The EA Campus Podcast

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: 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: 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 Resources Mentioned Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeownFollow Scot on LinkedIn for insights on the evolving Executive Assistant role and practical advice from his experience supporting global executives. The EA Campus

In Episode 92 of The EA Campus Podcast, we explore how AI is changing inbox management for Executive Assistants in a practical, day-to-day way. If you support one Executive or several, you already know how quickly inboxes can take over the rhythm of your day. Constant checking, forwarding, reacting, and chasing can easily become the default way of working. In this episode, we walk through what a typical EA day actually looks like and talk honestly about how we can build a clearer structure around email, rather than letting it dictate everything. We start by looking at why inbox habits matter. As EAs, we handle a significant volume of communication, and the way we process email shapes expectations around response times and availability. When we are constantly checking and escalating messages in real time, we create a pace that is hard to sustain. Research shows that task switching reduces focus, and email is one of the biggest contributors. So we explore how triage creates structure, and how AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini can reduce the time spent reading and drafting without removing our responsibility to think and decide. From there, we move into the morning pre-triage stage. This is where we use built-in summary features in Outlook and Gmail to scan long threads, extract key decisions, and identify open questions before replying. Instead of reading every message line by line, we generate a structured overview and then sense-check it. We revisit the 4 Ds framework. Do, Delegate, Defer, Delete or archive. Every email needs an outcome. AI can assist by drafting routine responses and suggesting meeting confirmations, but the decision about what happens to that email remains with us. We then look at how AI supports your dedicated processing block. Drafting replies in your Executive’s tone using Copilot or Gemini, suggesting meeting times using calendar data, and converting emails into tasks through Microsoft To Do, Planner, or Google Tasks. The shift here is simple. The inbox is where requests arrive. Your task manager is where work is tracked. For EAs who are newer to this way of working, the advice is to start small. Choose one integration and use it consistently so that the system becomes habit rather than another layer of admin. Midday, we focus on decision support and meeting preparation. Before a one-to-one or board meeting, you can prompt Copilot or Gemini to summarise recent email exchanges with a specific stakeholder, extract unresolved questions, and list commitments made. That gives you a working briefing note in minutes. We also cover how to draft structured follow-up emails with next steps, owners, and deadlines, then refine them so they reflect how your Executive communicates. Over the course of a week, those small time savings add up and allow you to focus on clarity and preparation. Finally, we cover follow-ups, accountability, and the end-of-day reset. Many inbox tools allow you to set reminders for unanswered emails so that important threads do not disappear. We also talk about bulk archiving in Gmail and Outlook to reset an overgrown inbox while keeping everything searchable. The episode closes with a reminder that AI can reduce reading time, assist with drafting, surface unanswered threads, and support meeting preparation. It does not replace your role in prioritising, protecting sensitive information, and managing your Executive’s time with intention. 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. 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: 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: Nicky also references several EA Campus resources during the episode, which you can explore here: 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: 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 this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky sits down with Kimberly Spencer, founder of Crown Yourself and CEO of Communication Queens, for an honest conversation about what founders really need from their Executive Assistants. Kimberly shares her journey from Pilates instructor to screenwriter to entrepreneur, and how hiring her first EA completely changed the way she built and led her business. You’ll hear Kimberly talk about learning to delegate, understanding your zone of genius, hiring for values rather than skills, and why radical ownership matters on both sides of the EA.founder partnership. She also shares how podcast guesting became a major part of her business strategy and references her book Make Every Podcast Want You. If you work with a visionary executive or support a founder who moves quickly, this conversation will give you practical insight into their mindset and how you can support them more effectively. The EA Campus

What do entrepreneurs actually want from their Executive Assistants? In this episode, Nicky speaks with Andrew Chesnutt, CEO of The Authority Forge and a serial entrepreneur who’s built multiple seven-figure businesses, about what separates a good EA from a great one. Andrew shares a candid look at the realities of working with founders—many of whom are fast-moving, neurodivergent, and juggling multiple priorities. Together, they unpack: order takerconsultantAndrew references the “Radar” character from MASH* as the perfect example of an Assistant who anticipates every need before it’s even voiced—and he’s right. This episode will help you see what it takes to become that kind of strategic partner. 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: 💡 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: 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: 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 Upcoming Events Lead Virtual Summit – 26 SeptemberCommunity Webinar – 30 SeptemberCalm Under Pressure Masterclass – 10 OctoberChatGPT for Executive Assistants Masterclass – 24 OctoberStrategic Time Management Masterclass – 30 October The EA Campus