Many assistants don’t see themselves as leaders, but to become an administrative business partner, you must embrace influence and proactivity. Leading up is not about overstepping—it’s about enabling your manager to focus on what they do best. By shifting your mindset and taking initiative, you don’t just support—you lead, drive efficiency, and contribute to the success of the entire organisation.
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.
Creating Opportunities: How Hiring Entry-Level EAs Can Change Lives
Administration is one of the few careers where a woman can start at the bottom and grow into a successful profession. Yet, many companies overlook entry-level administrative roles. By committing to hiring Level One assistants from disadvantaged backgrounds, businesses can provide life-changing opportunities while fostering a more inclusive workforce. Could your organisation be part of this movement?
The Missing Piece: Why EAs Must Be on the Org Chart
When administrative professionals are left off the org chart or positioned incorrectly, it diminishes their visibility, value, and career progression. This oversight sends a message that their role is less important, impacting recognition, inclusion, and access to opportunities. It’s time to ensure EAs and administrative professionals are properly represented—because visibility matters.
The Hidden Cost of Excluding EAs: Why It’s Time to Rethink Their Role in Leadership
When Executive Assistants (EAs) are excluded from key leadership events and development opportunities, it signals a fundamental misunderstanding of their role. This oversight limits their ability to support executives effectively and diminishes the strategic value they bring. It’s time to challenge outdated perceptions and recognize the EA role as an integral part of business success.
The Hidden Exclusion of EAs: Why It’s Time to Recognise Their Value
A recent post highlighted a frustrating reality for Executive Assistants: being excluded from key business events due to outdated policies. When an EA is treated as “less than” the leadership team, it not only devalues their contributions but also weakens team effectiveness. Participation in strategic discussions helps EAs anticipate challenges, build relationships, and enhance their skills—benefits that directly impact the business. Yet, many face exclusion, unclear career paths, and a lack of development opportunities. It’s time to challenge these outdated perceptions and ensure EAs receive the recognition, inclusion, and growth opportunities they deserve.
The Gender Bias in Administration: Confronting the Elephant in the Room
Administrative roles, overwhelmingly filled by women (98%), have long been undervalued due to gender biases that associate them with “women’s work.” This perception leads to exclusion from key meetings, limited career progression, lower pay, and restricted access to professional development. Studies show that administrative professionals earn significantly less than their male counterparts, face fewer promotion opportunities, and are often overlooked in strategic decision-making. To change this, we must openly discuss and challenge the biases that devalue administrative work and advocate for the recognition, respect, and opportunities these professionals deserve.
Closing the Pay Gap: Why Salary Negotiation Matters for Administrative Professionals
The gender pay gap remains a pressing issue, particularly for administrative professionals. Many women find themselves earning significantly less than their male predecessors in similar roles. One key reason is that women are statistically less likely to negotiate salaries compared to men, leading to long-term financial consequences. Advocating for fair pay and preparing for salary negotiations is essential in closing this gap. Utilizing tools like the Global Skills Matrix can help administrative professionals understand their market value and push for equitable compensation. By fostering open discussions and supporting systemic change, we can work toward more inclusive and fair workplaces.
Unity Over Division: The Power of Collaboration in Revolutionizing the Administrative Profession
The administrative profession is undergoing a major transformation, and now more than ever, it’s crucial for professionals to unite and focus on collaboration, not division. The challenges we face, from disruptive changes brought on by the pandemic to the ongoing fight for respect and recognition, require us to work together as one voice. The infighting, toxicity, and jealousy that sometimes plague the profession only serve to hold us back. By supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and embracing unity, we can redefine the role of administrative professionals and ensure it is recognized as an essential, strategic part of any organization.
Rebranding the Administrative Profession: Unlocking Its True Potential and Value in the Modern Workplace
The administrative profession is at a pivotal moment, with a need to redefine its value and importance in today’s business landscape. For too long, administrative roles have been underestimated, viewed as secondary or temporary positions rather than dynamic, strategic careers. It’s time to shift this narrative by recognizing the skills, expertise, and critical contributions of administrative professionals. This shift requires not only a change in perception but also investment in professional development and outreach to future generations. It’s time to celebrate and elevate administrative careers as essential to business success.
Elevate Your Career: Shift from ‘Support’ to Strategic Business Partner by Changing Your Mindset
To be treated as a business professional rather than ‘just support,’ you must first change how you show up every day. Your mindset, actions, and presence influence how others perceive and respect you. Instead of reacting to problems, proactively contribute to the larger goals of the business. Embrace a strategic mindset, speak up in meetings, and align your decisions with company objectives. Stop waiting for recognition—show your value and elevate your role by going beyond expectations. When you embody the business person you aspire to be, others will start to treat you accordingly.
