What does it take to thrive as a Chief of Staff (CoS) in today’s fast-paced SaaS industry? Last Friday, December 13th, SaaSBoomi hosted a roundtable in Bangalore that brought together Chief-of-Staff’s from diverse organizations to answer this very question. The session provided an invaluable opportunity for professionals to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore actionable strategies to elevate the impact of this pivotal role.
The roundtable, led by Saurabh Mandhanya (Chief-of-Staff, MoEngage) and Saniya Surana (former Chief-of-Staff, Rocketlane), delved into key aspects of the CoS role. Topics included alignment between the CEO and CoS, measuring performance through OKRs, and setting strategic goals for the year ahead. Attendees from companies like Netcore, Whatfix, and Uniqode shared insights from their journeys, shedding light on the evolving nature of this multifaceted position.
Key Insights from the Roundtable
1. Alignment Between the CEO and Chief of Staff
Building a seamless partnership between the CEO/founder and the Chief of Staff is akin to mastering a team sport—it requires trust, clear communication, and a shared vision. Participants noted that this alignment takes time, especially in startups where founders have deeply invested in every aspect of the business.
Practical tips for fostering alignment included regular check-ins and informal interactions outside the office. These moments help build rapport, ease concerns, and create a foundation of trust that is critical for the CoS to act as an effective strategic partner.
2. Measuring Performance Through OKRs
Measuring performance is an ongoing challenge for many organizations, particularly those in their early or growth stages. Attendees shared that using Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) offers a structured and transparent framework for tracking performance. OKRs enable organizations to align on priorities, quantify success, and maintain focus.
3. Defining Goals and Objectives for the Year Ahead
Goal-setting remains a gray area for many teams, with participants noting that misalignment at the top often trickles down to team-level confusion. A key takeaway was the importance of top-down alignment: CoS leaders should collaborate with the C-suite to establish priorities, which can then be translated into actionable goals for individual teams.
This practice not only clarifies expectations but also empowers teams to contribute meaningfully to organizational success.
Conclusion: Beyond a Job Title
The SaaSBOOMi roundtable was more than just an exchange of ideas—it was diverse minds coming together to address the unique challenges and opportunities that come with the Chief-of-Staff role. Attendees left with practical takeaways, but more importantly, a renewed appreciation for the human element that is needed in this position.
As participants reflected on their experiences, one sentiment stood out: being a Chief-of-Staff isn’t just a job—it’s a journey. It requires adaptability, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning. The session ended on a high note, with a group photo capturing the collective spirit of growth and camaraderie.
This article captures the learnings from a Playbook Roundtable Session. To learn more about Playbook Roundtables check out our initiative and join the community for exclusive insights and takeaways you can put into action.
