What a Chief of Staff at Kevin's Natural Foods Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Natural Foods Industry
Kaylie, Chief of Staff at Kevin's Natural Foods, discovered the role involves significantly more "behind the scenes work," including "investigative and detective" tasks, than initially anticipated—a contrast to the public-facing perception of the position. This unexpected aspect proved to be a surprisingly positive and fulfilling element of their career.
Executive/Leadership, Behind-the-Scenes, Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kaylie Layman
Chief of Staff
Kevin's Natural Foods
California State University, Stanislaus
Business Management & Admin
Food, Beverages & Alcohol
Human Resources (HR)
Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. The Chief of Staff role involves a significant amount of behind-the-scenes work, including investigative and detective tasks.
2. Contrary to initial perceptions, the role doesn't always involve being in the limelight; it's more about behind-the-scenes operations.
3. The position requires an individual contributor who thrives in a behind-the-scenes environment and enjoys mentoring and team leadership.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
You really have to juggle being in the limelight but also being behind the scenes. I did not realize how much a chief of staff operates behind the scenes, and that's where I thrive personally.
I am a good mentor and a good team leader, at least, so I'm told. But I do not like being in the limelight.
When I was on the executive leadership team as chief of staff, I was always thinking, "Okay, I'm just going to be in the lights all the time," and I hated that. It's not that way, and I'm so thankful for that.
It's a lot of behind-the-scenes work, a lot of investigative and detective kind of behind-the-scenes work. It goes back to that question where I said it really takes an individual contributor that thrives in this role. There's a lot more behind the scenes that you do than I was anticipating, and it's proven to be really thankful for.