The EA Campus Podcast

In Ep98 of The EA Campus Podcast, we discuss the question of whether to trust or rely upon. Why the difference matters for EAs. As Executive Assistants, many of us become the person everybody depends on. We manage the details, keep things moving, solve problems quickly, and often hold together far more than people realise. But there’s an important difference between being relied upon and being trusted. In ep98 of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas explores how trust develops in the EA rol...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas sits down with Molly Looney, Executive Assistant to the CEO of San Carlo Restaurants and winner of National PA of the Year. From supporting international restaurant expansion projects to managing charity partnerships, travel, operations, and high-level stakeholder relationships, Molly shares what life really looks like behind the scenes of a fast-moving EA role in hospitality. The conversation explores the importance of emotional intel...

As Executive Assistants, we are used to working in environments where priorities shift quickly, plans change, and no two days look the same. One minute everything is mapped out, the next you are reworking the schedule, solving problems, and keeping everything moving behind the scenes. So how do you build a way of working that actually supports that? In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we explore Agile working and how it can be adapted for the EA role. This is not about adding more proce...

In Ep95 of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas sits down with experienced Executive Assistant Ronie Williams to talk about what it really looks like to build a long-term career in the EA role. Ronie has worked as an Executive Assistant for nearly three decades across finance, startups, and global tech companies. In this conversation, she shares how she started her career at 17, the lessons she learned working in demanding corporate environments, and how those experiences helped shape the w...

Some Executives think very quickly. Ideas arrive mid-conversation, instructions come in half-sentences, and priorities can shift between one meeting and the next. As Executive Assistants, we often receive the headline version of the thought. The context, the reasoning, and the next steps may still be sitting in our Executive’s head. In Ep94 of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky explores what it is like to support leaders who think faster than they communicate, and how EAs can turn those fragmented ...

In Ep93 of The EA Campus Podcast, we look at what it really takes to build a long and successful career as an Executive Assistant. In Ep93 of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas is joined by Scot Wizniewski, Executive Assistant at Spotify and a respected voice in the global EA community. Scot has spent more than 25 years working as a career Executive Assistant, supporting senior leaders across multiple industries, including publishing, beauty, and now technology. In this conversation, he s...

In Episode 92 of The EA Campus Podcast, we explore how AI is changing inbox management for Executive Assistants in a practical, day-to-day way. If you support one Executive or several, you already know how quickly inboxes can take over the rhythm of your day. Constant checking, forwarding, reacting, and chasing can easily become the default way of working. In this episode, we walk through what a typical EA day actually looks like and talk honestly about how we can build a clearer structure ar...

There are conversations that would make your role as an Executive Assistant significantly easier. You probably already know which ones they are. The clarification you’ve been meaning to ask for. The boundary that needs resetting. The expectation that was never fully defined. The salary discussion you keep postponing.In this episode, Nicky talks through six specific conversations that directly impact how smooth, strategic, and sustainable your role feels. These are not dramatic ...

In The EA Campus Podcast Ep 90, we sit down with Alicia and Yvette, the creators of the EA Salary Survey, to explore how the report came to life and why having a large, representative dataset really matters. We talk about the difference between small, skewed reports and meaningful data, and why transparency around respondent numbers is essential when you’re making career decisions. We unpack the key findings from 2024 and 2025 across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. EA salaries are above re...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’re talking about how to decide which AI tools are actually worth your time as an Executive Assistant, and which ones you can safely ignore. If you’ve felt pressure to keep up with every new AI release, or you’ve tested tools that looked promising but never quite fit your day-to-day work, this episode is for you. I’m sharing how I make decisions about AI from an EA perspective. Starting with the work we’re responsible for, not the features being pro...

Inside episode 88 of the EA Campus podcast, you'll hear a conversation many Executive Assistants will recognise, even if we’ve never quite named it before. In this episode, we’re talking about perfectionism in the EA role. Where it comes from, how it quietly shows up in day-to-day work, and why it can start holding us back rather than helping us do better work. As EAs, we care deeply about standards, accuracy, and getting things right, because our work affects our Executive’s time, priorities...

In The EA Campus Ep87, we’re talking about something that sits at the heart of the EA–Executive relationship. Decision-making, and knowing when to act without constantly checking in. As Executive Assistants, we’re expected to move work forward, protect priorities, and reduce pressure on our executive. In The EA Campus Ep87, Nicky Christmas explores how judgement, problem-solving, and clear processes help EAs build trust through everyday decisions. This conversation is grounded in real EA work...

January often starts with good intentions. New plans, new priorities, and a quiet expectation that you’ll somehow be more organised, more productive, and more on top of everything than ever before. In this episode, Nicky Christmas kicks off the 2026 season of The EA Campus Podcast by tackling something foundational for Executive Assistants. Clarity around responsibility. This episode is about the day-to-day reality of the EA role. The tasks that quietly creep in. The decisions you’re expected...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas is joined by long-time friend, global thought leader, and former Executive Assistant Diana Brandl. Diana shares her journey from supporting CEOs in global organisations like Sony and Babbel to building her own business, hosting a successful podcast, writing multiple books, and training assistants around the world. Together, Nicky and Diana reflect on what it really takes to evolve in the EA role without losing yourself along the way. T...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky sits down with Kimberly Spencer, founder of Crown Yourself and CEO of Communication Queens, for an honest conversation about what founders really need from their Executive Assistants. Kimberly shares her journey from Pilates instructor to screenwriter to entrepreneur, and how hiring her first EA completely changed the way she built and led her business. You’ll hear Kimberly talk about learning to delegate, understanding your zone of genius, hiri...

What do entrepreneurs actually want from their Executive Assistants? In this episode, Nicky speaks with Andrew Chesnutt, CEO of The Authority Forge and a serial entrepreneur who’s built multiple seven-figure businesses, about what separates a good EA from a great one. Andrew shares a candid look at the realities of working with founders—many of whom are fast-moving, neurodivergent, and juggling multiple priorities. Together, they unpack: The real difference between a Virtual Assistant and an ...

In The EA Campus EP82, Nicky Christmas dives into one of the most talked-about phrases in the Assistant world - Strategic Business Partner. Is it a genuine evolution of the role, or just a buzzword that’s been stretched too far? In The EA Campus EP82, Nicky unpacks what it really means to be “strategic” as an Executive Assistant, why it’s a mindset rather than a job title, and how to turn that mindset into everyday action. You’ll hear honest reflections on the disconnect between expectation a...

In Ep81 of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas explores how Executive Assistants can take control of their personal brand and rebrand themselves for the next stage of their career. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or ready for more responsibility but unsure how to communicate that growth, this episode is for you. Nicky breaks down a practical process to diagnose your current brand, define the three words you’re known for now, and choose the three words you want next. Th...

In this inspiring episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas sits down with the brilliant Julia Schmidt, Executive Assistant, author, speaker, and Executive Vice Chair of IMA (International Management Assistants). Julia shares her remarkable 20-year journey from Brazil to Norway, highlighting the three key decisions that shaped her career: joining a professional community, pursuing a business education to build strategic influence, and becoming a certified Reinvention Practitioner. Tog...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by William Thomson—our go-to events guru at The EA Campus and a renowned events management expert with 20+ years’ experience. William has delivered multiple masterclasses for our community, and he’s partnering with me to bring The EA Campus Conference to London next April. We get practical about office socials and team-building: how to turn a vague brief into a clear plan, set the right expectations, budget smartly (without cutting corners that matter), and desi...

As Assistants, we’re often told to be the “magic behind the scenes”, quietly making everything happen while others take the credit. However, the truth is that building autonomy around your work and confidently sharing your achievements is essential if you want to grow in your role and be recognized for the value you bring. In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’ll explore how to: Create more independence in your role, even when responsibilities aren’t clearly definedSet clear goals and ...

When your Executive is out of the office, your role doesn’t slow down — it shifts gears. In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas shares practical strategies for managing both sides of the job: supporting your Executive on the road and keeping the office moving in their absence. From setting clear communication rhythms and decision boundaries to running a triage inbox and planning a smooth re-entry, this episode is packed with grounded, tactical advice you can apply straight ...

In this Q&A, Courtney Salas joins me to unpack what it really takes to succeed as an Executive Assistant in a fast-paced tech startup. From organising constant change to stepping confidently into a strategic partnership, Courtney shares honest stories from life inside a 40-something-person scale-up—where there are no playbooks, just problems to solve and opportunities to grab. You’ll hear how Courtney: Swapped corporate certainty for startup “productive chaos” and found her happy placeBal...

In this episode, I’m joined by Microsoft Office maestro Shelley Fishel, founder of Tomorrow’s VA. Shelley has spent decades training assistants to get brilliant results with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and now, of course, Microsoft Copilot. We dig into what’s genuinely useful right now, what’s coming next, and how EAs can lead the conversation on AI without losing sight of the fundamentals. Shelley shares how she uses Copilot daily (from redrafting tricky emails to prioritising the inbox...

Managing your Executive’s inbox isn’t just about clearing emails - it’s about saving them time, reducing stress, and protecting their reputation. In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas shares the essential first conversation you should have with your Executive about email management. We’ll explore: How to agree on who replies and in what voiceSetting realistic expectations for how often the inbox should be checkedUnderstanding your Executive’s email stress points and b...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we explore one of the most overlooked but powerful dynamics in the Executive Assistant role: the ability to be both interested and interesting. Nicky shares personal stories and honest reflections on how curiosity and personality can shape your career path—from missed promotions in roles that felt uninspiring, to thriving in environments where she connected with the work and the people around her. You’ll learn: Why being curious about your Executive, ...

When your Executive’s calendar is bursting at the seams, it’s tempting to feel responsible, like somehow, you should have prevented the chaos. But guilt doesn’t belong in your job description. In this episode, we’re flipping the script on calendar management and giving you the tools to start strategic conversations that lead to real change. We’re diving into: Why it’s so important to talk about time, especially when your Executive is “too busy”How to ask subtle, thoughtful questions that spar...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’re diving into the real-life juggle of supporting multiple executives—because yes, it’s a lot. But with the right systems, honest conversations, and a bit of forward planning, it can be done without losing your mind (or your lunch break). I’m sharing the strategies that have helped me stay on top of it all, plus we’ve got brilliant insights from Natalie Egan, Senior Executive Assistant & Operations Lead, International Communications at Salesfor...

Ever feel like your brain has 47 tabs open – and not a single one is loading properly? In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, I’m sharing 10 real ChatGPT prompts I use every week to streamline my business, clarify my thinking, and save serious time – and I promise, they’re not just for techies. Whether you're writing tricky emails, planning events, building SOPs, or just trying to get your head straight for a 1:1, there’s something in here you’ll want to borrow (and make your own). We’ll t...

As Executive Assistants, we’re no strangers to juggling a hundred things at once, but how often do we stop and ask: Is this a task, or am I actually running a project? In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we are diving into why recognising the difference between tasks and project work matters more than you might think. We’ll talk about how to spot project work in your day-to-day, why the language you use can completely change how others see your role, and how to start framing your contri...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas sits down with Gisele Karame-Kemp for a candid and inspiring Day in the Life conversation. Gisele joins us from Sydney, Australia, where she leads a global team of Executive and Administrative Assistants at Atlassian. With a career that’s taken her from the University of Sydney to the private investment world supporting Lachlan Murdoch, and five and a half years as EA to Atlassian’s CEO, Gisele shares the real story behind her car...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’re taking a deep dive into the Eisenhower Matrix — specifically the quadrant that too often gets overlooked: important but not urgent work. As Executive Assistants, it’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind of urgent requests, Slack pings, and last-minute diary dramas. But real strategic impact? That lives in Quadrant 2. Join Nicky Christmas as she explores how EAs can protect time for the work that improves processes, builds trust, and prevents fut...

Ever wish you had a clear roadmap for working seamlessly with your Executive? In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas guides you through the powerful process of creating an Executive User Guide - a strategic tool that captures everything you need to know about your Executive’s preferences, communication style, and leadership approach. From defining how they like to receive updates to understanding their management style, Nicky breaks down each section with practical tip...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we sit down with freelance Executive Assistant Kaitlin Bekken for one of our ever-popular Day in the Life conversations. Caitlyn shares her journey into the EA world, how she transitioned into freelancing, and what a typical day looks like supporting multiple clients across industries. From managing inboxes and booking complex travel to using AI tools like ChatGPT and NVO to streamline her workflow, Caitlyn walks us through the systems and mindset tha...

Welcome to The EA Campus Podcast with your host, Nicky Christmas. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the different types of meetings your Executive attends and how you can manage them strategically to drive real progress. Here’s what we cover: Why meetings matter more than ever—and how EAs can support their Executive’s time as their most valuable resourceThe six key meeting types you need to know:Decision-Making Meetings – Where critical choices happenInformation-Sharing Meetings – Updates...

Business travel – glamorous on Instagram, chaotic in real life. In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas revisits one of her most-requested topics: how to expertly plan and manage business travel for your executive. Originally recorded at her first public speaking event back in 2012 (or maybe 2013 – who’s counting?), this session has been fully updated for 2025 with all the latest tools, AI tricks, and tech tips. Whether your executive is flying long-haul or hopping on a...

In this solo episode, host Nicky Christmas dives into a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential for Executive Assistants - feedback. Not just collecting it, but organising it, categorising it, and using it to demonstrate your value, influence, and impact. We’ll unpack how to turn everyday praise into a powerful narrative you can use in performance reviews, salary conversations, and even job interviews. If you've ever struggled to explain your contribution, this episode wil...

This week, we’re tackling one of the most common challenges Assistants face - getting your Executive to delegate. If your Executive insists on doing everything themselves, avoids handing off tasks, or says they simply don’t have time to show you the ropes, you're not alone. In this episode, I unpack eight key reasons why so many Executives struggle to delegate and what you can do about it. From perfectionism and fear of failure to not knowing where to start, we’ll explore the mindset behind t...

From setting goals and refreshing their profile to drafting content and tracking engagement, Nicky walks you through seven practical steps to help your Executive build a personal brand on LinkedIn - without it taking over your day. Whether you're already ghostwriting posts or just starting to explore what this might look like, this episode is packed with advice, real-world EA insights, and helpful tools to make the process smoother. You don’t need to be a social media manager to add value her...

In this special Admin Week episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’re exploring one of the most important (and often most uncomfortable) topics for Executive Assistants: asking for a training budget. If you've ever felt awkward or unsure about asking for professional development support, this episode is for you. We’re unpacking the mindset shift that turns “asking for permission” into “claiming what’s already available to you” - because training isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. We cover: Why EA...

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that sparked a massive response on LinkedIn - KPIs for Executive Assistants. If you've ever struggled to explain your value, felt stuck in performance reviews, or wondered how to track the impact of your work, this is the episode for you. We explain KPIs, why they matter in our role, and how you can start measuring your impact in simple, practical ways without adding to your workload. We also discuss how to use this data in one-to-ones, performance r...

In this inspiring episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas sits down with the one and only Hallie Warner - Force Multiplier, coach, consultant, and co-author of The Founder and the Force Multiplier. If you’ve followed Hallie’s work, you’ll know how much she’s impacted the assistant community. And if this is your first introduction to her, you’re in for something really special. Hallie shares her career journey from early assistant roles to becoming Chief of Staff and now launching he...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most powerful strategies you can adopt as an Executive Assistant: goal-driven scheduling. If your Executive is constantly running from one meeting to the next with no time to think, strategize, or actually do the work, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through how to shift from reactive calendar management to a more purposeful, high-impact way of structuring the schedule — and why this is a game changer for both you a...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we explore the world of event technology, specifically for Executive Assistants. If you're responsible for planning, managing, or supporting events in your role, this episode offers valuable insights and 15 carefully selected tech tools that will help you streamline your entire planning process. From venue sourcing and attendee registration to engagement tools and multilingual support, we cover all the platforms that will make your life easier as an E...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’re diving into the topic of career mapping for Executive Assistants. Career progression in the EA world isn’t always linear, and for many of us, it’s something we don’t often prioritize. Whether you see the EA role as a stepping stone to another career or you’re committed to excelling in this profession, having a clear career map is essential. We’ll walk through the five key steps to career mapping, from setting clear goals to identifying skill gap...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we welcome back the inspiring Becky Kaapuni, author of The Unstoppable EA and founder of the EA Social Club. Becky shares her incredible journey of resilience, mindset shifts, and what it truly means to be the CEO of your own life. We delve into the pivotal moments that shaped her career, the challenges she's overcome, and the power of embracing vulnerability as an Assistant. Becky also shares insights on building supportive communities, why mindset i...

Ad-hoc tasks are an inevitable part of the Assistant role, but when they start taking over your day, they can prevent you from focusing on strategic, high-impact work. In this episode, we break down how to manage, track, and take control of ad-hoc tasks so they don’t define your role. We’ll cover: What ad-hoc tasks are and why they impact Assistants more than other roles How to quantify them so they don’t disappear into ‘invisible work’Strategies to push back on unnecessary requests whi...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we sit down with two incredible industry voices, Candice Burningham and Jodie Mears, for an insightful and lively discussion on the evolving role of Executive Assistants. We cover everything from key industry trends, AI and automation, and the future of job titles to some of the more controversial topics shaping the profession today. Is the Executive Assistant role evolving or disappearing?How do we ensure assistants are recognized, compensated,...

In this episode, we’re exploring one of the biggest challenges for Assistants: email management! How do you start the conversation with your Executive about taking control of their inbox? What systems can you set up to streamline the process? How do you ensure emails don’t take over your entire day? Nicky walks you through practical strategies for managing email overload, setting expectations with your Executive, and implementing a structured system that keeps both of you organized and produc...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas dives into one of the most critical topics in the Executive Assistant profession—salary transparency. Assistants often struggle to access clear, unbiased salary data, but today’s guests have taken a groundbreaking step to change that. Joining Nicky are Yvette Pearson, founder of Admin Wrap, and Alicia Fairclough, founder of EA How To. Together, they’ve created the EA Salary Survey, a report that brings real salary data to the tabl...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas explores how Executive Assistants can leverage AI to streamline their workflow, reduce administrative burdens, and focus on strategic, high-impact tasks. Key Takeaways: AI is not about replacing assistants—it’s a tool for efficiency, helping with email drafting, scheduling, meeting summaries, and report generation. Assistants can use AI to manage complex calendars, generate executive briefings, draft presentations, research indust...

Today’s episode is all about the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. What if 80% of your results come from just 20% of your effort? Sounds like a game-changer, right? In this episode, we’ll explore how Executive Assistants can apply this powerful principle to cut through distractions, prioritize high-impact tasks, and truly make a difference in their role. You’ll learn practical strategies for identifying the tasks that drive the biggest results, how to protect your focus and mana...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas dives into the tech landscape tailored specifically for Executive Assistants. Discover 15 tools and technologies that can help streamline your workflow, boost productivity, and make a meaningful impact in your role. From scheduling with When2Meet to creating impactful presentations with Beautiful.ai, we cover essential platforms for managing schedules, collaborating effectively, and staying ahead in a tech-driven world. Plus, get ...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky dives into the transformative power of mastering your daily routine as an Executive Assistant. With practical advice and actionable tips, you’ll discover how to navigate interruptions, prioritize tasks, and create systems that work for you—not against you. From building an effective morning routine to embracing micro-lists, leveraging technology wisely, and setting boundaries with confidence, this episode is packed with strategies to help you th...

In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that hits close to home: why traditional goal-setting methods often fail for Executive Assistants and how you can set goals that actually stick. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or frustrated by unmet goals, this episode will give you fresh perspectives and practical solutions. Here’s what we’ll cover: Why focusing on just one “big why” for your goals can set you up for failure.How to create a list of meaningful reasons to stay motivated through c...

In this EA Campus podcast episode, Nicky Christmas interviews Gabrielle Waxenberg, an experienced Executive Assistant who has recently transitioned to working as a fractional Assistant for multiple clients. Key points from the episode: From hospitality management to becoming an EA, she worked in various industries, such as legal, manufacturing, IT, banking, sustainability, and healthcare.Time management across multiple executives and organisations, maintaining confidentiality, and navigating ...

In this episode, Becky Kaapuni shares her winding career journey spanning publishing, wine business, investment banking, tech startups, Twitter, and now Salesforce, where she supports the CEO of AI. Some key pieces of advice and insights Becky offers: Be patient in building your career - you have to go through the stepping stones and start at the beginning, gaining experience over time.Know your worth and negotiate your compensation, even if it means being willing to walk away from an opportu...

In this episode, Chelsea Fox shares her 15-year journey as an assistant, from starting as an event manager in Spain to her current role as an EA supporting the CEO and leadership team at a data centre startup in London. Some key pieces of advice and insights Chelsea offers: Find the industry and company culture that allows you to thrive as an assistant. In a startup, being willing to roll up your sleeves and help out wherever needed is key.Confidence comes from having your voice heard and you...

In this episode, Catherine Wright shares her varied career journey leading up to her current role as an Executive Assistant to a CEO. She discusses the importance of understanding the business you work for, being a connector between teams, and adding value wherever possible. Some key pieces of advice Catherine offers: Be meticulous about diary management - think through all the details like agenda items, travel/transition time between meetings, focus time, and your executive's well-beingRemem...

Fatiha Zeghir shares her extensive journey as an Executive Assistant (EA), starting in Paris and transitioning through roles at major companies like Procter & Gamble, NRJ Global, SAP, News UK, Penguin Random House, Pearson, and the BBC, before her current role at Vodafone. Her experience highlights the importance of adaptability, communication, and learning from diverse roles and industries. The discussion emphasizes the EA role's significance in crisis management, especially noted during...

In this episode of the EA Campus podcast, join Nicky as she welcomes Rebecca Greenhill, a seasoned Executive Assistant (EA) at Cobalt Search. Rebecca's unique career journey has transitioned from dance performance and teaching to retail management and finally into the realm of executive assistance. She shares the rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped her career. Her story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of passion across different stages of her life. Discov...

In this episode of the EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas interviews William Richardson, an executive assistant at United Launch Alliance (ULA), where he shares insights into his career journey and the dynamic nature of his role in the aerospace industry. William describes his accidental entry into the administrative field, starting from customer service in consumer electronics and evolving into various roles, including consulting and private equity, before landing in the aerospace industry ...

In this captivating episode of the EA Campus podcast, host Nicky Christmas sits down with Grazia Maietta for an insightful conversation about her journey as an Executive Assistant (EA) in the dynamic world of technology. Grazia, originally from Italy with a background in foreign languages, delves into her career evolution from a translator and teacher in Italy to an accomplished EA in the UK. Working currently at Condense, a company specializing in live-streaming events into digital worlds, G...

In this podcast episode, Emily discusses her transition from college to the hospitality industry, her progression into events planning, and her eventual move into an EA role. She emphasises the importance of organisational skills and the dynamic nature of her job, dealing with various tasks ranging from events planning to managing the CEO's schedule and communications. Emily shares her experiences of learning on the job, the significance of mentorship, and the evolution of her role from PA to...

Episode 34 of the EA Campus Podcast features Laura Escalante, an Executive Assistant at Golden Software, in conversation with host Nicky Christmas. The episode delves into Laura's career journey, highlighting her pivot from a decade in operations and program management within human services to becoming an executive assistant. Laura shares her immigrant background, moving from Lima, Peru, to the US as a teenager and how this experience shaped her work ethic and career choices. Laura discusses ...

In this insightful episode of the EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas sits down with Tawnya Convoy, a dynamic executive assistant with a unique career trajectory. Tawnya shares her fascinating journey from being a professional flutist and music teacher to thriving in the world of technology and startups. She delves into her experiences at Apple, her transition during personal life changes, and her growth in various startup environments. Musical Beginnings [00:00:30]: Tawnya discusses h...

Welcome to the latest episode of the EA Campus podcast! In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Christi Brewer, an accomplished Executive Assistant (EA) to the CEO at Shipt. Christi shared valuable insights into her career journey, overcoming preconceived notions about the Assistant role, leveraging technology in her day-to-day work, and her experience working for a startup. The episode started with Christi providing an overview of her career path, highlighting her business admin...

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Holly Copsey, a Business Support Specialist at Virtually Priceless. Holly shares her remarkable journey and valuable insights into her 20-year Executive Assistant (EA) career. Join us as we delve into Holly's journey and learn how she navigated the shifting landscape of the EA profession, particularly during the pandemic. Discover her insights on running a successful VA agency and how she has adapted her services to meet client's evolving needs...

In the next episode of the EA Campus podcast, we have the pleasure of hosting Shaun Alphonso, Executive Business Partner at Georgian, a renowned venture capital firm specializing in SaaS technology investments. Join host Nicky Christmas as she delves into Shaun's intriguing career path and uncovers the valuable lessons he learned. From working in Starbucks to his stellar EA career, Shaun shares many helpful tips and tricks for Assistants, including time management techniques, technology use, ...

In Episode 29, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Lora Whicher, the Founder of Lora May Virtual PA. Lora's journey in the corporate world as an executive assistant took her through various roles, including a significant stint at Savills real estate agency. During our conversation, we delved into Lora's career trajectory, exploring her experiences working as a corporate EA and the pivotal moment that led her to start her own virtual assistant business. We discussed the challenges s...

Welcome to the EA Campus podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Hayley Hudson, the Founder of Hudson Admin Support and the VA Lounge. Join us as we delve into Hayley's journey of starting her own virtual assistant business and creating a thriving network for VAs. In our conversation, we explore the world of virtual assistance and dive into the tech tools and strategies that can empower assistants to excel in their roles. Hayley shares valuable insights on building confidence, understandin...

In this episode of EA Campus, we chat with Stephanie Hand, Founder of OnHand Executive Services. Stephanie shares her journey from working as an in-house Assistant to starting her freelance Assistant business. She discusses her experience onboarding a new CEO and provides valuable insights into dealing with workplace bullies. Additionally, Stephanie shares her daily routine and offers advice for assistants starting in the profession. Whether you're an experienced Assistant or just starting ou...

On this episode of EA Campus, we chat with Katie Parker, Founder of Parker PA Ltd. Katie shares her experience of transitioning from a corporate EA to starting her own virtual assistant business during the pandemic. She provides valuable insights into working with new clients and managing the day-to-day operations of a VA business. Additionally, Katie offers advice for Assistants who want to be more proactive in their careers and shares her decision to move away from working in London. Tune ...

In this episode of the EA Campus podcast, we chat with Abbie Fernandes, Founder of Swift VA. Abbie shares her journey from being a corporate Assistant to starting her own Virtual Assistant business and how she navigated the challenges of moving to different countries while supporting her husband and young family. She provides insights into the critical skills required for running a successful VA business, including building client relationships and setting boundaries. Tune in to hear Abbie's ...

In this episode of the EA Campus podcast, we sit down with Jamila Benomar, the founder of Your Virtual Pod. Jamila shares her insights on the profession, building confidence in the role, and establishing yourself as an expert in your orgainsation. We discuss the benefits of working as a Virtual Assistant and the challenges of starting the business. Jamila also shares her tips on effectively operating as an Assistant in large corporate organisations. The EA Campus

In this week's episode of The EA Campus podcast, we are delighted to be joined by Pippa Andrade, Founder of PAVA Support. Following a long career as a corporate Assistant in financial services, Pippa took her career in a new direction by starting a VA business. In this episode, we explore her journey and learn how she started her business and the crucial lessons her corporate career taught her. The EA Campus

In our next episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we interview Lauren Bordon, Founder of Your Trilingual Support. Lauren shared her journey from linguist to Executive Assistant, working for private HNMI in Mayfair, London and setting up her virtual support business and relocating to Barcelona, Spain. Enjoy the next episode of The EA Campus Podcast. The EA Campus

We are thrilled to have two guests with us this week. Claire Houston and Paula Kokare are the Founders of Houston & Ko. This business helps entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses focus on what matters most for their growth by delegating the most tedious and time-draining tasks. Claire and Paula share their insights on what it takes for Assistants to move from a corporate into a freelancing role, what Entrepreneurs and startups are looking for in an Assistant role and how Assistants...

We are thrilled to have Purvi Shah as the next guest on The EA Campus Podcast. Purvi is an established Assistant who has worked across many industries, including media, wine & spirits and financial services. We discussed her start in the Assistant sector, what it is like working in a fast-paced news organisation and supporting multiple c-suite level Executives. The EA Campus

In the next episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we have a fantastic interview with Tara Sims, Senior Manager of Administrative Services Office Management at Comcast. Tara is a dynamic, strategic problem solver and executive partner with 15+ years of experience supporting C-suite leaders and other senior-level professionals within Fortune 500 companies. In the interview, we discussed Tara's career, how she manages a team of Assistants, how she built her personal brand and can focus on th...

Welcome to The EA Campus Podcast Ep18: Working for a Global Brand. In this episode, host Nicky Christmas speaks with Hayley Herriotts, an Executive Assistant at L’Oréal, about her 14-year career supporting leaders across one of the world’s biggest beauty companies. Hayley takes us behind the scenes of working for a household-name brand, from product launches and luxury events to supporting senior executives and balancing a busy family life. In The EA Campus Podcast Ep18: Working for a Global ...

Welcome to The EA Campus Podcast Ep17: From Assistant to Business Manager. In this episode, host Nicky Christmas is joined by Aisha Everett-Khalif, who shares her incredible career journey from Executive Assistant to Business Manager (Chief of Staff). With over 20 years of experience across multiple industries, Aisha discusses how she combined her skills as an assistant, a business owner, and a leader to step into a senior role that drives culture, communication, and inclusion across her orga...

What does it really take to thrive as a high-performing Executive Assistant? In this inspiring episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas sits down with Becca Stifel, Senior Executive Administrator at Renewable Water Resources. Becca shares her untraditional 20-year career path from banking to executive support, the bold move that helped her rewrite her own job description, and the leadership lessons she’s learned along the way. Listeners will hear practical strategies on: Stayin...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we interview Hilary Fung, EA at Slack. Hilary is a knowledgeable, meticulous Assistant who understands how to create impact in the Assistant role. Hilary talked about her experiences working at Slack and shared some great tips for using Slack effectively. We discussed working for multiple Executives, building relationships and being thoughtful about the Assistant career. The EA Campus

On this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we have Fiona Hurst, Executive Assistant to the Chief Legal Officer at SThree. Before her current role, Fiona worked at Airbnb in their Paris office. It was indeed a rollercoaster ride, and we spent a lot of time talking about her experiences working at a unicorn start-up right at the beginning of its rise. The EA Campus

On this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we are excited to welcome our guest Ethan Bull, Founder of ProAssisting and co-founder of The 29-Hour Workday. Ethan started his career as an Assistant in the entertainment industry before supporting senior-level Executives in the fast-paced world of advertising. Ethan and his family moved out of New York City, and with his wife, they formed ProAssisting, a high-level remote Assistant business. Ethan shared his thoughts on what it takes to work as a t...

Our next episode is with Puichi Hau, EA at Our Future Health. Puichi is a highly competent, resourceful and discrete solution provider often relied on to fix things. She is always the 'go-to' person for colleagues, friends, and family. Puichi takes us through her career, which has covered many industries and sectors. She shares her thoughts on falling out of love with the role, finding her ideal job, mentoring and managing other Assistants and career paths for the industry. The EA Campu...

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we are thrilled to be joined by Roxanne Smith, PA, at DeepMind. Roxanne is a thoughtful and determined Assistant who brings such a depth of knowledge to any conversation about the Assistant role. Roxanne is ten years into her Assistant career and is building an impressive range of skills that make her stand out in our industry. In this episode, we talk about her return to work after starting a family, how she works within a team of Assistants, managin...

On this episode, we are joined by Fiona Shea, EA to the Group Chief Executive at Legal and General. Fiona has over twenty years of experience working with senior board-level Executives. Her knowledge shines through in this interview. We discuss the partnership with her current Executive and her techniques for remembering every request. Fiona shares her experience working at Enron in its last days and moving between industries as an Assistant. The EA Campus

We are delighted to be joined by Jessie Pearson, PA, to CFO and Director of Strategy & Corporate Development at Workspace Group. A London-based real estate business. We talked across a broad range of subjects in this discussion, including Jessie’s start as a receptionist and how that helped her in her Assistant career; we spoke of her need to take short-term contracts while dealing with very personal challenges at home and how that shaped her outlook on life and her career. And we talked ...

Janice is the Executive Assistant to the CEO and Founder of Luno. Janice has over 14 years of experience working in Australia and London, and she currently supports her Executive remotely from her home in Melbourne. Janice is incredibly passionate about the Assistant role and has a huge amount of knowledge which I'm so pleased she has shared with our listeners. We discuss how she manages her day while working remotely, the development of her leadership skills and how she manages a team of Ass...

Rosy and I recorded the podcast just a few months before she decided to leave Etsy to travel and spend time with her family, but we are really grateful to be able to share the conversation with you today. During the conversation, we discussed how she started her career as an Assistnat, having previously worked in the theatre. We discussed how she worked with her Executive and managed their time effectively. We talked about how important it is to have a strong network of Assistants withi...

Abigail Jones, EA at Meta, always brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to these talks, and she doesn’t disappoint today. We discussed her career, her passions outside of her work, how she likes to work in partnership with her Executive, the strengths she brings to the Assistant role and how she protects her boundaries. The EA Campus

We are delighted to be joined by Emma Kate Bos, Executive Assistant to the CEO at APA Group, Australia's largest natural gas infrastructure business. Emma is a highly skilled EA with vast business support, events, project management, and operations knowledge. In our interview, we discussed Emma Kate's choice to be an Assistant, her love of managing other Assistants and Administrators, building a relationship with a first-time CEO, working strategically, listening to her gut and making d...

Tina is an incredibly focused and strategic force, and she offers a tremendous amount of value to our listeners today. I loved talking with her and hearing about her health journey and how that has contributed to increased confidence. Her move to Berlin and why she changed her career focus from marketing and communications to supporting the CEO and C-Suite at Babbel. The EA Campus

We are delighted to be joined by Renee Viens, Partner Executive Assistant at Underscore VC. Renee lives in Boston, Massachusetts and has been an EA for over 20 years in various industries supporting all levels of the c-suite. We discuss Renee’s new Underscore VC role and the recruitment process. We talk about her incredible network and ability to pull people together. We talk about her achievements in her role, events she has organised and her ability to perform calendar management Je...

In the second episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we are thrilled to be joined by Suzie Ellams, EA, to the Co-CEO & CTO of OSTTRA. Suzie has been an Assistant for twenty years working at Elle Magazine, Burberry and now OSTTRA, a start-up Fintech company. In our conversation, Suzie shares tips on starting working in fashion and publishing. Her decision to take a career break to start her family and how she now handles boundaries and prioritises her time. Suzie and Nicky talk about the import...

As a strategic Assistant, Emily Housley is the CEO's partner in getting things done. In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, she shares how she operates with a positive sense of urgency, a high level of proactiveness, and a solution-focused mindset to transform ideas into action. Although Emily has been working in the role for only a few years she is an absolute powerhouse. She comes with tremendous knowledge and expertise working in a fast-paced environment for a growing start...

Welcome to our new podcast. It’s called The EA Campus Podcast, and each week Nicky Christmas, Founder of Practically Perfect PA and The EA Campus, will talk to Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants and Administrative professionals that she knows, admires, and always has wanted to meet and talk to to about their careers, how they started as Assistants, what a typical day looks like, how they work with their Executives and add value in their organisations. They will share their thoughts on ...