In the administrative profession, too many talented individuals have been taught to stay small. But true support isn’t about shrinking — it’s about showing up with impact. Your potential isn’t waiting for permission from others. It’s waiting for you. Say the thing. Ask for more. Step into the space fully. You weren’t hired to hide. You were hired to lead.
Author: Lucy Brazier OBE
Lucy Brazier, OBE is one of the world’s leading authorities on the administrative profession. Author of ‘The Modern-Day Assistant: Build Your Influence and Boost Your Potential’, she is the CEO of Marcham Publishing, a global force synonymous with world-class conferences and training, including Executive Support LIVE and Modern-Day Assistant, and home of Executive Support Magazine, the gold standard of training in print for administrative professionals. Lucy is passionate about ensuring the Assistant role is truly recognised as a career and not just a job and is dedicated to supporting the development of both senior and aspiring administrative professionals. She has keynoted at almost every major conference for Assistants in the world and has a unique overview of the role and where it is heading. Lucy is also part of our Speaker Bureau. If you are interested in Lucy training your Assistants or speaking at your event, either virtually or in person, please visit executivesupportmagazine.com/speaker-bureau.
How AI Is Empowering Executive Assistants to Lead the Future of Work
New research from MIT and IBM reveals that AI won’t replace Executive Assistants — it will transform their roles. By automating routine tasks, AI frees EAs to focus on strategic planning, decision support, and relationship-building. The future is a powerful partnership between human insight and technology, where assistants become indispensable strategic advisors.
Why Leaders Need to Make Time for Their Assistants — Even When They Think They Don’t
Busy leaders often skip regular check-ins with their assistants, thinking they don’t have time. But this creates a costly cycle of overwhelm and inefficiency. By investing just 10 minutes a day to align with your assistant, you unlock clarity, focus, and momentum—turning your assistant from overhead into your most valuable strategic partner.
If It’s Only About What the Business Needs, It’s Not a Development Conversation
If your career check-ins never include your goals, your growth, or your aspirations—then it’s not development, it’s deployment. Assistants deserve more than support plans. They deserve progression plans. Don’t wait to be asked.
Assistants Are Not Personal Property: Why We Must Rethink the EA–Executive Model
When new leaders bring in their own assistants, it may seem efficient—but it reveals a deeper issue. Executive Assistants are not personal extensions of leadership; they’re strategic roles within the organisation. Tying them to individuals instead of business infrastructure undermines careers and perpetuates outdated thinking.
EA vs. Chief of Staff: Stop Framing One as a Stepping Stone to the Other
Executive Assistants and Chiefs of Staff may work closely with leaders, but they solve entirely different problems. It’s time to stop treating one as a rung below the other — and start building true career progression within the assistant profession.
A Tribute to the Assistant Behind the Success: Tracey Chapman’s Legacy
Piers Morgan’s heartfelt tribute to his assistant of 20 years, Tracey Chapman, is a rare and powerful acknowledgment of the unseen brilliance behind a high-performing life. It’s time we recognised the assistants who don’t just support success — they sustain it.