Thought Leadership is Out, 13 Questions for Your Next Job Interview, & The Office Still Matters
And just like that… we’re in Q4. Welcome! So, two weeks ago, I shared a podcast episode from Leila Hormozi about a maker schedule vs. a manager schedule. If you missed it, take a listen. It’s a great episode. But, what I find fascinating is that this week, I was listening to Tim Ferris talk with Kevin […]
Do You Have Any Questions for Me? 13 Questions to Ask During Your Next Interview
We’ve all been there before… you’ve landed an interview for a job that you’re really excited about. You’re meeting with the CEO to discuss their job opening for an Executive Business Partner. The interview is going really well. And then the CEO asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” And your mind goes blank. […]
One Size Does NOT Fit All, Corporate Swag Will Never Die, & Chief of Staff Career Questions
Recently, I’ve noticed a lot of advice and controversial statements masquerading as the absolute truth on LinkedIn. We know this is a strategy that mainstream media, as well as social media like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have used for years. But, I couldn’t help but ask, “Et tu LinkedIn?” Don’t get me wrong, I think […]
Informational Interview: What’s It Like to Be a Chief of Staff to an Entrepreneur?
I recently had someone reach out to me as they consider the next steps in their career after running a small business. He asked several questions about my career journey and specifically about my role as Chief of Staff. And, instead of just sending my responses to him, I figured I would share them here […]
100 Day Countdown, Earning Respect, & The Force Multiplier Mindset
On Monday, September 23, there will be 100 days left in 2024. I don’t know about you, but this makes me both terrified that I don’t have enough time to accomplish everything I want to and relieved that I still have so many days left in the year. The reality is,100 days is plenty of […]
The Force Multiplier Mindset: How to Think Like a CEO (No Matter Your Title)
According to Wikipedia, the term “force multiplier” refers to a factor that dramatically increases the effectiveness of an item or group. And that’s exactly what great Executive Assistants, executive operations, and executive support professionals do. Being a Force Multiplier is more than just a title. It’s a mindset. It’s a set of characteristics and behaviors. […]
Every Entrepreneur Needs a Force Multiplier, 21 Force Multiplier Interview Q’s & 4 Pillars of Innovation
Let’s look at some numbers. There are approximately 31 million entrepreneurs in the United States (and 582 million globally). On average, entrepreneurs earn between $50,000 – $75,000 a year. But, we’re not average here. The top 1% of entrepreneurs earn $390,000 or more. And, of course there are the top 0.1% (I’m looking at you Elon, Mark, […]
21 Executive Assistant or Force Multiplier Interview Questions
You’re ready to hire an Executive Assistant. Congratulations and smart move! A great Executive Assistant is an invaluable asset, helping you clarify your thinking, organize and implement your projects and priorities, maximize your impact, and give you time back in your day to focus on what matters most to you. If you’re still debating whether […]
Heartsaver You’ve Got the Best of Me, Why Aren’t You Delegating?, & Founder Mode Debate
Did you know that if performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out of hospital cardiac arrest? In my opinion, CPR training should be mandatory. No, thankfully, I didn’t have to use compressions or an AED (automated external defibrillator) on anyone over the weekend, but if I had to, I now could […]
Delegate or Die – Why Entrepreneurs & Force Multipliers Must Start Delegating Today
It’s very rare that my husband and I find a TV series that we agree on. In our twenty years together, I can count on one hand the shows that we’ve actually sat down and watched together. They are, in no particular order, Turn: Washington Spies, Hunting Hitler, Outlander, Hell on Wheels, and The Last […]
The Done List, Amateur vs. Pro Executive Assistants, & A Result-Only Work Environment
I love lists. Put just about anything in bullet form or next to a check box and I’m game. To-do lists? I love a to-do list! It makes me feel in control, organized, and productive. A to-do list is a plan and a promise to myself to be the best version of myself – later today, […]
The 4 Elements of a High-Impact Executive Assistant
Remember learning about the classical elements of nature in elementary school? Well, let me give you a quick refresher. The four elements, often referred to as the classical elements of nature, have been used in various philosophies and traditions to describe the fundamental components of the physical world. We can see the elements throughout ancient […]
Don’t Let Your Title Define You, Leaders Have to Let Go, & Strategy Sessions
PSA: Don’t let your job title define you. You can be a CEO and an unethical, diminishing leader. Or, a CEO who inspires change and empowers their team to achieve more. You can be an Executive Assistant who is content with the status quo. Or, an Executive Assistant who is a thought partner to the […]
Stop Auditing, Force Multipliers vs. Integrators, & The Challenges of Entrepreneurship
When you hear the word “audit” do you immediately get a bit tense and start thinking that the IRS is coming for you? Yeah. Me too. And, yet, one of the first things that many Chiefs of Staff and Force Multipliers set out to do in their first 30 days on the job is audit […]
What is the Difference Between Force Multipliers and Integrators?
If you’re an entrepreneur or building a career in an entrepreneurial environment, then you have likely come across the terms Force Multiplier and Integrator. While these roles are similar, in that they both work closely with a Visionary leader, they are not interchangeable. There are some key differences that are helpful to explore whether you […]
Relax with Blue Spaces, (Mostly) Guilt-Free Vacations, & Behind the Hiring
I’m in Maine. Watching the waves break against the sand. Pale pink cotton candy clouds drift across the sky. I live here now. Okay, really I’m on vacation. But, I mean, come on!? What is it about the ocean that just brings you into alignment with yourself and quiets the voices in your head? Well… […]
How to Actually Take Time Off From Work (Without the Guilt)
Whether you are the Founder of your own company, a Senior Executive Assistant, or the Vice President of Operations – and whether you have three weeks of PTO, have a flexible work from home schedule, or have unlimited vacation and paid time off policy – I venture to guess that you may not be taking […]
200% Life, Partnership Quotes, Managing EA Teams
And just like that… I’m back on The 200% Life podcast with Adam. I know, I know… I just couldn’t stay away! What can I say, I love having interesting conversations with other leaders! For those of you who are new(ish) to The Inner Circle and The Founder & The Force Multiplier, for the past decade […]
The 43 Best Quotes for Building a Strong Business Partnership
One thing you’ll always hear us talk about at The Founder & The Force Multiplier is partnership. Most leaders, Executive Assistants, Chiefs of Staff, and other entrepreneurs and Force Multipliers we talk to want the same thing: To build a strong strategic business partnership with their, well, partner. I think the most successful leader/Force Multiplier […]
Zach Bryan, Chief of Staff Mistakes, & Talking About Force Multipliers with Jasmine Star
Last week, the week I had been waiting for finally arrived… I got to see Zach Bryan perform at Gillette Stadium! I discovered his music around this time last year as I was beginning my transition out of my 13+ year partnership as Adam’s Chief of Staff. Zach’s music carried me through the fall and winter when […]
8 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand and Position Yourself as a Thought Leader
This article first appeared in Executive Support Magazine, a global training publication and a must-read for any administrative professional. Visit the website at https://www.executivesupportmagazine.com/ to find out more. Love it or hate it, the conversation around building a personal brand is not going away anytime soon. In fact, creating and managing your personal brand is only going […]
11 Common Mistakes Chiefs of Staff Make With Executive Assistants
In my ten years as Chief of Staff (heck, in my 20 or so years of professional life), I’ve made plenty of mistakes. Now, many months removed from my role as Chief of Staff, I’ve had some time to reflect on some of the things I would have done differently as a leader, and more […]
The Power of Prosocial Skills for Leaders & Force Multipliers
In his book, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, organizational psychologist and New York Times Bestselling author, Adam Grant, talks about the importance of prosocial skills in the workplace. Grant writes, “Prosocial skills are the glue that transforms groups into teams.” Grant even goes on to assert that we should choose leaders with […]
No One Succeeds Alone: Revolutionary War Aides-de-Camps and Today’s Revolutionary Assistants
Whenever you’re in doubt about the huge impact, critical support, and strategic execution that Executive Assistants and Force Multipliers provide, just take a minute and think about virtually every successful politician, celebrity, business leader, founder, athlete, military leader, or CEO. More often than not they had an assistant by their side. No one succeeds alone. […]