When one assistant leaves a harmful workplace, and another is about to enter it—what’s the right thing to do? In a profession built on discretion, does a duty of care to each other override silence? This piece explores the unwritten “EA code” and why integrity, not just loyalty, should guide how we support one another behind the scenes.
Category: Culture & Events
The Silent Bias Pushing Experienced EAs Out of the Profession
Some of the most skilled, strategic Executive Assistants are being overlooked—not for lack of talent, but because of age. As redundancies rise and hiring biases go unchecked, too many 40+ professionals are facing rejection, not recognition. This is more than ageism; it’s a crisis of value and visibility. It’s time we stop filtering out the very expertise we say we need.
A Tribute to the Assistant Behind the Success: Tracey Chapman’s Legacy
Piers Morgan’s heartfelt tribute to his assistant of 20 years, Tracey Chapman, is a rare and powerful acknowledgment of the unseen brilliance behind a high-performing life. It’s time we recognised the assistants who don’t just support success — they sustain it.
Assistants Shouldn’t Have to Beg for the Bare Minimum
If assistants are being forced to fight for access, respect, or basic development opportunities, the problem isn’t them — it’s the system. It’s time to stop normalising exclusion and start recognising assistants as the strategic partners they are.
When Passion Meets a Pay Ceiling: The Hidden Cost of Undervaluing Assistants
What message are we sending when high-performing assistants are told the only way to earn more is to leave the work they love? This isn’t about lack of impact — it’s about lack of recognition. It’s time to change the system so excellence doesn’t lead to a dead end.
You Don’t Need Permission to Shine 🌟
Your worth isn’t defined by applause or permission. As an assistant, your impact is real — even when it’s behind the scenes. Stop waiting for validation. Celebrate your wins. Set boundaries. Own your expertise. Because the work you do is exceptional — and so are you.
Breaking Down Silos: Building a United and Strategic Assistant Team
Administrative teams often struggle to gain recognition because they work in silos rather than as a cohesive unit. Lack of communication, competing agendas, and isolated efforts create inefficiencies and limit impact. By fostering open communication, shared goals, and a culture of trust, assistant teams can transform into strategic powerhouses that earn the respect and influence they deserve.
Executive Support: 35 Years On and Still Fighting the Same Battles?
While clearing out some office shelves this week, I stumbled across Volume 1, Issue 1 of Executive Secretary Magazine—the very first edition, published in 1989. The topics? Technology, partnership working, assertiveness, and stress. Sound familiar? Thirty-five years later, the landscape may have changed, but the challenges remain strikingly similar. A timely reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go.
What Wicked Taught Me About Leadership, Bravery, and Owning Your Voice
After seeing Wicked in the West End, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much this show mirrors real life—especially for women navigating leadership, bravery, and finding the courage to speak up. From Glinda’s charm to Elphaba’s defiance, there’s something powerful we can all take away. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it!
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