GLOBAL SKILLS MATRIX 2026

The Global Skills Matrix 2026 launches on 22 April. 

Built on 3,221 responses from 69 countries, it is the most comprehensive examination of the global administrative profession ever undertaken, and what it reveals demands a response from every organisation that employs administrative professionals. 

60% now routinely manage projects. 42% have integrated AI into executive workflows. 38% support board-level governance preparation. And 51% have no defined career pathway in their organisation. 

 This is not a skills gap. It is an organisational design problem. And it is solvable. 

 Join us live on Administrative Professionals Day for the global launch of the Global Skills Matrix 2026 – a conversation with some of the world’s leading voices on the future of the administrative profession. 

We will be discussing: 

  • What the data tells us about where the profession is now – and where it is heading 
  • Why organisations are misclassifying their most experienced operational talent and what it is costing them 
  • How AI is reshaping the role – and what that means for career development, job design and succession planning 
  • What the Global Skills Matrix 2026 means for you, your team and your organisation 

This is for you if you are:   

  • An administrative professional who wants to understand your own value and trajectory.  
  • An HR leader or executive who wants to get this right.  
  • A manager who suspects the people supporting you are capable of far more than you are asking of them. 

The framework will be live.  

  • UK (BST): 16:00
  • Spain / France / Germany (CEST): 17:00 
  • UAE (GST): 19:00    
  • New York (EDT): 11:00  
  • Chicago (CDT): 10:00  
  • Los Angeles (PDT): 08:00    
  • India (IST): 20:30  
  • Singapore / Hong Kong (SGT/HKT): 23:00  
  • Sydney (AEST): 01:00
    (23 April)

Lucy Brazier OBE

(your host) 

Lucy Brazier OBE is the global authority on the administrative profession and CEO of Executive Support Media. She is the author of The Modern-Day Assistant, an award-winning book redefining the role as strategic business partnership. Having spoken on over 750 stages across more than 60 countries, Lucy leads global research into the profession and is the architect of the Global Skills Matrix 2026. 

On this panel: Lucy brings the data, insight, and strategic case for redefining the administrative profession. 


Simone White 

Simone White is an award-winning inclusion, networks, and administration specialist with over two decades of experience. A recognised global voice on equitable access and career progression, she built and led a global network supporting more than 500 administrative professionals at BlackRock. An international speaker, writer, and mentor, Simone works with organisations to create environments where individuals can thrive, contribute, and lead with impact. 

On this panel: Simone brings the inclusion lens, challenging how organisations design roles, recognise talent, and create equitable pathways for progression. 


Lucy Chamberlain 

Lucy Chamberlain is the Founder of C&C Search and C&C Academy, and a globally recognised headhunter specialising in Executive Support, Operations, and HR. A 16-time industry award winner, she is a leading advocate for career development and inclusive workplaces. As an international speaker and trainer, UN Women UK Delegate, and W Corp Ambassador, Lucy connects exceptional talent with forward-thinking organisations. 

On this panel: Lucy represents the market reality, bringing insight into how misclassification, pay gaps, and unclear career paths are impacting hiring and retention globally. 


Evelyne Moser 

Evelyne Moser is an internationally experienced Executive Assistant known for combining precision, intuition, and strong human connection. For over a decade, she has supported senior leaders across continents and served as Chair of 3M’s Global Assistant Partnership Forum, shaping development opportunities for administrative professionals worldwide. Recognised with multiple global awards, she is known for her composure under pressure and ability to anticipate challenges. 

On this panel: Evelyne brings the lived experience, demonstrating what modern administrative capability looks like in complex, high-level environments. 


Deborah Marchand 

Deborah Marchand is a Quality Specialist at Sandia National Laboratories, with over 15 years of managerial experience and a 14-year career as an Executive Assistant to senior leadership. A certified project manager, she built her expertise in high-pressure environments where execution and judgement are critical. She led the implementation of the Global Skills Matrix at Sandia, translating capability into operational leadership. 

On this panel: Deborah shows what happens when the framework is applied, bringing real-world insight into implementation and impact. 


Sarah Richson

Sarah Richson is a globally recognised HR leader, executive coach, and keynote speaker specialising in emotional intelligence, leadership, and organisational transformation. With an MBA and accreditations including CIPD, AOEC, and MIHRM, she combines academic rigour with practical impact. A double global award-winning speaker, she is widely regarded as a leading voice shaping the future of work. 

On this panel: Sarah brings the HR perspective, connecting the data to leadership, culture, and the organisational decisions that shape how this role is designed and valued.