Podcasts about executive assistant

Four years ago, Fern Fuller was juggling it all – a single mum with a full-time job as an Executive Assistant, COVID-induced home-schooling chaos, and the curveball that is perimenopause. Cue a moment of complete exhaustion that saw Fern sliding down the wall of her home office thinking, “I just can't do this anymore.”Fern knew something had to change... then she found TechPixies.Why you should tune inCome and discover how, in just 4 years, Fern has:⭐ Swapped a full-time salary for an income of £77k working 20-25 hours a week. ⭐ Worked with 25+ female founders⭐ Built a client base of companies turning over £250k-£5 million⭐ Created the work-life balance every parent dreams of.And Fern has used her TechPixies training to not only launch her dream business but also create a course that helps other women increase their earning power and level up their skillset, whether they're a VA, PA, freelance admin professional or would love to become one.Here's what to listen out for:[02:02] The moment Fern hit breaking point. [05:54] Fern's greatest fear after leaving her job.  [08:47] “Imagine if it does all work out”.[10:13] Why is Fern launching her EA Accelerator? [13:45] Why Integrators are leaders. So, if you're reading this thinking "I want what Fern has," take a listen and then check out Fern's website for heaps more resources and start dates of her next course.Love our podcast? Leave a review and get hold of our Quick Start Podcast Guide.For details of links and resources mentioned in this episode, visit TechPixies.comWant to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you.Follow us on social media @techpixies and ping us a DM or drop us a line at support@techpixies.com Thanks for listening!

Send us a textAngela: "Those shifts [in work culture] allowed me to remain very career-driven and productive. If they hadn't happened, I could've easily been part of the statistics of women who left the workforce because it was just too much."Huong: "If a plant doesn't thrive in the garden, we don't blame the plant—we look at the environment. It's the same in the workplace. We need to ask: What needs to change to help this person thrive?"In this insightful and heartfelt episode of Have a Seat, I sit down with Angela Smith and Huong Bui, co-founders of KaleidoWork, to explore what it truly means to create human-centric workplaces. Drawing from their rich leadership experience and coaching work, Angela and Huong unpack the beliefs, behaviors, and systems that shape how we work—and how we can do it better. From redefining leadership and boundaries to dismantling outdated 9-to-5 norms, these two powerhouse women share powerful strategies for sustainable leadership and workplace well-being. If you've ever felt burned out, unseen, or boxed in by traditional expectations, this conversation offers a refreshing, compassionate, and action-forward perspective.Connect with Huong & Angela:www.kaleidowork.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@kaleidoworkSupport the showVisit the Have A Seat website for more episodes at: www.haveaseatconversations.com or even better, leave me a quick voicemail at: https://www.haveaseatconversations.com/voicemail/ and let's continue the conversation.Thanks for listening!

Welcome to The EA Campus Podcast with your host, Nicky Christmas. In today's episode, we're diving into the different types of meetings your Executive attends and how you can manage them strategically to drive real progress.Here's what we cover:Why meetings matter more than ever—and how EAs can support their Executive's time as their most valuable resourceThe six key meeting types you need to know:Decision-Making Meetings – Where critical choices happenInformation-Sharing Meetings – Updates and reports that matterBrainstorming/Creative Sessions – Sparking new ideasRelationship-Building Meetings – Building trust and connectionsCrisis/Problem-Solving Meetings – When urgent solutions are neededGovernance/Board Meetings – Formal, high-level decision-makingHow to categorise meetings and tailor your prep: from agendas and pre-reads to setting the right mindset for each typeThe importance of managing transitions between meetings to avoid ‘meeting hangovers' and keep your Executive focusedTips for asking the right questions when scheduling meetings—like clarifying objectives, success criteria, and your Executive's roleThe difference you can make as an EA by setting every meeting up for success, transforming from a diary manager to a strategic partner

Esteemed Colleague Meredith wrote in with a question about celebrating milestones at work.  Let's discuss! I'm celebrating a milestone at work today with my exec - his new book pubilshes today!  You can find out more at leanlearningbook.com while we kick back and enjoy the day.   I always love to hear from you: askanassistant.com Book a 1:1 with me: jesslindgren.com/coaching Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me.  Have an awesome week!  xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter?  Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214

"Join Alexandra Johnson, an Executive Assistant at Rental Boyz, as she shares how to find the right employees — the kind who don't just fill a role but help your business grow. In this video, Alexandra walks you through the hiring mindset and the key questions you should be asking to spot top talent from the start. If you're building a team that's ready to level up with you, this is a must-watch!"Download The Ultimate Checklist for Free:

Send us a textWhat keeps me going is knowing how important this role is and how we can learn and grow in these roles but the key is to know who you are and see yourself. Know your work and know your worth. ~ KathyHaving a lack of confidence not only begins to play on your own psyche, self esteem and self worth, but it will begin to also show up in your money, in missed promotions, opportunities and stretch assignments. ~ RhondaIn this episode, I sit down with the dynamic duo behind The BEA Network — Kathy A. Adams and Rhonda Augustus — two powerhouse executive assistants, leaders, and changemakers who are expanding what's possible in the admin profession. We chat about their inspiration for launching The Black Executive Admin Network, the importance of visibility and voice for Black admin professionals, and how their own career journeys led them to build the kind of community they wish they had. If you've ever felt like there wasn't space for you at the table, this conversation is your reminder that you can build your own — and invite others to thrive alongside you.Connect with Kathy & RhondaRhonda AugustusWebsite: The Confident CommunicatorLinkedIn: (2) Rhonda Augustus | LinkedInKathy A. Adams, MBA – Your #1 Admin AdvocateWebsite: KathyAAdams.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyaadams-mba/Business LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gfTFvirNThe BEA NetworkWebsite: www.thebeanetwork.comLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14620215/Support the showVisit the Have A Seat website for more episodes at: www.haveaseatconversations.com or even better, leave me a quick voicemail at: https://www.haveaseatconversations.com/voicemail/ and let's continue the conversation.Thanks for listening!

Business travel – glamorous on Instagram, chaotic in real life. In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas revisits one of her most-requested topics: how to expertly plan and manage business travel for your executive. Originally recorded at her first public speaking event back in 2012 (or maybe 2013 – who's counting?), this session has been fully updated for 2025 with all the latest tools, AI tricks, and tech tips.Whether your executive is flying long-haul or hopping on a train to a regional office, you'll learn how to build a bulletproof itinerary that keeps them calm, collected, and exactly where they need to be. From pre-flight prep to worst-case scenario plans, we're covering it all.Oh, and yes – we still print the itinerary. Even in 2025.In this episode, we cover:Why travel planning is still one of the most essential EA skillsSetting clear expectations before your executive sets foot on a planeQuestions to ask before you book anything (trust us, these are game changers)What the purpose of the trip tells you about how to plan itHow to build an itinerary your executive will actually useFour essentials every itinerary needs – plus the added extras that make all the differenceWhy paper copies still matter (yes, really)Who should get a copy of the itinerary – it's not just your exec!How to prep for delays, jet lag, and all those unexpected curveballsThe best AI and travel tech tools to streamline the process in 2025One final Google Maps trick that will make you look like a total travel genius

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of Abiding in God by discussing how having proximity to Jesus allows us to bear much fruit, and we discussed what it looks like to abide in Him with Greg Dempster. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries, an organization that transforms Christian leaders from various denominational backgrounds. We turned to John 15 to analyze Jesus’s metaphor of the grapevine. His metaphor demonstrates the structure of a spiritual circuit breaker, where our source is God, and we bear fruit when we are connected to Him and Jesus. The Father is the Gardener, Jesus is the grapevine, and we are the branches. We also had Lori Ridder come in and share her testimony. Lori is the Executive Assistant to Karl at 180 Chicago, a multi-location church where Karl is the Senior Pastor. She has also led two successful webinars on the connection between faith and fitness, including her own journey, weight loss, spiritual strength, and lifelong healthy choices. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of Abiding in God by discussing how having proximity to Jesus allows us to bear much fruit, and we discussed what it looks like to abide in Him with Greg Dempster. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries, an organization that transforms Christian leaders from various denominational backgrounds. We turned to John 15 to analyze Jesus’s metaphor of the grapevine. His metaphor demonstrates the structure of a spiritual circuit breaker, where our source is God, and we bear fruit when we are connected to Him and Jesus. The Father is the Gardener, Jesus is the grapevine, and we are the branches. We also had Lori Ridder come in and share her testimony. Lori is the Executive Assistant to Karl at 180 Chicago, a multi-location church where Karl is the Senior Pastor. She has also led two successful webinars on the connection between faith and fitness, including her own journey, weight loss, spiritual strength, and lifelong healthy choices. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of Abiding in God by discussing how having proximity to Jesus allows us to bear much fruit, and we discussed what it looks like to abide in Him with Greg Dempster. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries, an organization that transforms Christian leaders from various denominational backgrounds. We turned to John 15 to analyze Jesus’s metaphor of the grapevine. His metaphor demonstrates the structure of a spiritual circuit breaker, where our source is God, and we bear fruit when we are connected to Him and Jesus. The Father is the Gardener, Jesus is the grapevine, and we are the branches. We also had Lori Ridder come in and share her testimony. Lori is the Executive Assistant to Karl at 180 Chicago, a multi-location church where Karl is the Senior Pastor. She has also led two successful webinars on the connection between faith and fitness, including her own journey, weight loss, spiritual strength, and lifelong healthy choices. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of Abiding in God by discussing how having proximity to Jesus allows us to bear much fruit, and we discussed what it looks like to abide in Him with Greg Dempster. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries, an organization that transforms Christian leaders from various denominational backgrounds. We turned to John 15 to analyze Jesus’s metaphor of the grapevine. His metaphor demonstrates the structure of a spiritual circuit breaker, where our source is God, and we bear fruit when we are connected to Him and Jesus. The Father is the Gardener, Jesus is the grapevine, and we are the branches. We also had Lori Ridder come in and share her testimony. Lori is the Executive Assistant to Karl at 180 Chicago, a multi-location church where Karl is the Senior Pastor. She has also led two successful webinars on the connection between faith and fitness, including her own journey, weight loss, spiritual strength, and lifelong healthy choices. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of Abiding in God by discussing how having proximity to Jesus allows us to bear much fruit, and we discussed what it looks like to abide in Him with Greg Dempster. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries, an organization that transforms Christian leaders from various denominational backgrounds. We turned to John 15 to analyze Jesus’s metaphor of the grapevine. His metaphor demonstrates the structure of a spiritual circuit breaker, where our source is God, and we bear fruit when we are connected to Him and Jesus. The Father is the Gardener, Jesus is the grapevine, and we are the branches. We also had Lori Ridder come in and share her testimony. Lori is the Executive Assistant to Karl at 180 Chicago, a multi-location church where Karl is the Senior Pastor. She has also led two successful webinars on the connection between faith and fitness, including her own journey, weight loss, spiritual strength, and lifelong healthy choices. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of Abiding in God by discussing how having proximity to Jesus allows us to bear much fruit, and we discussed what it looks like to abide in Him with Greg Dempster. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries, an organization that transforms Christian leaders from various denominational backgrounds. We turned to John 15 to analyze Jesus’s metaphor of the grapevine. His metaphor demonstrates the structure of a spiritual circuit breaker, where our source is God, and we bear fruit when we are connected to Him and Jesus. The Father is the Gardener, Jesus is the grapevine, and we are the branches. We also had Lori Ridder come in and share her testimony. Lori is the Executive Assistant to Karl at 180 Chicago, a multi-location church where Karl is the Senior Pastor. She has also led two successful webinars on the connection between faith and fitness, including her own journey, weight loss, spiritual strength, and lifelong healthy choices. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of Abiding in God by discussing how having proximity to Jesus allows us to bear much fruit, and we discussed what it looks like to abide in Him with Greg Dempster. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries, an organization that transforms Christian leaders from various denominational backgrounds. We turned to John 15 to analyze Jesus’s metaphor of the grapevine. His metaphor demonstrates the structure of a spiritual circuit breaker, where our source is God, and we bear fruit when we are connected to Him and Jesus. The Father is the Gardener, Jesus is the grapevine, and we are the branches. We also had Lori Ridder come in and share her testimony. Lori is the Executive Assistant to Karl at 180 Chicago, a multi-location church where Karl is the Senior Pastor. She has also led two successful webinars on the connection between faith and fitness, including her own journey, weight loss, spiritual strength, and lifelong healthy choices. You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's talk about the importance of language when it comes to the word SHOULD.   I always love to hear from you: askanassistant.com Book a 1:1 with me: jesslindgren.com/coaching Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me.  Have an awesome week!  xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter?  Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214

Whitney Faires is a former Chief of Staff to the CFO of a Fortune 500 company, and has over 20 years of corporate experience.In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Whitney talks about her experience as a CoS, the evolving dynamics between Chiefs of Staff and Executive Assistants, and the core competencies required for exceptional executive support.Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/325--In-person meeting planning can be a lot to manage. That's where TROOP Planner comes in. TROOP Planner is built to make life easier for busy assistants like yourself. Whether you're organizing an executive offsite, department meeting, or team retreat, TROOP keeps it simple, fast, and organized.Visit leaderassistant.com/troop to learn more! --Automate scheduling with YouCanBookMe by Capacity. Sign up for a FREE trial -> leaderassistant.com/calendar. --Get your digital copy of The Leader Assistant Workbook at leaderassistantbook.com/workbook to lead yourself, lead your team, and lead your executive.More from The Leader Assistant... Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership Events -> leaderassistantlive.com Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

Send us a text"You don't have to be composed 100% of the time. You don't have to be the steady one, the cheerful one, the “office therapist” every single day. You can be messy. You can be human. And you can still be amazing at your job."In this heartfelt solo episode, I get real about a part of the admin role we don't talk about enough: emotional labor. From holding space for overwhelmed coworkers to staying composed while managing total chaos, admin professionals often carry the invisible weight of everyone else's emotions — all while keeping their own in check. Sound familiar? You're not alone. Tune in as I unpack what emotional labor looks like in our world, how it shows up day after day, the toll it can quietly take, and how to start caring for yourself in the process. It's honest, validating, and a must-listen for anyone who's ever smiled through the stress and said, “It's fine.”Support the showVisit the Have A Seat website for more episodes at: www.haveaseatconversations.com or even better, leave me a quick voicemail at: https://www.haveaseatconversations.com/voicemail/ and let's continue the conversation.Thanks for listening!

In this solo episode, host Nicky Christmas dives into a topic that's often overlooked but absolutely essential for Executive Assistants - feedback. Not just collecting it, but organising it, categorising it, and using it to demonstrate your value, influence, and impact.We'll unpack how to turn everyday praise into a powerful narrative you can use in performance reviews, salary conversations, and even job interviews. If you've ever struggled to explain your contribution, this episode will give you the tools—and the confidence—to make your invisible work visible.Plus, Nicky shares a free downloadable Feedback Categorisation Template to help you get started.

171: Melba J. Duncan is the Founder and President of The Duncan Group Inc., a retained search and consulting firm. Since 1985, the firm has been advising CEOs and other corporate leaders regarding specialized senior management support resources. Ms. Duncan was Assistant to The Hon. Peter G. Peterson, Founder of The Peter G. Peterson Foundation, Chairman Emeritus and Co-Founder of The Blackstone Group, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb Incorporated, and former Secretary of Commerce. In her prior position, she was Assistant to Sanford C. Bernstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., a New York Stock Exchange member firm, where she was elected Corporate Secretary and became a stockholder. Ms. Duncan is an experienced public speaker. She has served as keynote speaker at the American Management Association's Annual Conference for Executive Secretaries & Administrative Assistants. Ms. Duncan has served as chairperson for the Marcus Evans Executaries Forums, held in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Toronto, and Montreal. Ms. Duncan has delivered the keynote address to the EA&PA Congress Series in Sydney, Australia, and Adelaide, Australia, respectively and served as Keynote for the EA/PA Congress in Melbourne, Australia. Ms. Duncan has served as Keynote and Conference Host for the Bermuda Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals and has served as a presenter at the World Bank, Washington DC, responding to the topic “Shaping your future: Maintaining Your Competitiveness.”   Articles and Video:​ Indispensability and Legacy: Interview – Melba Duncan and Lucy Brazier OBE: https://lnkd.in/eQigh3iU Harvard Business Review: The Secret Weapon of Great Leaders (HBR Video): https://hbr.org/2011/05/the-secret-weapon-of-great-lea The Essential Assistant: Secretariado Master Class (São Paulo, Brazil) (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCgs2yFxyyg Harvard Business Review: What Executive Assistants Know About Managing Up: https://hbr.org/2014/12/what-executive-assistants-know-about-managing-up Harvard Business Review: May 2011: The Case for Executive Assistants: https://hbr.org/2011/05/the-case-for-executive-assistants   Books by Melba J. Duncan: - Indispensability: Administrative Intelligence - The Importance of the Other AI (Centenary University Press, June 2025) - EQ/IQ Developing Emotional Intelligence for Effective Executive Support (Open Hand Press, 2021) - The New Executive Assistant: Advice for Succeeding as an Executive or Administrative Assistant (McGraw Hill, 1997) - How To Succeed in Business As An Executive Assistant (Collier Books, 1990) More about the podcast: Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

Send us a text“We're not just welcoming someone to the team — we're helping them feel like they actually belong there.”In this solo episode of Have a Seat, we're talking onboarding — but not from the new hire's perspective. Nope, this one's for the admin professionals who actually make onboarding work. From scheduling smarter 1:1s and dropping office culture cheat codes, to giving real campus tours (yes, the bathroom matters) and sharing local lunch secrets, I'm spilling the admin-side tea on how to make someone feel welcome and equipped. Whether you're in the office or onboarding from afar, this episode is your reminder that when it comes to first impressions, we're the ones who make it make sense.Support the showVisit the Have A Seat website for more episodes at: www.haveaseatconversations.com or even better, leave me a quick voicemail at: https://www.haveaseatconversations.com/voicemail/ and let's continue the conversation.Thanks for listening!

After spending many years as an Executive Assistant, Ethan Bull unexpectedly faced layoffs, forcing him to reconsider his career path. With his severance package as a financial cushion, Ethan and his wife, Stephanie, launched ProAssisting, a fractional EA company. Their business focuses on connecting highly skilled EAs with top-level executives, offering flexible, high-quality support without the need for a full-time hire.   -Chapters- 00:00 Intro 4:32 Entrepreneurial background 6:35 Starting ProAssisting 14:51 Keeping up with technology 16:16 Using AI in the company 19:44 Delegating tasks to an assistant 22:16 The future of the business 28:17 Work-life balance 31:51 Looking back on the business 34:27 Advice to other entrepreneurs 36:23 Closing and contact

We're thrilled to bring you a truly special episode of REACH—one that's been years in the making! For the first time, we're hearing from both an Executive and her former Executive Assistant in a joint conversation about what it takes to build a powerful, productive partnership. In this episode, we sit down with Varsha Rao, Founder and CEO of Zeal AI, and Sheena Deol, who supported Varsha during her time as CEO of Nurx. Their partnership spanned 3.5 years, and the insights they share about trust, communication, and operating as a true extension of one another are nothing short of inspiring. You'll also get an inside look at Varsha's newest venture, Zeal AI—an AI-powered restaurant discovery and booking assistant that's designed to make planning business meals effortless. Whether you're booking client dinners, private dining rooms, or just trying to find the perfect spot during travel, Zeal AI is quickly becoming an indispensable tool for EAs. Sponsor: This episode of REACH is sponsored by Zeal AI your AI-powered restaurant discovery and reservation planning assistant designed to make organizing business dinners and meetings effortless and memorable. Whether you're looking for the perfect restaurant for your team, board meetings, client lunches, including private dining options, near your office or for business travel, Zeal AI brings it all together in one place. Zeal's intuitive AI search helps you discover and book restaurants across platforms—saving you time and stress and includes reviews from other EAs who've booked for business. Zeal AI also has private dining options that have been vetted by other EAs to simplify your work. As a special thank you to our listeners, the first 500 Executive Assistants to visit www.hellozeal.ai/maven/ will receive exclusive VIP access, including Zeal's innovative EA agent that helps you handle complex booking tasks with ease. Less planning, more doing—thanks to Zeal AI!

Annie Croner is the founder and CEO of Whole Assistant, an online platform & community, formed to provide a positive place where assistants can go to transform their lives and level up their careers.In this spotlight episode of Annie's show, The Whole Assistant Podcast, she shares work hacks for busy executive assistants.Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/323--In-person meeting planning can be a lot to manage. That's where TROOP Planner comes in. TROOP Planner is built to make life easier for busy assistants like yourself. Whether you're organizing an executive offsite, department meeting, or team retreat, TROOP keeps it simple, fast, and organized.Visit leaderassistant.com/troop to learn more! --Get your digital copy of The Leader Assistant Workbook at leaderassistantbook.com/workbook to lead yourself, lead your team, and lead your executive.More from The Leader Assistant... Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership Events -> leaderassistantlive.com Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

Send us a text"Sometimes it's not what you say, but how you say it that makes all the difference."Ever had one of those service experiences that just stuck with you? In this week's mini episode of Have a Seat, I share a recent interaction with a rental car company that got me thinking about the power of perception—and how admin professionals are often the first impression, the voice, and the vibe of the entire organization.Whether you're answering the phone, drafting an email, or greeting a guest, how you show up matters (even on a random Tuesday at 4:30). Tune in for a quick, honest reminder of why your presence as an admin pro carries more weight than you think—and how stellar communication can leave a lasting impact.Support the showVisit the Have A Seat website for more episodes at: www.haveaseatconversations.com or even better, leave me a quick voicemail at: https://www.haveaseatconversations.com/voicemail/ and let's continue the conversation.Thanks for listening!

This week, we're tackling one of the most common challenges Assistants face - getting your Executive to delegate.If your Executive insists on doing everything themselves, avoids handing off tasks, or says they simply don't have time to show you the ropes, you're not alone. In this episode, I unpack eight key reasons why so many Executives struggle to delegate and what you can do about it. From perfectionism and fear of failure to not knowing where to start, we'll explore the mindset behind the resistance and give you practical strategies to break through the barrier.You'll learn how to:Understand the psychology behind under-delegationUse the “multiple-choice strategy” to make it easier for your Executive to say yesBuild trust and showcase your capability through small winsCreate a system that makes delegation a habit, not a headachePlus, I'll share tips on how to keep your Executive accountable once they start delegating.

Send us a text“It's OK, you can thrive in your career and still desire a thriving relationship, one doesn't have to come at the expense of another.”Can you really lead in your career and still have a life? This week's guest, career success coach Sara Spencer, says absolutely yes — and she's here to show us how. In this energizing conversation, Sara shares her personal journey from burnout to balance and how it inspired her to help other women leaders do the same. We dive into what it means to redefine success, make room for relationships and joy, and stop glorifying the “always on” hustle. If you've ever felt like you had to choose between ambition and well-being, this one's for you.Connect with Sara:Sara Spencerhttps://www.instagram.com/saraspencercoaching/https://www.facebook.com/saraspencercoachinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabspencer/Support the showVisit the Have A Seat website for more episodes at: www.haveaseatconversations.com or even better, leave me a quick voicemail at: https://www.haveaseatconversations.com/voicemail/ and let's continue the conversation.Thanks for listening!

A celebration of some of the ways Kris Vallotton has blessed my life.

From setting goals and refreshing their profile to drafting content and tracking engagement, Nicky walks you through seven practical steps to help your Executive build a personal brand on LinkedIn - without it taking over your day.Whether you're already ghostwriting posts or just starting to explore what this might look like, this episode is packed with advice, real-world EA insights, and helpful tools to make the process smoother.You don't need to be a social media manager to add value here. You just need the right plan, the right tools, and the confidence to get started.Plus, don't miss the bonus segment on what not to do when managing your Exec's LinkedIn, and a reminder of the exciting events coming up on The EA Campus!

Send us a text“Your job title didn't give you your worth — that was all you.”This special mini-episode of Have a Seat is dedicated to the admin professionals who may not have a team to celebrate with this Admin Professionals Month. Whether you're in between roles, navigating a layoff, or just in a quieter season of your career, this honest and heartfelt message is for you. This is a reminder that your worth isn't tied to your job title — you matter, you're seen, and you're not alone.Support the showVisit the Have A Seat website for more episodes at: www.haveaseatconversations.com or even better, leave me a quick voicemail at: https://www.haveaseatconversations.com/voicemail/ and let's continue the conversation.Thanks for listening!

Happy Administrative Professionals Week! And what better way to celebrate than by spotlighting the incredible journey of Tanya Benvenuto! In this episode of REACH, we're celebrating a remarkable milestone—Tanya Benvenuto's 10-year anniversary at Okta! Tanya's career evolution from Executive Assistant to Senior Vice President of Executive Operations for the Office of the CEO is nothing short of extraordinary. And for us, this one's personal—REACH host Jessica Vann had the privilege of placing Tanya at Okta a decade ago (even though Tanya nearly turned the offer down!). Tanya's journey is a powerful example of what it means to advocate for yourself, lean into your potential, and shape your own trajectory. Over the past ten years, she's transformed her role from behind-the-scenes support to a strategic leadership position, building and leading a high-performing executive operations team that partners directly with Okta's top executives. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to go from supporting leadership to becoming leadership—this one's for you!   It's here! What is arguably Maven Recruiting Group's most sought-after resource each year—our Annual Compensation Guide for Administrative Hiring! Don't miss out on the insights that can shape your strategy for the year ahead. Download your copy now: https://www.mavenrec.com/compensation-guide

Join us as we talk to Eshwar K Vikas, the Co-founder of Beyond Appliances about their story.Eshwar holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from SRM University and later pursued Entrepreneurial Studies at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.He began his career as an Associate at Ichiban Consultants, followed by a role as Executive Assistant to the CEO of Amar Group. Eshwar is the CEO and Co-founder of Mukunda Foods, a company he has successfully led for the past 13 years.In 2024, he co-founded Beyond Appliances, marking his latest entrepreneurial venture.

In this special Admin Week episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we're exploring one of the most important (and often most uncomfortable) topics for Executive Assistants: asking for a training budget.If you've ever felt awkward or unsure about asking for professional development support, this episode is for you. We're unpacking the mindset shift that turns “asking for permission” into “claiming what's already available to you” - because training isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.We cover:Why EA-specific training matters more than everThe reasons assistants hold back from asking for budget—and how to move past themHow to make a confident, strategic ask (with a strong ROI)What to do if the answer is “no”The tools and templates available to make your ask easier (including our free Business Case Template)Plus, to celebrate Admin Week, we're offering 40% off all EA Campus online courses through April—the perfect reason to take that next step.This is your moment. You deserve professional development, and in this episode, we'll show you how to ask for it with clarity, confidence, and purpose. The EA Campus

Happy Administrative Professionals Day/Week to all who celebrate!   At the time of recording, I am recovering from having pneumonia and bronchitis at the same time!  The message up top is short and sweet, the episode that follows is evergreen and dear to my heart.   All tickets to Ask An Assistant #AdminProDay events have been refunded.  Thank you to everyone who enrolled, your belief in me is humbling, and I look forward to learning together later this year, and always.   I always love to hear from you: askanassistant.com Book a 1:1 with me: jesslindgren.com/coaching Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me.  Have an awesome week!  xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter?  Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214

Send us a text“Burnout isn't a badge of honor. It's a warning sign that something's out of balance — and you don't have to earn your exhaustion to be worthy.”Feeling stretched thin and running on fumes? You're not alone. In this energizing episode of Have a Seat, I'm joined by the incredible Dr. Jen Harrison, a dissertation coach, mental health advocate, and fierce champion for women navigating high-pressure spaces. We dive into the realities of burnout, the myths we've been sold about pushing through exhaustion, and how to build sustainable boundaries that actually stick. Dr. Jen shares her wisdom on reclaiming your space, protecting your energy, and why burnout is not a badge of honor — it's a warning sign. If you've been waiting for permission to step off the hamster wheel, this is it.Connect with Jen:Read Write Perfecthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-harrison-769a89172/Support the showVisit the Have A Seat website for more episodes at: www.haveaseatconversations.com or even better, leave me a quick voicemail at: https://www.haveaseatconversations.com/voicemail/ and let's continue the conversation.Thanks for listening!

Part 1 John Kiriakou :Reluctant Spy: My Secret Life in the CIA's War on TerrorJohn Kiriakou is a former CIA officer, former senior investigator for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and former counterterrorism consultant for ABC News.In 2002, Kiriakou became the chief of counterterrorism operations in Pakistan, where he led a CIA team in the March 2002 raid and capture of Abu Zubaydah, then thought to be al-Qaeda's third-ranking official.Following Abu Zubaydah's capture, Kiriakou became Executive Assistant to the CIA's Deputy Director for Operations, where he served as the Director of Central Intelligence's principal Iraq briefer.Kiriakou left the CIA in March 2004. He later served as a senior investigator on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and as senior intelligence advisor to Committee Chairman Senator John Kerry. Kiriakou also authored a bestselling book, "The Reluctant Spy: My Secret Life in the CIA's War on Terror," and worked as an intelligence consultant for ABC News.Throughout his career, Kiriakou received 12 CIA Exceptional Performance Awards, the CIA's Sustained Superior Performance Award, the Counterterrorism Service Medal, and the State Department's Meritorious Honor Award.In 2007, Kiriakou appeared on ABC News, during which he became the first CIA officer to confirm that the CIA waterboarded detainees, and he labeled waterboarding as “torture.” Kiriakou's interview revealed that this practice was official U.S. policy approved at the highest levels of the government.The government began investigating Kiriakou immediately after his media appearance. Five years later, he was charged with multiple felonies resulting from his whistleblowing. He became the sixth whistleblower indicted by the Obama administration under the Espionage Act - a law designed to punish spies.Eventually, in order to avoid a trial that could have resulted in separation from his wife and five children for up to 45 years, he opted to plead guilty to one count of a reduced charge in exchange for a 30-month sentence.In 2012 Kiriakou was honored with the Joe A. Callaway Award for Civic Courage, an award given to individuals who “advance truth and justice despite the personal risk it creates.” Two days prior to sentencing, he was honored by inclusion of his portrait in artist Robert Shetterly's series "Americans Who Tell the Truth," which features notable truth-tellers throughout American history.Kiriakou reported to federal prison in Loretto, Pennsylvania on February 28, 2013 to begin serving his sentence, where he continued to speak out in a series of "Letters from Loretto," including his first, which provided a stunning portrait of prison life. In November 2013, the Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County, California honored Kiriakou as its "Peacemaker of the Year." He was awarded the prestigious PEN First Amendment Award from the PEN Center USA in August 2015.He was released from prison in February 2015.Part 2 Attorney Michael J. Bowe - American Marines Turn Blind Eye to Child Sex AbusePro BonoMichael engages in substantial pro bono work for institutions and individuals, including representing victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the family of United States Marine Lance Corporal Gregory Buckley, Jr., and Marine Corp Major Jason Brezler. These high-profile matters of national import have received substantial Congressional, press, and public attention.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

In this episode, we're diving into a topic that sparked a massive response on LinkedIn - KPIs for Executive Assistants. If you've ever struggled to explain your value, felt stuck in performance reviews, or wondered how to track the impact of your work, this is the episode for you.We explain KPIs, why they matter in our role, and how you can start measuring your impact in simple, practical ways without adding to your workload. We also discuss how to use this data in one-to-ones, performance reviews, interviews, and even casual conversations with your Executive (yes, without feeling like you're bragging!).And a huge thank you to our sponsor, Vimcal EA, for supporting this episode. Their brand-new Executive Calendar Audit feature is a game-changer for Assistants looking to save time and prove their value. Make sure to check out the free upcoming webinar!Links and Resources MentionedFree KPI Template for Executive Assistants → theeacampus.com/podcast/ep58Vimcal EA – Executive Calendar Audit Tool → https://vimcal.com/eaVimcal EA Webinar – Hosted by CTO Michael Zhao → Next session: April 18th, 2025 – Register here: https://lu.ma/ro0ylk6k

Esteemed Colleague Jen has questions about AI - do I use any, can I recommend any programs, and do I worry that AI is coming for my job as an EA?   I'm hosting three sessions for Administrative Professionals Day 2025 - it would be an honor to have you join me for any/all of them: adminproday.com I always love to hear from you: askanassistant.com Book a 1:1 with me: jesslindgren.com/coaching Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me.  Have an awesome week!  xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter?  Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214

Send us a text"Your EA isn't just keeping your schedule running — they're keeping your world in motion."This week on Have A Seat…Conversations With Women in the Workplace, I'm flipping the mic and speaking directly to the executives, managers, and teams lucky enough to work alongside an executive assistant. In honor of Admin Professionals Month, we're getting real about what it actually means to work with an EA—and spoiler alert: it's a lot more than managing calendars and booking travel. From letting your EA in on the big picture to treating them like the strategic partner they are, I'm dishing out the dos, the don'ts, and the ‘please stop doing thats' of this crucial working relationship. If you're ready to level up how you collaborate with your EA (and make your life a whole lot easier in the process), hit play.Support the showVisit the Have A Seat website for more episodes at: www.haveaseatconversations.com or even better, leave me a quick voicemail at: https://www.haveaseatconversations.com/voicemail/ and let's continue the conversation.Thanks for listening!

Chris Piehota retired from the FBI as one of the organization's eight most senior executives (FBI Executive Assistant Director) after serving nearly 25 years as a Supervisory Special Agent who led global national security programs and oversaw sensitive technical operations across the law enforcement and intelligence communities. Since retiring, Piehota wrote a book titled, "WANTED: The FBI I Once Knew" which recounts his unique experiences rising through the ranks of the bureau and offers how we can restore faith in the world's premier law enforcement agency.  Link to the book https://a.co/d/2C2ZrUw   Support The Sponsors That Support TPS! Black Box Safety - Instagram @blackboxsafety www.blackboxsafety.com sourcewell@blackboxsafety.com ProForce Law Enforcement - Instagram @proforcelawenforcement / 1-800-367-5855 Special Discount Link for TPS listeners!   https://tps.proforceonline.com   Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055  

Welcome to April housekeeping!   Ask An Assistant Episode 15: National Volunteer Week Administrative Professionals Day happenings:  Jeremy Burrows // IAAP (no H!) // Admin Pro Day Let me know how you're cultivating/maintaining community, whether at home or at work.  It's so important - now more than ever. 

Esteemed Colleague Nat writes in with a question about scheduling the right amount of time with people who need time on their executive's calendar.     I'm hosting three sessions for Administrative Professionals Day 2025 - it would be an honor to have you join me for any/all of them: adminproday.com I always love to hear from you: askanassistant.com Book a 1:1 with me: jesslindgren.com/coaching Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me.  Have an awesome week!  xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter?  Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214

We're excited to share our conversation with Eliza Leoni, Senior Consultant at Decker Communications, who has extensive experience coaching senior leaders on high-stakes communication. Eliza's expertise spans a range of critical areas—from leading presentations to large audiences, managing organizational change, and navigating difficult conversations. In this episode, we dive into the role of narrative in driving change, especially for Executive Assistants. You'll hear how storytelling can shape team dynamics, keep everyone aligned during uncertainty, and help influence without formal authority. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their communication skills and make an impact in their organization. Don't miss out on the valuable insights Eliza has to offer!

In this segment, we dive into the essentials of finding and hiring the right executive assistant for your business. From posting the perfect job description to utilizing an HR consultant for a streamlined hiring process, I share actionable insights to make recruiting easier. You'll also learn why a skills-based task is essential for evaluating candidates and how an EA can truly transform your daily operations by handling the work that pulls your focus from business growth. Join me as we explore strategies to make your first major hire a success and free up time for high-level decisions! RESOURCES: [FREE] Don't miss my free 5-Day 7-Figure Business School and learn the blueprint to grow a seven-figure education consulting business. I'm going to teach you the psychology of a millionaire, how to identify million-dollar problems, package and price your offers, master my seven-figure sales process, and identify leads to pitch immediately. Click HERE to sign up now! [LIVE EVENT] Join us at Seven Figure Educator Live, a three-day event in Atlanta, Georgia, where you'll experience unparalleled support, community, and fellowship with your fellow educators. Click HERE to grab your ticket now and let's make magic happen together in Atlanta!  [FB COMMUNITY] Don't miss out on your chance to connect with other education consultants in our free public Facebook group! Click HERE and find your 7-Figure community today. Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas  IG | @e_jordanthomas LinkedIn | @erica-jordan-thomas-ed-l-d-86314764  Facebook | @EJTConsultingLLC  Enjoyed this episode? Like, rate, and subscribe to the 7-Figure Educator podcast!  7-Figure Educator is produced by EPYC Media Network

Hilani Ellis is the founder of Exceptional Admins, a specialized headhunting firm renowned for connecting top talent with high-demand roles for over eight years.In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Hilani, a former executive assistant, shares her top tip for resume crafting, recommendations on preparing for and nailing job interviews, and gives us an inside look at what executives are hungry for in an assistant.Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/317--In-person meeting planning can be a lot to manage. That's where TROOP Planner comes in. TROOP Planner is built to make life easier for busy assistants like yourself. Whether you're organizing an executive offsite, department meeting, or team retreat, TROOP keeps it simple, fast, and organized.Visit leaderassistant.com/troop to learn more! --Automate scheduling with YouCanBookMe by Capacity. Sign up for a FREE trial -> leaderassistant.com/calendar. --Get your digital copy of The Leader Assistant Workbook at leaderassistantbook.com/workbook to lead yourself, lead your team, and lead your executive.More from The Leader Assistant... Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership Events -> leaderassistantlive.com Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

In this episode, Monique is here to tell you all about her experience at Small Business Mastermind. You know how I always say I am where work comes from? Well Monique is where in person events have come from in the past and you've probably heard her on the podcast. She's been a professional organizer, certified by Organize 365®, for 12 years now! She has attended our events as a customer, as staff, as an organizer, and now, a small business owner looking to grow an online business. From the moment everyone arrived at the hotel, everyone just jumped right in. Due to the private chat set up in the app before the mastermind they all had a chance to connect. They were able to connect prior to the mastermind.  Monique shared her surprise that more attendees weren't organizers. But they all were women creating business.   Day one started with an  energy in the room like a bunch of old friends reuniting, even for me because of all the Voxer conversations I'd had with all the women. And because of all of those conversations and the extensive survey everyone had filled out I knew the main struggle for everyone attending was green work.  Everyone was asking “How do you get it all done?” We had a lengthy conversion about Executive Assistants and Chiefs of Staff and how you know which you need. Monique shared how she got so much value out of the first session. Everyone looked at their admin tasks and they calculated a dollar value for that task. It's like I shared about economic stage 6, it may make more sense to pay someone to do something you are capable of doing because it takes you out of your business. Monique said that was one of the most impactful things she learned. We joked, once we had that session Monique was ready to go home and conquer her business!  I've shared transparently that on day 2, I didn't really know what I was going to teach but I had no doubt that it was going to be meaningful. As we try new things, if we keep the person we are doing it for in mind, it will be impactful because we want better for them. That's when I decided to do 12 minutes with Lisa to really drill down on one struggle or thought or project.  I didn't know till Monique shared but as people came out they all shared what they asked and what we came up with.  Monique brought to the table an online business that she wanted to grow. I advised that was a tough road if she wanted to go down it due to social media being such a beast like a part time job itself, all the noise online in general, and all the back office automations and such she would need would take years to build out. But Monique really did want to incorporate her coaching, paper organizing and productivity. But it's funny both Monique and Lisa D. couldn't remember their original idea they came to me with because what we imagined together was so much better and a perfect solution that they were so excited about. The day ended with the women attending Friday Workbox Planning Day live.  I've never had applause at the end of Planning Day.  Monique is offering an amazing package to come to your house for a week and organize. But we all know how easy it is to fall off the wagon after a reset like that. So you will also get 3 months of coaching on the systems and staying organized. So once you get it organized it can pretty much stay that way! She's only taking 10 clients per year so make sure you get your package booked today!!  We pay people to do a lot of things for us like watching our kids, cleaning, our accounting so why not for organizing our homes and coaching to support this change? EPISODE RESOURCES: Small Business Mastermind The Sunday Basket® The Paper Solution® The Productive Home Solution® Sign Up for the Organize 365® Newsletter  On the Wednesday podcast, I get to talk with members of the Organize 365­® community as they share the challenges, progress, missteps and triumphs along their organizing journey. I am grateful that you are reaching out to share with me and with this community. You can see and hear transformation in action. If you are ready to share your story with us, please apply at https://organize365.com/wednesday. Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Organize 365® when you share on social media!

Some entrepreneurs build one company. Others become serial founders. Then there's Vadim Rogovskiy — a rare breed who has built, scaled, sold, shut down, invested, and started all over again. His journey involved switching industries and switching sides on both sides of the table. Vadim's latest venture, Stealth Startup, has developed EVE, an AI assistant that allows humans to focus on high-impact decisions while it handles the rest. AI can filter 80% of noise, 80% of less important threads, conversations, etc., thus extending human capabilities.

In this episode, we welcome long-time REACH fan Karima Thomson, joining us from Abu Dhabi! Karima supports the Executive Leadership Team at Core42, a leading AI company, and previously worked at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). Born in Scotland, with career experience in London and the Middle East, Karima shares how the EA role in Abu Dhabi compares to the U.S. and Europe, the cultural nuances shaping executive support in the UAE, and how AI is transforming the profession. We also discuss misconceptions about the EA role in the Middle East, the realities of work-life balance in a fast-paced region, and the power of embracing discomfort for career growth. If you're an EA with international ambitions, this one's for you!

Gabrielle Waxenberg is a seasoned EA with over 12 years of experience supporting CEOs and founders in various industries.In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Gabrielle talks about transitioning from EA to business owner, advocating for and empowering EAs, and helping assistants get the recognition they deserve.Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/316--In-person meeting planning can be a lot to manage. That's where TROOP Planner comes in. TROOP Planner is built to make life easier for busy assistants like yourself. Whether you're organizing an executive offsite, department meeting, or team retreat, TROOP keeps it simple, fast, and organized.Visit leaderassistant.com/troop to learn more! --Automate scheduling with YouCanBookMe by Capacity. Sign up for a FREE trial -> leaderassistant.com/calendar. --Get your digital copy of The Leader Assistant Workbook at leaderassistantbook.com/workbook to lead yourself, lead your team, and lead your executive.More from The Leader Assistant... Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership Events -> leaderassistantlive.com Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community