Exceptional Admins | A Podcast for Assistants
Hosted by a specialized headhunter and career architect, the Exceptional Admins podcast is your go-to resource for evolving in your administrative career. Hit play for engaging discussions, valuable career insight, and thought-provoking content (plus, plenty of laughs) to stay motivated and inspired. Listen, Learn, and Lead: Evolve with the Exceptional Admins Podcast - www.exceptionaladmins.com
An Interview with Hilani Ellis, The Proximity Advantage Book (E: 133)
What happens when you spend two decades observing how executives and administrative professionals actually work?
That question sits at the heart of my new book, The Proximity Advantage: Seeing More, Learning More, Becoming More in Executive Operations.
For this conversation, I handed the questions over to a friend and let her interview me about the ideas behind the book—where they came from, what I’ve learned from more than 7,500 conversations with administrative professionals and 400+ one-on-one conversations with leaders, and why I believe proximity may be one of the most overlooked career advantages in executive oper...
p.s. A Love Letter to the Admin Profession (E: 132)
SUMMARY:
A love letter to the admin profession.
INTENTION:
Recap the last 5-years and spark excitement for what's ahead.
EXCERPT:
"You're amazing!" Hilani
RESOURCES:
LinkedIn Post - ea Merch
Building Your Personal Brand Course (Code: 30_MYBRAND - exp: 12/31/25)
NEWSLETTER:
Never miss what's happening: Subscribe Here
DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram
The Legacy Episode: Lessons and Highlights from the Last 8 Years (E: 131)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that highlights the good, the bad, and the dirty from headhunting over the last 8 years.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener a behind the scene look of what it's like running EA.
EXCERPT:
"Did she show up drunk to work?" Hilani
NEWSLETTER:
Receive our Friday 60-second Industry Check-In Emails Here
DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Community: LinkedIn
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram
OFFERINGS:
Free, self-development...
Understanding Cognitive Overload (E: 130)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that dives deep into the topic of cognitive (over)load.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener expertise, via our guest Dr. Heather Collins, Ph.D, insights and options for understanding and minimizing cognitive overload.
EXCERPT:
"There is no evidence that says there's a limit to our brain capacity." Heather
NEWSLETTER:
Receive our bi-monthly 60-second Industry check-in Newsletter Here
DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Community: LinkedIn
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram
<...
Believing In Yourself: Career Advancement (E: 129)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that highlights the importance of career planning, setting yourself apart, and confirming how you want to show up.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener inspiration through an update story with a prior guest career update.
EXCERPT:
"No may mean, not right now." Porchae
NEWSLETTER:
Receive our Friday 60-second Industry Check-In Emails Here
DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Community: LinkedIn
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram
OFFERINGS:
...
p.s. Advocating for Yourself (E: 128)
SUMMARY:
An insightful episode that was sparked by four independent conversations about how to elevate the way HR sees admin employees.
INTENTION:
Over the last 45-days, four different admins reached out to talk about (essentially) the same thing. Be seen by HR as more than an admin.
EXCERPT:
"It's about expansion, not growth" Hilani
RESOURCES:
Professional Development Workbook
Assessments
WTF Episode
Doing a Career Audit Episode
Personal Branding Episode
Lynda.com
<...
Admin Confidence and Impact (E : 127)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that highlights the importance of confidence, influence, and impact.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener inspiration so they too can grow their confidence, influence and impact.
EXCERPT:
"I encourage you to step in and lean into your worth and impact." Chelsea
NEWSLETTER:
Receive our Friday 60-second Industry Check-In Emails Here
DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Community: LinkedIn
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram
Be a Guest on the Show: Form...
Career Momentum and Trajectory (E: 126)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that discloses great tips on creating a trajectory in your career.
INTENTION:
The host and guest cover career evolution strategies to help you do the same with your career.
EXCERPT:
"Having some form of tolerance with risk is helpful." Beth
NEWSLETTER:
Receive our Friday 60-second Industry Check-In Emails Here
DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Community: LinkedIn
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram
Be a Guest on the Show: Form...
Being an Assistant With ADHD (E: 125)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that delivers valuable insights into the work style of an admin with ADHD.
INTENTION:
To put a spotlight on ADHD and working in an admin role, while sharing ideas on how to thrive.
EXCERPT:
"How I show up daily, my attitude, my reactions, and my responses to situations matter." Erikah
MENTIONED:
ea University
 Tactical to Strategic (Mary's Episode)
The Collective (DeeDee Episode)
Mayo Clinic Resource: ADHD
NEWSLETTER:
p.s. Job Searching Tips (E: 124)
SUMMARY:
An insightful episode that sheds light on best practices to help you with your job search.
INTENTION:
To offer unconventional tips that help you experience traction with your job search (whether actively or passively looking).
EXCERPT:
"Enthusiasm is compelling when connecting with an employer." Hilani
RESOURCES:
Professional Development Workbook
Assessments
WTF Episode
Doing a Career Audit Episode
Personal Branding Episode
NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here
DISCOVER:
<...
Faith in the Workplace (E: 123)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that showcases how Christian faith can have a positive effect on your role, career, and life pursuits.
INTENTION:
The host and guest picked their top 4 scriptures, so they could discuss how each ties to living more purpose at work and in life.
EXCERPT:
"1 Peter 5:5-6 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore...
Admin Career Momentum, Trajectory, and Networking (E: 122)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that gives powerful insights into creating career momentum. This is done through taking risks, being comfortable with the uncomfortable, and how the gift (power) of networking is a regular activity you should include in your career strategy plan.
INTENTION:
To offer unique insights from someone who's embraced taking risks and experienced the power of networking.
EXCERPT:
"Taking a moment to reflect, I'm not the worst at this, I'm really good. " Becky
MENTIONED:
Assessments (Learn Your Risk Tolerance...
Building Your Personal Brand: Real-Life Application (E: 121)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that highlights the importance of building your personal brand to build confidence and propel forward in your career.
INTENTION:
Shed light on the power of building your personal brand.
EXCERPT:
"Think about your key strengths and write them out on a big piece of paper." Carissa
MENTIONED:
Admin and influence blog.
NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here
DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Community: LinkedIn
Reading: Book Page
Social...
p.s. Doing a Career Audit (E: 120)
SUMMARY:
An insightful episode that sheds light on why you should do a career audit and a support tool to help you propel in your career.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener candor on an important topic that needs airtime and direction.
EXCERPT:
"Finding clarity is key." Hilani
NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here
DISCOVER:
Do Career Audit
Website: Exceptional Admins
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram
Be a Guest on the Show...
The Power of Adaptability in the Admin Career (E: 119)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that highlights the importance of having inspirational people in your circle, how important adaptability is to thrive (and survive), and learning never stops.
INTENTION:
Hearing from someone who's faced challenges, yet overcame them, helps inspire others to keep going.
EXCERPT:
"So much about your career is about being open to learning and excited about developing." Madison
MENTIONED:
Friendship episode #113
Helping you Emotionally Win the Day episode #116
Triple B: Be Bright, Be Brief, Be Gone
<...
The Unmatched Admin Career Story (E: 118)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation like no other. Learn how a 13-year admin veteran is transforming the way his leaders work, and how he spent his formative years growing up in the foster care system.
INTENTION:
Hearing unique stories that inspire is a gift to any listener. This episode is sure to inspire everyone.
EXCERPT:
"For me, it doesn't cost me to put things together. Going a little bit further. is worth it" Nelson
MENTIONED:
Andy Stanley
"Each of us should...
Financial Freedom Advice (E: 117)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that offers insight and hope towards getting control of your finances.
INTENTION:
So many people want to learn more about financial freedom and how to maximize $1. In this episode, our expert guest shares thoughts about your money story and how that positively and negatively affects your financial freedom.
EXCERPT:
"Wherever you are right now with money is not fixed." Nicole Stanley
MENTIONED:
Arise Financial Coaching
"The Simple Path to Wealth" JL Collins
NEWSLETTER:<...
p.s. Cultivating Meaningful Friendships (E: 116)
SUMMARY:
An insightful episode that covers the psychology and action one can take to invite and foster healthy relationships.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener candor on an emotional and special topic.
EXCERPT:
"Category of connections: relationships, friendships, and besties." Hilani
NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here
IN THIS EPISODE:
Indeed Article
Gallup Article
DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram
Be a Guest on...
Perfectionism Explained (E: 115)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that breaks myths about the perfectionist world.
INTENTION:
So many admins talk about being a perfectionist and wear it like it's their personality. Learning the truth about it and how to stop adding it as an element of your brand is needed.
EXCERPT:
"When I talk about 'LAPS' - love, acceptance, purpose, and safety - ya'll these are not niceties." Erika Shepard
MENTIONED:
The Soul Glow Clinic
NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here
Behind the Scenes: Chief of Staff (E: 114)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that covers the good and unique about the Chief of Staff career.
INTENTION:
So many admins want to know about the Chief of Staff career. Here's your chance to get behind the scenes and decide if it is a pursuit or not.
EXCERPT:
"To be able to speak so candidly, and at that deepest level of trust and understanding, with the CEO, that is a level I think is unparalleled." Mackenzie Lee
MENTIONED:
The Odyssey Book
<...
Helping You Emotionally Win the Day (E: 113)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that covers how growing your emotional intelligence can help you win the day.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener an amazing story that covers living a negative life and then transforming his life into a positive one that helps others establish and elevate their emotional intelligence.
EXCERPT:
"Energy transitions into mindful movements." DB
NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here
DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram
Be...
p.s. Taking Risks (E: 112)
SUMMARY:
An insightful episode that covers the psychology and action one needs to consider when thinking about taking risks.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener unmatched insight into the importance of embracing being uncomfortable and taking risks (aka chances).
EXCERPT:
"If I take a risk (aka chance) right now, what's the reward?" Hilani
NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here
IN THIS EPISODE:
Book: Invisible Influence
Article: Taking Smart Risks
Episode with DB "Helping you Emotionally Win the Day"...
Growing Your Digital Network (E: 111)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that covers how a professional should approach growing their digital network.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener access to an expert on growing your networking and digital personal branding.
EXCERPT:
"Firstly and foremost, so often I hear people say, I only connect with people I know. That to me is a red flag, you need to be open to relationships that are not first level." - Benita Samuels
NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here
DISCOVER:
Website...
Navigating and Developing Teams (E: 110)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that covers how to navigate and develop great teams at work.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener access to a veteran talent and development expert who has worked inside the US Army for almost 20-years.
EXCERPT:
"Get, give, and encourage guidance and feedback at work." Sarah
NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here
IN THIS EPISODE:
The Mentoring Lab Podcast
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Book
The 6 Types of Working Genius Book
Radical...
The Expert's Guide to Using the Right Voice at Work (E: 109)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that covers the power of your voice, the tone, and how it helps or affects your goals.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener access to a voice expert who covers the power of conversation and even listening.Â
EXCERPT:
"Sit up straight and say things, you could do that but...inner image and outer image have to coincide."Â "Outward Mind, Inner Mind." "Boundary Violation." - Marshall Davis Jones, our Guest
NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here
...
2024: Unlock Your Potential
The transformation begins 4.18.2024! Join the exclusive group of over 150 individuals who have elevated their impact. Unlock Your Potential in 2024!
OFFERING:
In total, we'll be covering up to 75 unique tips you can't find anywhere else. So many have told us that it would have taken them months to find even 1/2 of the tips shared. You'll be able to adopt what applies to you and deploy immediately. Then, how great, connect in each session to discuss what worked and didn't.Â
PROGRAM:
We meet once a week for 4-weeks, then, a post p...
p.s. Building Your Personal Brand (E: 108)
SUMMARY:
An insightful episode that covers the power of building your personal brand, so you are seen as a strategic business partner.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener unmatched insight into why building your personal brand helps you evolve in your career, earn more income, and stand out at work.
EXCERPT:
"What strengths build out your suite of strengths, and how do you express your unique (work) style while engaging in creative storytelling?" Hilani
NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here
IN THIS...
We Need to Talk About Steady Career Growth (E: 107)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation about having a steady career growth mindset.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener an inspiring conversation to help them create a steady career plan that includes evolution and healthy, stable growth vs. getting to a title too soon in your career and hurting your future.
EXCERPT:
"I manage them by influence."Â Molly
NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here
IN THIS EPISODE:
Grammarly
Instagram Video
Taking Smart Risks Article + Assessment
DISCOVER:
Setting New Year's Resolutions (E: 106)
SUMMARY:
A time capsule of a free webinar hosted by Exceptional Admins.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener a personal development session on their own time to help them plan for the new year.
EXCERPT:
"Every Yes is a No to something else."Â Hilani
CONNECT:
Discover: Website
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Resource: Book Page
Connect: Instagram
Workshop: ea University
Article: Setting New Year's Resolutions (Tracker)
OFFERING:
Grab the freebie d...
The Visionary Leader, A Serial Entrepreneur (E: 105)
SUMMARY:
A motivating conversation where a visionary leader shares secrets on how to work with visionary leaders.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener a lot of wisdom that can help them work smarter, not harder with their visionary leader.
EXCERPT:
"You become indispensable and part of the visionary process."Â Garrett
MENTIONED: "Failing to prepare, prepares you for failure." Benjamin Franklin | "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." Abe Lincoln | Mind Mapping | W...
p.s. Impostor Syndrome Explained (E: 104)
SUMMARY:
In this short episode, you'll hear wisdom about what Impostor Syndrome is and how to navigate through it.
INTENTION:
To shed light on how this shows up in the admin profession and offer tips.
EXCERPT:
"Of the 5 traits, one is The Perfectionist." - Hilani
CONNECT:
Discover: Website
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Connect: Instagram
Resource: ea University
Career Workbook: Freebie
Article: Impostor Syndrome Explained
OFFERING:
Courses: ea School
Build Your Personal...
Mastering the Art of Pivoting (E: 103)
SUMMARY:
A motivating conversation where a passionate administrative professional encourages all to master the art of pivoting.
INTENTION:
To present the audience with an alternative viewpoint about steadfastness and openness to pivoting.
EXCERPT:
"If you want something, and want to grow, make it happen."Â Cammy
IN THIS EPISODE:
Mentioned: eCornell PM + CAPM + Belinda Goodrich + PS Episode: 056 + Episodes: 001 & 085
CONNECT:
Discover: Website
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Resource: Book Page
Connect: Instagram
Workshop: ea University
B...
Adding Resiliency to Your Skills (E: 102)
SUMMARY:
A motivating conversation where a leadership coach shares secrets on how to work with visionary leaders.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener a lot of wisdom to help them create leverage to work smarter!
EXCERPT:
"A common pain point with leaders is burnout. We do get tired."Â Brenda
MENTIONED:
Guest recommendation: Why We Sleep
Podcast mentioned: #94 - Channeling your Inner Expert
CONNECT:
Discover: Website
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Resource: Book Page
C...
Seeds of Faith, Investing in Your Career (E: 101)
SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation where we talk about the executive-to-assistant partnership, influence, and having a leap of faith to plant seeds of faith.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener inspiration on how to elevate their strategy to evolve in their career.
EXCERPT:
"Take the leap even if you aren't sure you'll get the outcome you want."Â Porchae
IN THIS EPISODE:
Mentioned: Better Small Talk (book page) + The Collective episode + Excited to Fail episode
RESOURCES:
Discover: Website
O...
p.s. I Need 5-Minutes (E: 100)
SUMMARY:
In this short episode, you'll hear wisdom on elevating your executive posture and adding more specificity to your communication.
INTENTION:
To inspire the listener to be more conscious about reactive work habits.Â
EXCERPT:
"I have 3 questions and believe we can cover them in 15-minutes." - Hilani
CONNECT:
Discover: Website
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Connect: Instagram
Resource: ea University
Career Workbook: Freebie
Articles: Career Development page + 1:1 Meeting StrategiesÂ
OFFERING:
Grab the freebie de...
I'm So Proud of You (E: 099)
SUMMARY:
A motivating conversation where a professional shares her passions and resources.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener inspiration around being proud of yourself, taking smart risks, and that it's important to stay engaged.
EXCERPT:
"So much of our day-to-day is juggling stuff we can't drop."Â Anieka
MENTIONED:
www.teamsoloadmin.com | Episode # 21 - Now What | WSJ Article | Pursuit of Happiness Article
RESOURCES:
Discover: Website
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Resource: Book Page
Connect: Instagram
Workshop: e...
Executive Assistant Role, "Go To" Person When There Are Fires (E: 098)
SUMMARY:
A motivating conversation where a professional shares her journey and evolution in her career.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener inspiration around how important it is to stay intellectually curious, be someone who asks quality questions, and be okay with taking on challenges. That's where we grow.
EXCERPT:
"I enjoy being the person who is relied on when fires start." Laurie
MENTIONED:
Episodes mentioned: # 53: leadership chief of staff and #16: WTF
CONNECT:
Discover: Website
Outreach: LinkedIn...
Being an Executive Assistant, Channeling Your Inner Expert (E: 097)
SUMMARY:
A motivating conversation where a professional shares her perspective on how important it is to recognize your inner expert and develop it.
INTENTION:
To offer the listener inspiration on how to think bigger about your career and brand.
EXCERPT:
"You have to be thoughtful with how you share your talents, to avoid bias."Â Maegon
IN THIS EPISODE:
Mentioned: Episode PS: #60 Type A or a & PS: #72 Don't ask for a seat at the table
RESOURCES:
Discover: W...
p.s. Get Over It (E: 096)
SUMMARY:
In this short episode, you'll hear wisdom on how to break free from drama.
INTENTION:
To inspire the listener on how to move from a negative place to a positive one.
EXCERPT:
"Get through it." - Hilani
RESOURCES:
Discover: Website
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Connect: Instagram
Resource: ea University
Career Workbook: Freebie
Article: You and Your Brand
Invest In Your Future
“Activating your divergent thinking skills grants you access to endless possibilities at work and in life!” — HILANI, EA UNIVERSITY FOUNDER
ea University was created to offer an unmatched development experience for aspiring professionals. Whether new to the profession or a veteran, the workshop will equip you with fresh insight and great energy you'll carry with you in the weeks ahead.
The curriculum is backed by 1000s of hours engaging with admins, over 150 admin placements, and 100s of hours spent hearing pain-points and desires from time-starved executives.
ea University: Virtual Event - Happening: Thursd...
