The Leader Assistant Podcast with Jeremy Burrows

In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Colleen Freeland, a master certified life coach and emotional sobriety pioneer, shares her transformative journey from a high-functioning perfectionist grappling with a 20-year alcohol use disorder to becoming a founder of a thriving multi-seven figure business – all while managing the demands of parenting seven children. This conversation offers executive assistants critical lessons on managing stress, prioritizing self-care, and resisting burnout in high-pressure roles. Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/392 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. In many ways, Assistant Habits is a rebirth of my very first resource for assistants: the 30-Day Assistant Challenge email course. That original course was built on a simple belief – that small, consistent actions compound into real growth. Assistant Habits carries that same idea forward, one action at a time. My passion is to help assistants like you lead well, resist burnout, and automate before you're automated. Every action in the Assistant Habits Weekly Planner reflects that mission and is practical, specific, and immediately useful on the job. Are you up for the challenge? Check out the Assistant Habits Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com/weekly-planner Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/391 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

Luiza Jarocki is Senior Executive Assistant at JP Morgan Chase and author of "The Seat Outside the Office: Lessons in Leadership from 25 Years as an Executive Assistant." In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Luiza shares her journey from a bank teller to a seasoned executive assistant, offering insights on career growth, the importance of curiosity, and the value of consistency and integrity in the profession. She also discusses the evolving role of assistants in the age of AI and the inspiration behind her book. Show notes → leaderassistant.com/390 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

Mia M. Lane is a senior executive assistant who empowers executives and their teams to perform at their highest level through strategic partnership, calm execution, and trusted support. In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Mia talks about having the right people in your corner, tips on networking, the difference between a mentor and a sponsor, and more. Show notes → leaderassistant.com/389 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

Susie Sanchez is a professional executive assistant, keynote speaker, and advocate dedicated to “unmuting” the stories of life’s major transitions. In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Susie shares her journey of navigating a cancer diagnosis, leaving the workforce, and returning with renewed purpose. She also talks about how preventive self-care is critical, especially for executive assistants. Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/388 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

Flo Esho is the founder of The Easy Flow Life, a U.S.-based executive support agency that helps founders and executives step out of the day-to-day and back into true leadership. In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Flo talks about supporting executives in their personal and professional lives, tips for hiring an assistant, encouragement for those considering becoming a virtual assistant, travel planning tips, and more. Show notes → leaderassistant.com/387 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, I’m excited to dive into the world of building and leading a high-performing assistant team. I’m joined by Elizaveta "Liz" Usyaeva, who shares her experience building a team from scratch at Yandex. We discuss everything from hiring strategies and stress-testing candidates to the art of balancing executive support with team leadership. If you're looking for practical advice on motivation and fostering a human-first, supportive culture, you won't want to miss this conversation. Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/386 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, I chat with Rachel Clissold, a coach and consultant based in Australia who helps leaders gain clarity and communicate more effectively. Rachel shares her professional journey, starting as a team administrator managing hundreds of staff and transitioning into an executive assistant role. We explore the unique rewards of being a "sidekick" to executives, the art of making the impossible possible, and how assistants can lean into their intuition to navigate high-pressure situations. Rachel also opens up about her personal path to finding her voice and overcoming past limitations, explaining how she now uses that experience to help others master communication and live authentically. Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/385 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

Beth Portesi is AI Enablement and Program Lead at Fivetran after 12 years as an executive assistant. She’s also the founder of Vibe Coding for EAs. In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Beth explores the exciting world of AI for executive assistants. Beth shares her journey from longtime EA to AI program lead and dives into “vibe coding” – an approach that empowers assistants to create automations and tools using plain language prompts, without needing technical expertise. Discover practical tips on how to get started with AI, overcome the “paralysis of choice,” and use tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Codex to streamline workflows, build dashboards, and automate routine tasks. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your skills, Beth’s insights will inspire you to harness AI’s magic and become a game-changing Leader Assistant. Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/384 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

Fiona Kelly is the founder of Executive PA Forum, Ireland’s only L&D platform for EAs, PAs and business support professionals. In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Fiona talks about the changes she has seen in the executive support industry since launching her first summit in 2010, her process for hiring trainers, and more. Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/383 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

In this exclusive episode, Al-Husein Madhany and I talk about how to confidently craft a resume – specifically for executive support roles – that stands out from the crowd. This is not a generic conversation about resumes. This is a brutally honest session to help you with your resume so you can gain an edge in your current (or future) job search. To further dive into this topic and get access to the resume template and line by line videos, enroll in The Assistant's Guide to Crafting the Perfect Resume online course . (NOTE: Be sure to listen to the podcast for the course coupon code so you can enroll for 50% OFF!) Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/382 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Ashley Langlais, Chief of Staff at DVx Ventures, shares her unique approach to being a strategic partner to a CEO. Ashley details her journey in supporting her CEO through a "big first," such as writing his first book, making his goal her own from day one. Jeremy and Ashley chat about how to provide support beyond calendar management for major initiatives like book writing, speechwriting, keynote prep, and internal/external messaging. Ashley also covers the Chief of Staff role as a true strategic partner and shares valuable lessons learned for next time. Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/381 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

Amber Youngren is the executive assistant and office manager lead at Forged Fiber 37. In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Amber discusses the evolving role of the Executive Assistant. She shares how EAs can become strategic leaders by developing skills for operations and Chief of Staff roles, building deep trust, managing up, and acting as the organization's ultimate connector to translate observations into actionable insight and bring alignment across teams. Show notes → leaderassistant.com/380 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

Tune into this special episode featuring a rare dual interview between Diana Brandl, award-winning executive assistant Paula Moio and her executive, Louis. Discover the powerful synergy of their four-year working relationship, built on radical trust, open dialogue, and Louis' strong belief that "assistants must be leaders." They share how emotional intelligence and cultural adaptation are critical in modern administration, and why future EAs must continuously add value beyond routine tasks to lead the profession. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on leadership, trust, and the human side of the evolving executive office. Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/379 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

Join Diana Brandl for an inspiring spotlight episode of Executive Office Insights with Atrayah Janhe, former Personal Assistant to Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Atrayah shares her diverse career path – from her start as a secretary and policewoman in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to managing the Arch's office during his transition to retirement. She offers crucial insights into the evolution of the assistant role, arguing that while technology advances skills, human connection and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) are vital qualities often missed in today's fast-paced, remote work world. Discover the Arch's cherished routines (including hot chocolate and twice-daily tea times), the power of servant leadership, and why embracing the courage to "jump" into new opportunities is the key to becoming a Leader Assistant. Show notes → leaderassistant.com/378 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

James “Mac” McPartland is a keynote speaker, author of the Unopened Gifts ® series, and MindShift & Performance Coach. In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, James talks about what it really means to lead from where you are, self-leadership, radical responsibility, and communication. Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/377 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

In this candid interview, Diana Brandl welcomes Brian Daniel, founder of The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network, to pull back the curtain on the world of private service for celebrities, high-net-worth families, and billionaires. Brian, a former Personal Assistant and Chief of Staff for royal families and A-list stars, shares his firsthand expertise on the ups and downs of the industry. He reveals the true salary realities (including the controversial Anna Wintour assistant salary) and the immense patience required to find the right match. Learn why professionalism, "thick skin," and maintaining discretion are non-negotiable, and discover why moving away from major cities like L.A. might open the door to world-class, once-in-a-lifetime career opportunities. Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/376 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

In this spotlight episode of Diana Brandl's Executive Office Insights , Anne Marie Otañez details her intentional career path, moving from early roles at Netscape, Disney, and Apple to her current strategic position. Learn what it truly means to be a Chief of Staff—a trusted partner, liaison, confidant, and proxy—and the importance of clearly defining the role against that of an Executive Assistant. Anne Marie, who is also an author and the founder of the Chief of Staff Academy, shares how she supports senior leaders, manages a 100% remote work environment with intentional travel, and her goal to build a sustainable family business. Tune in to Episode #375 for insider knowledge and new perspectives on leadership and executive support. Show notes → leaderassistant.com/375 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

In this spotlight episode of the Executive Office Insights podcast, join Diana Brandl for an inspiring conversation with Matthew Chapman (President of Sales and Marketing) and his Executive Business Partner, Agnes Spohn, from Freudenberg Group. Despite being based in the US and Germany, this power duo reveals the dynamics of their thriving, trust-based, remote partnership, including how they leverage time zones for efficiency and rely on open communication. Learn about the evolving role of the assistant into a strategic business partner. Agnes, who Matthew calls a "networking superhero," shares her passion project: founding and expanding Freudenberg's internal assistant community to increase visibility and professional development. Discover the essential tools - from Microsoft Teams and Microsoft To Do to Year Compass - that keep this cross-continental collaboration running smoothly. Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/374 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership

I had the honor of speaking with Maaike Knoester for an interview on the 5 Star Assistant Podcast to discuss my 20-year career as an Executive Assistant, my book The Leader Assistant , and the journey of producing over 360 episodes of my own podcast. In this conversation we talk about challenging misconceptions about our profession. The greatest misunderstanding is that EAs are merely "one-trick ponies" focused on scheduling and expenses. In reality, we are strategic partners who see the whole picture for our executives. Internally, the biggest barrier I see is a lack of confidence , often stemming from attaching personal worth to job performance. To combat burnout and build a sustainable career, I emphasize two core principles: Detach your worth from your work. Your value as a person is separate from your job performance. Set clear boundaries. I made it a point with my current executive to log off on the weekends because you cannot truly help others long-term if you don't take care of yourself. Finally, when it comes to being busy, I see "multitasking" not as doing two things at once, but as the critical skill of prioritizing and context switching effectively between diverse responsibilities. Thank you, Maaike, for the opportunity to be on your show, and for asking such great questions! Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/373 -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience. Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.) See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite . -- The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> assistanthabits.com -- Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants. More from The Leader Assistant... Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> assistanthabits.com Events -> leaderassistantlive.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership