Everyone plays a vital role in the bigger picture—there is no such thing as ‘just’ a cleaner, ‘just’ an assistant, or ‘just’ anything. Carmina, my 68-year-old cleaner, understands that her work allows others to thrive. Her wisdom is a reminder that no matter the job title, every contribution matters in making life and business run smoothly.
Category: Culture & Events
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 It’s time to challenge outdated perceptions and recognize the EA role as an integral part of business success.
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.
Breaking Free from Outdated Perceptions: Why the Title ‘Assistant’ is Holding Back Talented Professionals
In a viral post that has captured the attention of over half a million people, Candice Burningham sheds light on the outdated and demeaning perceptions surrounding the title of ‘Assistant.’ As the role evolves, many professionals are still shackled to a status that treats them as subordinates rather than strategic business partners. Burningham highlights a glaring issue: while assistants provide critical business support, their titles and roles continue to be undervalued, often relegated to menial tasks or seen as a mere status symbol. It’s time to dismantle these archaic views and elevate the role to reflect the true business value Assistants bring to the table—strategic thinking, operational leadership, and high-impact decision-making.
Redefining the Role: How Administrative Professionals Can Shift from Reactive to Proactive
While visiting India, I discovered a role that commands deep respect in many companies—the Learning and Culture Secretary (LCS). These professionals play a crucial part in onboarding, training, and integrating new employees, ensuring a seamless transition into the workplace. Their proactive approach made me reflect on how administrative professionals are often perceived as reactive rather than strategic. In reality, our role involves foresight, planning, and enabling organisational success. How can we shift this perception and showcase our true impact? Tomorrow, I’ll share 10 ways to help redefine our profession’s value.
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.
