Courageous Help

On this episode, we listened back on all of the wisdom our guests have shared this year and chose some of our favorite moments for a Best Of Courageous Help 2023 episode. If you hear a clip that really strikes you, we've linked the full episodes below so you can go listen to the whole thing. Themes with timestamps and full episodes linked: Shaping the perception of EAs - [2:00] Rachel Bonetti Lauren Bradley Melissa Peoples The impact and influence of EAs - [13:36] Jenna Miller Elle Tyra Sarah Wright Mary Ryan Intentionally shaping your EA career - [23:48] Mary Ryan Jessica McBride Maggie Olson Ebony Belhumeur Assistants as culture keepers - [40:35] Rachel Bonetti Jenna Miller Annie Croner Creating your personal brand & showcasing your strengths - [48:01] Nick Ginsburg Lauren Bradley Laura Johnston Building your relationship with your leader, including being a strategic partner - [58:15] Hallie Warner Victoria Leech Ebony Belhumeur The importance of community for EAs and learning from each other - [1:09:34] Nick Ginsburg Elle Tyra Debra Coleman Technology and AI in the assistant role - [1:18:00] Anna Read Naomi White Jessica McBride How assistants can set boundaries - [1:25:01] Annie Croner Laura Johnston Melissa Peoples We really appreciate you listening this year, and look forward to what we'll be sharing with you next!

On this episode, we're joined by Debra Coleman, Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Learning & Employment Records at Western Governors University and host of the "Have a Seat...Conversations with Women in the Workplace" podcast. Debra joins us today to share about who might thrive being an EA in academia, how assistants across generations can learn from one another, and a reminder of how great you're doing and how supported you are in this role. Connect with Debra on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: Debra's podcast episode: From Typewriters to TikTok: Thriving in a Multi-Generational Office

On this episode, we're joined by Ebony Belhumeur, former Silicon Valley Executive Assistant, now Head of Operations at Subspace Labs and Curator at The Assistant's List - A Guide for Assistants in the New Era. Ebony joins us today to share about exactly how to challenge pre-existing assumptions about assistants, getting clear on your career goals and working backward with tenacity, and developing valuable skills beyond the surface level to establish yourself as a truly strategic partner. Connect with Ebony on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter - by Michael D. Watkins Ebony's blog post on Becoming a Trusted Partner The Ultimate Critical Thinking Cheat Sheet

On this episode, we're joined by Maggie Olson, former Chief of Staff to a President at T-Mobile, and owner of Maggie Olson Consulting, a fractional Chief of Staff consulting firm. Maggie is also the creator and instructor of the Chief of Staff Certification Course. Maggie joins us today to share about delineating between the EA and Chief of Staff role, why an assistant might choose one role over the other, and how getting really practical with tools and hands-on practice is what results in confidence. Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: Maggie's Chief of Staff Certification The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance---What Women Should Know - by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

On this episode, we're joined by Mary Ryan, Executive Business Partner to the CEO of Stitch, and a 2nd generation, seasoned Executive Assistant with 20 years total experience as an administrative professional. Mary joins us today to share how assistants are uniquely positioned to bring a human element to business, how to be trusted with more responsibility no matter where you're starting, and why satisfying career growth as an EA can be a ladder OR a lattice. Connect with Mary on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: “Grit” by Angela Duckworth  Hear more of Mary's wisdom on Planning Engaging Offsites

On this episode, we're joined by Melissa Peoples, the CEO and Founder of Admin Gurus, a company dedicated to equipping, empowering, and enabling Administrative Professionals to take their seat at the table.  Melissa joins us today to share practical self-inquiry and steps for building confidence in the role, spicy insights into the profession still being 98% women, and what to ask your leader instead of “how can I help?”. Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: Other folks to follow: Meg Steinschauer Ebony Belhumeur Debra Coleman Melissa's top rated Youtube Channel

On this episode, we're joined by Jessica McBride, the Founder of Tech Savvy Assistant where she helps assistants stay ahead of the curve in today's rapidly changing tech environment. Jessica joins us today to share why AI won't be able to replace the true value assistants bring, what being a tech-savvy assistant really means, and how embracing technology and AI is opening up new avenues for career growth and advancement. Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: TechSavvy TechStack Sign up for Jessica's newsletter Check out upcoming Events hosted by Jessica

On this episode, we're joined by Victoria Leech, a seasoned Executive Assistant, now Chief of Staff, passionate about supporting administrative professionals in reaching their full potential.  Victoria joins us today to share about the most important set of skills for new and mid-level EAs, the power of relationship building as an assistant, and applying all the things you do for your leader to yourself. Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: Nonviolent Communication Joindonna.io Favorite AI tools: Motion- manages calendars and tasks  Airgram.io - note-taking automation 

On this episode, we're joined by Sarah Wright, Executive Assistant to the Founder and CEO of The Opportunity Trust, a nonprofit working to ensure that every child who calls St. Louis home is prepared to thrive. Sarah was matched with Eric during her time as a Base EA contractor, and recently celebrated her first year as an EA. Sarah joins us today to share about the mental and emotional reprieve of the EA/Executive relationship, redefining the standard of excellence for an EA through a part-time and remote work perspective, and knowing the value you bring as an EA, and that it's enough. Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: 1. The Opportunity Trust Careers Page 2. REACH Podcast Episodes Part One: The Ins and Outs of Remote Support and How to Get it Right Part Two: The Ins and Outs of Remote Support and How to Get it Right 3. The Founder Factor Episode 6 - Building a Human-Based Business: Paige McPheely, Founder and CEO at Base

On this episode, we're joined by Naomi White, former Senior EA and recently promoted to Engineering Program Manager at Cohere, a start-up in the AI space that focuses on natural language processing(think Chat GPT for reference). She has over 7 years of experience in operations and administration at tech companies, where they've ​​placed hiring great assistants at their core.  Naomi joins us today to share about being your own spokesperson as well as a listening ear, how you can go beyond “making someone's life easier” as an EA, and all the ways assistants can utilize AI to supercharge their efforts. Connect with Naomi on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: Invisible Women - by Caroline Criado Perez

On this episode, we're joined by Laura Johnston, assistant of 10+ years, and creator of The Assistant's Handbook, a blog for EAs, where she mainly writes about tech and what it means to be an assistant today. Laura joins us today to share about gathering the perspectives, skills, and tools to get what you want out of your career, untying your value from your role as an EA, as well as how assistants can explore new technology and introduce it in the workplace. Connect with Laura on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: The Assistant's Handbook - Laura's blog The Leader Assistant by Jeremy Burrows The Founder & Force Multiplier Multipliers by Liz Wiseman  Just Work by Kim Scott

On this episode, we're joined by Elle Tyra, the Executive Assistant to the President of Hauser & Wirth, a contemporary and modern art gallery, and formerly the Executive Assistant to the CEO of The New York Times. Elles joins us today to share how assistants are bringing equity into spaces where there traditionally has been bias, getting extremely clear on how you want to partner as an EA, and how assistants inspire and impact everyone in the room to speak up, including c-suite. Connect with Elle on Linkedin.

On this episode, we're joined by Annie Croner, the Founder and CEO of Whole Assistant, an online platform and community formed to provide a positive place where assistants can go to transform their lives and level up their careers.  Annie joins us today to share her own story of burnout, why you should proactively ask for help to navigate stressful situations, and all the ways assistants can be the glue that holds companies together. Connect with Annie on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: Whole Assistant website The Whole Assistant podcast

On this very special episode of Courageous Help, we're joined by Paige McPheely and Casey Putschoegl live at Base's Admin Week Summit. Paige and Casey are long-time friends who co-founded two companies: 33Vincent and Base. Today, they lead the team at Base as CEO and President, working toward a clear mission to make the world's leaders and assistants more productive and successful through innovative technology. They share how they ultimately came to create two companies for assistants based on the undeniable leverage this role provides for companies and people, the most impactful things an assistant has ever done for them, and where they see the future of support roles going in the next handful of years.  Connect with Casey and Paige on LinkedIn.  Resources mentioned in the episode:  Base, the modern solution for Executive Assistants Armored Versus Daring Leadership, Part 1 Armored Versus Daring Leadership, Part 2 “Do Better Work” by Max Yoder

On this episode, we're joined by Anna Read, the Grants Administrator at YWCA Central Alabama, where she uses her passion for empowering underrepresented communities to advance social justice and equality. Anna is also the co-founder of eaea, an organization that connects Executive Assistants and Chiefs of Staff to discuss resources, learn best practices, and grow together in community. She has also served as a trainer for Join The Officials. Anna joins us today to chat about how she pushed herself to take on a role she didn't feel prepared for, the power of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why assistants should push for new opportunities even when they are facing resistance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn and Instagram. Resources mentioned in the episode:  EAEA The Officials The Founder & The Force Multiplier  WorkLife with Adam Grant How I Built This  The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team

Join us at Admin Week Summit — a week of learning, connecting, and inspiration to celebrate all the ways administrative professionals are changing the world — from April 24th - 28th, 2023. Register at basehq.com/admin-week-summit Learn more and sign up for the Base Workshop series in May at base-app.co/workshops

On today's episode, we're joined by Lauren Bradley, founder of The Officials: an online platform that empowers assistants through community, courses, and coaching. Her career as an award-winning assistant and business owner spans nearly twenty years, where she has worn many hats including office manager, executive assistant, virtual assistant, and private PA to high-net-worth individuals. Lauren is also a corporate trainer, mentor, speaker, and highly awarded entrepreneur.  Lauren joins us today to discuss how temping snowballed into an assistant career, the impact we can have on the human sides of business, and her favorite mindset shift that has opened up doors for more equal dynamics in the workplace. Connect with Lauren on Linkedin and at The Officials. Resources mentioned in the episode:  Upcoming events with The Officials

In this episode, we're joined by Jenna Miller, Chief of Staff at Betterworks, which creates HR software that puts employee experience at the heart of how companies align, motivate, retain and develop their people. Jenna has held a number of strategic positions at organizations such as Business Wire, Fluxx, and Optimizely. She has always been passionate about helping others, and recently assisted in developing the Betterworks DEIB Initiative. Jenna joins us today to share how assistants can impact the world in seemingly small day-to-day things; including having the courage to take micro-risks and swim outside your lane, being an ambassador of company culture, and having your own voice instead of just being the voice in someone else's ear. Connect with Jenna on LinkedIn.  Resources mentioned in the episode:  Makeworkbetter.com

On this episode, we're joined by Nick Ginsburg, a professional speaker, podcast host, and administrative professional. He currently works as the Executive Assistant to the Provost and Senior Vice-President at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Nick also founded The Admin Collective, a worldwide community for Admin Professionals that focuses on professional and personal development. Nick joins us to discuss the power of finding your voice; including how to build connections and feel less alone in your role, tips on navigating the balancing act of being yourself while representing someone else, and the power of a personal brand (that isn't about building a social media presence or becoming a thought leader). Connect with Nick on LinkedIn, Instagram, and at The Admin Collective.

In today's episode, we're joined by Hallie Warner, Chief of Staff to the Founder and CEO of Adam Hergenrother Companies and the co-author of “The Founder & The Force Multiplier: How Entrepreneurs and Executive Assistants Achieve More Together.” Hallie joins us to share how she has worked with the same leader for over 12 years, the ways she has seen the assistant role evolve in that time, and her top tips for using influential leadership to create a great partnership. Connect with Hallie on LinkedIn and Goodreads. Resources mentioned in the episode: The Founder & Force Multiplier book The Founder & Force Multiplier website Strategic Partnerships in Action: Paige McPheely, CEO of Base, with Executive Assistant Natalie Turner 7 Questions You Must Ask to Deepen Any Relationship

On today's episode, we're joined by Rachael Bonetti, a consultant, corporate trainer, and international speaker. Rachael's 30+ years as an assistant has led her to become a passionate advocate for elevating the administration community and create development opportunities for EAs across the world. Rachel joins us today to discuss all the ways assistants directly contribute to the health of an organization, including how this pressure can impact EAs in unique ways. She also shares some of her favorite wellbeing and mindset tips for managing this pressure and responsibility. Finally, she and Natalie discuss what it will take to shift the perception of assistants on a broad scale. Connect with Rachael on LinkedIn, Instagram, and her website. Resources mentioned in the episode: What It Means to Be Well podcast The Elite EA Academy Forbes AU: Executive Assistant Reveals CEO Secrets to Managing Relationships Forbes AU: Executive Assistant Reveals CEO's Most Impactful Relationship

In this episode, we're joined by Lynn Walder, Executive Operations Scaling Consultant and founder of Executive Management Partners. Lynn has 20+ years of experience strategically supporting CEOs, founders, and their Executive teams to build a "values-first, systems-second" business-building approach. Lynn joins us today to share how administrators can change business; from thoughtfully integrating as their own standalone function to fighting the uphill battle of how these roles are respected and resourced. She also walks us through her Executive Operations Cohort Model, which enables businesses to transform administration from a 1:1 model into a dedicated, standalone function that delivers on goals at a company-wide level. Connect with Lynn on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: The Admin Cohort Model Cross-Functional Collaboration Model Executive Management Partners Case Study LinkedIn: Kimberly Cotton LinkedIn: Lauren Kimball

For this episode, we're joined by Natalie Lee, Senior EA to the Chief Administrative & Legal Officer at Atlassian. She is also the Manager of Leadership Operations, where she manages several craft-focused Executive and Administrative Assistants and helps solve operational challenges. Natalie joins us to share her powerful story for becoming an EA and how that shaped who she is today. She also has fantastic advice for other EAs, including how to gain confidence in the role, navigate imposter syndrome, and understand yourself and your values in order to show up more fully in your role. Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn. Natalie's favorite resources: “How you can use impostor syndrome to your benefit” by Mike Cannon-Brookes “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle

In this episode, we're joined by Lindsay Robinson, a 20+ year veteran Executive Assistant currently at LinkedIn and formerly at Team Epiphany and the National Basketball Association. Lindsay joins us to discuss all the ways assistants can impact people — from sharing access to creating connections to being honest about how we're feeling. She shares the important role EAs have in bridging gaps and leading with humanity in everything we do. Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn.

In this episode, we're joined by Liv Wilson, an experienced EA and Business Partner, currently working as the Senior EA to the Head of APAC at Slack. She is passionate about empowering others, which she does regularly as the co-lead of the APAC Women's ERG at Slack, and previously the Co-Lead of the Social Impact Committee at LinkedIn. She also uses her voice to highlight the importance of the much-misunderstood role of a high performing EA. Liv joins Courageous Help to talk about all the various ways the admin role is really about relationships: from the work you do to build partnership with leaders, to exercising discernment when building trust, to the ways we empower the next generation of assistants. Connect with Liv on LinkedIn.

In this episode, we're joined by Kelsey Mendenhall, a 9+ year career assistant currently working as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Legal Officer and CFO at Hims & Hers Health. Kelsey also started and currently facilitates the virtual EA Professional Development Book Club in partnership with Base, which has grown to a group of nearly 150 EAs who meet to read and discuss books around professional development, executive support, and leadership. Kelsey joins Courageous Help to share how she found her way to a role that aligns with her values and personality, the differences in being a solo EA and being part of an administrative team, and how to build the communities you need online without needing to be a “content creator”. Connect with Kelsey on LinkedIn and join the EA Book Club.

On this episode, we're joined by Monique Helstrom, who spent nearly a decade as the Executive Assistant, Producer, and “Chief of Simon Sinek”. Since then, Monique has toured internationally delivering workshops and keynotes on mastering your communication to build powerful relationships in your career. Monique joins Courageous Help to share the importance of connecting to your own strengths, why communication is the most important skill we've never been taught how to do, and the small changes we can make today to improve our ​​relationship building capabilities. Connect with Monique on LinkedIn and check out her communication courses on her website.

For this episode, we're joined by Kristine Valenzuela, a 20+ year EA and Chief of Staff in several industries including aerospace, manufacturing, and software. She strongly believes in advocating for other Chiefs of Staff and EAs to make sure they understand their value in the workplace. Kristine joins Courageous Help to share the shifts and pivots the administrative career has seen in the past 20-30 years, her perspective on why the EA role is so misunderstood, and some advice for others looking to transition into a Chief of Staff role. Connect with Kristine on LinkedIn.

For this week's episode, we're joined by John Shaw, Senior Executive Business Administrator to the Board of Directors at Microsoft. John has led an exceptional career providing administrative support to award-winning recording artists, major talent networks, and industry leaders, including marketing executives at WarnerMedia and the CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. John joins Courageous Help to discuss why boundaries are not a limiting factor to your success, how the most important functions of the EA role are what people don't see, and tackling the stereotypes of what an assistant can do or look like. Connect with John on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Halfway through the year and with 10 episodes under our belt, it's time to check in!

In this episode, we're joined by Linda McFarland, Senior Executive Assistant to the CFO, CAO, and SVP of Finance at Intapp. She's had a long career as an EA as well as a keynote speaker, founder of Linda McFarland Consulting, and the author of two books, “The Wizard Behind the CEO” and “Sitting on a File Cabinet, Naked, with a Gun”. Linda joins Courageous Help to talk about preparing for difficult conversations, having the courage to seize new opportunities, and the power of stepping in to help when you see others struggling. Connect with Linda on LinkedIn and at lindamcfarland.com.

In this episode, we're joined by Britt Zarembski, Executive Assistant Senior Manager at Indeed. Over her 6 years at Indeed, Britt has grown from the only EA to leading an executive support team of over 15 admins who support over 80 leaders across the organization. Britt joins Courageous Help to talk about what it means to be a true business partner, the challenges of starting and leading a team of EAs, and how she built the roadmap for the EA career path at Indeed. Connect with Britt on LinkedIn.

On this episode of Courageous Help, we're joined by Diana Brandl, an international keynote speaker, trainer, author, and the host of The Future Assistant podcast. She was previously an Executive Assistant at global companies such as Sony, Mister Spex, and Babbel. Now, she teaches assistants across the world on topics of digital transformation, new work, personal branding, and leadership. Diana joins the podcast to discuss the role EAs can play in the future workplace, including the new perspective companies have on assistants since the pandemic, the opportunities assistants have to learn transferable skills such as agile working and branding, and all the ways she's seen the role transform over the past decade. Connect with Diana on LinkedIn and listen to her on The Future Assistant podcast.

In this episode, we're joined by Giovanna De Beij Mazariegos, a seasoned EA who has worked for massive multi-national companies such as Mattel, Philips, and currently Royal BAM Group, where she supports the Executive Board. She is an experienced strategic business partner to C-Suite executives with a demonstrated history of working across various industries, countries, and languages. Giovanna joins Courageous Help to discuss the vital role assistants played in keeping companies afloat throughout the pandemic, showing up even when you don't feel ready, and breaking traditional barriers of what it means to be an EA. Connect with Giovanna on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business by Erin Meyer

In this episode, we're joined by Tiara Hines, a decades-long EA who currently supports the CFO of Olo. She is also the founder of Three-Fifths Collective, formerly a bespoke executive support service for C-level executives that has since transformed to provide mentorship, digital tools, and solutions for growth-minded assistants. Tiara joins Courageous Help to share how a passion for people became the cornerstone of how she approaches her assistant role, the importance of prioritizing your mental and physical wellbeing, and how EAs can find growth and impact through a simple mindset shift. Connect with Tiara on LinkedIn and at Three Fifths Collective.

In this episode, we're joined by Alicia Fairclough, EA to the Co-Founder of Uncapped and founder of EA How To, an online network where assistants come together for professional development, support, and networking. Alicia joins Courageous Help to share the power of having a strong network, the impact of participating in communities, and why you shouldn't try to do everything alone. Connect with Alicia on LinkedIn and Instagram. Find EA How To on LinkedIn, Instagram, and their website.

In this episode, we're joined by Mallory Rothstein, Administrative Business Partner at Google and a keynote speaker and coach for administrative professionals. Mallory is also the founder of More Than an Admin, a movement and community aimed at helping administrative professionals become the best versions of themselves. Outside of her work life, Mallory is a TEDx speaker and founder of a scholarship program through the Learn What Matters Foundation. Mallory joins Courageous Help to share her advice on gaining the respect and influence you deserve, building confidence through community, and laying the groundwork for future assistant/executive partnerships. Connect with Mallory on LinkedIn and Instagram. Resources mentioned in the episode: More Than An Admin Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie

For today's episode, we're joined by Elissa Berg, Executive Assistant to the CEO at SimonCRE. In her 14 years as an EA, Elissa has worked in almost every department across a variety of industries, including medical devices, software, hospitality, and real estate. She loves being the “go-to” person who ensures those around her have what they need to be successful, which is why she has dedicated her career to being an EA. Elissa joined Courageous Help to share the importance of building human to human relationships, the impact of noticing the details, and how EA communities have helped her grow both professionally and personally. Connect with Elissa on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned in the episode: Assistant's Guide to LinkedIn Mastery Delegate and Done The Leader Assistant

In this episode, we're joined by Rowe Hoffer, Senior Assistant to the Co-Founder and CEO as well as the Lead, EA Cohort at Mozilla. In her 10-year tenure at Mozilla, she has played an integral role in recruiting and onboarding assistants within the organization. Outside of her long as successful career as an assistant, Rowe is also the founder of two fitness companies. Rowe joins Courageous Help to share her advice on how to best play your role as part of a team, finding empowerment without falling into entitlement, and the ripple effect of leading the way for other assistants. Connect with Rowe on LinkedIn and Clubhouse.

In this episode, we're joined by Donata Boston, who spent over a decade working in support roles for some of the top leaders in entertainment and business, including being the Family Assistant to Madonna. She now owns her own business as a business consultant and career coach. Donata joins Courageous Help to discuss how her view of the assistant role has changed over time, the importance of getting out of your head and into your body, and how an assistant's true power lies in showing up authentically in every moment. Connect with Donata on LinkedIn and Instagram. Resources mentioned in the episode: You are the Message by Roger Ailes The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

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