Podcasts about executive assistant

"I was stuck. You guys unstuck me." That's what one participant told Winchester CCAP Executive Director Andrea Cosans, and it's the heart of THRIVE, a new two-year program helping local families move from constant crisis to real self-sufficiency. Janet sits down at CCAP with Andrea and Jordan Hurley, Executive Assistant at Connected Communities, to talk about how four local nonprofits are joining forces to offer therapy, mentoring, case management, and job training all in one place. You'll hear how THRIVE grew from a $1,000 pilot into a full partnership, why therapy comes first, and the stories of past participants who now have steady jobs, their own businesses, and rebuilt family relationships. Andrea and Jordan also explain who's a good fit, how referrals work, and why helping one parent can change things for a whole family. If you know someone who's ready for a hand up, this is the episode to share. LINKS & RESOURCES Winchester CCAP — ccapwinchester.org Connected Communities — cciwinchester.com | Facebook, Instagram & TikTok: @cciwinchester I'm Just Me Movement — imjustmemovement.org Horizon Goodwill Industries — horizongoodwill.org United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley — unitedwaynsv.org  To ask about a THRIVE referral, contact any of the partners, your current case worker, or Dept of Social Services. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator and Mary Hynes, Executive Assistant. We had our discussion in the FranklinTV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026.We talk about All the key event highlights for Oct 2026Senior Expo scheduled for Oct 2, programs canceled for the afternoon of Oct 1 to prepare for the ExpoExpo is scheduled from 10 AM to 1 PM on FridayTax workoff program forms available at front desk or online Nov 30The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let's listen in.--------------October 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11022/October-2026-Newsletter?bidId= Franklin Senior Center page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We'll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy it!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Amy Tilley is Executive Assistant to the CEO at Nielsen-Massey Vanillas & Flavors, and twenty-some years into a career that has kept her beside a CEO at every stop.In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Amy traces a path that grew into leading a best-in-class administrative team – performance reviews, assignments and all.Amy shares her 20+ year journey in the administrative profession, reflecting on her experiences navigating organizational structure changes, and dealing with the under-discussed topic of workplace grief when transitions occur.Amy also emphasizes the vital importance of professional development and self-advocacy for administrative professionals.Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/394--It's the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.Sound too good to be true? It's actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite. --The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com --Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.More from The Leader Assistant...Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/communityBook, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.comAssistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.comEvents -> leaderassistantlive.comThe Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

Filip Pesek as this week's guest on Success Profiles Radio. He is the Founder and CEO of DonnaPro, a company that helps founders and CEOs reclaim their time and focus with the support of top 1% executive assistants from the EU. His company helps leaders reclaim 60+ hours per month through smarter systems and deep-work culture. We discussed how his 15-year pro basketball career has helped him in business, the value of studying successful companies as a model for your own business, how CEOs protect their time, and the importance of having an executive assistant in your business. In addition, we talked about how knocking on 10,000 doors in a year in a prior career made him more successful, his extensive hiring process in hiring EAs, the cost of wanting to be liked, and what people get wrong about sales/marketing/funnels. Finally, we discussed tasks you can assign to EAs that can help your business grow and be more efficient, how to know what to say yes or no to, and next business goals. You can listen and follow the show on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify, Audible, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and at https://toginet.com/shows/successprofilesradio/ Please leave a 5-star review on iTunes and 5 stars on Spotify. Learn more about Filip's work at www.donnapro.com

The AI Frontier labs are building AI to do what YOU do, only faster and cheaper. And most leaders have no idea what's coming.  Will Jones of the Future of Life Institute says this is the part nobody tells you: the more you lean on it to keep up, the more replaceable you make yourself.  Will Jones, an AI safety researcher fighting to ban superintelligence, walks through the race to AGI, what it does to your work, and whether you should use AI or resist it.

I'm thrilled to share some fascinating insights from my latest Capitalist Culture® podcast episode with Phoenix Normand, Founder of OrgTruth and a veteran operator who has spent nearly 30 years inside companies including Square, Levi Strauss, Replit, Boom Supersonic, and Credit Suisse.Phoenix has served as the right hand to groundbreaking founders including Jack Dorsey, Blake Scholl, and Amjad Masad, giving him a rare perspective on what really happens inside organizations as they scale.Here are the highlights you will not want to miss:From Executive Assistant to the C-Suite• Phoenix shares what he learned working alongside some of the world's most successful founders and why the Executive Assistant role can provide extraordinary access and influence.• He takes us inside Square's rapid pre-IPO growth and shares his perspective on the early development of Cash App.Why CEOs Stop Hearing the Truth• As companies scale, information gets softened, delayed, and distorted before reaching the CEO.• Bad news often travels slowly, leaving leaders to make major decisions without the complete picture.• Phoenix believes the best CEOs prioritize data over opinions and surround themselves with people willing to tell them what they need to hear.The Idea Behind OrgTruth• Phoenix created OrgTruth to help CEOs see their organizations as they actually are, not simply as they are being reported.• By gathering signals across an organization and identifying contradictions, OrgTruth helps surface problems and risks that traditional reporting structures can miss.Building Better CEOs• Phoenix is launching The Vanguard Apex, an intentionally small cohort of 10 Series A and B founders designed to create candid conversations around the realities of leadership.• His goal isn't simply to help CEOs become more successful. It's to help them become more complete leaders and people.Success Beyond Business• Phoenix began competing in track and field at age 50 and became a highly competitive masters sprinter.• His definition of success goes beyond money or titles: being able to look in the mirror and feel good about the person looking back.Final ThoughtsTruth is a competitive advantage. As companies grow, CEOs need better information, trusted people willing to challenge them, and systems that expose problems before they become crises.And ultimately, building a great company means little if you lose yourself in the process.Want to See Your Organization as It Actually Is?OrgTruth helps CEOs identify the signals, contradictions, and issues that may never reach them through traditional reporting structures. Visit the OrgTruth website to learn more.Looking for Your Next A-Player Executive?KIP Search® helps companies identify, attract, and hire exceptional leaders who create lasting impact. Visit the KIP Search website and connect with us on LinkedIn to learn how we can help with your executive search needs.P.S. Be sure to subscribe to Capitalist Culture® for more conversations with founders, investors, and leaders shaping the future of business, leadership, and culture.Send us Fan MailConnect with Kip on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kipknippel/Watch Bite-Sized Clips on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@capitalistculture/shorts

The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. In many ways, Assistant Habits is a rebirth of my very first resource for assistants: the 30-Day Assistant Challenge email course. That original course was built on a simple belief – that small, consistent actions compound into real growth. Assistant Habits carries that same idea forward, one action at a time.My passion is to help assistants like you lead well, resist burnout, and automate before you're automated. Every action in the Assistant Habits Weekly Planner reflects that mission and is practical, specific, and immediately useful on the job.Are you up for the challenge?Check out the Assistant Habits Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com/weekly-plannerShow notes -> leaderassistant.com/391--It's the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.Sound too good to be true? It's actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite. --Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.More from The Leader Assistant...Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/communityBook, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.comAssistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.comEvents -> leaderassistantlive.comThe Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

Laura McDonald breaks down how to multithread enterprise deals, reach the C-suite, and build buying committee consensus without getting trapped with one champion. Learn how to leverage executive assistants, map the real power base, and neutralize blockers before they kill your deal.

If you think AI in your advisory practice means meeting notes, follow-up emails, and asking ChatGPT to write something for you, we need to talk. Because what AI can do inside of an advisory practice has changed dramatically—and I think most of us are still thinking way too small.AI for financial advisors has moved far beyond note-taking, meeting summaries, and drafting follow-up emails. In this episode, I'm joined by Gabe to explore the next evolution: agentic AI and what it looks like when AI stops being another piece of software you have to manage and starts operating more like a digital team member working behind the scenes. We dig into how Quinn has evolved, the difference between traditional AI tools and agentic AI, and the practical ways advisors are using automation to give themselves and their teams back significant time each week.The difference between AI tools and agentic AIWhat advisors can automate right nowHow AI can help you “scale thoughtfulness” with clientsWhere to start before automating your processesThe goal isn't necessarily to replace your team with AI. It's to stop spending valuable human time hunting down information, entering data, filling out forms, and handling repetitive administrative work so you and your team can focus on the work that actually requires a human. If you've been thinking about AI primarily as a note-taker or writing assistant, this conversation will give you a much bigger picture of what's already possible—and what could be coming next for your advisory practice.Register for The Efficient Advisor x Quin: Workflow Show and Tell HERE! Check out The First 100 Days Course: The Advisor's Blueprint for a Remarkable Client Experience HERE!Learn more about T2MWorks HERE! Learn more about Asset-Map financial planning software HERE! Learn more about our sponsor Beemo Automation HERE!   Check out the Efficient Advisor YouTube Channel HERE!Connect with Libby on LinkedIn HERE!Successful businesses don't get built alone. You need community! You need collaboration! Join us in The Efficient Advisor Community on Facebook.

Luiza Jarocki is Senior Executive Assistant at JP Morgan Chase and author of "The Seat Outside the Office: Lessons in Leadership from 25 Years as an Executive Assistant."In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Luiza shares her journey from a bank teller to a seasoned executive assistant, offering insights on career growth, the importance of curiosity, and the value of consistency and integrity in the profession. She also discusses the evolving role of assistants in the age of AI and the inspiration behind her book. Show notes → leaderassistant.com/390--It's the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.Sound too good to be true? It's actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite. --The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com --Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.More from The Leader Assistant...Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/communityBook, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.comAssistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.comEvents -> leaderassistantlive.comThe Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff sparked a national frenzy when he said Trump just wants to “travel with Natalie” at a recent campaign rally. Natalie Harp has been dominating headlines for the past week, as her intense devotion to Trump was revealed after a news outlet released personal letters she wrote to the President in 2023. Harp can be seen by Trump’s side 24/7, and it’s now led to so much speculation and innuendo, the White House has released a statement. We go over America’s fascination with the 35-year-old, and discuss why her hair color has become a constant mention in nearly every story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff sparked a national frenzy when he said Trump just wants to “travel with Natalie” at a recent campaign rally. Natalie Harp has been dominating headlines for the past week, as her intense devotion to Trump was revealed after a news outlet released personal letters she wrote to the President in 2023. Harp can be seen by Trump’s side 24/7, and it’s now led to so much speculation and innuendo, the White House has released a statement. We go over America’s fascination with the 35-year-old, and discuss why her hair color has become a constant mention in nearly every story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff sparked a national frenzy when he said Trump just wants to “travel with Natalie” at a recent campaign rally. Natalie Harp has been dominating headlines for the past week, as her intense devotion to Trump was revealed after a news outlet released personal letters she wrote to the President in 2023. Harp can be seen by Trump’s side 24/7, and it’s now led to so much speculation and innuendo, the White House has released a statement. We go over America’s fascination with the 35-year-old, and discuss why her hair color has become a constant mention in nearly every story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff sparked a national frenzy when he said Trump just wants to “travel with Natalie” at a recent campaign rally. Natalie Harp has been dominating headlines for the past week, as her intense devotion to Trump was revealed after a news outlet released personal letters she wrote to the President in 2023. Harp can be seen by Trump’s side 24/7, and it’s now led to so much speculation and innuendo, the White House has released a statement. We go over America’s fascination with the 35-year-old, and discuss why her hair color has become a constant mention in nearly every story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The WSJ profile portrays Natalie Harp as an unusually trusted member of Trump's inner circle whose influence derives from constant access, loyalty, and control of information flow, rather than holding a high-profile policy role. Her recent emergence in political headlines has turned a little-known aide into a subject of national interest. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The WSJ profile portrays Natalie Harp as an unusually trusted member of Trump's inner circle whose influence derives from constant access, loyalty, and control of information flow, rather than holding a high-profile policy role. Her recent emergence in political headlines has turned a little-known aide into a subject of national interest. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia democrat Jon Ossoff made a comment that has set off a political firestorm, publicly mocking President Trump’s relationship with his executive assistant, Natalie Harp. Ossoff insinuated there was an inappropriate closeness between Harp and Trump, and his comments came on the heels of a new book by New York Times reporters who quoted sources saying Trump believes Harp loves him as much as his wife and kids. When CNN reporter Kristen Holmes asked Trump about Ossoff’s comments, it created another layer to the controversy, with Trump and administration officials publicly eviscerating the journalist as a “disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia democrat Jon Ossoff made a comment that has set off a political firestorm, publicly mocking President Trump’s relationship with his executive assistant, Natalie Harp. Ossoff insinuated there was an inappropriate closeness between Harp and Trump, and his comments came on the heels of a new book by New York Times reporters who quoted sources saying Trump believes Harp loves him as much as his wife and kids. When CNN reporter Kristen Holmes asked Trump about Ossoff’s comments, it created another layer to the controversy, with Trump and administration officials publicly eviscerating the journalist as a “disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia democrat Jon Ossoff made a comment that has set off a political firestorm, publicly mocking President Trump’s relationship with his executive assistant, Natalie Harp. Ossoff insinuated there was an inappropriate closeness between Harp and Trump, and his comments came on the heels of a new book by New York Times reporters who quoted sources saying Trump believes Harp loves him as much as his wife and kids. When CNN reporter Kristen Holmes asked Trump about Ossoff’s comments, it created another layer to the controversy, with Trump and administration officials publicly eviscerating the journalist as a “disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia democrat Jon Ossoff made a comment that has set off a political firestorm, publicly mocking President Trump’s relationship with his executive assistant, Natalie Harp. Ossoff insinuated there was an inappropriate closeness between Harp and Trump, and his comments came on the heels of a new book by New York Times reporters who quoted sources saying Trump believes Harp loves him as much as his wife and kids. When CNN reporter Kristen Holmes asked Trump about Ossoff’s comments, it created another layer to the controversy, with Trump and administration officials publicly eviscerating the journalist as a “disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is week five and the last week of our how to use Claude.AI in your small business series. In the last four weeks we've shown you how to set up Claude and create the connections with your office software. Then, we started using an analogy to explain how Claude is a very competent Executive Assistant. A couple of weeks ago, I explain the different tools that he uses to get the work done for you. Those tools are Chat, Projects, and Artifacts. Chat is your office intercom system. Projects are the filing cabinets to organize everything. And artifacts are very unique self-service kiosks that you can use to help other team members when you are not available. Then last week, we talked about the staff that Claude brings with him. So, if Claude is your assistant, then this additional staff are similar to independent contractors that you can hire to do specific jobs.  Cowork is like an independent contractor you can hire for specific projects where you give him instructions and a schedule, and he just does the work and bring back the results to you. But Cowork has to remain in your office (within the files on your computer).  Claude in Chrome, however, is a contractor who can leave your office. He can do research on the web, update your website, or even keep track of what your competitors are doing in real time. Claude Code is your tech expert who can design apps and fix technical bugs. And then you have a series of experts who join the team in Claude Microsoft 365. You get a pseudo-accountant, writer, and presentation expert there. So if you missed any of those episode take a few minutes to catch up, because on today's show, I'm going to blow your mind with what really sets Claude apart from the other AI agents out there. It is called a Claude Skill. And it's basically a set of instructions that Claude follows exactly as he accomplishes tasks for you. So, if you have a repetitive task and Claude isn't doing it exactly the way that you want, all you have to do is give additional instructions in the skill, and Claude makes the correct. And he makes the correction every time he completes that same task in the future. And, if you have a team who each has a unique style that they like to use to complete a task, they can adjust their version of the skill to fit that style. We'll cover all that and more, and then I'll finish by giving you a few easy ways to get started with Claude -- things he can do for you right now that can improve your margin.Show Notes: How to Use Claude AI to Increase Your Margins(https://www.leadersinstitute.com/how-to-use-claude-ai-to-increase-your-margins/)

Trying something new to bring expert advice to the industry by asking ADs to answer a one question prompt to be shared anonymously by me on the HEA podcast, free newsletter and both The Modern AD and The Mid-Major AD. Links below if you want to participate or share with someone.Mistakes ADs Make: https://higheredathletics.com/mistakes-ads-make/Executive Assistant Advice for ADs: https://higheredathletics.com/executive-assistant-advice-for-future-ads/Interested in leading athletics at a Catholic university in San Antonio, TX? The UIW AD search is being coordinated with KC Smurthwaite of Athletics Admin. KC and I regularly talk about the AD industry so I had to share this update with you all. Check out the UIW Athletic Director Search Page: www.UIWAD.com

You've hired the associate. Brought on the paralegal. Maybe even added an assistant. And yet you're still the one answering emails at 11 p.m., still the last one making every decision, still the one who can't take a real vacation. Delegation was supposed to fix this. Why hasn't it?In this episode, Gary sits down with Gina Cotner, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, to unpack why delegation fails at the leadership level and how attorneys can finally build teams that let them focus on their highest and best use. Gina works just 10 to 15 hours a week running a multimillion-dollar firm, and she shares the mindset shifts, systems, and accountability practices that make it possible for any lawyer to do the same."World peace is not in the balance here. We're just delegating." — Gina CotnerKey takeaways:Recognize why lawyers are trained to grip control tightly, and learn how to loosen that grip without sacrificing quality or client outcomesAsk "given everything on your plate, when can you have this done?" and watch your team's follow-through transformStop asking "any questions?" and start asking "what questions do you have?" because one assumes questions are goodTrust your team before they've fully earned it, because more often than not people rise to the level of belief you place in themBook a standing golf game, tennis match, or dinner that costs money and involves other people, and let that constraint force your calendar into alignmentIdentify the first task you should offload tomorrow morning to start building real freedom into your practiceGina Cotner is the founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, one of the top virtual executive assistant firms in the country. Her elite EAs partner with attorneys, executives, and entrepreneurs to take ownership of the work that isn't their highest and best use, freeing leaders to lead. Gina is also a dynamic speaker and workshop facilitator known for her practical approach to delegation, accountability, and building teams rooted in trust.Special for listeners of The Free Lawyer: Receive 5 free hours of service added to your first full month of work with Athena Executive Services, a $275 value. Just mention this offer during your first call. Learn more at athenaexecutiveservices.com.If this episode moved something for you, share it with a colleague who needs to hear it. Subscribe wherever you listen, leave a review, and visit garymiles.net to explore how coaching can help you practice with purpose and live with freedom. You can also reach Gary directly at gary@garymiles.net.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Introduction and episode preview[01:35] From EA to firm founder[04:31] Better done than perfect[07:08] Why lawyers struggle to let go[09:12] What Athena does differently[14:31] How delegation has evolved[17:09] AI, human EAs, and the future[19:55] The trust and accountability blind spot[28:06] Applying the accountability framework[31:34] One thing to do tomorrow morningGUEST BIOGina Cotner is the founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, one of the top virtual executive assistant firms in the United States, specializing in delegation and accountability for high-performing leaders. She serves swamped attorneys, executives, and entrepreneurs by pairing them with elite Executive Assistants who take ownership of the work that isn't their highest and best use. A dynamic speaker and workshop facilitator, Gina spent 25 years leading transformational programs at Landmark before building Athena into the firm it is today. She now runs her business in just 10 to 15 hours a week, spending the rest of her time on tournament pickleball, golf, and life at the California coast.Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a complimentary call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-callYou can find The Free Lawyer Assessment here- https://www.garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment

For the last couple of weeks, I've been sharing with you a series on how to use Claude.AI in your small business. We started with how to set up Claude so he can have access to your system and do work for you.  In that episode, we started using an analogy to explain how Claude is a very competent Executive Assistant. Last week, I explain the different tools that he uses to get the work done for you. Those tools are Chat, Projects, and Artifacts. Chat is your office intercom system. Projects are the filing cabinets to organize everything. And artifacts are very unique self-service kiosks that you can use to help other team members when you are not available. This week, we're going to cover the staff that Claude brings with him. So, if Claude is your assistant, then this additional staff are similar to independent contractors that you can hire to do specific jobs.  The titles that Claude uses for these Contractors are Cowork, Chrome, Code, and Microsoft 365. Each of these contractors has a specific expertise, so it's important to explain the different roles that each plays. Otherwise, it would be like hiring an outside accountant to do technical work on your website.  So today, I explain the different roles, and give you a few examples of how to get values from these different contractors. Show Notes: How to Use Claude AI to Increase Your Margins(https://www.leadersinstitute.com/how-to-use-claude-ai-to-increase-your-margins/)

211: What does it really take to become a trusted strategic partner in today's executive world - and where does AI fit into that future? In this episode, Diana Brandl welcomes Clara Nakagawa for an insightful conversation about the evolving role of Executive Assistants in an AI-driven workplace. Together, they explore why trust, judgment, and human connection remain essential, even as technology transforms the way executives and assistants work together. Clara shares her thoughts on adopting AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, embracing continuous learning, earning professional certifications, and staying ahead in a rapidly changing profession. They also discuss the Global Skills Matrix, the value of building an international network, and how Executive Assistants can grow into trusted strategic partners. Whether you're an Executive Assistant, Administrative Professional, Chief of Staff, or simply interested in leadership and the future of work, this conversation offers practical insights, fresh perspectives, and inspiration for your own professional journey. Topics covered: - AI and the future of the Executive Assistant profession - Strategic partnership and executive support - Continuous learning and professional certifications - Microsoft Copilot and workplace productivity - The Global Skills Matrix - Building a global professional network If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with your network. --- With over 20 years of experience as an executive assistant, Clara Nakagawa has built her career supporting C-suite leaders across the pharmaceutical, finance, and IT sectors. Working in both Japanese and international environments, she is bilingual in English and Japanese, and often acts as a bridge between cultures, helping executives navigate both business and day-to-day life in Japan. She is known for her proactive and thoughtful approach, anticipating needs, creating structure, and supporting smooth decision-making in complex, fast-paced organizations. Her experience living in Japan, the UK, and the US has shaped her global mindset and adaptability. Today, she works closely with senior leadership as a strategic partner, combining operational excellence with a strong sense of trust, discretion, and cultural awareness.   LINKS: IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals) https://www.iaap-hq.org/default.aspx IAAP Summit https://www.iaap-hq.org/page/summit CAP Certification (Certified Administrative Professional) https://www.iaap-hq.org/page/cap CAP Specialty Courses (CAPstone Program) https://www.iaap-hq.org/page/capstone ASAP (American Society of Administrative Professionals) https://www.asaporg.com PACE Certification (Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence) https://www.asaporg.com/pace ES Tech (Executive Support Media Event) https://executivesupportmedia.com/es-tech/ ACEA https://www.acea.training/   MORE LINKS: - Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ - Rebecca Afful on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-a-afful/ - Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter   - Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS - Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661   The Executive Office Insights Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd Guest Picks: Miley Cyrus - Flowers

For the last couple of weeks, I've been sharing with you a series on how to use Claude.AI in your small business. Last week, we went through the set up process and finished by explaining the Connectors.  Just as a refresher, we are using an analogy to explain hoe Claude is a very competent Executive Assistant. And last week, those connectors were you giving Claude the keys to the office and getting him set up as an employee. This week, I explain the different tools that he uses to get the work done for you. Those tools are Chat, Projects, and Artifacts. Chat is your office intercom system. Projects are the filing cabinets to organize everything. And artifacts are very unique self-service kiosks that you can use to help other team members when you are not available. These tools are really cool, and you are only limited by your creativity!Show Notes: How to Use Claude AI to Increase Your Margins(https://www.leadersinstitute.com/how-to-use-claude-ai-to-increase-your-margins/)

Lucinda Borque is Executive Assistant to the CEO at Reform Alliance and President of the CHLI Alumni Association (Global Leaders Class of Spring 2016). The daughter of Dominican immigrants, she grew up between Queens, New York and New Jersey and studied criminal justice at Rutgers University, later earning a Master of Professional Studies from The George Washington University. Her path into public service ran through congressional offices on both sides of the aisle and seven years at U.S. Customs and Border Protection—a full-circle arc from her family's immigration story to service at the border. Today she brings that experience to the fight for criminal justice reform, championing opportunity, pragmatism, and diversity of thought.

An Interview with A Mentor- Chancellor Gary May, 7th Chancellor of University of California, Davis- Recorded in 2026INTERVIEW OVERVIEW⁠Chancellor Gary S. May⁠⁠7th Chancellor, University of California, Davis⁠ KEY FIGURES•      433 underrepresented students earned Ph.D.s in science and engineering at Georgia Tech — most in the nation•      73% of SURE program participants went on to graduate school•      200+ technical publications; 15 book contributions; 1 patent•      $13.2 billion annual economic contribution to California•      40,000+ students enrolled at UC Davis•      $1 billion+ in annual sponsored research Some of the questions in this interview included: Background: Created the Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering/Science (SURE) program backed by NSF. Founded FACES and the University Center of Exemplary Mentoring with NSF and Sloan Foundation grants. Produced the most Ph.D.s among underrepresented groups in science and engineering in the nation. Q3. SURE sent 73% of participants to graduate school. What design principles separate a research experience that genuinely transforms a student from one that's merely decorative on a résumé? Q4. Through FACES and the University Center of Exemplary Mentoring, 433 underrepresented students earned Ph.D.s — the most in the nation. If a provost called you tomorrow wanting to replicate that, what's the one structural element they cannot skip — and the mistake institutions most often make? Background: Steve W. Chaddick Chair, Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Dean, Georgia Tech College of Engineering — largest and most diverse engineering school in the nation (400+ faculty, 13,000 students). Executive Assistant to President G. Wayne Clough. Elected to the National Academy of Engineering, 2018. Q5. You went from the Chaddick Chair to dean of the largest, most diverse engineering school in the country while sustaining 200+ publications. How did you manage the scholar-administrator tension, and what did serving as executive assistant to President Wayne Clough teach you about executive leadership before you ever held the title? Q6. Leaders keep emerging from your Georgia Tech orbit including President DesRoches at Rice, Isbell at UIUC,  President Ayanna Howard now at Spelman,  President Blake at Georgia State, Provost Beyah as provost. Coaches have coaching trees — you have a leadership tree. Was this the product of a deliberate, repeatable system for developing leaders, or a culture that leadership simply grows in? Q7. Often a mentor sees leadership potential in someone before they see it in themselves. When you spot that raw material in a young faculty member or administrator, what exactly are you looking for — and how do you have the conversation that plants the seed of "you could run an institution one day"? Background: 7th Chancellor, UC Davis (2017–present). Four colleges, six professional schools, 40,000+ students, $1B+ in annual sponsored research. Ranked 3rd best public university in the United States (Wall Street Journal/College Pulse, 2024). Ten-year strategic plan: To Boldly Go. Music by Nikita Kondrashev from Pixabay

On this episode of REACH, we're joined by Elle Tyra, Executive Assistant to the President of ABC News. Throughout her career, Elle has supported leaders at two of the world's most recognizable news organizations, The New York Times and ABC News, as well as Hauser & Wirth, one of the world's leading contemporary art galleries. What makes Elle's career especially compelling is that she has repeatedly found herself at the center of major leadership transitions and organizational change. From supporting executives stepping into new roles to navigating new leadership teams, she has learned how to build trust quickly, create stability, and become the constant during times of uncertainty. In this conversation, Elle shares how Executive Assistants can navigate change with confidence, establish credibility with new executives, and strengthen their role as strategic partners. Whether you're supporting an executive through a promotion, onboarding a new leader, or navigating change within your own organization, this episode offers practical insights to help you lead with confidence when everything around you is evolving.

210: Konflikte gehören zum Berufsalltag – doch wann wird daraus Mobbing? In dieser Podcastfolge sprechen wir offen über Konflikte, Mobbing und schwierige Dynamiken im Assistenzbereich. Gemeinsam beleuchten wir, woran sich systematisches Mobbing erkennen lässt, welche Warnsignale Führungskräfte und HR ernst nehmen sollten und warum klare Rollen, transparente Kommunikation und aktives Zuhören entscheidend für eine gesunde Zusammenarbeit sind. Anhand realer Erfahrungen aus Recruiting, Mediation und Konfliktbegleitung geht es um typische Warnsignale, Prävention, die Verantwortung von Unternehmen und konkrete Handlungsmöglichkeiten für Betroffene. Eine Folge für Executive Assistants, Management Assistants, Führungskräfte und HR-Verantwortliche, die Konflikte frühzeitig erkennen und professionell lösen möchten. Welche Erfahrung hast du mit Konflikten oder Mobbing im Berufsalltag gemacht? Schreib deine Gedanken und Erfahrungen gerne in die Kommentare.  --- Verena Schiffer ist Personalberaterin mit einem klaren Fokus auf anspruchsvolle Assistenzpositionen im Top-Management. Aufgewachsen in einer Hoteliersfamilie, wurde sie früh von Serviceorientierung, Verbindlichkeit und einem hohen Qualitätsanspruch geprägt. Ihr beruflicher Weg führte sie zunächst über Stationen im Tourismus und Personalwesen in internationale Unternehmenskontexte und schließlich in die Assistenzfunktion. Über 14 Jahre arbeitete sie als Management Assistant in Beratungen und Konzernen und kennt die Anforderungen, Dynamiken und Realität dieser Rolle aus eigener Erfahrung. 2004 gründete sie ihre eigene Personalberatung. Seit mehr als 20 Jahren begleitet sie Unternehmen und Assistenzen in diesem spezialisierten Markt und hat über 350 Assistenzpositionen im Top-Management besetzt. Was sie bis heute an ihrer Arbeit begeistert, sind die Menschen und die Wirkung, die entsteht, wenn fachliche und menschliche Passung zusammenkommen. Zu sehen, welche Entwicklung und welcher Erfolg daraus entstehen können, ist für sie bis heute der Kern ihrer Arbeit. LINKS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verenaschiffer/ https://www.verenaschiffer.de/ https://www.verenaschiffer.de/assistenzen/newsletter-anmeldung/ https://www.verenaschiffer.de/kontakt/ --- Sabine Kupfer ist Mediatorin, Konfliktcoach und Konflikttrainerin mit einem besonderen Fokus auf Assistenzen, Führungskräfte und die Zusammenarbeit in Organisationen. Mehr als 25 Jahre arbeitete sie selbst als Management- und Executive Assistant, davon 21 Jahre in einem internationalen Konzern. Sie kennt die Anforderungen, Spannungsfelder und Dynamiken der Assistenzrolle daher nicht nur aus der Beratung, sondern aus eigener langjähriger Erfahrung. 2018 absolvierte sie ihre Mediationsausbildung an der Universität Stuttgart und machte sich zunächst nebenberuflich, später vollständig selbstständig. Heute begleitet sie als „Die KonfliktPiratin" Menschen, Teams und Organisationen dabei, Konflikte frühzeitig zu erkennen, schwierige Gespräche zu führen und wieder miteinander statt übereinander zu reden. Ein tragender Pfeiler ihrer Arbeit ist die Mediationsausbildung für Assistenzen und administrative Fachkräfte. Darin verbindet Sabine Kupfer fundierte Mediationskompetenz mit ihrer langjährigen Erfahrung aus der Assistenz und vermittelt, wie Konflikte besser verstanden, Gespräche professionell vorbereitet und Klärungsprozesse souverän begleitet werden können. Dabei ist ihr besonders wichtig, Assistenzen nicht noch mehr Verantwortung aufzubürden. Vielmehr möchte sie sie darin stärken, ihre Schlüsselposition bewusst auszufüllen, ihre Rolle klar einzuordnen und in anspruchsvollen Situationen handlungsfähig zu bleiben. Was sie an ihrer Arbeit begeistert, ist der Moment, in dem Menschen wieder miteinander ins Gespräch kommen, neue Perspektiven entstehen und aus festgefahrenen Situationen echte Bewegung wird. LINKS: Website: https://www.sabine-kupfer.de/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabine-kupfer-konfliktpiratin/  Mediationsausbildung: https://mediatorenausbildung-assistenz.de/ Infobroschüre zur Ausbildung: https://mediatorenausbildung-assistenz.de/ausbildungsbroschure   Newsletter: https://seu2.cleverreach.com/f/284310-332003/  --- LINKS zum Podcast: - Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ - Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter - Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS - Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661 - The Executive Office Insights Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd

What can coaches, consultants, creators, and service providers learn from someone who markets nationally recognized consumer brands? In this episode, I sit down with Celina Cooper, founder of Encompass Marketing, to explore how consumer brands think about marketing, customer loyalty, positioning, and consumer psychology. We talk about her journey from Executive Assistant to building a boutique marketing agency, the leadership lessons she's learned along the way, and why understanding people—not just marketing tactics—is what separates good marketers from great ones. Whether you're building a personal brand, growing a business, or simply love learning how successful companies think, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on marketing beyond the online business world. In this episode, we discuss: How Celina went from Executive Assistant to founding her own marketing agency What working with nationally recognized consumer brands has taught her about marketing The biggest mindset shifts that helped her build a business on her own terms Why understanding people matters more than chasing marketing trends How consumer brands think about customer loyalty and long-term growth What happens before a major marketing campaign ever launches The similarities (and differences) between marketing products and marketing personal brands A fun conversation comparing what we'd do with a $10K marketing budget versus a $1M marketing budget Our rapid-fire takes on what's overrated and underrated in marketing today About Today's Guest Celina Cooper is the founder of Encompass Marketing, a boutique consultancy specializing in Amazon, social media strategy, and omnichannel growth for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. She partners with a select portfolio of brands to help them grow across retail and e-commerce through data-driven strategy, brand positioning, and culturally relevant marketing. Celina is especially passionate about supporting Hispanic and emerging brands as they scale in competitive markets while building a business that reflects her values and family life. Timestamps 00:00 – Introducing Celina and why I wanted this conversation 03:20 – From Executive Assistant to marketing strategist 06:15 – Motherhood, boundaries, and building a business around your priorities 13:00 – Starting Encompass Marketing after leaving corporate 17:00 – Finding your niche by removing the noise 23:00 – How consumer brands think about marketing and customer loyalty 33:00 – Why understanding people comes before marketing campaigns 40:00 – $10K vs. $1M marketing budgets 48:00 – Rapid-fire marketing scenarios 51:00 – What's overrated and underrated in marketing today

In this episode, Steven Jarvis, CPA, is joined by Stephen Delaney, Senior Client Success Consultant at Belay, to discuss one of the biggest challenges advisors face: finding the right people to help execute their vision. Rather than focusing on tax strategies, this conversation dives into how advisors can reclaim their time through effective delegation and hiring. Stephen shares how Belay vets thousands of applicants to match clients with highly qualified Executive Assistants and Client Services Assistants. The discussion explores why hiring is a skill that improves with experience, the importance of systems and processes, and how delegation creates more time to serve clients. Whether you're hesitant to hire your first assistant or looking to improve your hiring process, this episode provides practical insights to help you take action. https://zurl.co/N1OwP

Beth Portesi is AI Enablement and Program Lead at Fivetran after 12 years as an executive assistant. She's also the founder of Vibe Coding for EAs.In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Beth explores the exciting world of AI for executive assistants. Beth shares her journey from longtime EA to AI program lead and dives into “vibe coding” – an approach that empowers assistants to create automations and tools using plain language prompts, without needing technical expertise. Discover practical tips on how to get started with AI, overcome the “paralysis of choice,” and use tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Codex to streamline workflows, build dashboards, and automate routine tasks. Whether you're new to AI or looking to deepen your skills, Beth's insights will inspire you to harness AI's magic and become a game-changing Leader Assistant. Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/384--It's the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.Sound too good to be true? It's actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite. --Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.More from The Leader Assistant...Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.comThe Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membershipEvents -> leaderassistantlive.comFree Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

Send us Fan Mail There's a kind of success that looks impressive from the outside and quietly wrecks everything you care about. That's where we start with Hadley Nightingale, founder and CEO of a fast-growing New Zealand property management business managing 160+ properties, leading a remote team, and still insisting that work never gets to cannibalise health or family. We unpack what actually makes that possible, beyond motivation. Hadley shares how early years in physically demanding, isolated outdoor work built resilience and clear decision-making under pressure, and how that same resilience shows up now as calm, repeatable leadership. We also get honest about the reality of scaling: the moment where a founder realises that if they stop, everything stops, and the painful middle zone where a small team can create massive key-person risk. From there, we move into practical time management and boundaries you can copy today. We talk about making family presence “real” by putting it in the calendar, why most emails can wait, and how delegation protects both your focus and your relationships. Hadley makes a strong case for hiring an Executive Assistant earlier than most entrepreneurs do, using a “replacement ladder” to remove low-value admin tasks first so you can build systems and processes that actually support growth. Finally, we go deep on remote team leadership, trust, and accountability. Hadley shares a simple but powerful approach: treat people like humans, build safety through communication, and diagnose performance issues as a systems problem before calling it a people problem. If you're a founder, leader, or parent trying to grow without burning out, hit subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Connect With Hadley Nightingale: Website: https://www.newzealandpropertybuyers.com/ Instagram: Hadley Nightingale (DM) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hadleyn YouEx Get 50% off the first 6 months of YouEx.ai! Friending, Inc Offer: 15% off our coffee as stated above | Code: Podcast10 Find friends in real-life in a verified Jumppoint Consulting Offer: 30% Subscription | Join COO and author Chelsea Byers for her weekly newsletter. Wake up ltd Self Mental Healthcare/Stress Relief Practices - Buddha way, backed by science | Code: healthymind Vegout Voyage Offer: 15% off all personalized Armchair Iceland merch | Code: ICELANDGEAR15 7X Method Biohacking Bootcamp Offer: $2000 discount off $5000 program | Code: BIZBLEND2000 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?

What if leaving private staffing was the very thing that made you better at it?In this episode of Recruitment Diaries: Life in Private Staffing, Philippa is joined by Patricia Levinson, a House Manager and Executive Assistant based in Manhattan, whose career has taken anything but a traditional path. From owning and running a hotel in Costa Rica to managing private properties, raising a family, working in financial services and eventually returning to private service, Patricia shares how every stage of her journey has shaped the professional she is today.Together, Philippa and Patricia discuss why transferable skills matter, the realities of stepping away from the industry, and how perseverance helped Patricia secure the role she'd always hoped for.In this episode, Philippa and Patricia cover:✨ Breaking into private staffing unexpectedly

The final pod review of the Congressional testimony of Jeffrey Epstein's longtime Executive Assistant, Lesley Groff, maintains focus on her awareness, or lack thereof, of underage girls regularly meeting with Epstein. Whether through booking travel, corresponding via email and phone, or arranging cash payments and gifts, Congress members ask how she is certain that everyone was an adult. Why didn't she see that changing access codes to apartments was a form of coercion and control? How was being in charge of haircuts and medical appointments for so many young women and girls seen as normal? How does researching, making calls, and emailing about steps to obtain a VISA not confirm her involvement in obtaining VISAS? Why didn't any of Epstein's alarming behavior and ongoing requests raise any flags after he was known to be a registered sex offender who had been accused of abusing young girls? Despite several emails that seem to indicate otherwise, Lesley maintains ignorance throughout, a commitment that is as chilling as it is impressive. Check your voter registration, find your polling location, or contact your representatives via USA.GOV, VOTE.GOV, and/or the "5 Calls" app. All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. This podcast is hosted by a United States citizen, born and raised in a military family that is proud of this country's commitment to free speech. Information shared is for entertainment purposes only and is cited via published articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, executive orders, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements, and all may be paraphrased for brevity, presented satirically, and in layman's terms.“I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” - James BaldwinWanna support this independent pod? Links below:Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/BBDBBuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeffrey Epstein's longtime Executive Assistant, Lesley Groff, recently testified before Congress for eight hours. This pod reviews and summarizes the questions and answers, stopping to cite any applicable emails from Jmail.world along the way. Why didn't she think calling different people for his daily massages, and paying them in cash, was odd? What did she see and hear? Why wasn't it a red flag that Epstein had a house full of young women? How was it normal to get photos of foreign women for her to pass to Epstein? What did he say to convince her to stay after his arrest, guilty plea, and sex offender status in 2008? The answers may infuriate, but they also inform. Check your voter registration, find your polling location, or contact your representatives via USA.GOV, VOTE.GOV, and/or the "5 Calls" app. All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. This podcast is hosted by a United States citizen, born and raised in a military family that is proud of this country's commitment to free speech. Information shared is for entertainment purposes only and is cited via published articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, executive orders, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements, and all may be paraphrased for brevity, presented satirically, and in layman's terms.“I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” - James BaldwinWanna support this independent pod? Links below:Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/BBDBBuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of REACH, we're joined by Camille Geddes, Executive Assistant to Chris Britt, CEO of Chime, one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in the U.S. Before joining Chime, Camille built an impressive career supporting executives at Forward, Square, Plaid, and ClassDojo, where she partnered with founders and CEOs through periods of rapid growth and transformation. In this conversation, Camille shares why motherhood has made her a stronger Executive Assistant, sharpening her efficiency, decision-making, and ability to prioritize what matters most. She also opens up about the often-unspoken realities of aging in the EA profession, challenging assumptions about longevity, relevance, and career growth. Whether you're balancing work and family, navigating a demanding partnership, or thinking about the next stage of your career, this episode offers an honest look at building a successful career that's strengthened by life beyond the office.

Lisa Olivas is the Executive Assistant to Adriana Luna at She Rises Studios, where she supports the day-to-day operations, event coordination, executive communications, and behind-the-scenes execution that help bring the company's vision to life. With a strong foundation in organization and attention to detail developed during her time as an Inventory Specialist at Walgreens, Lisa serves as the bridge between strategy and execution, ensuring every initiative runs smoothly while helping create meaningful impact for the She Rises Studios community.

8 Changes Every Business Owner Should Make to Grow Faster Business owners looking to grow faster will learn 8 proven business growth strategies, leadership lessons, and business systems that help scale a profitable company without working more hours. In this episode, Kevin and Chris break down 8 practical changes every business owner should make to grow faster, build a stronger team, and stop being the bottleneck in their company. Whether you're running an HVAC, plumbing, roofing, electrical, landscaping, construction, or any service business, these are the strategies that help owners move from working in the business to working on it. You'll learn: Why hiring the right Executive Assistant can buy back your time How to identify and eliminate what's slowing your business down The importance of predictable marketing channels Why offering financing can increase sales How to recruit great employees before you need them Simple ways to improve your business systems How to spend more time on revenue-producing activities Why developing leaders is the key to long-term growth If you want to scale your business, increase profits, and build a company that doesn't rely on you for every decision, this episode is for you. Check out BoardRoom Elite and get in the room with operators, investors, and owners who are actually doing this every day.

Recorded: 6-12-26

Brian Samson knows a harsh truth about the current American economy: if you run a service business right now, the math is brutal. Labor is incredibly expensive, turnover is high, and finding reliable operators can feel like a full-time job.But Brian has a cheat code. After years of running talent acquisition for hyper-growth, VC-funded tech startups in Silicon Valley, Brian took his high-level recruiting playbook and applied it to a local locksmith and cleaning company in Hawaii. The result? He completely revolutionized his hiring process by tapping into the nearshore talent pool in Latin America. Today, Brian runs Plug Tech—a nearshore staffing agency pushing $8M in ARR—and he is pulling back the curtain on how small business owners can leverage global talent to generate massive ROI.If you are struggling to scale because you are drowning in admin work, scheduling, or operations, this episode will completely rewrite how you think about building your team.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The VA vs. EA Paradigm Shift: Why you should stop hiring Virtual Assistants to do simple "tasks" and start hiring nearshore Executive Assistants who anticipate problems and drive strategy.Latin America vs. Asia: The cultural and operational differences between offshoring to places like the Philippines (process-driven) versus nearshoring to LatAm (spontaneous and creative problem-solvers).The Price-to-Value Arbitrage: Why paying a top-tier nearshore employee $1,500/month or an AI engineer is actually a massive bargain that can generate seven figures of value for your company.The $100 Interview Test: Brian's foolproof, paid-test framework to filter out bad hires, test real-world skills, and guarantee you're bringing on an "A-Player."Tags: Hiring, Entrepreneurship, Business scaling, Service & ConsultingResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcastFollow Our Second Channel Here: https://next.upflip.com/spotify Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansamson

Amber Youngren is the executive assistant and office manager lead at Forged Fiber 37. In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Amber discusses the evolving role of the Executive Assistant. She shares how EAs can become strategic leaders by developing skills for operations and Chief of Staff roles, building deep trust, managing up, and acting as the organization's ultimate connector to translate observations into actionable insight and bring alignment across teams.Show notes → leaderassistant.com/380--It's the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.Sound too good to be true? It's actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite. --Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.More from The Leader Assistant...Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.comThe Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membershipEvents -> leaderassistantlive.comFree Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

What does it take to move from being a transactional Executive Assistant to becoming a true strategic business partner?In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, I sit down with Gillian Gelston, Executive Assistant at Salesforce, to discuss her career journey from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service to supporting senior leaders in one of the world's leading technology companies.Gillian shares how she built a successful remote EA career, the systems and workflows that have helped her save time and money for her Executive, and why understanding personality types has transformed the way she works with different leaders.We also discuss:How Gillian transitioned into the Executive Assistant professionBuilding trust and credibility as a remote EAThe importance of boundaries and protecting your timeUsing Slack workflows to streamline approvals and reduce email overloadHow a simple budget approval workflow saved thousands in unauthorised spendWhy compliance can be a valuable area of expertise for Executive AssistantsManaging competing priorities in a fast-paced sales environmentCreating a single source of communication to reduce overwhelmThe role of personality frameworks in understanding ExecutivesFinding your support network as a remote EADeveloping a growth mindset and continuing professional developmentThe books, podcasts and resources Gillian recommends for Executive AssistantsThis conversation is packed with practical ideas for Executive Assistants who want to become more strategic, work more effectively with their Executive, and create systems that make work easier for everyone around them.Whether you work remotely, in the office, or in a hybrid role, you'll come away with plenty of ideas you can implement immediately.Training & Courses→ The Strategic Business Partner Online Course (The EA Campus)→ Elite EA Course by C&C AcademyBooks→ The Modern-Day Assistant by Lucy Brazier→ The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor→ The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyPodcasts→ The EA Campus Podcast→ The Crodie Files→ Executive Office InsightsFrameworks & Assessments→ Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)→ The Four Tendencies by Gretchen RubinTechnology & Tools→ Slack→ Slack Canvas→ Slack Workflow Builder→ ChatGPT→ Google Gemini→ Google DocsLearning Resources→ Slack Academy→ The Global Skills Matrix for Executive Assistants→ The Rundown AI The EA Campus

Linda Petticrew is one determined woman. She’s worked hard and many long hours to build a stunning career as an Executive Assistant to some of the top CEO’s in the city. But her real strength tenacity was when she faced breast cancer, not once but twice. Diagnosed at a young age, she fought and won her battle and then twenty years later had to fight it again. During this episode, Linda talks about her experience. And she gets candid about her treatment in the workplace and the difference an employer can make in the life of someone dealing with treatment. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1.) How does maintaining a positive attitude and having a strong support system help in coping with a cancer diagnosis? 2.) Why are regular check-ups and screenings important for early detection and treatment of cancer? 3.) How can genetic testing provide valuable information for making informed decisions about preventive measures? 4.) What is the impact of cancer, beyond the individual and their entire family? Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Linda's Background 01:27 The Power of Executive Assistants and Supportive Work Environments 08:14 Maintaining a Positive Attitude and Overcoming Challenges 12:29 Genetic Testing and Preventive Measures 16:13 The Impact of Cancer on Family and Relationships 21:28 Prioritizing Family and Looking Towards the Future 23:17 Hope for a Cancer-Free FutureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is changing the way executives work—but not in the way many people think. According to discussions across LinkedIn and the executive assistant community, the most effective approach is often a hybrid one: using AI to handle repetitive administrative and data-heavy tasks while allowing Executive Assistants to focus on strategic organization, judgment, communication, and relationship management. The goal isn't replacing people—it's helping them operate at a higher level. (LinkedIn) This week, I sat down with Harley Green, CEO of InvestAway and Workergenix, to explore how business owners, investors, and executives can use leverage—both technological and financial—to create more freedom and better results. Harley brings a unique perspective because he's lived every side of the investment journey. A former computer engineer turned real estate entrepreneur, he built his experience through house flipping, BRRRR strategies, private lending, and creative capital deployment. From utilizing HELOCs and infinite banking concepts to strategically selling properties and redeploying capital into lending opportunities, Harley understands how money can be put to work efficiently and effectively. Today, through InvestAway, he helps investors generate returns through short-term, real estate-backed lending opportunities. At the same time, through Workergenix, he helps overwhelmed business owners reclaim between 15 and 30 hours each week by pairing them with AI-powered Executive Assistants who manage inboxes, scheduling, reporting, follow-ups, coordination, and other critical operational tasks. As Harley explains, many executives don't suffer from a lack of ambition—they suffer from a lack of bandwidth. Too often, leaders spend their days trapped in execution rather than focused on vision, growth, and leadership. Workergenix was built to solve that problem by providing dedicated support that operates inside existing business systems while ensuring accountability and follow-through. During our conversation, we discuss: • Why AI works best as an enhancement rather than a replacement for human judgment • How Executive Assistants are evolving into strategic business partners • The biggest operational bottlenecks holding leaders back • Creative strategies for raising and deploying capital • Lessons learned from real estate investing, private lending, and entrepreneurship • How delegation creates freedom, scalability, and growth • What it takes to successfully run multiple businesses while traveling internationally and raising a family Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to buy back your time, an executive searching for operational efficiency, or an investor seeking new ways to grow your capital, this conversation offers practical insights on building systems that create both income and freedom. Join us for an engaging discussion on the intersection of AI, organizational efficiency, real estate investing, leadership, and wealth creation with Harley Green.   For more information: https://www.investaway.co/ Discover More: https://workergenix.com/ LinkedIn: @HarleyGreen Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scale-smart-grow-fast/id1770366237 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this spotlight episode of Diana Brandl's Executive Office Insights, Anne Marie Otañez details her intentional career path, moving from early roles at Netscape, Disney, and Apple to her current strategic position.Learn what it truly means to be a Chief of Staff—a trusted partner, liaison, confidant, and proxy—and the importance of clearly defining the role against that of an Executive Assistant. Anne Marie, who is also an author and the founder of the Chief of Staff Academy, shares how she supports senior leaders, manages a 100% remote work environment with intentional travel, and her goal to build a sustainable family business. Tune in to Episode #375 for insider knowledge and new perspectives on leadership and executive support.Show notes → leaderassistant.com/375--It's the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.Sound too good to be true? It's actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite. --Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.More from The Leader Assistant...Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.comThe Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membershipEvents -> leaderassistantlive.comFree Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

I had the honor of speaking with Maaike Knoester for an interview on the 5 Star Assistant Podcast to discuss my 20-year career as an Executive Assistant, my book The Leader Assistant, and the journey of producing over 360 episodes of my own podcast.In this conversation we talk about challenging misconceptions about our profession. The greatest misunderstanding is that EAs are merely "one-trick ponies" focused on scheduling and expenses. In reality, we are strategic partners who see the whole picture for our executives. Internally, the biggest barrier I see is a lack of confidence, often stemming from attaching personal worth to job performance.To combat burnout and build a sustainable career, I emphasize two core principles:Detach your worth from your work. Your value as a person is separate from your job performance.Set clear boundaries. I made it a point with my current executive to log off on the weekends because you cannot truly help others long-term if you don't take care of yourself.Finally, when it comes to being busy, I see "multitasking" not as doing two things at once, but as the critical skill of prioritizing and context switching effectively between diverse responsibilities.Thank you, Maaike, for the opportunity to be on your show, and for asking such great questions!Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/373--It's the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.Sound too good to be true? It's actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite. --Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.More from The Leader Assistant...Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.comThe Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membershipEvents -> leaderassistantlive.comFree Community -> leaderassistant.com/community