Building on your self-assessment, today’s focus is defining your core values—the principles that drive your fulfillment and success at work. By understanding what truly matters to you, you’ll make aligned decisions that boost satisfaction and help shape your path as a strategic partner throughout 2025.
Category: Strategic Business Partner
The State of the Administrative Profession: Where We Stand at the End of 2024
Despite significant progress in changing perceptions of the administrative profession at major organisations, outdated views and underutilisation persist. From misconceptions about assistant capabilities to resistance to change, there’s still work to be done. By embracing strategic skills, advocating for ourselves, and aligning with organisational goals, 2025 can be the breakthrough year for assistants worldwide.
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.
Plan Your 2025 Professional Development with Confidence
Looking to take your career to the next level in 2025? Whether you’re just starting out or already leading at a senior level, we have world-class training options tailored for every administrative professional — and every budget. From brochures and business case templates to personalised guidance, we’re here to help you get what you need to succeed in the year ahead.
The Untapped Solution to Leadership Time Management: Your Assistant
Despite overwhelming evidence of poor time management among leaders, many overlook the one solution that could change everything: their assistant. With over 80% of leaders lacking a time management system, this piece explores how administrative professionals can be leveraged strategically to reclaim time, reduce burnout, and drive real results — if only organisations knew how to use them properly.
What an Executive Assistant Is — And What They Definitely Are Not
It’s time to set the record straight. Executive Assistants are not glorified secretaries or back-office helpers — they’re strategic partners, problem-solvers, and key players in business success. This list debunks outdated myths and celebrates the real value of modern assistants. Share it to shift perceptions and elevate the profession.
Strategic Business Partner: More Than Just a Title for Assistants
There’s been plenty of debate around whether the term “strategic business partner” is just a shiny new label for assistants. But when fully embraced, this role becomes transformational. From aligning goals and managing execution to protecting leaders’ time and driving measurable ROI, assistants operating at this level aren’t just supporting the business—they’re powering it.
What to Do When You’re Ready to Evolve—But Your Executive Isn’t
One of the questions that I’ve been asked most this year is, what you should do when you are ready to evolve but your executive isn’t. The administrative profession is in a definite state of evolution, with assistants taking on 30% more strategic work that adds greater value to their organisations. But what if your […]
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!