My career and work-life have always been extremely important to me.
I’ve suffered through babysitting the neighborhood kids for a crisp ten-dollar bill. I pushed myself out of my very thick introverted shell to network with local business leaders and talk about the power of partnership on stage in front of 10,000 people. I’ve cleaned bathrooms working retail shifts, started a side-hustle doing freelance PR during my first Executive Assistant job, picked up trash after countless events, created a Chief of Staff role for myself, entertained countless candidates and event attendees, helped an entrepreneur bring two books to life, and just about everything else in between.
And every one of those experiences was worth the long nights, the imposter syndrome, the self-imposed pressure, the leadership challenges, getting uncomfortable, unmet expectations, the joy, the tears, and the many, many lessons learned along the way.
Every work experience was worth it, because I made it work for me.
If you’re anything like me, you like making money, you like making an impact, and you like the options and opportunities that your career provides.
Work can give us purpose and help us grow as individuals. Work can be an outlet for our personal projects and passions. Work funds our life!
Why am I telling you all of this?
Because I fundamentally believe that our careers are up to us. I’ve used the strategies below in every position I’ve had. And if any of the lessons I learned along the way can help you level up as an Executive Assistant and help you take your career wherever you want to grow – then great!
Bottom line, if I can do it, so can you!
6 Strategies for Making Your Own Moves
Moving from Marketing Assistant to Executive Assistant to Chief of Staff to Leadership Coach and Soloprenuer didn’t happen overnight, nor was it handed to me. It was a journey of intentional growth, bold decisions, and a commitment to owning my career.
Here are the key factors that made it possible:
1. THE DESIRE TO CHART YOUR OWN COURSE
Before anything else, I had to want to take control of my career. In a typical working period of 50 years, 24% of our time will be spent working. It’s a huge part of our lives and should get a proportionate amount of our focus and energy.
This “career visioning” has happened several times throughout my career. Here are three examples:
1. My second professional role was an administrative and customer focused role for a local government organization (which I accepted because I had moved to a new town). I quickly realized that position was not the right fit, so I began to make moves. While in the role I made sure to give it my all, including creating value-add resources for job seekers based on my experience with social media and personal branding. I then used those same skills to connect with the Chamber of Commerce Director, our local senator, and other business contacts. My skills were strongly rooted in business administration, public relations, and communication, so I leveraged those and landed a new role as Executive Assistant to the Principal of the local high school. And I’ve been in the executive support and Force Multiplier space ever since!
2. When I moved again, I accepted a position as a real estate marketing assistant. I knew I had the skills and I was incredibly interested in the real estate industry. I was hired in that role in order to allow my CEO’s current assistant to move into the Executive Assistant position. But within about three months he knew we were in the wrong roles (and I knew it too!). I was so excited to transition into the Executive Assistant role – I couldn’t wait for more responsibility and to begin building my relationships at my CEO’s right-hand partner. I immediately immersed myself in everything I could find about how to be an exceptional EA and began sharing what I learned with others.
3. Moving into the Chief of Staff role wasn’t just about title progression; it was about aligning my career with my strengths and passions. I envisioned a role where I could shape strategy, influence decision-making, and drive initiatives—and I made that vision my guiding light.
TAKE ACTION – What does leveling up look like for you? Take the time to clarify your career goals and envision the role you want. You are the captain of your own ship!
2. DOING THE JOB I WANTED, NOT JUST THE ONE I HAD
Early on, I realized that if I wanted to grow, I couldn’t limit myself to my job description. I started taking on responsibilities that aligned with the leadership roles (specifically Chief of Staff once I realized that was my goal). I dove into recruiting and retention, strategic planning, project management, and program development – even while my title still said “Executive Assistant.” By demonstrating capability beyond my role, I showed my readiness for more.
Doing the job you want, not just the one you have is a great way to create opportunities for yourself. Even if it doesn’t result in a direct promotion at your current company, I think there is value in stretching yourself, expanding your scope of work, and doing the job you want. Undoubtable you will learn, enhance your skills, grow your leadership, and position yourself for whatever career move you make next.
TAKE ACTION – Don’t wait for someone to give you permission to grow. Volunteer for projects, seek out challenges, and demonstrate your capabilities – inside or outside of your company.
3. VORACIOUS LEARNING AND LEADING WITH CURIOUSITY
I became a sponge for knowledge. I read books about leadership and strategy, listened to podcasts on business operations, and sought out coaches who could guide me. This relentless pursuit of learning not only expanded my skills but also gave me the confidence to engage at higher levels within each company I worked at.
TAKE ACTION – Identify the skills you need for the next level and actively pursue learning opportunities. Online courses, books, webinars, and coaching are all excellent resources. What’s on your growth plan for the year?
4. COURAGE TO TAKE ON PROJECTS I WASN’T READY FOR
Just remember, focus on courage over confidence. Confidence will follow, but you have to take the leap and gain the experience first. Even if you fail. Fail forward. Some of the biggest leaps in my career came when I said “yes” to projects that scared me. I took on initiatives that stretched my abilities, like starting new company, speaking in front of 10,000 people, leading a cross-functional team, or giving some tough feedback to my CEO. Each time, I learned on the fly and proved to myself – and others – that I was capable.
TAKE ACTION – Embrace discomfort. It’s a sign that you are on the brink of a breakthrough! Identify a project or area of the business where you could add value. Step up and make your move. Sometimes, it is better to ask forgiveness than permission. Use your judgement, of course. But be bold and be brave!
5. MAKING THE PITCH
Because I had spent time working on my career vision over the years, when the time came, I didn’t wait for someone to hand me the Chief of Staff role. I pitched it. I outlined how I could add value, the skills I had already demonstrated, and how the role would benefit the organization. That moment of advocating for myself was a turning point.
TAKE ACTION – When you’re ready for a new role or responsibility, don’t be afraid to make your case. Be prepared to articulate your value and show how you’re already operating at the next level.
6. BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS & YOUR PERSONAL BRAND
Building a strong, authentic relationships and building a personal brand go hand in hand. And they were both instrumental in my career journey. I invested time in understanding my Executives’ goals and challenges, collaborated closely with colleagues, constantly sought solutions to challenges, and connected with fellow Force Multipliers and leaders I admired. These connections not only expanded my network but also created a support system that championed my growth and opened doors to new opportunities.
Additionally, I focused on building a personal brand that reflected my work and leadership, while positioning me as a resource for other entrepreneurs, leaders, and Force Multipliers. I firmly believe that building a personal brand, and creating meaningful connections along the way, gives you more control over your career and your future.
TAKE ACTION – Connect with a former co-worker or a business leader you admire. Send them an email or message on LinkedIn. Baby steps build momentum! In addition, take a look at these 8 ways to start building your personal brand. Choose one to get started with this week.
Make Your Own Moves
Whether you are committed to building a stronger strategic business partnership with your leader, are interested in moving into another role such as Administrative Manager, Chief of Staff, or Director of Executive Operations, or you’re thinking about starting your own business, the principles I’ve shared can help you level up.
My entire career journey has taught me that growth doesn’t just happen – you have to want it and create opportunities for yourself. By taking ownership of your career, stepping into opportunities that challenge you, and continuously learning, you can level up in ways you might never have imagined.
So, what’s your next move? Whether it’s mastering a new skill, taking on a big project, or pitching your dream role, the power to level up is in your hands. Make your own moves and see where they take you.
Your future self will thank you.
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