FFM Newsletter Language of Business Series: Marketing & Branding (The Mad Men Era is Dead)
In this edition: THURSDAY THOUGHTS Is AI actually EAs’ and Chiefs of Staffs’ biggest stan? Think about it… If every AI/tech company’s selling point is that its product can be “your EA” or “your Chief of Staff,” doesn’t that intrinsically tell us how important those roles are? So important that Big Tech is using them […]
FFM Newsletter Language of Business Series: Marketing & Branding (The 5Cs of Marketing)
In this edition: THURSDAY THOUGHTS This week kicks off the marketing and branding segment of the Language of Business series. So, let’s start with the “kinda chic” social media trend making the rounds… And take a minute to consider if there a way for you to adapt this to your leader or organization before it’s […]
FFM Newsletter Language of Business Series: (Force Multiply Sales & Customer Service)
In this edition: THURSDAY THOUGHTS Like me, you probably became a Force Multiplier because you never wanted to carry a sales quota, host sales calls, or close deals. But, if your job is to multiply your Executive’s effectiveness and impact, then there are sales and customer service activities that are part of your job, whether they are in […]
FFM Newsletter Language of Business Series: Customer Service & Sales (The Ultimate Sales Training)
In this edition: THURSDAY THOUGHTS Right about now I should be arriving at a small “resort” on Lake Champlain. 45 minutes from my house. 24 hours on the clock. 1 husband. Zero dogs. There won’t be a strict agenda. No productivity goals. No “while I’m here I should probably…” Just a little space to think and […]
FFM Newsletter Language of Business Series: Customer Service & Sales (Customers vs. Clients)
In this edition: THURSDAY THOUGHTS Working as the right-hand partner to an entrepreneur or small business owner often means that you wear ALL the hats. You aren’t just an Executive Assistant – you are also the marketing manager, director of operations, office manager, HR generalist, bookkeeper, property manager, personal assistant, PR & communications manager, community […]
FFM Newsletter Language of Business Series: Customer Service & Sales (Everyone is a Salesperson)
In this edition: THURSDAY THOUGHTS Everyone is a salesperson. Yes, you too! One of the reasons I became an Executive Assistant was because I thought I’d found a career where I could stay behind the scenes. No cold calling, pitch meetings, door-knocking, or sales quotas. Perfect! Then I started my own business and quickly realized…that plan […]
FFM Newsletter Language of Business Series: Customer Service & Sales (How to Sell Anything)
In this edition: THURSDAY THOUGHTS Well, I lasted one month staying focused on the Language of Business series, but the generalist in me is strong! Don’t worry, the series will continue – this month we’re diving into customer service, sales, and the client experience. However, you will see a new (old) section devoted to more general […]
FFM Newsletter Language of Business Series: Finance (Single vs. Multi-Family Offices)
In this edition: THURSDAY THOUGHTS Last week, I stopped at my favorite local coffee shop for an iced cinnamon latte and a strawberry lemon oat square. The usual. But as I stood there waiting for my order, I found myself getting impatient. Like, really impatient. The place was packed. Staff was hustling. Yet, as I […]
FFM Newsletter Language of Business Series: Finance (Business Scoreboards)
In this edition: THURSDAY THOUGHTS PSA: You don’t need anyone’s permission, a formal program, or a new title to start building your business acumen. Start from where you’re at and go (and grow!) from there. In addition to reading this newsletter series, here are a few suggestions: By embracing a growth mindset and committing time […]
FFM Newsletter Language of Business Series: Finance (Mid-Year Reflection & Financial Review)
In this edition: THURSDAY THOUGHTS Grab your notebook, your favorite beverage, and a couple of pens. It’s mid-year review time! Clear your head, settle in, and take some time to reflect and set your intentions (and make a plan!) for the year ahead. Not sure where to start? Check out the questions that will actually help you […]
FFM Newsletter Language of Business Series: Finance (Business Acumen Unlocked)
In this edition: THURSDAY THOUGHTS When Executive Assistants and other Force Multipliers ask me how they can become a stronger strategic business partner to their Principal and leadership team, one of the first things we talk about is business acumen. And no, it’s not just a buzzword for CEOs or MBAs (or even Chiefs of […]
The Executive Assistant Role Is More Strategic Than Ever — And the 2026 Data Finally Proves It
Two major reports dropped in April 2026 that every Force Multiplier, Executive Assistant, and administrative professional needs to read — and every Founder, leader, and HR professional who works alongside one should pay attention to as well. The Global Skills Matrix 2026 from the World Administrators Alliance and The 2026 State of the Administrative Profession […]
Your Competence Isn’t the Problem: Why Executive Assistant/Chief of Staff Success Has More to Do with Signal Literacy Than Skill by Kristine Valenzuela
Today’s guest post is from Kristine Valenzuela, a career Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff, as well as the Founder of The Secret Executive. To learn more about Kristine and her work, visit The Secret Executive or follow her on LinkedIn! Everyone keeps encouraging Executive Assistants and Chiefs of Staff to get better at their […]
Positive Psychology and Strengths-Based Leadership for Right-Hand Partners by Diana Brandl
Today’s guest post is from Diana Brandl, Founder of The Socialista Projects and host of the Executive Office Insights podcast. To learn more about Diana and her work, visit The Socialista Projects or follow her on LinkedIn! Positive Psychology and Strengths-Based Leadership for Right-Hand Partners Force Multipliers (i.e. Chiefs of Staff, Executive Assistants, Executive Support professionals, […]
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 […]
R-E-S-P-E-C-T | Find Out What It Means to Executive Assistants
There’s a lot of talk about how Executive Assistants and Force Multipliers should be “respected as strategic partners.” And while I agree with the sentiment (yes, respect is critical for a successful working partnership), it’s not something that shows up on day one just because you do. Respect is earned. It’s built. It’s given by […]
Should You Stay or Should You Go? Balancing Job Demands and Resources to Find the Right Career Fit
Feeling burned out or bored? Have you maxed out your earning potential or promotion opportunities? Or perhaps you’re considering a change but you’re unsure if the grass is really greener on the other side. When you’re trying to decide if you should stay or leave your job, of course, it’s important to consider salary, benefits, […]
How Executive Assistants and Right-Hand Partners Build Social Capital
I get it. You’re wearing a lot of hats. Your calendar’s full, your inbox is overflowing, and your to-do list never seems to end. You’re busy! But here’s the truth: if you keep your head down for too long, just checking tasks off a list and staying in “doing” mode, you may be unintentionally limiting […]
Thinking About Partnering with an Entrepreneur? Read This First.
If you’re an Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, or Force Multiplier eyeing a role alongside a founder, entrepreneur, or small business owner, read this first. I’m a huge advocate for the power of strategic right-hand partnerships in entrepreneurial businesses. When the fit is right, this kind of role can be deeply fulfilling, dynamic, and wildly […]
LinkedIn News 25 Big Ideas That Will Change Our World in 2025 – Force Multiplier Edition
LinkedIn News recently released their 25 Big Ideas report, sharing ideas they believe will change our world in 2025. As Force Multipliers, I think it’s important to read through the article and consider how these predictions may apply to your company, industry, and career opportunities. To get you started, take a look at how I […]
Thankful for YOU!, How to Say “No” to Your Boss, What You Should Stop Doing, & Give and Take
Happy Thanksgiving! I just wanted to take a minute to thank YOU for being a part of The Inner Circle and The Founder & The Force Multiplier community. Whether you’ve been here since the first blog post in 2016 or you just found us yesterday – I am so glad you are here! “Gratitude is […]
What the Seahawks & Force Multipliers Have in Common, Becoming an Impact Player, CCing My EA Podcast, Slowing Down, & More
I typically don’t watch football. I’m more of a hockey girl, myself (Go Bruins!). But this interview was too good not to share. A couple of weeks ago my friend Michelle J. sent me this video of the Seattle Seahawks coach, Mike Macdonald talking about cornerback Devon Witherspoon. I mean, he could have been talking […]
The White House Chief of Staff, Not Everyone Wants a Promotion, & Getting Ready for a Career Pivot
Did you know that I actually modeled my role as Chief of Staff after the White House Chief of Staff? When I moved into the role around 2013, there were very few resources available outside of military and government Chief of Staff examples, so I used what I could find and adapted it to the […]
The Self-Confidence Formula, The 1 Hour Rule, & Year-End HR Compliance
When I first started working with my former Executive, Adam, he “only” had three businesses – he owned a real estate team, a real estate brokerage, and several investment properties. Much of my time during the first three years of our partnership was spent in the real estate world and about 80% of it working […]