Teri Wells

The Financial Times recently spotlighted Chiefs of Staff as “the invisible ones running the world’s biggest companies.” But for many in the administrative profession, that description feels familiar. Senior Executive Assistants have long operated at the intersection of strategy, communication, and leadership — often without the title or recognition. The rise of the Chief of Staff doesn’t replace the EA role; it expands the ecosystem of executive support, redefining partnership at the highest levels.

Not every day can be a big-stone day. Sometimes, we spend our energy on the small, busy tasks — the “sand” — and wonder where the meaning went. But even those days have value. They’re a quiet reset, a way of keeping afloat until your focus and purpose return. Be kind to yourself. You’re still moving forward.

They say ghosts aren’t real — but every assistant knows better. From resurrected projects to haunted calendars, the admin world has its own kind of horror story. This Halloween, clutch your coffee and prepare for 21 office nightmares that will make every EA shudder with recognition. What would you add to the list?