September 23, 2025
Categorized in: Speaking
At a recent conference in Ireland, I was asked a simple but powerful question: “What’s the most important skill you’ve developed on your journey to becoming a better public speaker?” It would have been easy to point to stagecraft, body language, eye contact, or the art of landing a punchline. But my answer surprised both […]
By asking the right questions, you can shape a rewarding career and strengthen your executive’s success. With more than 50 years of experience as both an Executive Assistant and a trainer, I’ve learned that success in this role comes from curiosity, clarity, and proactive partnership. Titles may differ, there are more than 160 variations worldwide, […]
When a crisis hits, it’s natural for leadership to focus on the external story – media response, investor updates, stakeholder messaging. But what often gets missed is just as critical: your employees. If your team finds out what’s happening from social media or news alerts instead of leadership, trust takes a hit. That’s where you […]
You’ve probably heard that networking is essential for career growth. But there’s one powerful networking move that’s often overlooked: connecting others. When you help two people find each other, you’re doing more than just being helpful – you’re building influence, reputation, and relationships that can pay off in unexpected ways. Think of it like dropping […]
Communication is at the heart of every great partnership between an executive assistant and their executive. It’s not just about passing on messages or managing schedules; it’s about understanding how your executive thinks, anticipating their needs and tailoring your approach to suit their decision-making style. Mastering this not only builds trust but positions you as […]
If you’ve reached Level 4 or 5 on the Global Skills Matrix, chances are you’ll be asked to chair a meeting, even with senior stakeholders at the table. It might feel intimidating, but with the right approach, you can run effective, professional meetings that respect everyone’s time and deliver real outcomes. Here’s how to confidently lead […]
February 26, 2025
Categorized in: Speaking
While your innovative ideas might initially clash with a traditionally minded executive’s conventional outlook, a strategically crafted approach can help transform initial resistance into enthusiastic support. The key lies in understanding how to package your ideas in a way that resonates with their management philosophy while demonstrating clear value to the organization.
The words we choose can act as silent saboteurs of our professional presence. For many executive assistants, “sorry” has become an unconscious verbal tic—a reflex that undermines our competence and erodes our self-assurance. Mental health speaker Charlie Lass offers a transformative approach to communication that replaces apology with confidence, clarity and professionalism.
October 23, 2024
Categorized in: Speaking
For executive assistants, fielding requests for information about your executive is as common as calendar Tetris. From seemingly innocuous questions about vacation spots to more direct inquiries about business decisions, EAs often find themselves in the position of information gatekeeper. Here’s how to navigate these requests like the professional you are.
Executive assistants are the unsung heroes of the corporate world, but how do you and your fellow skilled professionals prefer to receive instructions from your executives? We recently conducted a poll in our Facebook and LinkedIn groups, and the response from the community sheds light on this crucial aspect of the EA/executive relationship.