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.
Category: Goal Setting
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.
Executive Assistants Aren’t Just Supporting Projects—They’re Leading Them
68% of administrative professionals are already driving cross-functional initiatives—but their contributions are often mislabeled as “helping out.” It’s time to call it what it is: project management. With communication skills, operational precision, and strategic oversight, Executive Assistants are quietly delivering business-critical outcomes. If companies want more efficient, agile project delivery, they should start by recognising the project managers already in the building.
Stop Waiting: You Weren’t Hired to Disappear
In the administrative profession, too many talented individuals have been taught to stay small. But true support isn’t about shrinking — it’s about showing up with impact. Your potential isn’t waiting for permission from others. It’s waiting for you. Say the thing. Ask for more. Step into the space fully. You weren’t hired to hide. You were hired to lead.
If It’s Only About What the Business Needs, It’s Not a Development Conversation
If your career check-ins never include your goals, your growth, or your aspirations—then it’s not development, it’s deployment. Assistants deserve more than support plans. They deserve progression plans. Don’t wait to be asked.
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.
You’re the New Voice in the Room — Here’s Why That Matters
Being invited into leadership meetings is a milestone — but it’s what you do with that opportunity that really counts. As an assistant, your fresh perspective, people insight, and organisational visibility are exactly what leadership teams need. Don’t underestimate your voice — it might be the game-changer in the room.