Andrea Cilliers shares her journey from joining the Department of Defense through a disability internship to becoming Chief of Staff for the U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights. She talks about working on diversity and inclusion at the State Department, influencing global policy, and meeting leaders like Pope Francis. The episode covers how she built relationships across government, advocated for disability rights, and offers advice on leadership and hiring people with disabilities.

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Who Am I?
If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:
00:58 Andrea Career Origins

02:54 State Department Explained

06:33 EEO Work at State

08:52 Serendipity to Chief of Staff

11:12 Vatican and G7 Diplomacy

14:57 Inside Vatican Meetings

21:46 Chief of Staff Playbook

34:22 Blinken Team Lessons

49:29 Advice and Disability Inclusion