UK campaigner Joeli Brearley revealed this week that mothers earn 33% less than fathers — and in a profession that is 98% women, that matters. Too often, assistants are dismissed as “unambitious,” but what if that perception is simply bias in disguise? When society undervalues mothers, it undervalues women’s work — and that bias bleeds into how assistants are judged. Assistants are ambitious. They run portfolios, align leaders, and manage complexity daily. The real question isn’t why assistants don’t want to progress — it’s why ambition is still defined through a male lens.
career progression
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 This isn’t a failure of talent, but a failure of outdated career models that don’t recognize the evolving impact of the assistant role.
Celebrating What Works: Sharing the Wins in the Administrative Profession
While it’s vital to call out the challenges assistants face, it’s equally important to spotlight the organisations and leaders getting it right. Let’s celebrate those who value, empower, and invest in their administrative teams—and inspire change through positivity.
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.
EA vs. Chief of Staff: Stop Framing One as a Stepping Stone to the Other
Executive Assistants and Chiefs of Staff may work closely with leaders, but they solve entirely different problems. It’s time to stop treating one as a rung below the other — and start building true career progression within the assistant profession.
Let’s Clear This Up: The Chief of Staff Is Not a “Promoted EA” Role
Confusion between the Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff roles is harming both professions. The Chief of Staff isn’t a next-step title for EAs—it’s a distinct, high-level role requiring a very different skill set. We must protect the integrity of the Level 4 EA and build realistic, rewarding career paths rooted in clarity, not shortcuts.
It’s Time to Stop Obsessing Over Job Titles in the Administrative Profession
With over 160 job titles identified in the administrative field, it’s no wonder there’s confusion and inconsistency. But titles alone won’t elevate the profession—clear career progression frameworks and a shift toward recognising skills, competencies, and strategic value will.
The Future of the Administrative Profession Is in Your Hands—Are You Ready?
A decade ago, I set out on a mission to transform the administrative profession—one that could impact the working lives of half a billion women. It was daunting, but with the help of passionate voices, we’ve made real progress. Now, at 55, I feel the urgency more than ever. The finish line is in sight, but we need an army to push this change forward. This isn’t just my mission—it’s ours. It’s time to find our voices, challenge outdated perceptions, and advocate for the recognition this profession deserves. Are you ready to help us finish what we started?
Breaking the Bubble: Why Career Growth for Administrative Assistants Is a Strategic Imperative
Too many administrative professionals find themselves excelling in their roles yet feeling stagnant, unsure of how to progress. Without structured career paths, their potential remains untapped—not only to their detriment but to the organizations they support. By investing in professional development and defining growth opportunities, we can empower assistants to evolve into strategic partners, driving greater impact across the business. It’s time to break the cycle of plateauing and create a future where administrative roles are seen as dynamic and integral to success