Are you feeling overwhelmed by your endless to-do list and struggling to figure out what truly matters?In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I dive deep into the transformative power of prioritization. I'll share how aligning your priorities with those of your executive can drastically increase your effectiveness and reduce overwhelm. Together, we'll explore actionable strategies, such as leveraging digital task tracking systems and making critical distinctions between urgent and...

Are you hungry for connection and community? Please join me as I sit down with the dynamic force behind EA Social Club, Becky Kaapuni. You will discover: The importance and power of networking within the executive assistant community The organic evolution of the EA Social Club and how to get connected The significance of authentic connections and the beauty of collective wisdom Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking...

Looking for techniques to help you stay objective and calm in emotionally charged situations at work?In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I delve into the crucial skill of separating the data from the drama in our professional lives. I share personal experiences and effective strategies to help you, as an assistant, discern the factual basis of the situations you face and manage your responses accordingly.In this episode, you will discover:- Techniques for identifying the...

Have you ever caught yourself agreeing to take on a task just because it seemed easier than delegating or training the proper person? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I'm diving deep into the often overlooked challenge of convenience versus strategic engagement in our roles as assistants. I explore how routinely opting to handle tasks because it’s easier in the moment can block your path to a more strategic partnership. In this episode, you will discover:- The number one...

Do you ever find yourself ingesting the stress of your executive and feeling off kilter as a result?During this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I unpack what it looks like to develop sturdiness in your role. I share techniques that will help you remain composed and clear-headed, even when everything around you isn’t.In this episode, you will discover: - Why developing sturdiness in your role is important & how sturdiness will help you show up more strategically- How to stay in...

Have you ever felt that networking events were more intimidating than beneficial?In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, we demystify the scary world of networking with our special guests Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears as they unravel the secrets to making authentic, meaningful connections that go beyond the exchange of business cards.In this episode, you will discover:- How to overcome the discomfort of networking events and use them as a springboard for career advancement- Strategies...

Have you ever felt the pull to pursue a passion beyond your executive assistant role but aren’t sure how to incorporate it successfully? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I open up about balancing the demanding life of an executive assistant with the thrill and challenges of nurturing a side hustle. Drawing from my personal journey of running Whole Assistant alongside a full-time executive assistant role, I share candid insights and practical strategies to run your own...

Have you ever felt hesitant to try something new because you were afraid it wouldn’t be perfect? During this special episode, I reflect on my own journey of messy, from starting a blog and YouTube channel to developing my own voice and ideas. I share how embracing failure and allowing growth to be messy has led me to where I am today. It’s my hope that this episode will encourage you to loosen your grip on perfectionism and embrace your own messy journey. In this episode, I share:- A behind...

Are you tired of feeling like your boundaries are constantly being overstepped? During this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I flush out the biggest pain point around setting boundaries… When other people don’t respect them. In this episode, you will discover:- One common misconception around boundaries that may cause you to inadvertently step out of your power- The importance of communicating your boundaries and how to communicate them effectively - How to handle situations when...

Is there a difficult conversation you've been avoiding? In this episode, I dive deep into the art of having difficult conversations, and share practical strategies for achieving a successful outcome.You will discover:- The significance of cleaning up your thoughts prior to having difficult conversations- Strategies for approaching challenging discussions with curiosity, not defensiveness - The importance of knowing when to pause ----------------------------------------------Are you ready to...

As an executive assistant, have you ever considered your influence when it comes to fostering trust within your team? In this episode I sit down with my friend and Chief of Staff, Jennifer Connelly, to discuss the crucial topic of building safety and trust in the workplace. We focus on the pivotal role executive assistants play in fostering psychological safety, collaboration, and innovation. In this episode, you will discover:- How to balance accountability with creating an environment where...

Have you ever been disappointed by the result of a working style assessment or personality test?In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I delve into the potential drawbacks of personality assessments and the self-limiting beliefs we mistakenly onboard.In this episode, you will learn:- The benefits and drawbacks of personality assessments and working style tests- How to avoid “compare and despair” in response to assessment results- The power of self-awareness in reshaping your identity...

Are you aware of how you’re shaping your company's culture? In this episode, I delve into the often underestimated influence that executive assistants have on work environments. I highlight three key ways that executive assistants impact company culture.In this episode, you will discover: - The pivotal role executive assistants play as the bridge between their executive and the rest of the organization- How the organizational knowledge and insights of executive assistants can shape company...

Have you ever wondered if a chief of staff role is right for you?In today's episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I'm joined by the founder of Nova Chief of Staff, Maggie Olsen, to dissect and define the roles of executive assistant and chief of staff. In this episode, you will discover:- Key differences between an EA and a chief of staff, tailored to reflect various workplaces - Step-by-step guidance on making the move from EA to chief of staff- How to categorize your current workload to...

Are you tired of constantly saying "yes" to everything and feeling overwhelmed as a result? In this episode, I discuss the powerful concept of making room for "yes" through discovering the power of a strategic "no".In this episode, you will discover:- The importance of getting clear on your priorities both personally and professionally- How to embrace the power of a strategic “no” in order to make room for “yes”- My favorite way to say no that won’t burn bridges To save 20% on your first 3...

The brain’s natural inclination is to focus on the one thing that isn’t going well or that you’d like to change… your black dot. What happens when your black do” eclipses all of the legitimately good things in your life?During this episode I break down this concept, and share strategies for giving equal airtime to both the challenges and the blessings in life.  In this episode, you will learn:- The concept of the black dot- The negative impact of superficial positivity and denial when trying...

Do you feel like you’re running on empty?In this episode, I break down what to do when you’re feeling depleted and running on empty. I discuss the importance of recognizing the signs of burnout and exhaustion, and how these things can manifest in our relationships and overall well-being.In this episode, you will discover:- How to recognize the early stages of burnout so you can course correct.- Strategies for filling your tank and replenishing your energy.- The importance of recognizing and...

Self-care may sound like a nice idea, but have you ever wondered why it’s so hard to implement?Join us as we explore some common misconceptions around self-care, along with why it can be so challenging.In this episode, you will discover:- The four types of self-care- The challenges and resistance that make self-care difficult- Strategies for overcoming these challenges and the importance of being intentional and self-sufficient when it comes to taking care of yourselfIf you've been...

Have you inadvertently onboarded others’ opinions of you as truth?  In our latest episode, we dive deep into the topic of self-perception and its impact on your success as an assistant. I explore the impact of how you see yourself, and how your self-perception can either empower or hinder your growth. By intentionally deciding how you want to view yourself, you can unlock your true potential and make a greater impact. In this episode, you will discover:- How to break free from fitting into...

To get the year kicked off right I'l be hosting a free masterclass  to help you become a more strategic business parter, Embrace Your EA Badassery: 3 Steps to Developing Your Strategic Partnership.  In this episode, I discuss the concept of leveraging time constraint to optimize productivity. I introduce the concept of Parkinson's Law, and explain how setting time constraints around tasks can help you maximize your productive output.  In this episode, you will learn: - The importance of...

To get the year kicked off right I'l be hosting a free masterclass the week of 1/15 to help you become a more strategic business parter, Embrace Your EA Badassery: 3 Steps to Developing Your Strategic Partnership.   Are you ready to unlock your EA badassery and develop a strategic partnership with your executive?In this episode, you will learn: - The equation for optimal productivity- The importance of allowing your brain time and space to assimilate information- The pitfalls of overworking...

To get the year kicked off right I'l be hosting a free masterclass the week of 1/15 to help you become a more strategic business parter, Embrace Your EA Badassery: 3 Steps to Developing Your Strategic Partnership.  Are you ready to ditch multitasking and discover a more effective productivity strategy?In this episode, you will learn: - The difference between multitasking and multitracking- The detrimental effects of multitasking on productivity- The benefits of implementing a task...

Could focus be the “secret sauce” to showing up more strategically?This week’s “Best of 2023” episode centers around one of my favorite topics… Focus. In this episode, I discuss how we often underestimate the importance of focus as assistants. We tend to believe that we need to juggle multiple tasks and keep everything in our heads, but the truth is, focusing on one task at a time can lead to greater productivity and success. I share insights on how we inadvertently train our brains not to...

Are you ready to strategically partner with your executive and help them get clear on their priorities?As assistants, we often support executives who are visionaries, which is fantastic. Unfortunately, this can also mean that they have a tendency to be all over the place, throwing ideas around without a clear focus. During this episode of The Whole Assistant Podcast I provide strategies and tips on how to help your executive pinpoint their priorities, so you both can know where to focus your...

Are you ready to prioritize your time and energy strategically, instead of constantly feeling obligated to do everything for everyone?This episode is part of our “Best of 2023” series, and focuses on a concept that has truly transformed the lives of many of my clients.In this episode, I delve into the power of being solutions oriented without shouldering the burden of being the boots-on-the-ground solution for others. It's a concept that has allowed my clients to let go of things they...