Earlier this year, we shared with you that we will be bringing you topical interviews with key leaders in the business world. 

Housed under the “Under the Radar Specials” banner, these interviews are B2B focused and are meant to drive greater conversations in the business community. 

Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian fulfils the promise she made by launching the first “In the Community” episode of Under the Radar Specials by looking at a corporate role that emerged only in the later half of the 20th century – the Chief of Staff. 

The term typically refers to a high-ranking officer or a leader in the organisation that serves as an aide to a commander. 

In the corporate world, a Chief of Staff is usually the bridge between the CEO charting out the strategic direction of the firm, and the teams ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations in the company. 

But what exactly is a Chief of Staff? How senior is the Chief of Staff in the corporate ladder? Why are Chiefs of Staff needed and what exactly does it take to become one?

Tian Tian sought to find out the answers to these questions by speaking to two individuals, one a Chief of Staff at a venture studio, and the other, a Chief of Staff at a global banking institution –  Eelee Lua, Chief of Staff, xcube.co and Geraldine Yip, Chief of Staff, HSBC Singapore.