Critical Moments Tapas for One: How Clara Ma Turned Burnout into a Booming Business
Founder and CEO of Ask a Chief of Staff, Clara Ma joins Mark to talk about the moment she walked away from a fast-paced startup career—and accidentally started a thriving business. This episode is about burnout, sabbaticals, second chances, and building with intention.
We cover:
(00:50) Clara’s burnout while working at OnDeck
(08:30) The Cayman Islands trip that changed everything
(14:15) How quitting without a plan became a superpower
(21:10) Her “Tapas for One” moment in Spain—and what it taught her
(30:45) Launching Ask a Chief of Staff without knowing it
(37:00) What balance really looks like—and how she protects it
Whether you’re a founder, a chief of staff, or just wondering what else might be possible, Clara’s story is a reminder: your life is now.
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