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Most higher ed professionals think of career growth in terms of titles within their lane—assistant director to director to VP, maybe even CMO. But what happens when the next rung on the ladder isn’t in your lane at all? That’s exactly the leap Lindsay Nyquist made when she moved from leading marketing communications into the role of Chief of Staff at Occidental College.
Her story, as shared on the Higher Ed Pulse podcast, offers valuable lessons for anyone in higher education leadership considering their next step.
1. Don’t Dismiss Opportunities That Aren’t on Your Radar
Career growth in higher ed often looks linear, but the best moves sometimes come from outside the obvious path. When Lindsay’s former president asked her to become his Chief of Staff, her first reaction was surprise. The role wasn’t on her roadmap—but someone else saw potential she hadn’t recognized herself.
Lesson: Stay open to possibilities beyond the “traditional” path. Others may see strengths in you that you haven’t yet acknowledged.
2. Influence Doesn’t Require Direct Authority
Leadership isn’t always about titles—it’s about impact. In MarCom, Lindsay learned to influence culture and strategy without having formal authority over every area she touched. She carried that mindset into her Chief of Staff role, working laterally with vice presidents and faculty to align priorities.
Lesson: Influence is built on relationships and trust, not job titles. Cultivate the ability to lead through collaboration.
3. Relationships Are Your Most Transferable Skill
From her start in academic advising to her years in MarCom, Lindsay has relied on relationships to move her work forward. As Chief of Staff, she leans even more heavily on authentic connections across campus. She makes it a point to attend events, never eat lunch alone, and build trust at every level of the institution.
Lesson: Relationship-building at scale is the leadership skill that grows with you. No matter your role, authentic connections are what make progress possible.
4. Adapt Your Leadership Style for New Contexts
Every leadership leap requires letting go of old habits and building new ones. For Lindsay, shifting from managing creatives to managing administrative teams required recalibration—developing thicker skin, setting clearer boundaries, and adjusting to influencing peers rather than directing reports.
Lesson: Leadership agility is essential. Be ready to adapt your style when stepping into a new environment. Case studies like Forsyth Tech’s journey with AI teammates show how embracing new models of work accelerates institutional growth.
5. Say Yes Before You Feel Ready
The higher ed landscape is changing fast, and leadership opportunities won’t always arrive when you feel perfectly prepared. One of Lindsay’s biggest takeaways: don’t wait until you feel 100% ready for the next role.
Lesson: Courage often matters more than preparation. Step into new roles even if you don’t feel fully prepared—you’ll grow into them.
Final Thought
Whether or not you see yourself as a future Chief of Staff, Lindsay Nyquist’s journey is a powerful reminder: your next career move may not be in your lane, but it could be the most impactful seat at the table. Stay open, build relationships, and don’t wait until you feel ready—your leap might be closer than you think.
📌 Want to hear the full story? Listen to Lindsay Nyquist on Higher Ed Pulse and explore how the future of leadership in higher ed is being reshaped by digital teammates and bold career moves.
FAQs
What does a Chief of Staff do in higher education?
A Chief of Staff supports institutional leadership by coordinating priorities, aligning cross-departmental work, and serving as a trusted advisor to the president or provost.
Is moving outside your lane a risk for higher ed leaders?
Yes, but it’s often a growth accelerator. Leaders who pivot into new roles build adaptability, broaden their influence, and strengthen their career resilience.
How can higher ed professionals prepare for nontraditional roles?
By cultivating transferable skills—relationship-building, strategic thinking, and influence without authority—you can be ready for opportunities beyond your current lane.
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