Inside the Strategy Room 284. Becoming a Chief of Staff
Jan 1, 2026
Join Andrew Goodman, a senior partner at McKinsey, Michelle Forrest, a global client capabilities leader, and Connor Rochford, an associate partner, as they dive into the pivotal role of chief of staff. They discuss when this role is crucial for organizations and the essential traits for success, such as high emotional intelligence. Discover how the responsibilities of chiefs of staff vary with company size and how many are internal hires. Plus, hear about career advancements post-role and the unique challenges faced during CEO transitions.
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Wide Career Paths Lead To One Role
- Chiefs of staff come from a wide range of backgrounds and career stages.
- There's a concentration in the 5–15 year experience sweet spot that enables versatility and future career options.
Role Originated In Public Sector, Now Widespread
- The chief of staff role exists across sectors but has roots in the public sector and large enterprises.
- It has recently expanded into startups and is nearing majority adoption in many companies.
Learn By Doing And From Peers
- Build an apprenticeship approach: learn on the job and from peers rather than expecting formal training.
- Join peer networks and spend time with other chiefs of staff to accelerate learning.