Mastering Imposter Syndrome: Strategies for Force Multipliers
Have you ever started a new job and felt like a total fraud? Felt like you were trying to fake it ’til you make it? I’m sure many of you probably have. I’ve definitely felt this way many times during my professional career, including right now in my new role as Executive Assistant to Adam […]
Relationship Enders: 5 Ways to Lose your Executive’s Trust
Trust is earned, not given, in relationships, including the relationships between an Executive and their Force Multiplier. The foundation of these professional relationships is the firm belief in the reliability and commitment of the other person. So, what happens when that trust is broken? Can it be repaired? Can the cracks be filled in or […]
Using “First Principles Thinking” to Solve Complex Problems
“If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” – Albert Einstein Think you know the best way to move your company forward? Think again. Or rather, think first with “first principles thinking” to solve your business’s most complex problems, bring […]
How to Create a Healthy Work/Life Balance
Is a healthy work/life balance possible for a successful Force Multiplier? YES! In the fast-paced world of Executive Assistants, Chiefs of Staff, and all Force Multiplier roles, achieving a harmonious work/life balance can seem like an elusive goal, but with the right mindset, strategies, and tools, it’s completely attainable. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and […]
How to Transition from Executive Assistant to Chief of Staff
I’m quite vocal about my years as an Executive Assistant and now Chief of Staff, and therefore I often get asked how to transition from one position to the other. I, in turn, always answer that question with a question: “Why? Why do you want to move from an Executive Assistant to a Chief of […]
Is It Time to Move On From Your Job?
In a November 2023 Gallup Poll on employee engagement, trends in the US showed that only 33% of employees are actively engaged in their jobs. Why does this matter? According to the study, employees who are engaged generally have a better overall well-being, less absences, and higher levels of productivity. On the flip side, it […]
Critical and Strategic Thinking for Force Multipliers
Executive Assistants and Chiefs of Staff can make an even bigger impact on their leaders and organization when they constantly level up their thinking skills. Learning to make decisions, anticipate issues, solve problems, communicate effectively, ask powerful questions, and think critically and strategically are all important parts of being a great Force Multiplier and strategic […]
Top 3 Challenges Executive Assistants Face
If a job was meant to be easy, it wouldn’t be called “work.” Everyone faces challenges of varying degrees in their career, and Executive Assistants (EAs) are certainly not without their fair share of struggles! Most EAs face managing high workloads and demands, balancing priorities, maintaining confidentiality, and having seamlessly effective and responsive interpersonal communication. […]
What’s the Difference Between an Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff?
Several years ago, when I was an Executive Assistant (EA), I became obsessed with all things EA. I read books and articles, followed top EAs, listened to podcasts, and attended EA conferences. I studied the profession and implemented what I learned into my career. As Chief of Staff (COS), I did the same. While less […]
How to Take the Reins From a Seasoned Force Multiplier
Starting a new job is always intimidating. But starting a job where the outgoing Force Multiplier (in my case Hallie Warner, former Chief of Staff to Adam Hergenrother) has been working alongside the CEO for over a decade is downright scary! Hi! My name is Jenna Stewart. I’m the new kid on the block here […]
15+ Apps to Enhance the Executive Assistant & Chief of Staff Experience
While being an Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, or other Force Multiplier isn’t necessarily a 24/7 job for all of us (though it certainly can be!), it does require a lot of time, commitment, and energy to do it and do it well, while not burning out. This is where technology can play a huge […]
How to Become a Chief of Staff
“How do I start a career as a Chief of Staff?” “What do I need to study to make a career as a Chief of Staff?” “Now that you have been Chief of Staff for a while, are there things that you wished your EA self had known?” “Are there learnings/courses/development that had you could […]
What is the Difference Between a Chief of Staff and COO?
Listen to our podcast episode about this topic here: About 6 or 7 years ago, when I was beginning to explore where I wanted to take my career next, I did a deep dive into the career paths of Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, and Chief Operating Officer (COO). As an employee of a startup, […]
The Strategic Pause
Listen to our podcast episode about this topic here: When I talk to Executive Assistants, aspiring Chiefs of Staff, and other executive support professionals, there is always a common theme (okay, there are several common themes, but let’s just tackle one today): strategic thinking. Force Multipliers are asked to be more strategic at work, encouraged […]
The Dichotomy of Leadership for Executive Assistants, Executive Business Partners, and Chiefs of Staff
I’ve always believed that Executive Assistants are leaders, but it’s more important than ever for Force Multipliers to lean into leading up. As AI and technology moves faster and faster every day, operating as a leadership partner in their organization is a must. Leadership is never easy, especially for those of us in Force Multiplier […]
Want to Make Better Decisions? Just Sleep On It
Benjamin Franklin said, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man [person] healthy, wealthy, and wise.” And, sleeping on it may just help you solve your next big challenge. As leaders and Force Multipliers, we don’t often get to see the good stuff. By the time something lands on our desk or in […]
So, You Want to Be a Force Multiplier? Your Questions Answered!
I always love reader/listener/community member questions! So, we are going to dive into some fantastic questions that some of our followers emailed in about how to launch a Force Multiplier career. Let’s get started! What skills are needed to land your first Force Multiplier type job? I’m a big fan of Patrick Lencioni’s book, The […]
Workforce Issues in the News and What They Mean for Leaders and Force Multipliers – March 2023 Edition
As founders, leaders, Force Multipliers, Chiefs of Staff, and Executive Assistants, it’s imperative that we stay on top of workforce trends and issues. They not only impact our career choices, but employee retention, hiring, company policies, and organizational culture. And when major publications, like The Wall Street Journal, enter the conversation, I pay attention. This […]
4 Reasons You Should Never Miss a Meeting With Your Executive Assistant or Chief of Staff
“My Executive canceled our weekly 1:1 meeting… again.” This might be one of the most frequent frustrations we hear from Force Multipliers. These weekly 1:1 meetings between a leader and their right hand partner are often the only dedicated time that an EA or Chief of Staff has to meet with their Exec during the […]
Top 8 Takeaways from The Chief of Staff Network Summit
Last week, I attended the Chief of Staff Summit hosted by The Chief of Staff Network. The day was packed with tactical information, career advice, inspirational speakers, fresh ideas, career validation, and more! It’s always invigorating to be in a “room” full of your peers sharing best practices and perspectives, as well as learning new […]
End-of-Year Checklist for Leaders and Force Multipliers
The fourth quarter is here and it’s the perfect time to start planning for the year ahead! Leaders and Force Multipliers alike can benefit from goal setting, calendar planning, updating resumes, organizing information, and creating growth plans. Here are 10 ideas to help you end the year strong, and create a tailwind going into 2023 […]
Survey Says: Confidence, Career Development Opportunities, and Communication are Key
A few months ago, we conducted a survey for Founders, leaders, Force Multipliers, Executive Assistants, and Chiefs of Staff to find out more about how we can help you grow in your business, your career, and your life. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey! This information is invaluable in learning more about […]
6 Ways to Get Your Boss to Share Their Time, Knowledge, and Work
What do Force Multipliers want? What do most Force Multipliers (Executive Assistants and Chiefs of Staff) want? Believe it or not, they want more! Specifically, they want more time with their Executive, more insight into, and context around, their leader’s thinking and priorities, and more responsibility and projects. Why? Because they want to make an […]
What’s a Force Multiplier?
Throughout my (almost) twelve years of working side-by-side with Adam Hergenrother, Founder & CEO of Adam Hergenrother Companies, I have held many titles: Listing Assistant, Executive Assistant, Coach, Consultant, co-Founder, co-author, and Chief of Staff. But what didn’t change during that time? My commitment to operating as Adam’s right-hand strategic business partner. About seven or […]