9 Signs You Need a Force Multiplier
The role of leader covers a lot of ground. But, to sum it up and simplify, there are four key things that a leader must do: What is a Force Multiplier? These four focus areas make up a leader’s 20%. That is, the 20% of activities that will produce 80% of their results à la […]
What’s Next? Exploring the Executive Assistant Career Path
Do you love the Executive Assistant role, but feel like you are hitting a ceiling in your growth, responsibilities, or compensation? Are you thinking about what might come after your current job? Are you unsure how to continue to grow your Executive Assistant career? Don’t get me wrong, the executive assistant role is a dynamic, interesting, impactful, and […]
Habits That Cause Burnout in Force Multipliers
As Force Multipliers (Executive Assistants, Chiefs of Staff), we live in a culture of hustle and bustle! The line between dedication and depletion can oftentimes blur together without us even realizing it. It’s important not to overlook the warning signs of burnout when they are staring us right in the face. Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. […]
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 […]
13 Books Every Executive Assistant Should Read
In The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, Gary Keller emphasizes the importance of the assistant role. In fact, he goes so far as to discuss how individuals in this position can grow and evolve with the leader and earn the right to move into an Assistant Executive position. In order to become a true Force Multiplier, […]
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 […]
5 Things to Consider Before Starting a Career as an Executive Assistant
First, let’s get this out of the way—being an Executive Assistant is not a stepping stone to another career opportunity. It is a dynamic, interesting, impactful, and fulfilling career in its own right. While many people, myself included, kind of fall unintentionally into the role of Executive Assistant, most stay by choice. There are few […]
Why You Need White Space During the Work Week (Yes, Force Multipliers, Too!)
When we look at advertising pieces or interior design, our eyes are typically drawn to the ads or spaces that have a lot of “white space”, or open space, on the page or in the room. The presence of fewer words, throw pillows, or images forces the mind to focus on what’s important and increases […]
What’s the Difference Between an Executive Business Partner and an Executive Assistant?
Listen to our podcast episode about this topic here: In the executive support and administrative professional world, titles are always a topic of conversation. From secretaries, coordinators and assistants to strategic partners, managers, business partners, force multipliers, and more, there seems to be an endless combination of titles available for these roles. And if it […]
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 […]
How to Create an Administrative Alliance at Your Company
The Force Multiplier position (Executive Assistants, Executive Support Professionals, Chiefs of Staff, etc.) is a unique and complex position. Individuals in these roles are simultaneously called upon to lead and influence change (with no formal title of authority), while maintaining diplomacy (saying enough, but not saying too much) and doing it all from “behind the […]
Executive Assistant or Assistant Executive?
Listen to our podcast episode about this topic here: I’ve been in an executive support role for the majority of my career, yet it wasn’t until I attended a Keller Williams Realty conference and read The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller in 2011 that I realized that an Executive Assistant/right-hand partner role was […]
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 […]
8 Ways to Create a Positive and Powerful Relationship with Your Executive Assistant
You may have seen or heard of successful long-time leader/Force Multiplier (a.k.a. Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, Executive Business Partner) partnerships such as Conan O’Brien and Sona Movsesian, President Obama and Reggie Love, Eric Schmidt and Ann Hiatt, John F. Kennedy, Jr. and RoseMarie Terenzio, Sara Blakely and Kenya Graham and Lisa Magazine, and of […]
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 […]