The EA Campus Podcast

Ever wish you had a clear roadmap for working seamlessly with your Executive? In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas guides you through the powerful process of creating an Executive User Guide - a strategic tool that captures everything you need to know about your Executive’s preferences, communication style, and leadership approach. From defining how they like to receive updates to understanding their management style, Nicky breaks down each section with practical tips and real-world examples. You’ll learn how to: Plus, don’t miss the free download to help you get started: the Executive User Guide Template, available at theeacampus.com/podcast/ep66. This episode is a must-listen for any Assistant who wants to build a stronger partnership with their Executive and elevate their impact. Tune in and discover how to take the guesswork out of working together! The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we sit down with freelance Executive Assistant Kaitlin Bekken for one of our ever-popular Day in the Life conversations. Caitlyn shares her journey into the EA world, how she transitioned into freelancing, and what a typical day looks like supporting multiple clients across industries. From managing inboxes and booking complex travel to using AI tools like ChatGPT and NVO to streamline her workflow, Caitlyn walks us through the systems and mindset that keep her on top of her game. We also dive into the importance of knowing your own working capacity, how to build strong remote relationships with executives, and the career-defining power of problem-solving and tenacity. Whether you’re an in-house EA curious about life as a freelancer, or a virtual assistant looking to refine your own approach, Caitlyn’s insights are full of practical wisdom, humour, and reassurance. In this episode: The EA Campus

Welcome to The EA Campus Podcast with your host, Nicky Christmas. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the different types of meetings your Executive attends and how you can manage them strategically to drive real progress. Here’s what we cover: 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Free Meetings Checklist Template:EA Campus Online CoursesSUMMER30Upcoming Events:Advanced Management MasterclassStrategic Time Management MasterclassAI Virtual SummitMicrosoft & AI Masterclasshttps://theeacampus.com/events/ 🗓️ Stay Connected: The EA Campus

Business travel – glamorous on Instagram, chaotic in real life. In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas revisits one of her most-requested topics: how to expertly plan and manage business travel for your executive. Originally recorded at her first public speaking event back in 2012 (or maybe 2013 – who’s counting?), this session has been fully updated for 2025 with all the latest tools, AI tricks, and tech tips. Whether your executive is flying long-haul or hopping on a train to a regional office, you’ll learn how to build a bulletproof itinerary that keeps them calm, collected, and exactly where they need to be. From pre-flight prep to worst-case scenario plans, we’re covering it all. Oh, and yes – we still print the itinerary. Even in 2025. In this episode, we cover: beforepurposeactually🎁 Free Download: Grab our customisable Travel Itinerary Template – complete with emergency contact checklist and pre-trip planning questions. The EA Campus

In this solo episode, host Nicky Christmas dives into a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential for Executive Assistants - feedback. Not just collecting it, but organising it, categorising it, and using it to demonstrate your value, influence, and impact. We’ll unpack how to turn everyday praise into a powerful narrative you can use in performance reviews, salary conversations, and even job interviews. If you've ever struggled to explain your contribution, this episode will give you the tools—and the confidence—to make your invisible work visible. Plus, Nicky shares a free downloadable Feedback Categorisation Template to help you get started. 🔗 Download the free template here: https://theeacampus.com/podcast/ep62 🗂️ Show Notes: In this episode, you’ll learn: 💡 EA Tip of the Week: Track praise like you’d track spending. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be captured. 🎁 Resources Mentioned: Download the Feedback Categorisation Template📣 Don’t forget to: https://theeacampus.com The EA Campus

This week, we’re tackling one of the most common challenges Assistants face - getting your Executive to delegate. If your Executive insists on doing everything themselves, avoids handing off tasks, or says they simply don’t have time to show you the ropes, you're not alone. In this episode, I unpack eight key reasons why so many Executives struggle to delegate and what you can do about it. From perfectionism and fear of failure to not knowing where to start, we’ll explore the mindset behind the resistance and give you practical strategies to break through the barrier. You’ll learn how to: Plus, I’ll share tips on how to keep your Executive accountable once they start delegating. 👋 A quick heads-up before we dive in - May is a big month here at The EA Campus! Join us for the Project Management Masterclass with Mary Beth Imbarratto on Friday, 9th May, our Impact Virtual Summit on Friday, 16th May, and the Collaborative Assistant Masterclass on Friday, 30th May. We’d love to see you there! Project Management Masterclass Impact Virtual Summit Collaborative Assistant Masterclass Ready to help your Executive let go and level up? Let’s get into it! The EA Campus

From setting goals and refreshing their profile to drafting content and tracking engagement, Nicky walks you through seven practical steps to help your Executive build a personal brand on LinkedIn - without it taking over your day. Whether you're already ghostwriting posts or just starting to explore what this might look like, this episode is packed with advice, real-world EA insights, and helpful tools to make the process smoother. You don’t need to be a social media manager to add value here. You just need the right plan, the right tools, and the confidence to get started. Plus, don’t miss the bonus segment on what not to do when managing your Exec’s LinkedIn, and a reminder of the exciting events coming up on The EA Campus! 🎧 Listen now and learn: Content Planning & Scheduling: Content Creation & Design: LinkedIn-Specific Tools: Profile Optimisation: The EA Campus

In this special Admin Week episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’re exploring one of the most important (and often most uncomfortable) topics for Executive Assistants: asking for a training budget. If you've ever felt awkward or unsure about asking for professional development support, this episode is for you. We’re unpacking the mindset shift that turns “asking for permission” into “claiming what’s already available to you” - because training isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. We cover: Plus, to celebrate Admin Week, we're offering 40% off all EA Campus online courses through April—the perfect reason to take that next step. This is your moment. You deserve professional development, and in this episode, we’ll show you how to ask for it with clarity, confidence, and purpose. The EA Campus

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that sparked a massive response on LinkedIn - KPIs for Executive Assistants. If you've ever struggled to explain your value, felt stuck in performance reviews, or wondered how to track the impact of your work, this is the episode for you. We explain KPIs, why they matter in our role, and how you can start measuring your impact in simple, practical ways without adding to your workload. We also discuss how to use this data in one-to-ones, performance reviews, interviews, and even casual conversations with your Executive (yes, without feeling like you’re bragging!). And a huge thank you to our sponsor, Vimcal EA, for supporting this episode. Their brand-new Executive Calendar Audit feature is a game-changer for Assistants looking to save time and prove their value. Make sure to check out the free upcoming webinar! Links and Resources Mentioned Free KPI Template for Executive Assistants Vimcal EA – Executive Calendar Audit Tool Vimcal EA Webinar – Hosted by CTO Michael Zhao April 18th, 2025Recommended Tools to Track KPIsAsanaClickUpTrelloChatGPTZapierMicrosoft Power AutomateConcurExpensifyNavanGoogle FormsTypeform A word about this week's Podcast Partner - Vimcal EA. Vimcal EA is a powerful scheduling layer that integrates seamlessly with your existing Google or Outlook calendar. No switching platforms, disruptions, or learning curve. Designed specifically for EAs, Vimcal EA doesn’t replace your current system; it enhances it. Once connected, all your existing events sync and you can begin managing your executives’ calendars with more precision, fewer clicks, and way less back-and-forth. The EA Campus

In this inspiring episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas sits down with the one and only Hallie Warner - Force Multiplier, coach, consultant, and co-author of The Founder and the Force Multiplier. If you’ve followed Hallie’s work, you’ll know how much she’s impacted the assistant community. And if this is your first introduction to her, you’re in for something really special. Hallie shares her career journey from early assistant roles to becoming Chief of Staff and now launching her own business, including the brand-new Force Multiplier Academy. We dive into what it means to show up as a strategic partner, how Hallie defines the Force Multiplier mindset, and what makes a true, trusted partnership with your Executive. We also talk about: And yes, Hallie shares her latest book recommendations, her love for reality TV (hello, The Traitors), and what’s always on her desk, even on a deserted island. Whether you're just starting out in your career or stepping into a senior EA or Chief of Staff role, Hallie’s honest, practical advice will leave you feeling empowered and ready to take the next step. Hallie Warner LinkedInThe Force Multiplier Academyhallie@halliewarner.comThe Inner Circle Weekly NewsletterBooks: All the Colors of the DarkThe Wedding PeopleFierce ConversationsMultipliers A word about this week's Podcast Partner - Vimcal EA. Vimcal EA is a powerful scheduling layer that integrates seamlessly with your existing Google or Outlook calendar. No switching platforms, disruptions, or learning curve. Designed specifically for EAs, Vimcal EA doesn’t replace your current system; it enhances it. Once connected, all your existing events sync and you can begin managing your executives’ calendars with more precision, fewer clicks, and way less back-and-forth. The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most powerful strategies you can adopt as an Executive Assistant: goal-driven scheduling. If your Executive is constantly running from one meeting to the next with no time to think, strategize, or actually do the work, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through how to shift from reactive calendar management to a more purposeful, high-impact way of structuring the schedule — and why this is a game changer for both you and your Executive. We’ll explore what goal-driven scheduling actually means, how to build it into your workflow, how to handle pushback, and the tech tools that can make it all feel easier and more doable. 💡 Mentioned in this episode: Tools & Tech for Assistants Masterclass – Friday 4th AprilEmail Management & Triaging Inboxes Masterclass with Steuart Snooks – Friday 25th AprilEffective Calendar Management Online CourseVimcal EA – The First Calendar Built for EAsRead the Full Vimcal EA Review on The EA Campus BlogResources to Help Run Better 1:1s with Your ExecutiveThank you to this week's sponsor - Vimcal EA. A word about this week's Podcast Partner - Vimcal EA. Vimcal EA is a powerful scheduling layer that integrates seamlessly with your existing Google or Outlook calendar. No switching platforms, disruptions, or learning curve. Designed specifically for EAs, Vimcal EA doesn’t replace your current system; it enhances it. Once connected, all your existing events sync and you can begin managing your executives’ calendars with more precision, fewer clicks, and way less back-and-forth. The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we explore the world of event technology, specifically for Executive Assistants. If you're responsible for planning, managing, or supporting events in your role, this episode offers valuable insights and 15 carefully selected tech tools that will help you streamline your entire planning process. From venue sourcing and attendee registration to engagement tools and multilingual support, we cover all the platforms that will make your life easier as an EA. Nicky also shares personal experience managing countless events and previews two upcoming EA Campus events focused on tech and tools. ✨ Don't miss out! Evolve Virtual SummitTools & Tech Masterclass🎁 Resources Mentioned: Events Management Template Pack – $90Show Notes: CventWhovaEventbriteRegFoxSplashAttendifyHeySummitHubiloBizzaboEventcomboMixhaloZipKister(or search relevant badge printing tools if this is not publicly available)VenueScannerGripInterprefy The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’re diving into the topic of career mapping for Executive Assistants. Career progression in the EA world isn’t always linear, and for many of us, it’s something we don’t often prioritize. Whether you see the EA role as a stepping stone to another career or you’re committed to excelling in this profession, having a clear career map is essential. We’ll walk through the five key steps to career mapping, from setting clear goals to identifying skill gaps and building an action plan that aligns with your professional aspirations. We also discuss common challenges EAs face when planning their careers—like falling into the role without a plan, not having enough time to focus on development, or chasing salary increases without a long-term strategy. You’ll also hear about the latest trends in career mapping, including: This episode is packed with practical steps, insights, and advice to help you take charge of your career and make intentional choices about your professional growth. Show Notes: Career Mapping TemplateEpisode 44: Setting Meaningful Career Goals as an EAeacampus.com/podcast/ep44Upcoming Events at The EA Campus:Automation MasterclassEVOLVE Virtual Summit The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we welcome back the inspiring Becky Kaapuni, author of The Unstoppable EA and founder of the EA Social Club. Becky shares her incredible journey of resilience, mindset shifts, and what it truly means to be the CEO of your own life. We delve into the pivotal moments that shaped her career, the challenges she's overcome, and the power of embracing vulnerability as an Assistant. Becky also shares insights on building supportive communities, why mindset is key to success, and how to navigate setbacks while staying true to your goals. Plus, we talk about the exciting upcoming events at The EA Campus, including the Automation Masterclass on Tuesday, 25th March, and the EVOLVE Virtual Summit on Friday, 28th March. Don’t miss out—check the show notes for all the details! Show Notes: Becky Kaapuni’s Website:easocialclub.comJoin the EA Social Club:Sit With BeckyBecky’s Book – The Unstoppable EAUpcoming Events at The EA Campus:Automation Masterclass EVOLVE Virtual Summit Stay connected with The EA Campus for more insights, events, and resources to empower your EA career! The EA Campus

Ad-hoc tasks are an inevitable part of the Assistant role, but when they start taking over your day, they can prevent you from focusing on strategic, high-impact work. In this episode, we break down how to manage, track, and take control of ad-hoc tasks so they don’t define your role. We’ll cover: Listen in for practical tips and a step-by-step approach to making sure these tasks work for you, not against you. Resources & Links Mentioned: Ad-Hoc Task Tracker & Prioritization TemplateDownload the templateAssistant Fundamentals MasterclassJoin the masterclassCommunity Webinar: Creating a User Manual for Your ExecutiveSign up hereMastering Automation MasterclassRegister nowShow Notes 00:00 – Welcome & March Event Round-Up 04:15 – What Are Ad-Hoc Tasks & Why They Matter 09:30 – The Challenge: Requests from Colleagues vs. Executives 15:45 – How to Quantify & Track Ad-Hoc Tasks 22:10 – How to Take Control & Set Boundaries 30:00 – What to Do if Ad-Hoc Tasks Are Your Whole Job 38:20 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action one-week ad-hoc tracking challengeThe EA Campus Community The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we sit down with two incredible industry voices, Candice Burningham and Jodie Mears, for an insightful and lively discussion on the evolving role of Executive Assistants. We cover everything from key industry trends, AI and automation, and the future of job titles to some of the more controversial topics shaping the profession today. If you enjoyed this conversation and want to be part of more discussions like this, join The EA Campus Community for free for one month! Gain access to exclusive content, live discussions, networking opportunities, and a support network of like-minded professionals. Listen to the full, unedited conversation inside The EA Campus Community! Connect with Candice & Jodie 🔗 Candice Burningham Admin AvenuesFuture Focused AdminCandice Burningham🔗 Jodie Mears The Crodie Files PodcastJodie MearsLoved this episode? ⭐ Leave us a review 📢 Share it with your network 📩 Subscribe so you never miss an episode The EA Campus

In this episode, we’re exploring one of the biggest challenges for Assistants: email management! How do you start the conversation with your Executive about taking control of their inbox? What systems can you set up to streamline the process? How do you ensure emails don’t take over your entire day? Nicky walks you through practical strategies for managing email overload, setting expectations with your Executive, and implementing a structured system that keeps both of you organized and productive. Whether your Executive is a hands-on inbox checker or prefers a more hands-off approach, these insights will help you create a workflow that actually works. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a concrete plan to take away so you can start transforming how you handle email today! Show Notes & Resources 🔹 Free Resource: 50 Outlook Hacks for Assistants – Grab your free guide to mastering Outlook shortcuts and email efficiency. Download it here - https://eacampus.com/podcast/ep50 🔹 Upcoming Events: Events Management Masterclass – Tomorrow! Join us for an in-depth session on planning and executing successful events. Register here. Free Webinar: Making Your 1:1 Meeting with Your Executive Indispensable – Thursday, 27th February. Don’t miss this essential training! Sign up here - https://theeacampus.com/events/ Want to go deeper? Check out our Effective Email Management for Assistants Course, designed specifically for EAs who want to master inbox management. Learn more here - https://theeacampus.com/online-course/effective-email-management/ 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review and share it with another Assistant who could benefit from these tips! The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas dives into one of the most critical topics in the Executive Assistant profession—salary transparency. Assistants often struggle to access clear, unbiased salary data, but today’s guests have taken a groundbreaking step to change that. Joining Nicky are Yvette Pearson, founder of Admin Wrap, and Alicia Fairclough, founder of EA How To. Together, they’ve created the EA Salary Survey, a report that brings real salary data to the table—without bias, without agenda, and purely for the benefit of the EA community. In this episode, we discuss: Download the EA Salary Survey: EASalarySurvey.com EA How To: eaHowTo.com Admin Wrap: adminwrap.com The EA Campus: theeacampus.com The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas explores how Executive Assistants can leverage AI to streamline their workflow, reduce administrative burdens, and focus on strategic, high-impact tasks. Key Takeaways: AI is not about replacing assistants—it’s a tool for efficiency, helping with email drafting, scheduling, meeting summaries, and report generation. Assistants can use AI to manage complex calendars, generate executive briefings, draft presentations, research industry trends, and create training materials. Effective AI usage starts with well-structured prompts. The more context and detail provided, the better the AI output. Practical AI Tools for EAs: Multimodal AIAdvanced Voice ModeAI Data PrivacyOnce comfortable with AI, assistants can explore automation, custom AI workflows, and tools like Claude for long-form content creation. 💡 Call to Action: Start small—experiment with AI for emails, reports, and task automation. Download the ChatGPT Prompts for Assistants freebie at eacampus.com/podcast/ep48. 🎧 Listen Now & Work Smarter with AI! The EA Campus

Today’s episode is all about the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. What if 80% of your results come from just 20% of your effort? Sounds like a game-changer, right? In this episode, we’ll explore how Executive Assistants can apply this powerful principle to cut through distractions, prioritize high-impact tasks, and truly make a difference in their role. You’ll learn practical strategies for identifying the tasks that drive the biggest results, how to protect your focus and manage interruptions, and simple ways to track your progress for continuous improvement. 🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why the 80/20 rule is a productivity superpower for EAs ✔️ How to identify the high-impact tasks that truly move the needle ✔️ Daily prioritization strategies to stay focused and in control ✔️ How to protect your time, set boundaries, and reduce distractions ✔️ Tracking your progress and making data-driven decisions about your workload 📢 What’s Happening on The EA Campus? Our first Virtual Summit of 2025 is happening this Friday, focusing on developing your EA career. There’s still time to grab your ticket! Next Friday, 7th January, we’re hosting the Strategic Time Management Masterclass—a high-impact session designed to help EAs take control of their workload. Spaces are limited to just 20 participants, so don’t wait too long to register! 🎁 FREE TEMPLATE ALERT! Saying no is a crucial skill for any high-performing EA, and we’ve got a free template to help you do it gracefully and effectively. Download it here: eacampus.com/podcast/ep47. 💡 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, share it with fellow EAs, and leave us a review! See you next time on The EA Campus Podcast! 🔗 Links & Resources: Sign up for the Virtual Summit: The EA Campus Virtual Summit Register for the Strategic Time Management Masterclass Download the FREE Saying No Template: eacampus.com/podcast/ep47 The EA Campus