AI is not just a product to be bought or a tool to be used—it’s a fundamental skill set that will define the future of work. Just as we once had to learn to use the internet, we now need to learn to work with AI.
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.
Life’s Too Short to Dread Mondays: Reignite Your Career Passion
Think about it—your working life is the biggest slice of your lifetime.
A small part is spent in education. Another tiny sliver is retirement (if you even get there). But in the middle? That’s your career. That’s where you spend most of your life.
So if your answer to “When were you last highly motivated?” is “…not recently,” it’s time for a reset.
You deserve a path that energises you. Whether it’s reigniting passion for your current role or finding something completely new—you don’t have to be stuck.
Go do the thing that makes your heart sing. Life’s too short not to.
AI Is Powerful—But Have You Fully Tapped Into Your Assistant’s Potential?
An executive proudly told me they’d invested thousands in Microsoft Copilot to reclaim an hour a week.
Great—except, doesn’t a well-utilised assistant already give you that every day?
AI is a phenomenal tool, and I’m a big advocate, but let’s not forget the human element. Assistants bring critical thinking, discretion, emotional intelligence, and adaptability to the table—skills AI can’t replicate.
It’s not an either/or. Before throwing money at new tech, ask: are we fully leveraging the talent we already have? Use AI to enhance the assistant partnership—not replace it.
Burnout Then vs. Balance Now: The Power of Purpose
In 2010, I burned out—completely overstretched and overwhelmed. Fast forward to today, I’m working harder than ever… and thriving. What changed?
The difference is purpose. I’m passionate about what I do, surrounded by people who believe in the mission, and I feel I’m contributing something meaningful to the world—not just working to pay the bills.
There’s a huge shift in mindset when you truly love what you do. Passion fuels resilience.
The Power of the 10-Minute Daily Meeting: Maximizing Assistant-Executive Collaboration
A short, focused daily meeting can be one of the most effective tools for assistants. In just 10 minutes, you can align with your executive, cover key updates, and prevent time-consuming interruptions later. By making these check-ins a priority, assistants ensure their executives stay on track while maintaining efficiency in their own roles.
Maximizing the Assistant’s Potential: Why Leadership Needs to Step Up
While assistants are trained to add immense value to their organizations, many still feel underutilized and misunderstood. With 58% of assistants feeling they aren’t being used effectively, it’s clear that leadership and HR need to recognize the ROI of a well-structured administrative function. When businesses truly understand how to leverage their assistants, productivity and efficiency soar.
Why Language Matters: Rethinking How We Describe Assistants
Calling assistants “magicians” or “work wives” may seem harmless, but it can diminish the professional expertise they bring to their roles. These terms reinforce outdated stereotypes and overlook the strategic value assistants provide. To ensure their work is respected, it’s crucial to use language that reflects their true contributions.