Role of a Chief of Staff in a Startup
(32:23) Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff
(35:12) The Value of Mentorship and Giving Back
(37:30) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Reach out to Marc Bodner:
Connect with Marc Bodner on LinkedIn.
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.