The 60 Second Podcast
Big insights. One question. 60 seconds.
Hosted by TEDx speaker and 3X founder Matt McCoy, this podcast delivers fast, punchy interviews with the world’s top leaders — from billion-dollar CEOs to bold startup founders.
Each episode asks one powerful question to uncover the mindset, tactics, or story behind game-changing success — all in under a minute.
Perfect for ambitious listeners who want real answers, really fast.
The 60 Second Podcast
Taylor McLoughlin - Co-Founder, Ambient
What does the future of leadership actually look like?
In this episode of The 60 Second Podcast, Taylor McLoughlin, Co-Founder of Ambient, shares why the rise of the generalist operator - especially Chiefs of Staff - is reshaping how modern organizations operate.
From early-stage startups to Fortune 100 companies, Chiefs of Staff are increasingly acting as force multipliers, serving as the CEO’s proxy, unblocking teams, and driving momentum without ever stepping into the spotlight.
Taylor breaks down why this role is gaining prominence, what makes great Chiefs of Staff so effective, and how a growing ecosystem of communities and tools is accelerating the evolution of leadership.
A sharp, fast insight into the people quietly powering today’s most effective organizations.
00:00 – Host
What is one trend you see shaping the future of your industry?
00:05 – Taylor McLoughlin
So what we see at Ambient is the rise of the generalist operator — and specifically Chiefs of Staff. I think they’re shaping our industry in a really interesting way. Why are they pivotal? Simply put, they act as the CEO’s proxy. They’re the right-hand person who helps unblock the organization and propel the business forward.
00:26 – Taylor McLoughlin
They call themselves force multipliers for a reason. It’s increasingly being recognized as an essential role across organizations — from early-stage startups to Fortune 100s. These agile problem solvers create clarity in chaos, stabilize teams, and transition solutions onto other leaders so momentum never stalls.
00:50 – Taylor McLoughlin
They’re not passengers. They drive action — but you rarely hear about them. They’re the unsung heroes. They’re incredibly egoless. We’ve spoken to about 300 Chiefs of Staff so far, and that’s one trait they all share.
01:24 – Taylor McLoughlin
You can see their growing importance in the rise of organizations like the Chief of Staff Association, the Chief of Staff Network, and Ask a Chief of Staff. These communities focus on upskilling, education, and leadership development — not just filling roles, but expanding the entire ecosystem of effective leadership. That’s what I see shaping the future of our industry.
