Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Marie Otanez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi, I’m Anne Marie Otanez, a leader, author, and executive coach passionate about empowering others to excel in leadership and strategic roles. My career has been all about guiding organizations through challenges and creating inclusive, effective leadership frameworks. With over five years of experience leading teams, I’ve learned firsthand what it takes to drive impactful results in today’s fast-paced business world.
I’ve been fortunate to serve as a Chief of Staff, Program and Project Manager at various tech companies, where I oversaw complex business operations, mentored incredible teams, and tackled challenges like organizational restructuring, shrinking budgets, and fostering workplace well-being. These experiences shaped my approach to leadership—balancing operational precision with vision and empathy.
Through my website, annemarieotanez.com, I share my insights and offer coaching programs to help Chiefs of Staff and other executives thrive. I provide one-on-one coaching, group programs, and resources designed to strengthen strategic thinking, communication, and leadership skills. I also wrote The Chief of Staff: An Insider’s Guide to Becoming a Strategic Partner in the Executive Suite, where I share practical strategies and lessons from my own journey.
As a Black woman and daughter of immigrants, I bring a unique perspective to my work, one shaped by resilience and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. I know what it’s like to navigate complex environments and overcome obstacles, and I’m passionate about helping others do the same. Whether it’s through coaching, writing, or speaking, I aim to inspire and equip leaders to make a meaningful impact.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My career has been filled with incredible opportunities, but I’d be the first to admit it hasn’t been a smooth road. Along the way, I’ve faced challenges that shaped me into the person I am today.
As a Black woman and daughter of immigrants, there were times I felt like the “only” in the room—the only one who looked like me, thought like me, or advocated for certain perspectives. I’ve often been in positions where I had to be a voice for those who didn’t have one, and sometimes, I found myself in situations where I was the victim. But through it all, I made a conscious choice not to let those moments define me or keep me down. I persisted.
I know the challenges aren’t always fair or easy, but I believe in pushing through, lifting others as we rise, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued.
My challenges are no different than what so many others face. We all encounter obstacles that feel overwhelming or unfair. What matters is how we respond, how we grow, and how we use those experiences to uplift others. For me, that’s meant fostering inclusive leadership, advocating for meaningful change, and empowering others to find their voices and lead with confidence.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is rooted in a deep belief in the power of leadership to transform not only organizations but also the lives of the people within them. Through my career, I’ve dedicated myself to helping leaders—especially those navigating complex and demanding roles—find clarity, purpose, and the tools they need to succeed. At the heart of what I do is a commitment to creating systems that work for everyone, not just a select few.
I specialize in coaching executives, particularly Chiefs of Staff, to excel in roles that often require them to balance strategy, operations, and leadership under immense pressure. I’ve been in the trenches myself, having served as a Chief of Staff, where I navigated the high-stakes challenges of corporate leadership. I know what it feels like to be at the intersection of vision and execution, to carry the weight of expectations while managing teams, aligning goals, and driving results.
I’ve created a space to share these experiences and offer practical, actionable guidance to others. My work is focused on equipping leaders with the skills they need to manage complexity, lead with empathy, and thrive in environments that demand both strategic thinking and operational excellence. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching, group programs, or the resources I provide, I’m known for delivering real-world solutions that resonate with the unique challenges leaders face today.
One thing I’m incredibly proud of is my ability to connect with people and help them see their potential in ways they might not have imagined. I’ve worked with leaders who felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unseen—and together, we’ve unlocked their confidence, clarified their priorities, and set them on paths to achieve incredible outcomes. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about doing it in a way that’s sustainable, meaningful, and reflective of who they truly are.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach. I don’t just focus on the “what” of leadership—the tasks, the goals, the deliverables. I dive into the “how” and the “why.” I believe that leadership is as much about self-awareness and resilience as it is about strategy and execution. My personal experiences—growing up as the daughter of immigrants, being a Black woman in corporate America, and navigating my own life’s twists and turns—give me a unique perspective that resonates with those I coach.
Another aspect of my work that I take pride in is the authenticity I bring to every interaction. I’m not interested in cookie-cutter solutions or surface-level fixes. My goal is to create lasting impact by meeting people where they are and helping them rise to where they want to be. The feedback I receive often reflects this: clients tell me that my guidance feels personal, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in understanding their unique needs and challenges.
Ultimately, what drives me is the belief that leadership should lift us all. It should inspire collaboration, foster innovation, and make people feel valued. If you’re a leader—or someone aspiring to lead—who’s ready to grow, I’m here to help you discover what’s possible. Let’s work together to turn your vision into reality.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
**Where I See My Industry Going in the Next 5-10 Years**
Leadership and organizational dynamics are evolving rapidly, and I believe the next 5-10 years will bring profound shifts in how businesses operate, lead, and adapt. As organizations face increasing complexity, globalization, and the demands of a digital-first world, the role of leadership—and the systems that support it—will need to become more agile, inclusive, and forward-thinking.
One of the biggest trends I see is the growing emphasis on cross-functional leadership. Silos are breaking down as organizations realize that innovation and resilience come from collaboration, not isolation. This shift requires leaders to think holistically, and that’s where the Chief of Staff role is becoming more relevant than ever. In an environment where CEOs and executives are navigating competing priorities and rapid decision-making, Chiefs of Staff are stepping in as strategic partners who can bridge the gaps between vision, execution, and alignment.
Another significant change is the rise of purpose-driven leadership. More than ever, employees, customers, and stakeholders are demanding that organizations stand for something beyond profit. They want to see meaningful commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, and social impact. Leaders are expected to set the tone, and Chiefs of Staff play a crucial role in translating those commitments into action, ensuring that every decision aligns with the organization’s core values and mission.
Technology will also reshape the leadership landscape. Artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven insights are already transforming how we work, and that pace will only accelerate. While these advancements bring efficiency, they also increase the complexity of decision-making. Chiefs of Staff will become critical in helping executives navigate this complexity, filtering noise, identifying patterns, and providing the context needed to make informed, strategic choices.
The shift toward remote and hybrid work will continue to influence organizational culture and structure. With teams spread across geographies and time zones, maintaining alignment, trust, and a sense of shared purpose will require intentional effort. Chiefs of Staff will be key players in fostering connectivity, whether by creating communication frameworks, managing listening rhythms, or driving initiatives that keep teams engaged and aligned with strategic goals.
I also see a growing demand for adaptive leadership. The next decade will bring unexpected challenges—economic shifts, environmental crises, geopolitical tensions—and leaders will need to respond with agility and resilience. Chiefs of Staff are uniquely positioned to help leaders stay ahead of the curve, anticipating risks, managing change, and ensuring that teams remain focused and motivated in uncertain times.
Perhaps the most exciting trend is the elevation of the Chief of Staff role itself. What was once viewed primarily as an operational support role is now recognized as a strategic, leadership-oriented position. Organizations are seeing the value of having someone who can synthesize information, manage priorities, and serve as a trusted advisor. This shift is particularly critical for companies in early growth stages, where Chiefs of Staff can help build scalable systems, align resources, and lay the groundwork for sustainable success.
In the years ahead, I believe the Chief of Staff role will continue to expand in scope and influence. As organizations face growing complexity, Chiefs of Staff will be at the forefront of driving clarity, fostering collaboration, and helping leaders create environments where people and ideas can thrive. It’s an exciting time to be in this space, and I’m thrilled to be part of shaping its future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annemarieotanez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourpowerwithannemarie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553291816466
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemarieotanez/
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thechiefofstaff.bsky.social
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OwnYourPowerwithAnneMarie
Image Credits
https://www.brettcolvinphotographer.com/
