Melba Duncan is a name every serious assistant should know. For decades, she’s been a vocal champion of the profession: mentoring, advocating, and leading by example. From her groundbreaking Harvard Business Review article to founding The Duncan Group, Melba has helped redefine what it means to be an executive assistant. I recently had the privilege […]
Big projects require big thinking, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of reach for assistants. Whether you’re planning an office event or supporting a multi-department rollout, adopting a project mindset can make all the difference. During my career, I’ve worked on major projects like the London 2012 Olympic Games and Crossrail. While the scale might […]
Change is part of every workplace – whether it’s a new system rollout, leadership transition, or day-to-day process updates. And as an assistant, you’re not just watching change happen around you – you’re often at the center of it. So, how can you play an active role in helping your leaders and teams manage change […]
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 […]
When planning an event, it’s easy to focus on the basics – size, location, availability. But if you want to create an experience people remember, you need to go beyond logistics and think about how your space makes people feel. Whether you’re organizing a leadership off-site, a product launch, or a team retreat, your venue […]
If you’re an Assistant looking to make smarter decisions and offer more strategic support, developing your business acumen is essential. Without a solid understanding of how your organization operates, it’s difficult to step up and lead with confidence. Business acumen isn’t just a buzzword. It’s about understanding how your company makes money, how departments interconnect, […]
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how we work – from automating tasks to powering real-time insights. But while the tech itself feels sleek and invisible, the impact it has on energy and the environment is much harder to ignore. Every time we interact with a smart assistant, language model, or AI-driven tool, massive amounts of […]
Beat Boredom Without Losing Focus. We talk a lot about stress from too much work, but what about too little? Repetitive or low-stimulation tasks can drain your energy just as much. When you’re uninspired, even the easiest day can leave you feeling sluggish and unproductive. Here’s how to stay sharp and engaged – even when […]
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 […]
Let’s be honest – when your day is back-to-back meetings, project deadlines, and managing 101 requests, movement isn’t exactly top of mind. But ignoring your body for hours on end doesn’t just lead to a stiff neck or sore back. It can impact your mood, focus, and even long-term health. If you’ve ever hit the […]