The Financial Times’ use of the outdated term “secretaries” in a 2025 article about Grant Thornton is a stark reminder of how language keeps the administrative profession undervalued. Administration represents one-fifth of the global workforce — over half a billion people — yet it still lacks a formal voice at leadership tables. While some companies are adopting progressive titles like Administrative Business Partner and Director of Administration, most executives continue making decisions about administration without truly understanding its strategic impact. Until administration is recognised as a core business function, organisations will keep making short-sighted choices that undermine leadership effectiveness.
Tag: administration
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.