The community builder: Scott Amenta
Periodically, we publish short interviews with people who have interesting career paths and ask them to explain how they got where they are today. (Don’t worry - we’ll be back to great job opportunities tomorrow morning) Today’s interview is with Scott Amenta.
Scott Amenta is someone you should know. He’s done stints at Foursquare, TechStars, ChatID, and more, and was one of the original Chiefs of Staff in the NYC tech scene, helping to build Spring.
Looking for others in the ‘second-loneliest position’ in the organization, he started the Chief of Staff Tech Network, which has since grown to more than 200 CoS across New York and other major cities.
He’s currently in Berlin doing deals and working on partnerships for Think-it and has some invaluable advice for founders, CoS, and anyone looking to build strong communities.
How'd you get a job as Chief of Staff?
It was first suggested to me by David Tisch back around 2012 as an interesting way to think about a generalist position I was already playing at another startup. A few years later, I joined Spring as employee #4 under Alan Tisch, David's brother, and proposed that a CoS role might be the right fit for me as the company grew. It was still a pretty new role and we agreed there was a bit to flesh out first. So it wasn't until 2 years later, we were about 50 people and I was working on the common functions of that we made it official.
What do you wish you knew before you started in the role?
I wish I knew how to define the position among other members of the management team, beyond my CEO and executive team. Even though you report to the CEO, your time may be very well spent with other key managers in the organization. Here, you have the ability to understand operational challenges from the ground up and to be a real change-maker among other executives. It took me some time to realize the CoS can shape-shift to fit many different teams, so long as you make your value known to each manager.
What drove you to start the CoS Network?
They say the CEO has the loneliest position in an organization. I think most CoS's would agree their role is also pretty lonely. When I first started as a CoS, I was encouraged by a former boss and mentor, Eric Friedman, from Foursquare to write about my experience. That first article on Medium spawned a small group of folks just starting as a CoS or interested in the role. Today we're a community of nearly 200 CoS from venture-backed startups all over the US, London, Berlin, and more. Most startups go through similar challenges and growing pains whether it's fundraising, people management, operational improvements, etc. It's nice having a trusted community to proactively seek advice from for any situation.
What common traits do you think all successful CoS share?
High EQ, no ego. Regardless of background (consulting, finance, product management, design, even engineering) I think the best CoS are able to read a room and quickly build relationships with everyone in it. They genuinely care about what every other person is thinking about and are willing to actively help. CoS are typically managing people indirectly and often punching above their weight with more senior leaders. That requires a certain disposition to drop your own ego and keep everyone else's priorities top of mind.
What advice would you give to a founder who's thinking about hiring a CoS?
First, find a CoS who complements your skill sets or interests. If you both derive energy from the same challenges, that means at least one you will be working on many things you don't like. Second, actively think about how your CoS might evolve in your organization or outside of it. With many CoS starting to reach their 2 year tenure, there is no set path for what they do next. It's important that this is an active conversation with your CoS from Day 1.
Why'd you decide to move to Berlin?
The first time I went to Berlin in 2013, I knew I wanted to live here. The city is changing at a pace you can actively feel. Sure new industries, rising living costs, gentrification, etc. may come at the expense of culture. But given the city's tumultuous history, its thrilling to be part of that positive evolution. The next generation will come to know a Berlin very different than the one our parent's grew up with. The mix of cultures, job opportunities, and European lifestyle (both work and play) make it a place worth staying.
How is the Berlin startup scene different than the New York one?
The biggest difference is probably access to large amounts of capital. European VC's tend to be a lot more conservative so you don't as often see these massive financing rounds, particularly in the earliest stages. That said, with talent flocking in from the U.S. and all over Europe, Berlin has become a central tech hub to be recognized. The pace doesn't compare to NY of course, but that can also be a good thing.
Quick fire:
Favorite place to host a group dinner in NYC?
Lil Frankie's, just to get their fire roasted eggplant :)
Who would be your ideal (fictional or real) CoS?
Larry David, everyday would be a curveball but I'm sure he'd get the job done.
Early-stage startup(s) in NYC that you're most bullish on?
Anything focused on climate change or mental health - Headway, Bowery Farming, Industrial Organic - honestly there aren't enough of them.
Top photo tip for instagram husbands/boyfriends
Ha, take more photos than you are told to. And always self promote (@scottyatown).
Sharing is caring.