Every assistant is born with unique gifts — intuition, empathy, foresight, diplomacy — yet too often, those strengths are dismissed as “soft.” The truth? In a world of AI and automation, these human skills are more vital than ever. When you use them boldly, you don’t just shine — you help others find their light too.
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.
The Smart Founder’s First Hire: Why Your Assistant Should Come Before Anything Else
Most entrepreneurs think they can’t afford an assistant — but the truth is, they can’t afford not to have one. Research shows founders lose nearly two days a week to admin. Hiring an assistant isn’t an expense; it’s an investment that delivers immediate ROI, freeing you to focus on growth, strategy, and innovation.
Same Words, Different Worlds: Finding Connection Beyond Spelling Differences
A lighthearted reminder that even small differences—like how we spell “organisation” or “organization”—can highlight the global nature of our profession. True collaboration isn’t about uniformity; it’s about curiosity, respect, and the ability to bridge differences with humour and grace.
Your Gifts Were Never “Soft Skills”
Every assistant has unique gifts — calm under pressure, empathy, intuition, foresight — yet too often they’re dismissed as “soft skills.” But these are not soft; they’re powerful, essential, and increasingly irreplaceable in the age of AI. When you use your gifts boldly, you don’t just grow stronger — you give others permission to do the same.
Why Perception, Not Performance, Shapes the Administrative Profession
The administrative profession was once a highly respected, male-dominated field. Today, it’s 98% women—and that shift has dramatically altered perception, promotion, and recognition. Understanding this history is key to addressing structural biases and valuing the work assistants truly deliver.