Embracing the latest technology, particularly AI, is no longer just a workplace advantage—it’s a career accelerator. A new Microsoft and LinkedIn report reveals that employees who adopt AI and digital tools are significantly more likely to earn promotions. With 82% of business leaders recognizing the value of AI in enhancing performance and decision-making, mastering these tools positions professionals as indispensable assets. For administrative roles and beyond, staying ahead in the digital landscape isn’t just about efficiency—it’s a direct path to leadership and career growth.
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.
Stepping Beyond Comfort: How Taking Risks Elevates Administrative Professionals
Growth and resilience for administrative professionals often lie just beyond the comfort zone. It’s easy to stick to familiar tasks, but real progress comes when we embrace the unfamiliar. Jo Sedgwick, a PA who had never hosted a webinar, exemplified this by stepping up to celebrate the first anniversary of my book launch. By reaching out, taking the initiative, and pushing past her fears, Jo not only created a new opportunity for herself but also showcased the true potential of proactive, strategic talent in administration. Her story reminds us: the greatest opportunities often lie in the open waters, not the safety of the shore.
Optimizing Executive Support: Aligning Assistant Skill Levels for Maximum Productivity
Many organisations fail to align the skill levels of administrative professionals with the needs of their executives, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. The Global Skills Matrix highlights the importance of strategic Level 4 assistants for C-suite executives—business partners who provide high-level support, project management, and decision-making insight. By structuring support teams to pair Level 4 assistants with executives, Level 3 assistants with senior management, and Level 2 assistants for broader operational tasks, businesses can drive productivity, streamline operations, and unlock their full potential. It’s time to match the right talent with the right role.
Who Should Assistants Report To? Exploring the Executive vs. Head of Admin Debate
Should an assistant report directly to their executive or to a head of admin? This decision shapes the assistant’s role, development, and the value they bring to the organisation. Direct reporting fosters a close, strategic partnership with the executive, while reporting to a head of admin provides structure, support, and growth opportunities within an administrative team. Many organisations find success with a hybrid approach, blending the strengths of both models to empower assistants and maximise their impact.
Unlocking Executive Excellence: How Delegating to Your Assistant Can Multiply Your Impact
Learning to delegate effectively is a critical skill for executives, yet many struggle to utilize their assistants to their full potential. By trusting your assistant with tasks that distract from strategic priorities, you can free up valuable time, increase productivity by up to 25%, and focus on what truly matters—driving innovation and achieving success.
Why Industry-Specific Experience Isn’t What Makes a Great EA
Many job postings for administrative professionals demand industry-specific experience, overlooking the unique, transferable skills that make EAs indispensable. Great executive assistants excel through communication, organization, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking—qualities that transcend sectors. An EA with diverse industry experience brings fresh perspectives, adaptability, and innovative problem-solving to the table, proving that the true value of this profession lies in its versatility, not its industry ties.
Breaking the Bubble: Why Career Growth for Administrative Assistants Is a Strategic Imperative
Too many administrative professionals find themselves excelling in their roles yet feeling stagnant, unsure of how to progress. Without structured career paths, their potential remains untapped—not only to their detriment but to the organizations they support. By investing in professional development and defining growth opportunities, we can empower assistants to evolve into strategic partners, driving greater impact across the business. It’s time to break the cycle of plateauing and create a future where administrative roles are seen as dynamic and integral to success
Unlearning to Lead: How Administrative Professionals Can Thrive in 2025 and Beyond
In a fast-paced, collaborative environment, efficiency is key. One simple yet powerful way to enhance team coordination is through a unified color-coding system. Whether it’s managing calendars or email inboxes, standardizing the color codes across your team can significantly improve clarity and reduce confusion. By adopting a shared system, team members can seamlessly step in to support one another, ensuring continuity and productivity even during absences or transitions. A consistent approach not only makes it easier for your executive to stay organized but also fosters smoother communication and collaboration with other departments. This small change can make a big difference in how your team functions—creating a more efficient, organized, and stress-free work environment for everyone involved.
Why a Unified Colour Coding System Could Be the Key to Teamwide Efficiency
“Is your team’s colour-coding system holding you back? While personal methods may feel comfortable, a unified approach can revolutionize your workflow. From seamless handovers to reduced misunderstandings, discover how standardising colour codes in calendars and emails can boost team efficiency, support executives, and ensure continuity. A small change with a big impact—are you ready to make the switch?”
From Firefighter to Strategic Partner: How Assistants Can Break Free from Reactive Mode
Feeling stuck in reactive mode? Discover how assistants can shift from firefighting to becoming strategic business partners through proactive planning, workflow optimization, and future-focused strategies. Elevate your role and create lasting impact with these actionable insights.
