Ask a Chief of Staff: Dealing with People: Lessons Learned from a Former Government Chief of Staff
🗓️ Join us on November 4th!
Strategy and systems will only take you so far. So much of the work of a Chief of Staff is people work. In this session, Michael Whitehorn, former Chief of Staff to the Colorado Secretary of State and Managing Partner at MAC Group Consulting, shares lessons from the front lines of public service, politics, and organizational leadership.
Drawing from years spent leading through high-pressure moments in government and advising campaigns and organizations across Colorado, Michael will unpack what it means to stay calm in crisis, build trust across competing agendas, and lead with empathy without losing accountability, while staying sane!
Expect a candid conversation about the human side of leadership, the tough calls, the emotional intelligence required to keep teams grounded, and the habits that help leaders stay effective when everything feels like it’s on fire. The session includes a short talk, breakout discussions, and space for Q&A and reflection.
✅ You should attend this fireside chat if...
you lead (or aspire to lead) teams through change, conflict, or uncertainty;
you want to strengthen your ability to navigate difficult personalities or high-stakes dynamics with empathy and composure;
you’re curious about how Chiefs of Staff operate in government and political environments where the margin for error is thin;
you’re learning to manage up, down, and across, especially when tensions or crises emerge;
you value learning from others’ lessons about communication, trust, and leadership under pressure.
🎟️ Please note, there will be a 100-person limit on this event. If you are unable to attend live, we will send a recording of the event afterwards.
🎙️ More about the Speaker
Michael Whitehorn has nearly two decades of experience leading people and organizations at the intersection of politics, government, and strategy. He served as Chief of Staff to the Colorado Secretary of State, where he helped navigate some of the most complex policy, operational, and public trust challenges in state government (including a Supreme Court case).
Today, as Managing Partner of MAC Group Consulting, Michael advises campaigns, advocacy organizations, and civic leaders across Colorado on how to lead effectively through change, conflict, and uncertainty. His career spans managing campaigns for members of Congress, U.S. Senators, and statewide elected officials, as well as building inclusive teams that thrive under pressure.
💜 Ask a Chief of Staff
Ask a Chief of Staff is a premier executive search and career development platform dedicated to placing top-tier Chiefs of Staff and empowering professionals in strategic leadership roles. We serve ambitious professionals and high-growth companies by offering executive recruiting, mentorship programs, and career resources tailored to Chiefs of Staff. By addressing the lack of structured career paths for this role, we provide guidance, connections, and opportunities that accelerate leadership development and organizational success.
Learn more at askachiefofstaff.com.