Serena Williams Former Chief of Staff on Leadership, Aviation & Strategy

175: Ever wondered what it’s like to support a global icon like Serena Williams while managing billion-dollar operations behind the scenes? Grant Firestone reveals how he navigated the high-stakes world of elite sports, entertainment, and major infrastructure — without a traditional roadmap. In this inspiring episode, we explore his path from Chief of Staff to Serena to leading innovation at LAX and Schneider Electric. Packed with honest stories, leadership insights, and career-changing advice, this is a must-watch for aspiring executives, aviation enthusiasts, and curious minds alike. 🎙️ What You’ll learn: - The real challenges of working with a world-class athlete - How aviation became an unexpected career passion - The power of relationships in career building - Lessons from managing high-pressure environments - Why unplanned paths often lead to the best destinations Grant Firestone is a dynamic leader in aviation management and transportation strategy, with a career that bridges the entertainment industry, government, and global aviation. He specializes in stakeholder engagement, partnership development, advising senior leadership, and cross-functional program execution. Prior to joining Schneider Electric, Grant held leadership roles at Los Angeles International Airport, served as Chief of Staff to Serena Williams, and worked at a Beverly Hills talent agency. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Grant studied French and pre-med at Haverford College, where he played men’s lacrosse and earned NCAA All-American honors. He continues to compete with the Beverly Hills Lacrosse Club. A Los Angeles resident for 13 years, Grant lives with his wife, Olivia, and they are expecting their first child in July. He is fluent in French and is a frequent collaborator in global aviation innovation forums. --- 🔴 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3ifST-Mjxc0 Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

174: Es geht um Mut, Fokus, Disziplin und Unternehmertum auf höchstem Level. Erfahre, wie eine deutsche Unternehmerin ihre nachhaltige Taschenmarke aus Berlin in die USA bringt, sich ein komplett neues Netzwerk aufbaut und dabei ihre Rolle als Mutter genauso lebt wie das tägliche Business. Lili Radu ist Gründerin und Geschäftsführerin von VEE COLLECTIVE, der am schnellsten wachsenden Taschenmarke Deutschlands. Gemeinsam mit ihrem Mann Patrick Löwe definiert sie das Konzept der modischen Handtasche völlig neu. Ihre Produkte vereinen Fashion, Funktionalität und Nachhaltigkeit und sprechen damit moderne, unabhängige Frauen an, die eine vielseitige Tasche für ihren Multi-Tasking-Alltag suchen. Mit Erfolg. VEE ist weltweit in den besten Kaufhäusern gelistet, darunter Neiman Marcus, Saks, Bloomingdale‘s, KaDeWe, Selfridges und Lane Crawford. Vor kurzem ist Lili mit ihrer Familie nach New York gezogen, um den amerikanischen Markt zu erobern. Dort haben die ultraleichten Taschen aus 100% recycelten und veganen Materialien bereits eine große Fangemeinde. Seit 2024 ist VEE COLLECTIVE eine zertifizierte B Corp und damit Teil einer globalen Bewegung, die für eine integrative, gerechte und regenerative Wirtschaft steht. Lili setzt nicht nur Trends, sondern will beweisen, dass Mode „made in Germany“ wieder weltweit erfolgreich sein kann. Mehr zu VEE COLLECTIVE gibt es hier: https://www.vee-collective.com/ 🔴 Folge auf YouTube anschauen: https://youtu.be/4sFjVdeH4g4 Diana auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter Podcast auf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast auf Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

173: Discover what it's really like to operate at the top. In this eye-opening conversation with Mackenzie Lee, we explore the evolving role of the Chief of Staff, the transformation of the CEO office, and how AI is reshaping leadership. Whether you're an Executive Assistant, rising leader, or startup founder, this episode delivers actionable insights on succession planning, strategic decision-making, and the future of executive operations. Learn how to build a world-class office, improve performance through health checks, and download the top-rated Office of the CEO playbook. --- Mackenzie is the CEO & Founder of Cedar. He helps CEOs and their C-suite teams to let go and do more. He gives leaders the freedom to do things that matter. Mackenzie fights C-suite distractions, busywork and blockers. He helps his clients to hire a Chief of Staff, build the Office of the CEO, and implement operating systems that turn executives into fast and fearless leaders. As a former management consultant, startup founder and Chief of Staff, Mackenzie has almost two decades of experience partnering with C-suite to scale new heights, no matter what challenges they face. Mackenzie has worked with leaders from Fortune 1000 companies, top scaleups, private equity-backed companies, and government organizations, with a particular focus on financial services, technology and healthcare industries. He’s advised executives at Google, Palantir, Citi, Optum and the Department of Energy among other top organizations. Mackenzie is a sought-after speaker, researcher, and thought leader on all things related to leadership, Chief of Staff and the Office of the CEO. He is a graduate of the Stanford StartX accelerator, proud Stanford management science & engineering alum and Stanford public policy alum. Mackenzie now lives in New York City. Links Office of the CEO Playbook: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/636a8c999b042104adda3b25/t/67af97f07853b3570690d08e/1739560946882/Cedar+-+The+Office+of+the+CEO+Playbook%2C+1st+Edition.pdf Chief of Staff Playbook https://static1.squarespace.com/static/636a8c999b042104adda3b25/t/67af97e0e4fc9777da84391e/1741362537688/Cedar+-+The+Chief+of+Staff+Playbook%2C+2nd+Edition.pdf Haufe Chief of Staff Zertifizierung https://www.haufe-akademie.de/41675 --- 🔴 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iC_ibB-_wSw Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

172: Wie wird man von der Assistenz zur Geschäftsführerin? Nicole Neubauer nimmt uns mit auf ihre persönliche und berufliche Reise – ehrlich, inspirierend und voll wertvoller Insights. Sie erklärt, warum die Rolle der Assistenz oft unterschätzt wird und welches Potenzial in ihr steckt. Mit ihrer langjährigen Erfahrung in der Unternehmensberatung spricht sie über Leadership, Persönlichkeitsdiagnostik, den Einfluss von KI, die Bedeutung von Netzwerken und wie man sich selbst treu bleibt. Ein Muss für alle, die ihre Karriere bewusst gestalten wollen – ob am Anfang oder mittendrin. --- Nicole Neubauer ist Geschäftsführerin der metaBeratung mit Sitz in Düsseldorf und der Personality Guidance AG mit Sitz in Zürich. Gemeinsam mit ihren Teams unterstützt Sie Unternehmen in der Talentauswahl und –entwicklung von Trainee bis hin zur Führungskraft. Persönlichkeit zählt ist dabei das Credo. Hogan Persönlichkeitsassessments bilden seit 2005 den Kern der Beratungsleistungen, um Passung für eine Position richtig einzuschätzen. Nicole Neubauer verantwortet für den Bereich Business Development in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz. Nach wie vor betreut sie ausgewählte Großkunden – und bringt hier ihre langjährige Beratungserfahrung aus unterschiedlichen Branchen ein. Frau Neubauer startete ihre berufliche Laufbahn mit ihrer Sprachenausbildung an der Academy for Management Assistants zunächst bei der UFA Film- und Fernsehproduktion. Nach weiteren Stationen bei globalen Strategie- und Unternehmensberatungen – zuletzt im Human Resources – gründete sie zusammen mit Ihrem damaligen Partner, metaBeratung GmbH in der Schweiz und in Deutschland (2005 und 2007). Sie baute das Business Development und Marketing auf und arbeitet als Geschäftsführerin mit Geschäftspartnern wie Hogan Assessment Systems und der IMD Business School Lausanne, Kunden und Dienstleistern zusammen. Nicole Neubauer ist ganz nah am Kunden. Sie pflegt enge Beziehungen, entwickelt strategische Ideen und erzielt dadurch optimale Lösungen für die Zusammenarbeit. Kunden schätzen an ihr, dass sie sich Zeit nimmt, zuhört und langfristige Lösungen entwickelt. Mit Ihrem Ohr ist Frau Neubauer immer dicht am Markt und Ihr Wissen um aktuelle Trends und zukünftige Impulse sind ein nachhaltiger Mehrwert für unsere Kunden. Sie ist gefragte Expertin rund um die Themen Personalauswahl und -entwicklung. Links: 🔴 Folge auf YouTube anschauen: https://youtu.be/x5A3XlTLvEc https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleneubauer/ http://www.metaberatung.com http://www.personalityguidance.ch --- Diana auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter Podcast auf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast auf Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

171: Melba J. Duncan is the Founder and President of The Duncan Group Inc., a retained search and consulting firm. Since 1985, the firm has been advising CEOs and other corporate leaders regarding specialized senior management support resources. Ms. Duncan was Assistant to The Hon. Peter G. Peterson, Founder of The Peter G. Peterson Foundation, Chairman Emeritus and Co-Founder of The Blackstone Group, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb Incorporated, and former Secretary of Commerce. In her prior position, she was Assistant to Sanford C. Bernstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., a New York Stock Exchange member firm, where she was elected Corporate Secretary and became a stockholder. Ms. Duncan is an experienced public speaker. She has served as keynote speaker at the American Management Association’s Annual Conference for Executive Secretaries & Administrative Assistants. Ms. Duncan has served as chairperson for the Marcus Evans Executaries Forums, held in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Toronto, and Montreal. Ms. Duncan has delivered the keynote address to the EA&PA Congress Series in Sydney, Australia, and Adelaide, Australia, respectively and served as Keynote for the EA/PA Congress in Melbourne, Australia. Ms. Duncan has served as Keynote and Conference Host for the Bermuda Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals and has served as a presenter at the World Bank, Washington DC, responding to the topic “Shaping your future: Maintaining Your Competitiveness.”   Articles and Video:​ Indispensability and Legacy: Interview – Melba Duncan and Lucy Brazier OBE: https://lnkd.in/eQigh3iU Harvard Business Review: The Secret Weapon of Great Leaders (HBR Video): https://hbr.org/2011/05/the-secret-weapon-of-great-lea The Essential Assistant: Secretariado Master Class (São Paulo, Brazil) (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCgs2yFxyyg Harvard Business Review: What Executive Assistants Know About Managing Up: https://hbr.org/2014/12/what-executive-assistants-know-about-managing-up Harvard Business Review: May 2011: The Case for Executive Assistants: https://hbr.org/2011/05/the-case-for-executive-assistants   Books by Melba J. Duncan: - Indispensability: Administrative Intelligence - The Importance of the Other AI (Centenary University Press, June 2025) - EQ/IQ Developing Emotional Intelligence for Effective Executive Support (Open Hand Press, 2021) - The New Executive Assistant: Advice for Succeeding as an Executive or Administrative Assistant (McGraw Hill, 1997) - How To Succeed in Business As An Executive Assistant (Collier Books, 1990) More about the podcast: Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

170: Chantal Thyes ist eine erfahrene Vorstandsassistentin mit fundiertem Hintergrund in strategischem Executive Support, Unternehmenskommunikation und Office Management. Aktuell unterstützt sie seit 2022 den Vorstand der MAST-Jägermeister SE in organisatorischen und kommunikativen Belangen. Zuvor war sie u. a. als Referentin für Öffentlichkeitsarbeit beim vedec e.V. sowie mehrere Jahre als Assistenz der Geschäftsführung tätig. Parallel engagiert sie sich seit 2020 als freie Rednerin für persönliche Zeremonien. Akademisch verfügt sie über einen Masterabschluss in Human Resource Management sowie einen Bachelor in Wirtschaftspsychologie (FOM Hochschule) und bildet sich derzeit zum zertifizierten Chief of Staff (Haufe Akademie & Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Management) fort. Ihre Arbeitsweise ist geprägt von hoher Professionalität, Kommunikationsstärke und Organisationstalent auf Top-Level. Chief of Staff Ausbildung: https://www.haufe-akademie.de/41675 Links zu Chantal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantal-thyes-484513199/ https://www.instagram.com/unforgettablemomentsbychantalt/ Weitere Links: 🔴 Folge auf YouTube anschauen: https://youtu.be/E19iHjCSvwI Diana auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter Podcast auf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast auf Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

169: Jodie Mears is a strategic C-Suite Executive Assistant, a respected thought leader in the administrative profession, and LinkedIn Top Voice, recognised with the Blue Badge for her industry expertise. With over 20+ years of experience spanning aviation, energy, and digital sectors, she currently supports C-Suite executives at Bentley Systems, combining high-level executive support with operational excellence and strategic business partnerships. As the co-host of “The Crodie Files” podcast and an Advisory Board Member for The PA Show-UK, Jodie is passionate about elevating the administrative profession. Her highly sought-after mentoring and coaching program, which maintains a waitlist into 2025, offers a unique bespoke six-session approach to helping administrative professionals transform their existing talents into career-advancing strengths. A certified Mental Health First Aider and Regional Wellness Lead, Jodie regularly shares her insights through speaking engagements, her monthly newsletter “The Assist List,” and industry publications. Connect with Jodie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiemears or visit http://craigandjodie.com/. ⬇️ Offer from Jodie: From Overlooked to Empowered – £50 Off Podcast Listeners Aspire & Achieve by Jodie Mears I know what it feels like to be overlooked, to work tirelessly behind the scenes and wonder if my contributions were truly valued. For years, I played it safe, staying in the background until I realised that visibility isn’t about shouting the loudest, it’s about owning your value. That realisation changed everything. I built my personal brand, stepped into strategic conversations, and transformed my career, and now, I help others do the same. That’s why I created https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/special-edition-newsletter-jodie-mears-finstam-aqage/, a mentoring & coaching program designed for assistants ready to move from support to strategic partner. What past participants say: 💬 “I could not have got to where I am without your help. You were instrumental in helping me navigate my next move.” 💬 “Your session reignited my passion for personal branding, something I had let slip this year. I’m excited to get back into it!” 💬 “The way you combine enthusiasm with practical, relatable advice made such a difference. I’ve already started implementing the learning!” Executive Office Insights podcast followers: get £50 off this 6-session programme  If you’re ready to step up, be seen, and grow your career, connect with Jodie to book a FREE 30-minute intro call. Let’s make your next move your best one yet! --- 🔴 Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eqyb9NIh3uQ Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

168: Anne Marie Otañez is an accomplished Chief of Staff and author of The Chief of Staff: An Insider's Guide to Becoming a Strategic Partner in the Executive Suite. With over 20 years of leadership experience, including a tenure at Microsoft, Anne Marie has navigated the complexities of executive roles with resilience and grace. As a Black woman and daughter of immigrants, she brings a unique and empathetic perspective to leadership, emphasizing the importance of organizational alignment, team trust, and personal well-being. She is the Founder of Own Your Power with Anne Marie, an organization focused on Executive Coaching with an eye to the Chief of Staff domain as well as the creator of The Chief of Staff Academy. 🔴 Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xfqaRusLauE Find her at : Website: http://www.annemarieotanez.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemarieotanez/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/ownyourpowerwithannemarie/ Bluesky : https://bsky.app/profile/thechiefofstaff.bsky.social Buy her book at IngramSpark: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=TdSItQBD9yVM8a31YkRLXvTkLz3lwIjhwLbdN2Np1UV Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDJX2RBH?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520 --- Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

167: In dieser Folge spreche ich mit den erfahrenen Expertinnen und Coaches Alexandra und Bea. Sie geben uns Einblicke in ihre Arbeit und insbesondere in ihr neues Seminar Format “Natural Leading”. Die Welt dreht sich immer schneller, Anforderungen steigen, Erwartungen wachsen – von außen und von dir selbst. Als Führungskraft bist du ständig präsent, triffst Entscheidungen, motivierst, hältst zusammen und gehst voran. Doch reicht es wirklich aus, einfach nur durchzuhalten? Im Seminar "Natural Leading" geht es um mehr als das. Es geht darum, aus der Endlosschleife auszubrechen, bewusst durchzuatmen und den Blick für das Wesentliche zu schärfen. Es geht um Resilienz statt Dauerstress, um Stabilität und Klarheit, um nachhaltige Führung, die nicht auf Hektik basiert, sondern auf Weitblick. Ein wichtiges Format, das Alexandra und Bea hier geschaffen haben. 🔴 Folge auf YouTube anschauen: https://youtu.be/DkUYI8W28vc Link zum Seminar: https://www.coachingraum-karlsbad.com/deutsch/seminaranmeldung-natural-leading-1/ Mehr zu Alexandra: Website: https://www.coachingraum-karlsbad.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-gebhardt/ Mehr zu Bea: Webseite: https://auszeitnatur.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beate-von-borcke-968079205/ --- Diana auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter Podcast auf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast auf Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

166: Want to know how certifications, mentorship, and leadership can transform your career? In this episode, Mia Lane shares her incredible journey from customer service to becoming a senior executive assistant and leader. She reveals the secrets to career growth, the power of mentorship, and how investing in certifications shaped her success. Mia also opens up about balancing personal and professional life, lessons from her father, and why self-care is non-negotiable. 🔹 How mentorship can change your career 🔹 The importance of certifications in professional growth 🔹 Leadership lessons and managing a team 🔹 Balancing work, family, and self-care Mia’s background spans three decades of experience in executive support, including at the C-suite level. As a certified professional, she is dedicated to driving business excellence. She excels in building strategic partnerships, optimizing workflows, and enabling transparent communication to support executives in achieving their objectives. In Mia’s current capacity, she holds a dual role: supporting an executive and managing a team of executive assistants. As Manager of Executive and Administration, Mia leads her team with a focus on fostering efficiency, communication, and collaboration. Her management approach is centered on the belief that every team member’s contribution is vital to collective success, and she strives to create an inclusive environment where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. A guiding principle in Mia’s leadership approach is ensuring individuals recognize their inherent worth - a lesson instilled by her father, whose words she often shares: “You are somebody!” LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamlane/ Below are the links and details of the organizations associated with my certifications: International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Website: https://www.iaap-hq.org/ Membership: https://www.iaap-hq.org/general/register_member_type.asp Certified Administrative Professional (CAP): https://www.iaap-hq.org/page/CAP_Certification Certified Administrative Professional (Expert): https://www.iaap-capstone.org/ American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP) Website: https://www.asaporg.com/  Membership: https://www.asaporg.com/join Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE): https://www.asaporg.com/pace --- Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ The Future Assistant Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter 🔴 Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vt3r7wduMuM Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661