A good Chief of Staff bridges the gap between ideas and execution. They translate what the leader wants into clear priorities, meeting rhythms, and decision flow. They keep the focus tight and the work visible so the right things actually get done. When it is fractional, you get that clarity and structure without the cost or weight of another full-time exec. For many founders and lean teams, that extra lift is what gets momentum back on track.

After a merger, new leaders and new priorities make old rhythms obsolete. Reset the weekly executive meeting, monthly business reviews, and cross-functional standups. Define the purpose, inputs, and outputs of each. A decision meeting should make decisions. A business review should measure progress. Publish the new cadence so people know where decisions happen. When everyone understands the forum structure, communication stops splintering and accountability strengthens.

AI creates leverage only when the operating system underneath it is clear. Used well, it removes friction and frees executive attention. Used poorly, it masks broken processes and accelerates their impact. The difference is not the tool. It is the system it is introduced into.