The Leader Assistant Podcast with Jeremy Burrows
The Leader Assistant Podcast exists to encourage and challenge executive assistants and administrative professionals to become confident, game-changing Leader Assistants. Assistants have an enormous amount of influence as we manage the good, the bad, and the ugly in the life and work of our high-capacity, fast-paced CEOs, executives, pastors, celebrities, and politicians. The question is, what will we do with our influence? My name is Jeremy Burrows. I’m a longtime executive assistant, speaker, coach, founder of LeaderAssistant.com, and author of the #1 Amazon Best Seller, The Leader Assistant: Four Pillars of a Confident, Game-Changing Assistant. In this practical and in...
#389: Mia Lane on Having the Right People in Your Corner
Mia M. Lane is a senior executive assistant who empowers executives and their teams to perform at their highest level through strategic partnership, calm execution, and trusted support.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Mia talks about having the right people in your corner, tips on networking, the difference between a mentor and a sponsor, and more.
Show notes → leaderassistant.com/389
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level...
#388: Susie Sanchez - From the Sidelines of the NFL to the Front Lines of Corporate Leadership
Susie Sanchez is a professional executive assistant, keynote speaker, and advocate dedicated to “unmuting” the stories of life’s major transitions.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Susie shares her journey of navigating a cancer diagnosis, leaving the workforce, and returning with renewed purpose. She also talks about how preventive self-care is critical, especially for executive assistants.
Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/388
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level...
#387: Flo Esho on Blending the Operational with the Relational in Executive Support
Flo Esho is the founder of The Easy Flow Life, a U.S.-based executive support agency that helps founders and executives step out of the day-to-day and back into true leadership.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Flo talks about supporting executives in their personal and professional lives, tips for hiring an assistant, encouragement for those considering becoming a virtual assistant, travel planning tips, and more.
Show notes → leaderassistant.com/387
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pull...
#386: Elizaveta Usyaeva on Building and Leading a Strong Team of Assistants
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, I’m excited to dive into the world of building and leading a high-performing assistant team. I’m joined by Elizaveta "Liz" Usyaeva, who shares her experience building a team from scratch at Yandex.
We discuss everything from hiring strategies and stress-testing candidates to the art of balancing executive support with team leadership. If you're looking for practical advice on motivation and fostering a human-first, supportive culture, you won't want to miss this conversation.
Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/386
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It’s the last day of...
#385: Rachel Clissold on Finding Your Voice and Developing Your Confidence
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, I chat with Rachel Clissold, a coach and consultant based in Australia who helps leaders gain clarity and communicate more effectively.
Rachel shares her professional journey, starting as a team administrator managing hundreds of staff and transitioning into an executive assistant role. We explore the unique rewards of being a "sidekick" to executives, the art of making the impossible possible, and how assistants can lean into their intuition to navigate high-pressure situations. Rachel also opens up about her personal path to finding her voice and overcoming past limitations, explaining...
#384: Beth Portesi - Vibe Coding for Executive Assistants
Beth Portesi is AI Enablement and Program Lead at Fivetran after 12 years as an executive assistant. She’s also the founder of Vibe Coding for EAs.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Beth explores the exciting world of AI for executive assistants. Beth shares her journey from longtime EA to AI program lead and dives into “vibe coding” – an approach that empowers assistants to create automations and tools using plain language prompts, without needing technical expertise.
Discover practical tips on how to get started with AI, overcome the “paralysis of choice,” and use tools like Cl...
#383: Fiona Kelly - Founder of Executive PA Forum and Miss Jones Ireland
Fiona Kelly is the founder of Executive PA Forum, Ireland’s only L&D platform for EAs, PAs and business support professionals.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Fiona talks about the changes she has seen in the executive support industry since launching her first summit in 2010, her process for hiring trainers, and more.
Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/383
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your s...
#382: How to Confidently Craft a Resume that Stands Out
In this exclusive episode, Al-Husein Madhany and I talk about how to confidently craft a resume – specifically for executive support roles – that stands out from the crowd.
This is not a generic conversation about resumes. This is a brutally honest session to help you with your resume so you can gain an edge in your current (or future) job search.
To further dive into this topic and get access to the resume template and line by line videos, enroll in The Assistant's Guide to Crafting the Perfect Resume online course. (NOTE: Be sure to listen to th...
#381: Ashley Langlais on Supporting the Goals of Your CEO
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Ashley Langlais, Chief of Staff at DVx Ventures, shares her unique approach to being a strategic partner to a CEO. Ashley details her journey in supporting her CEO through a "big first," such as writing his first book, making his goal her own from day one.
Jeremy and Ashley chat about how to provide support beyond calendar management for major initiatives like book writing, speechwriting, keynote prep, and internal/external messaging.
Ashley also covers the Chief of Staff role as a true strategic partner and shares valuable le...
#380: Amber Youngren - Executive Assistant and Office Manager Lead at Forged Fiber 37
Amber Youngren is the executive assistant and office manager lead at Forged Fiber 37.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Amber discusses the evolving role of the Executive Assistant. She shares how EAs can become strategic leaders by developing skills for operations and Chief of Staff roles, building deep trust, managing up, and acting as the organization's ultimate connector to translate observations into actionable insight and bring alignment across teams.
Show notes → leaderassistant.com/380
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The C...
#379: Executive Office Insights Spotlight - A Conversation with Bilingual EA Paula Moio and Her Executive
Tune into this special episode featuring a rare dual interview between Diana Brandl, award-winning executive assistant Paula Moio and her executive, Louis. Discover the powerful synergy of their four-year working relationship, built on radical trust, open dialogue, and Louis' strong belief that "assistants must be leaders."
They share how emotional intelligence and cultural adaptation are critical in modern administration, and why future EAs must continuously add value beyond routine tasks to lead the profession.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation on leadership, trust, and the human side of the evolving executive office.
Show notes ->...
#378: Former Personal Assistant to Archbishop Desmond Tutu - Atrayah Janhe
Join Diana Brandl for an inspiring spotlight episode of Executive Office Insights with Atrayah Janhe, former Personal Assistant to Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Atrayah shares her diverse career path – from her start as a secretary and policewoman in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to managing the Arch's office during his transition to retirement.
She offers crucial insights into the evolution of the assistant role, arguing that while technology advances skills, human connection and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) are vital qualities often missed in today's fast-paced, remote work world. Discover the Arch's cherished routines (including hot chocolate and twice-daily tea times), the po...
#377: James McPartland on Leading from Where You Are
James “Mac” McPartland is a keynote speaker, author of the Unopened Gifts ® series, and MindShift & Performance Coach.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, James talks about what it really means to lead from where you are, self-leadership, radical responsibility, and communication.
Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/377
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could...
#376: Diana Brandl Interviews Brian Daniel - Founder of The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network
In this candid interview, Diana Brandl welcomes Brian Daniel, founder of The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network, to pull back the curtain on the world of private service for celebrities, high-net-worth families, and billionaires.
Brian, a former Personal Assistant and Chief of Staff for royal families and A-list stars, shares his firsthand expertise on the ups and downs of the industry. He reveals the true salary realities (including the controversial Anna Wintour assistant salary) and the immense patience required to find the right match.
Learn why professionalism, "thick skin," and maintaining discretion are non-negotiable, and discover wh...
#375: Strategic Partner in the Executive Suite - Diana Brandl's Conversation with Anne Marie Otañez
In this spotlight episode of Diana Brandl's Executive Office Insights, Anne Marie Otañez details her intentional career path, moving from early roles at Netscape, Disney, and Apple to her current strategic position.
Learn what it truly means to be a Chief of Staff—a trusted partner, liaison, confidant, and proxy—and the importance of clearly defining the role against that of an Executive Assistant. Anne Marie, who is also an author and the founder of the Chief of Staff Academy, shares how she supports senior leaders, manages a 100% remote work environment with intentional travel, and her goal...
#374: A Powerful Partnership - Diana Brandl Chats with President Matthew Chapman and his EBP Agnes Spohn
In this spotlight episode of the Executive Office Insights podcast, join Diana Brandl for an inspiring conversation with Matthew Chapman (President of Sales and Marketing) and his Executive Business Partner, Agnes Spohn, from Freudenberg Group. Despite being based in the US and Germany, this power duo reveals the dynamics of their thriving, trust-based, remote partnership, including how they leverage time zones for efficiency and rely on open communication.
Learn about the evolving role of the assistant into a strategic business partner. Agnes, who Matthew calls a "networking superhero," shares her passion project: founding and expanding Freudenberg's internal...
#373: Maaike Knoester Interviews Jeremy Burrows on the 5 Star Assistant Podcast
I had the honor of speaking with Maaike Knoester for an interview on the 5 Star Assistant Podcast to discuss my 20-year career as an Executive Assistant, my book The Leader Assistant, and the journey of producing over 360 episodes of my own podcast.
In this conversation we talk about challenging misconceptions about our profession. The greatest misunderstanding is that EAs are merely "one-trick ponies" focused on scheduling and expenses. In reality, we are strategic partners who see the whole picture for our executives. Internally, the biggest barrier I see is a lack of confidence, often stemming...
#372: A Conversation with Heleen Vink - Management Assistant to the Deputy CEO & CFO at Ingka Group | IKEA
Diana Brandl is a longtime C-Suite assistant, and host of the Executive Office Insights podcast.
In this spotlight episode, explore how service skills evolve into strategy as Heleen Vink shares her path from hospitality to supporting the CEO of Ingka Group (IKEA), the calendar audit that reset priorities, and the systems that protect deep work and drive stakeholder engagement. Heleen and Diana also outline how to build an internal assistant network and keep balance through community and creativity.
Topics covered:
hospitality foundations shaping executive supportmoving from generalist skills to a stakeholder specialtythe structure and...#371: Reggie Love - Former Personal Aide to President Barack Obama
Diana Brandl is a longtime C-Suite assistant, and host of the Executive Office Insights podcast. In this spotlight episode, Diana interviews Reggie Love - former Personal Aide to President Barack Obama.
The conversation features Reggie discussing his life, career, and time at the White House. He shares his background growing up in North Carolina and his path to working with Obama, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion. He also offers leadership advice centered on passion, patience, and perspective (empathy), and tips for managing stress.
Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/371
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It’s t...
#370: Jana Franklin on the Biggest Mistake CEOs Make When Hiring a VA
Jana Franklin is President of CEO Concierge, a company dedicated to offering high-quality virtual assistant services to busy entrepreneurs, business owners and C-suite levels.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Jana talks about the importance of training and onboarding when bringing on an assistant, the role of personality assessments in the hiring process, treating assistants as business partners, and more.
Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/370
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you...
#369: Diana Brandl Interviews Patrick Jephson - Former Chief of Staff to Princess Diana
Diana Brandl is a longtime C-Suite assistant, and host of the Executive Office Insights podcast.
In this spotlight episode, Diana interviews Patrick Jephson - former Chief of Staff to Princess Diana.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/369
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.
Sound too good to b...
#368: Executive Support in Microsoft Germany's CEO Office
Diana Brandl is a longtime C-Suite assistant, and host of the Executive Office Insights podcast.
In this spotlight episode, Diana speaks with the executive support team in Microsoft Germany's CEO office.
Go behind the scenes of Microsoft Germany’s CEO Office with two inspiring women: Andrea Bross (Executive Assistant) and Svetlana Barsova (Chief of Staff). In this candid conversation, they share what it really takes to support a top executive, manage complex schedules, and keep leadership moving at full speed.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/368
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It’s the last day o...
#367: Donata Boston - Former Madonna Family Assistant
Diana Brandl is a longtime C-Suite assistant, and host of the Executive Office Insights podcast.
In this spotlight episode, Diana speaks with Donata Boston - former Madonna family assistant.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/367
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.
Sound too good to be true...
#366: Deborrah Mac Kenzie on Executive Assistant Superpowers
Deborrah Mac Kenzie-Meneades has over 30 years of experience in executive support.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Deborrah shares her assistant career story, including a bit from her experience leading EA teams, and talks about superpowers assistants have.
Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/366
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on...
#365: Diana Brandl and Lauren Bradley on How Executive Assistants Can Thrive
Diana Brandl is a longtime C-Suite assistant, and host of the Executive Office Insights podcast.
In this spotlight episode, Diana speaks with Lauren Bradley about how EAs can thrive.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/365
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.
Sound too good to be true...
#364: Robert Hosking - Global Executive Director at Robert Half
Robert Hosking is executive director of the administrative and customer support practice at talent solutions and business consulting firm, Robert Half.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Robert talks about how assistants can earn a seat at the table. He also shares tips for interviewing, breaking through the AI wall when applying for jobs, weighing job offers, and more.
Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/364
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This...
#363: Dawn Stallwood on EAs, Automation, and Beautiful Leadership
Dawn Stallwood has close to 30 years of experience serving and working closely with leaders and their management teams – including executive assistants and chiefs of staff.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Dawn talks about how EAs bring space and perspective to CEOs and their teams, what beautiful leadership is, and what she’s seeing in the professional space related to automation and EAs.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/363
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say...
#362: Annie Croner on Multitasking vs Multitracking
Annie Croner is the founder and CEO of Whole Assistant, an online platform & community, formed to provide a positive place where assistants can go to transform their lives and level up their careers.
In this spotlight episode of Annie's show, The Whole Assistant Podcast, she talks about multitasking vs multitracking.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/362
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite. They h...
#361: Start, Stop, Continue with Jess Lindgren
Jess Lindgren is a longtime C-Suite assistant, and host of the Ask an Assistant podcast.
In this Ask an Assistant spotlight episode, Jess talks about the Start, Stop, Continue framework and how it can apply to evaluating internal events for your organization.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/361
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could...
#360: Ricky Blanco - Stepping into a Leadership Mindset as an EA
Ricky Blanco Saavedra is a Sr. Executive Assistant at Viva Exec, supporting the CTO and Head of Go-to-Market at Shippo.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Ricky talks about discarding the “I’m just the EA” mindset, and stepping into a leadership mindset, how to fight impostor syndrome, and more.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/360
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite...
#359: Diana Brandl's Conversation with Danny McCubbin - Former PA to Chef Jamie Oliver
Diana Brandl is a longtime C-Suite assistant, and host of the Executive Office Insights podcast.
In this spotlight episode, Diana speaks with Danny McCubbin, former PA to Chef Jamie Oliver.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/359
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.
Sound too good to be tru...
#358: Being Solutions Oriented vs Being the Solution (with Annie Croner)
Annie Croner is the founder and CEO of Whole Assistant, an online platform & community, formed to provide a positive place where assistants can go to transform their lives and level up their careers.
In this spotlight episode of Annie's show, The Whole Assistant Podcast, she talks about being solutions oriented vs being the solution.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/358
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret...
#357: Finding EA Communities Online with Jess Lindgren
Jess Lindgren is a longtime C-Suite assistant, and host of the Ask an Assistant podcast.
In this Ask an Assistant spotlight episode, Jess talks about finding EA communities online.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/357
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.
Sound too good to be true? I...
#356: Executive Office Insights Spotlight - Diana Brandl Interviews Samantha Cox - Former EA to Sir Richard Branson
Diana Brandl is a longtime C-Suite assistant, and host of the Executive Office Insights podcast.
In this spotlight episode, Diana interviews Samantha Cox, former EA to Sir Richard Branson.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/356
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.
Sound too good to be true? I...
#355: Elizabeth Sutkowska - Longtime EA and Founder of Assistologist
Elizabeth Sutkowska is an experienced Executive Assistant with international expertise supporting leaders in fast-paced corporate and startup environments.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Elizabeth talks about “falling into” the EA role, launching a Poland-based association to empower assistants, and more.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/355
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could...
#354: Annie Croner on How to Have a Stellar Annual Review
Annie Croner is the founder and CEO of Whole Assistant, an online platform & community, formed to provide a positive place where assistants can go to transform their lives and level up their careers.
In this spotlight episode of Annie's show, The Whole Assistant Podcast, she shares tips on how to have a stellar annual review.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/354
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your s...
#353: Ask an Assistant Spotlight - Laptop Bags for the EA on the Go
Jess Lindgren is a longtime C-Suite assistant, and host of the Ask an Assistant podcast.
In this Ask an Assistant spotlight episode, Jess talks about laptop bags for the EA on the go.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/353
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.
Sound too...
#352: Yvette Lamb - Founder of The Admin Wrap
Yvette Lamb is the writer behind The Admin Wrap – a practical newsletter for administrative professionals.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Yvette talks about her career as an EA, Chief of Staff, and operations manager.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/352
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”
Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experie...
#351: David Goldman on Job Interview Strategies for Assistants
David Goldman is a veteran recruiter and job interview coach with over 25 years of experience helping people find and secure executive assistant, EBP and Chief of Staff roles.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, David talks about proven job interview strategies to help executive assistants and executive business partners turn great interviews into great offers. David also shares tips on how to decide between multiple offers.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/351
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pu...
#350: Polly Todd on Being an EA Contractor in the Corporate World
Polly Todd has been a dedicated Senior Executive Assistant with over 20 years of experience, as a long term contractor, at a large financial institution.
In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Polly shares her story of being a contractor in the corporate world, the challenges that come with it, growing confidence, and how to onboard a new executive.
Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/350
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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next...
