I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes an exceptional Executive Assistant.
Not just a good one.
But the kind of assistant who transforms the way an executive operates. Who quietly (or not so quietly) holds the rhythm of an entire organisation in their hands.
And I keep coming back to this:
EA = (S + T + P + EQ + AI) × V
Where:
S = Strategic Thinking
T = Technical Proficiency
P = Proactive Initiative
EQ = Emotional Intelligence
AI = Agility in AI and Tech Adoption
V = Value Multiplier (Trust × Communication × Business Impact)
The administrative profession has outgrown the box it’s been kept in.
This isn’t just a clever formula. It’s a framework to define the full scope of a modern Executive Assistant. One that goes far beyond tasks and dives into the strategic core of what the role can be.
This formula reflects the real job – the one that rarely makes it into a job description.
S = STRATEGIC THINKING
You’re not waiting for instructions. You understand your executive’s goals and anticipate what comes next. You think in terms of business priorities, long-term impact, and operational rhythm. You don’t just react – you lead.
T = TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY
You don’t just use the tools. You master them, whilst keeping one eye on emerging technologies which could help you perform even better. From calendars and CRMs to project platforms and travel apps, you operate with fluency and confidence, often training others in the process.
P = PROACTIVE INITIATIVE
You see the fire before the smoke. You solve problems before they escalate. You step in without being asked and add value that others didn’t even know was needed.
EQ = EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
You navigate difficult personalities. You influence without authority. You handle pressure, feedback, and complexity with grace. Your diplomacy and empathy are strategic advantages.
AI = AI AGILITY
You’re not afraid of the future – you’re building capacity with it. You understand how AI can streamline workflows, analyse data, and reduce repetitive work. You’re no longer doing the admin. You’re using AI to manage the admin, creating more time for high-value, strategic support.
V = VALUE MULTIPLIER
But it’s the Value Multiplier that changes everything.
When an assistant is trusted, heard, and strategically aligned, they don’t just add value. They multiply it.
That’s why so many executives will tell you their assistant is their competitive advantage.
And why so many businesses miss the mark when they treat the role as purely operational.
If you’re still measuring assistants by how many meetings they book or how well they take minutes, you’re looking through the wrong lens.
This profession is evolving – fast. And the assistants who are growing with it?
They’re not asking for a seat at the table.
They’re building new tables entirely.
