Executives often have succession plans—but what about their assistants? Senior assistants carry the executive’s operating system, institutional knowledge, and critical relationships. When they leave, the disruption can be massive, taking months for a replacement to reach full effectiveness. Intentional succession planning for assistants isn’t optional—it’s business continuity.
Category: Goal Setting
A Season of Gratitude and Opportunity
After time to reset, recharge, and reflect, the months ahead feel like a fresh start — a chance to finish the year with intention. For assistants, this “back-to-school” energy is a reminder of both the busyness and the possibility that lie between now and December. Gratitude for the profession, the progress, and the community sets the tone for the work ahead.
Fear Isn’t a Limitation — It’s a Compass for Growth
In the administrative profession, fear often hides not in our weaknesses, but in our potential. Too many assistants hold back — staying silent in meetings, waiting for permission, shrinking into the background — not because they lack skill, but because they fear their own power. The truth? Fear isn’t the enemy. It’s the signal pointing to exactly where your influence and leadership are waiting to emerge.
When Passion Meets a Pay Ceiling: Why High-Performing Assistants Are Being Held Back
Top-performing assistants often hit a salary ceiling with no clear path for progression — forced to choose between staying in the role they love or seeking raises elsewhere. This isn’t a failure of talent, but a failure of outdated career models that don’t recognize the evolving impact of the assistant role.
Done is Better Than Perfect: Why Sharing Your Work Matters More Than Flawlessness
After spending hours perfecting a checklist for managing executive energy, I faced a formatting disaster on LinkedIn. But I learned a vital lesson: value and progress matter more than perfection. If you’re hesitating to share because it’s not perfect, maybe it’s time to hit send anyway.
Rest is Resistance: Why Taking Time Off Isn’t a Luxury, It’s a Necessity
In a culture that glorifies overwork, especially for assistants, choosing to rest can feel rebellious — but it’s essential for long-term success. Backed by research on burnout and productivity, this is your permission to prioritize real downtime. Your future self, refreshed and focused, will thank you.
Knowing When to Get Off the Wrong Train: The Courage to Pivot in Your Career
Sometimes the bravest act isn’t pushing through — it’s recognizing when a role, relationship, or routine no longer serves you and having the courage to change direction. Holding on because of time invested or fear of disappointing others only makes the journey harder. Your value lies in choosing better for yourself and your future.
“Oh, You Want a Pay Rise?” — No, She Wanted to Grow.
When an assistant came prepared to her annual review—with impact stats, a development plan, and aligned training—her manager’s first response was, “Oh… you want a pay rise?” She didn’t. She wanted to evolve. The confusion between pay, promotion, and development is holding back careers—and businesses. Here’s why training isn’t a perk anymore. It’s survival.
The Smartest Ask: How One EA Always Gets Her Training Budget
One of the sharpest EAs I know walks into her exec’s office every year with five training requests—knowing full well she only wants two. Why? Because she understands budget, psychology, and how to shape a conversation. This isn’t manipulation—it’s assistant mastery. Here’s how she sets the scene, manages expectations, and walks out with exactly what she needs. A lesson in asking smart, not small.
Assistants Aren’t Disposable: Why Support, Not Blame, Drives Performance
Too many assistants are being set up to fail—not due to lack of talent, but lack of structure, onboarding, and support. When organisations treat administrative professionals as interchangeable and expendable, they miss out on the strategic impact these roles can offer. Retention is cheaper than replacement, and investing in assistants is an investment in business performance. It’s time to stop blaming individuals and start fixing the system.