Inside Track - A conversation with Chief of Staff Rohan Sadier

Career Journey and Leadership

Can you share the story of how you transitioned from advisory to becoming a commercial leader of multiple high-growth businesses??

I began my career in management consulting, where I gained a strong foundation in strategic problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making. This experience gave me exposure to various industries and business models, helping me develop a broader commercial perspective. Moving into corporate roles was a natural next step—I wanted to be closer to execution and see the tangible impact of my decisions. My time at Bacardi, dmg media, and ultimately IWG has been about scaling businesses, driving revenue, and finding creative solutions to complex challenges.

As a Global Commercial Director at a leading business like IWG, what are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of managing global double-digit P&Ls?

The most rewarding part is seeing the direct impact of strategic decisions on the business’s growth. Managing a global P&L requires balancing short-term results with long-term sustainability. It’s rewarding when you implement new initiatives, like improving product pricing or launching partnerships, and see them deliver real value. The biggest challenge however, is managing complexity across different markets—each with its own unique dynamics. It requires a combination of strong local insight and a consistent global strategy.

With such a global and demanding career, how do you maintain balance and stay resilient in tough operating environments??

Staying balanced in a demanding role comes down to setting clear priorities and knowing when to delegate. I also find it critical to carve out time for personal interests and family/friends—it helps me recharge and maintain perspective. Resilience comes from being adaptable, staying calm under pressure, and focusing on solutions rather than problems. Having a great support network, both at work and outside it, also plays a big role in staying grounded.

Advice and Inspiration

What skills or qualities do you think are critical for aspiring leaders in high-growth environments?

1. ?Adaptability: High-growth environments are fast-paced and constantly changing, so being open to new ideas and quick to adjust is critical.
2. Executional Excellence: It’s essential to be able to translate strategy into action and drive results.
3. Empathy and Communication: Leading in high-growth environments means inspiring and motivating teams, which requires understanding others’ perspectives and communicating effectively.?

What advice would you give to professionals aiming to transition from consulting into the corporate or high-growth world?

1. Build strong stakeholder management skills—they are critical in corporate environments where influence matters as much as direct control.
2. Learn to balance strategic thinking with execution—success in high-growth businesses comes from the ability to deliver results quickly (while thinking about the bigger picture!)
3. Be comfortable with ambiguity and take ownership—corporate roles often require navigating uncertainty and being proactive in finding solutions.

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you earlier in your career?

?The importance of building and maintaining relationships. Success isn’t just about delivering great work; it’s also about working well with others, building trust, and maintaining a network of supporters and mentors.

Quick Final Question?

If you hadn’t pursued a consulting/commercial career, what completely different career would you have been interested in??

I’ve always been fascinated by engineering and art/design, so I’d probably have explored a career in that field. It’s a great blend of creativity and problem solving—two things I really enjoy.

?Thank you Rohan Sadier for taking the time to chat and share your valuable insights with us!