The EA Campus Podcast

In Ep98 of The EA Campus Podcast, we discuss the question of whether to trust or rely upon. Why the difference matters for EAs. As Executive Assistants, many of us become the person everybody depends on. We manage the details, keep things moving, solve problems quickly, and often hold together far more than people realise. But there’s an important difference between being relied upon and being trusted. In ep98 of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas explores how trust develops in the EA role, why being operationally dependable can sometimes keep us stuck in reactive working patterns, and how stronger Executive partnerships are built through communication, consistency, visibility, and confidence in our thinking. In Ep98, we look at:  Why trust and reliance are not the same thing How EAs become operationally central in organisations The shift from task support to a strategic partnership The small behaviours that build Executive confidence over time Why many experienced EAs already have more influence than they realise If you’ve ever felt like your Executive depends on you for everything, but you still want more autonomy, visibility, or strategic involvement, this episode is for you. Resources and links: The Difference Between Being Trusted and Being Relied Upon Read more from The EA Campus: 10 Micro-Behaviours That Build Executive Trust  From Task Manager to Trusted Partner: Building a Strategic Relationship with Your Executive Inspiring Trust in Your EA Work Strategic Business Partner Online Course Upcoming EA Campus Events The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas sits down with Molly Looney, Executive Assistant to the CEO of San Carlo Restaurants and winner of National PA of the Year. From supporting international restaurant expansion projects to managing charity partnerships, travel, operations, and high-level stakeholder relationships, Molly shares what life really looks like behind the scenes of a fast-moving EA role in hospitality. The conversation explores the importance of emotional intelligence, building trust with your Executive, learning how to read the room, and why “walking the floor” can become one of the most valuable habits an Executive Assistant develops. Molly also opens up about:  ☑ Working with difficult Executives and what those experiences taught her  ☑ Knowing when to protect your Executive’s time and energy  ☑ Managing reactive workloads without rigid systems  ☑ Building strong workplace relationships and culture  ☑ Why the EA role goes far beyond calendar management  ☑ Her experience winning National PA of the Year  ☑ The opportunities available for EAs who want to grow into more strategic roles This is an honest, practical, and relatable conversation about the reality of modern Executive Assistant work, and the human skills that make the biggest difference. You can find upcoming EA Campus masterclasses, virtual summits, and events at:  → https://theeacampus.com/events/ The EA Campus

As Executive Assistants, we are used to working in environments where priorities shift quickly, plans change, and no two days look the same. One minute everything is mapped out, the next you are reworking the schedule, solving problems, and keeping everything moving behind the scenes. So how do you build a way of working that actually supports that? In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we explore Agile working and how it can be adapted for the EA role. This is not about adding more process or complexity. It is about creating structure that allows you to stay flexible, make better decisions, and manage your workload with more clarity. We break down what Agile working really means in practice and how you can start using it straight away in your role. In this episode, we cover:  What Agile working is and why it fits the EA role   How to manage shifting priorities without feeling overwhelmed   The Moscow method for prioritising your workload   How to use sprints to focus on high-impact work   What Scrum looks like for EAs, including simple daily check-ins   How feedback loops can help you continuously improve how you work  If you are looking for a more structured but flexible way to manage your day, this episode will give you practical approaches you can start using immediately. And a quick reminder. Our annual EA Campus Conference is taking place in London from April 22nd to 24th. If you want to learn, connect with other Assistants, and spend time working on your role, we would love to see you there. You can find all of the details on theeacampus.com. The EA Campus

In Ep95 of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas sits down with experienced Executive Assistant Ronie Williams to talk about what it really looks like to build a long-term career in the EA role. Ronie has worked as an Executive Assistant for nearly three decades across finance, startups, and global tech companies. In this conversation, she shares how she started her career at 17, the lessons she learned working in demanding corporate environments, and how those experiences helped shape the way she works today. Ronie now works at the SaaS company Contentful, supporting senior leaders across different regions while also playing a key role in building the London office culture from the ground up. From creating systems that help executives perform at their best, to building an environment where teams genuinely enjoy coming into the office, Ronie shares how EAs can influence far more than their job description suggests. Throughout the episode, we discuss managing competing priorities, navigating difficult workplaces early in our careers, building trust with executives, and why experience is such a powerful asset in the EA profession. Ronie also shares practical advice for assistants starting their careers today, including why curiosity, confidence and understanding your executive deeply are some of the most valuable skills you can develop. If you’ve ever wondered how experienced EAs think about their role, their career, and the value they bring to organisations, this conversation is packed with insight. Resources Mentioned:  Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson The EA Campus

Some Executives think very quickly. Ideas arrive mid-conversation, instructions come in half-sentences, and priorities can shift between one meeting and the next. As Executive Assistants, we often receive the headline version of the thought. The context, the reasoning, and the next steps may still be sitting in our Executive’s head. In Ep94 of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky explores what it is like to support leaders who think faster than they communicate, and how EAs can turn those fragmented conversations into clear, practical action. We talk through how to recognise patterns in the way your Executive thinks, how to clarify ideas without slowing them down, and how to translate broad concepts into operational work. Nicky also shares practical techniques that many Assistants use every day, including the “answer first” communication style, quick recap conversations, and simple ways to capture ideas before they disappear into the pace of the day. If you have ever left a meeting thinking, “I know there was an idea in there somewhere…”, this episode will feel very familiar. In this episode, we explore: • Why fast-thinking leaders often communicate in fragments  • How EAs can recognise patterns in the questions their Executive asks  • Ways to clarify ideas without interrupting the flow of a conversation  • Turning broad concepts into practical next steps  • Using simple notes and AI tools to capture ideas quickly  • The quick recap technique that prevents misunderstandings As EAs, we often become the person who helps bring structure to leadership thinking. When you learn how to listen for the intention behind the conversation and organise the next steps, your role becomes far more strategic. If this episode resonates with you, share it with another Assistant who might recognise the same dynamic with their Executive. You can also explore more training, masterclasses, and resources for Executive Assistants at theeacampus.com. The EA Campus

In Ep93 of The EA Campus Podcast, we look at what it really takes to build a long and successful career as an Executive Assistant. In Ep93 of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas is joined by Scot Wizniewski, Executive Assistant at Spotify and a respected voice in the global EA community. Scot has spent more than 25 years working as a career Executive Assistant, supporting senior leaders across multiple industries, including publishing, beauty, and now technology. In this conversation, he shares how the role has evolved over time, how Assistants can move from a task-based position into a true strategic partnership with their Executive, and why adaptability is one of the most important skills for long-term success in the profession. Together, Nicky and Scot explore the realities of supporting global executives, including managing complex calendars, prioritising requests when everything feels urgent, and building strong relationships across an organisation. Scot also shares practical systems he uses every day. From colour-coded calendars that help executives manage their energy and focus, to decision-tracking documents that reduce email overload and help leadership teams stay aligned. The conversation also touches on the rise of AI in the workplace. Scot shares his perspective on how Assistants can use tools like ChatGPT and Gemini productively, while recognising that the most valuable aspects of the EA role remain deeply human. If you’re an Executive Assistant who wants to strengthen your strategic partnership with your executive and build a long-term career in the profession, this episode is full of insight and practical ideas. In Ep93, We Discuss Scot’s journey into the EA profession and how he built a 25+ year career as a career Executive Assistant Moving from a task-focused role to a strategic partnership with your Executive Why adaptability is one of the most important skills for Executive Assistants Managing complex global calendars and working across time zones How to prioritise when everything feels urgent Scot’s colour-coded calendar system for managing Executive time and energy Using a decision tracker to reduce email overload and support executive decision-making The role of AI in the EA profession and where human skills still matter most Why emotional intelligence, empathy, and relationship-building remain essential EA skills Resources Mentioned Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown ChatGPT Google Gemini Calendar AI Follow Scot on LinkedIn for insights on the evolving Executive Assistant role and practical advice from his experience supporting global executives. The EA Campus

There are conversations that would make your role as an Executive Assistant significantly easier. You probably already know which ones they are. The clarification you’ve been meaning to ask for.  The boundary that needs resetting.  The expectation that was never fully defined.  The salary discussion you keep postponing. In this episode, Nicky talks through six specific conversations that directly impact how smooth, strategic, and sustainable your role feels. These are not dramatic confrontations. They are practical, calm, well-timed discussions that remove guesswork and reduce unnecessary rework. You’ll hear about: The “I Need Help” conversation and how asking early saves hours later  The immediate feedback conversation that prevents small patterns from shaping your role  The unclear expectations conversation that stops you from aiming at the wrong target  The managing up conversation and why it changes how your week runs  The mistake admission conversation and how it can actually build trust  The salary and value conversation and how to prepare properly for it Throughout the episode, Nicky shares real EA scenarios and practical wording you can use, so you’re not walking into these discussions hoping they go well. You’re walking in prepared. Resources Mentioned Managing Up Guide for Executive Assistants: https://theeacampus.com/blog/managing-up-as-an-executive-assistant/ EA Salary Survey: https://www.easalarysurvey.com/ Confident Communicator Course: https://theeacampus.com/online-course/confident-communicator/ Explore all upcoming masterclasses, virtual summits, and the London conference:  https://theeacampus.com/events If this episode resonated, share it with another EA who might be carrying a conversation in their head that really needs to happen. And as always, thank you for being part of The EA Campus community. The EA Campus

In The EA Campus Podcast Ep 90, we sit down with Alicia and Yvette, the creators of the EA Salary Survey, to explore how the report came to life and why having a large, representative dataset really matters. We talk about the difference between small, skewed reports and meaningful data, and why transparency around respondent numbers is essential when you’re making career decisions. We unpack the key findings from 2024 and 2025 across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. EA salaries are above regional averages in most areas; education does not automatically determine earnings; and only two specific benefits in each country truly move the needle on job satisfaction. Career progression, however, consistently impacts whether people plan to stay or leave. We also discuss hybrid versus remote working, peak earning years, and the gap between actual salary and salary satisfaction. One of the most important insights is that perception and progression often matter more than headline figures. Context is everything. Location, industry, and experience all play a role. Finally, we share practical advice on how to use the report properly. Read it carefully. Compare like-for-like. Use it as part of a strategic business case rather than a blunt instrument. This episode is about perspective, evidence, and helping you make informed decisions about your career. The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’re talking about how to decide which AI tools are actually worth your time as an Executive Assistant, and which ones you can safely ignore. If you’ve felt pressure to keep up with every new AI release, or you’ve tested tools that looked promising but never quite fit your day-to-day work, this episode is for you. I’m sharing how I make decisions about AI from an EA perspective. Starting with the work we’re responsible for, not the features being promoted. We’ll talk about inboxes, calendars, executive prep, documents, events, and decision support. The real work EAs are doing every day. This isn’t a tool roundup or a comparison episode. It’s a practical conversation about judgement, focus, and choosing tools that reduce mental load rather than add to it. If you want a calmer, more realistic way to approach AI in your role, this episode will help you think it through. The EA Campus

Inside episode 88 of the EA Campus podcast, you'll hear a conversation many Executive Assistants will recognise, even if we’ve never quite named it before. In this episode, we’re talking about perfectionism in the EA role. Where it comes from, how it quietly shows up in day-to-day work, and why it can start holding us back rather than helping us do better work. As EAs, we care deeply about standards, accuracy, and getting things right, because our work affects our Executive’s time, priorities, and credibility. In The EA Campus Ep88, we explore how those high standards can slowly turn into overthinking, hesitation, and unnecessary pressure, especially when every task starts to carry the same emotional weight. Inside The EA Campus Ep88 We talk through what perfectionism actually looks like in real EA work. From delaying low-risk decisions, to rechecking work late in the day, to holding things back for one more sense-check when the context is already there. This episode also looks at how judgement really develops in the role, not through getting everything right the first time, but through making decisions, seeing how they land, and adjusting next time. If you’ve ever felt tired by your own standards, or noticed that being “careful” sometimes slows things down more than it helps, The EA Campus Ep88 will feel familiar, practical, and reassuring. The EA Campus

In The EA Campus Ep87, we’re talking about something that sits at the heart of the EA–Executive relationship. Decision-making, and knowing when to act without constantly checking in. As Executive Assistants, we’re expected to move work forward, protect priorities, and reduce pressure on our executive. In The EA Campus Ep87, Nicky Christmas explores how judgement, problem-solving, and clear processes help EAs build trust through everyday decisions. This conversation is grounded in real EA work. Inbox management. Calendar decisions. Priorities. Access. The moments where you pause and wonder whether to decide or check in. You’ll hear why over-checking often creeps in, even for experienced EAs, and how executives actually experience repeated confirmation requests. In The EA Campus Ep87, we look at how trust is built through consistency rather than big moments. Nicky shares practical ways to strengthen your decision-making using context, past experience, and an understanding of what genuinely moves work forward. This includes what to do when a decision doesn’t land as expected, and how to recover without retreating into over-checking. One of the key themes in the episode is what changes once your Executive fully trusts how you think and work. Autonomy increases. Your role becomes clearer. You’re managing work end-to-end rather than relaying decisions. We also explore how this level of trust affects influence. You’re involved earlier. Your recommendations carry more weight. Others begin to see your role differently because of how consistently you operate. Beyond the relationship itself, The EA Campus Ep87 looks at how confident decision-making shapes your day-to-day work. Fewer check-ins. Clearer ownership. Less second-guessing. More focus on solving problems that matter. If you’re an EA who wants to feel more confident making decisions, especially in fast-moving or high-pressure environments, The EA Campus Ep87 will feel very familiar. We also reference current EA Campus training throughout the episode, including our Virtual Summit on 27 January and upcoming AI masterclasses in January and February, all designed to support better decision-making in real EA workflows. The EA Campus

January often starts with good intentions. New plans, new priorities, and a quiet expectation that you’ll somehow be more organised, more productive, and more on top of everything than ever before. In this episode, Nicky Christmas kicks off the 2026 season of The EA Campus Podcast by tackling something foundational for Executive Assistants. Clarity around responsibility. This episode is about the day-to-day reality of the EA role. The tasks that quietly creep in. The decisions you’re expected to make without authority. The mental load of holding context, chasing actions, and keeping everything moving. And how all of that shapes how productive, effective, and confident you feel in your role. You’ll hear: Why responsibility often expands without anyone deliberately deciding it should The three types of responsibility most EAs carry, whether they realise it or not How unclear responsibility affects productivity, expectation setting, and your day-to-day workload What an alignment conversation with your executive actually looks like, and how to structure it using real examples rather than vague feelings A simple responsibility reset exercise you can do this week to get clearer on what you own, what’s shared, and what needs a conversation Nicky also references several EA Campus resources during the episode, which you can explore here: Job description and role clarity resources: https://theeacampus.com/tag/career-development/ https://theeacampus.com/resources/job-description/ EA task and competency lists: https://theeacampus.com/resources/task-list/ Tools and tech masterclasses: https://theeacampus.com/masterclass/ Virtual Summit taking place on 27 January: https://theeacampus.com/virtual-summit/ This episode sets the tone for the year ahead. Before new tools, new systems, or new productivity frameworks, it starts with clarity. Because knowing what you’re responsible for is the foundation for how you work, how you partner with your executive, and what a good day actually looks like. If this episode resonates, share it with another EA who might need it right now, and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss what’s coming next. The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas is joined by long-time friend, global thought leader, and former Executive Assistant Diana Brandl. Diana shares her journey from supporting CEOs in global organisations like Sony and Babbel to building her own business, hosting a successful podcast, writing multiple books, and training assistants around the world. Together, Nicky and Diana reflect on what it really takes to evolve in the EA role without losing yourself along the way. This conversation goes far beyond job titles. You’ll hear honest insights on visibility, people-pleasing, career transitions, and why so many assistants struggle to articulate their impact. Diana brings a truly global perspective, drawing on her recent travels and work with assistants across Europe and beyond. They also dig into some of the biggest topics facing the profession right now. Strategic influence, the Chief of Staff conversation, professional qualifications, and how different countries approach the EA role. There’s a refreshingly balanced discussion on AI and automation too. What’s genuinely useful, what’s being overhyped, and why soft skills still matter more than ever. This episode is for you if you’re: Reflecting on where your EA career is heading Curious about thought leadership, training, or alternative career paths Feeling the pressure to be more visible without wanting to shout Trying to make sense of AI without losing your human edge Ready to stop people-pleasing and start protecting your energy It’s thoughtful, honest, and packed with perspective from someone who’s seen the EA profession from every angle. Grab a cuppa and enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with one of the most respected voices in our industry. The EA Campus

In The EA Campus EP82, Nicky Christmas dives into one of the most talked-about phrases in the Assistant world - Strategic Business Partner. Is it a genuine evolution of the role, or just a buzzword that’s been stretched too far? In The EA Campus EP82, Nicky unpacks what it really means to be “strategic” as an Executive Assistant, why it’s a mindset rather than a job title, and how to turn that mindset into everyday action. You’ll hear honest reflections on the disconnect between expectation and recognition, practical advice for working strategically without waiting for permission, and a step-by-step Weekly Operating System to help you align priorities, protect focus, and build influence in your role. If you’re ready to stop reacting and start leading with purpose, The EA Campus EP82 will help you bridge the gap between support and strategy - and show that being a Strategic Business Partner isn’t about status, it’s about how you show up every week. The EA Campus

In Ep81 of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas explores how Executive Assistants can take control of their personal brand and rebrand themselves for the next stage of their career. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or ready for more responsibility but unsure how to communicate that growth, this episode is for you. Nicky breaks down a practical process to diagnose your current brand, define the three words you’re known for now, and choose the three words you want next. This isn’t about buzzwords or personal logos — it’s about building evidence, understanding perception, and showing up intentionally every day. Listen to Ep81: The EA Campus Podcast to learn how to realign your reputation with your ambitions and start shaping the next chapter of your EA career with clarity and confidence. Read the full article here 👉 Rebranding Matters for EAs Who Want More 📝 Show Notes In Ep81: The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky dives into the art of rebranding yourself as an Executive Assistant. You’ll learn how to build a clear picture of how you’re currently seen, identify the gap between where you are and where you want to be, and take practical steps to shift your professional reputation. In this episode: Why rebranding matters for Executive Assistants who want more How to diagnose your current brand with real evidence The “three words” exercise to define how others see you today Choosing your three future brand words that align with your Executive’s priorities How to start living your new brand through small, visible actions EA Tip of the Week: Treat your personal brand like a living document 💡 Read more: Rebranding Matters for EAs Who Want More 🎧 Listen now to Ep81: The EA Campus Podcast and start defining your next career chapter with purpose and intention. The EA Campus

In this inspiring episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas sits down with the brilliant Julia Schmidt, Executive Assistant, author, speaker, and Executive Vice Chair of IMA (International Management Assistants). Julia shares her remarkable 20-year journey from Brazil to Norway, highlighting the three key decisions that shaped her career: joining a professional community, pursuing a business education to build strategic influence, and becoming a certified Reinvention Practitioner. Together, Nicky and Julia explore what it means to be an agent of change in a profession that’s constantly evolving. They discuss how Executive Assistants can align personal growth with organisational goals, lead through reinvention, and use feedback as a tool for transformation. Whether you’re looking to refresh your goals for 2025, boost your confidence, or simply hear from one of the most forward-thinking voices in the EA profession, this conversation is packed with perspective, warmth, and practical advice. The EA Campus

In today’s episode, I’m joined by William Thomson—our go-to events guru at The EA Campus and a renowned events management expert with 20+ years’ experience. William has delivered multiple masterclasses for our community, and he’s partnering with me to bring The EA Campus Conference to London next April. We get practical about office socials and team-building: how to turn a vague brief into a clear plan, set the right expectations, budget smartly (without cutting corners that matter), and design inclusive food and drink that keeps everyone happy. William also shares creative, low-cost ideas to spark real connection, the run-sheet details that make or break an event, and how to gather feedback that actually improves the next one. If you’re an EA juggling events alongside everything else, this conversation will save you time, money, and stress - while helping you deliver socials people genuinely enjoy. The EA Campus

As Assistants, we’re often told to be the “magic behind the scenes”, quietly making everything happen while others take the credit. However, the truth is that building autonomy around your work and confidently sharing your achievements is essential if you want to grow in your role and be recognized for the value you bring. In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’ll explore how to: Create more independence in your role, even when responsibilities aren’t clearly defined Set clear goals and objectives that align with your Executive and organisation Communicate your achievements without feeling like you’re bragging Advocate for yourself with confidence and authenticity You’ll leave with practical tips to take ownership of your work, gain recognition, and feel proud of the impact you make every single day. The EA Campus

When your Executive is out of the office, your role doesn’t slow down — it shifts gears. In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas shares practical strategies for managing both sides of the job: supporting your Executive on the road and keeping the office moving in their absence. From setting clear communication rhythms and decision boundaries to running a triage inbox and planning a smooth re-entry, this episode is packed with grounded, tactical advice you can apply straight away. You’ll learn how to: Build trust so you can make confident decisions while your Executive is away Operate a sharper, more assertive inbox triage system Protect your Executive’s focus during high-stakes trips Use tools and templates to handle disruptions and keep things steady Plan the first day back so your Executive avoids burnout and stays effective If you’ve ever been told, “Now the boss is travelling you can put your feet up,” this episode will prove just how wrong that is. Show Notes Free Travel Itinerary Template  – create seamless, professional itineraries Assistant Essentials Online Course  – master travel management, stakeholder comms, and proactive support Upcoming Events – September & October highlights:Lead Virtual Summit – 26 September: Build influence and become a strategic partner Community Webinar – 30 September: What Assistants need from their Executives to create a true partnership Calm Under Pressure Masterclass – 10 October: Stay focused and composed in high-stress situations ChatGPT for Executive Assistants Masterclass – 24 October: Prompt smarter, streamline workflows, and use AI securely Strategic Time Management Masterclass – 30 October: Align time with strategy and deliver impact The EA Campus

In this Q&A, Courtney Salas joins me to unpack what it really takes to succeed as an Executive Assistant in a fast-paced tech startup. From organising constant change to stepping confidently into a strategic partnership, Courtney shares honest stories from life inside a 40-something-person scale-up—where there are no playbooks, just problems to solve and opportunities to grab. You’ll hear how Courtney: Swapped corporate certainty for startup “productive chaos” and found her happy place Balances EA fundamentals with high-impact projects (including running a full Series A process) Builds confidence to challenge decisions and propose better options Hires for grit, curiosity, and bias to action - over years of experience Uses AI smartly, including a custom “Joe AI” profile to draft in her executive’s voice Streamlines calendars and inboxes with booking links and sensible automation - without losing control Listen if you’re: Curious about moving into tech, keen to elevate your remit beyond the “basics,” or ready to use tools and workflows to free up time for genuinely strategic work. Highlights Owning the chaos: why uncertainty can accelerate your growth The fine line: keeping the day-to-day tight while driving big outcomes Influence in action: weekly prioritisation check-ins that actually work Tech stack talk: calendar links, inbox design, and practical AI Career mindset: choose leaders who open doors—and remember “everything is figureoutable” Tools and Resources:  Google Calendar – daily scheduling, advanced setup for blocking priorities and tasks Calendly – as another option for sharing availability ChatGPT – used daily to draft, edit, and research Slack – team communications, used as a source for training the AI Resources & next steps If you’re working towards a strategic partnership, explore our Strategic Business Partner course and check what’s coming up on The EA Campus events calendar. You’ll find masterclasses, summits, and community sessions designed to support you at every stage. Enjoy the episode, and if it resonates, share it with an EA who’s ready for their next leap. The EA Campus