Episodes
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Welcome to the second last episode of Assist With Impact. In this episode Liz shares her key messages for each of her Lovely Listeners (LLs).
Liz reflects on the difficulty of recording the final episodes and her discomfort with the spotlight
Liz shares her wish for the administrative profession and her listeners
The Wish for Executive Assistants
Liz encourages assistants to be proactive problem solvers and anticipate needs
Liz wants assistants to continue building confidence and competence
Liz emphasizes the importance of developing power skills and leadership abilities
Liz wants assistants to focus on personal and professional effectiveness, not just time management
Challenges Facing the Profession
The evolution or revolution in the EA role and the need to adapt
The challenge of keeping up with new technologies and automation
The struggle with workload management and avoiding burnout
The ongoing challenge of recognition and value for the EA profession
Closing Thoughts
Liz reminds listeners that they are human beings, not human doings, and are valuable as they are
Liz looks forward to the final episode where her daughter will interview her
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We are counting down to the final episode of Assist With Impact.
In this episode Liz shares ten of her all-time favourite episodes...and spoiler alert, there's only ONE interview in this mix! Not that she doesn't love the interviews in the back catalog, but they deserve a special shout-out (cue another episode!)
So, in chronological order of episode release, here are the ten eps Liz wants you to bookmark for future listening...
ONE - Episode #48: How To Interview Your BossThis ep is all about Effective Communication and Relationship Building
TWO - Episode #85: POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants: Communication Skills
All about Confident Communication Mastery
THREE- Episode #86: POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants: Influencing Skills
All about Influence and Personal Power
FOUR - Episode #87: POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants: Assertiveness Skills
All about Assertiveness and Confidence
FIVE - Episode #93: Three Ways To Show Up As Indispensable In 2020
All about Personal Effectiveness
SIX - Episode #100 Celebrating Serendipity
Hear from Liz when she was celebrating this milestone!
SEVEN - Episode #113 Two Strategies for Engaging In Difficult Conversations
EIGHT - Episode #121: Interview With Jo Miller (Part 1)
NINE - Episode #122: Interview With Jo Miller (Part 2)
TEN - Episode #148: How to Say No Respectfully and Graciously
Theme: Setting Boundaries and Saying NO!
Themes Connecting These Episodes:
1. Communication Mastery: Effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques are emphasized across multiple episodes, highlighting their importance in building relationships and achieving professional success.
2. Personal Development: Continuous self-improvement, including understanding one's strengths and areas for growth, is a recurring theme, reinforcing the idea that EAs should invest in their personal and professional development.
3. Influence and Assertiveness: Strategies for influencing others and developing assertiveness are common themes, showcasing their importance in being seen as indispensable.
4. Relationship Building: Building strong, trusting relationships with executives and colleagues is a consistent focus, with practical advice on how to achieve this through regular communication and understanding.
5. Handling Difficult Situations: Practical & tactical tips and strategies for managing difficult conversations and relationships, underlining the importance of these skills in maintaining a productive work environment.
6. Empowerment and Authenticity: Episodes featuring interviews with leaders like Jo Miller highlight the importance of being authentic and empowering others, reinforcing the value of genuine leadership and influence.
These themes collectively underscore the importance of communication, self-awareness, influence, relationship-building, and personal growth in becoming an indispensable executive assistant.
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Episodes manquant?
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Welcome to the next in our countdown to the final episode of the Assist With Impact podcast.
Episode 197 is a wrap-up of the ten most downloaded episodes over the eight years of the podcast. Over 250K downloads and these episodes are the ones that had the most downloads.
Episode #1 - The "'Why'
Episode #64 - Indispensable Skills - Managing Your Manager
Episode #150 - Lack of Confidence: The Biggest Challenge I Hear From Executive Assistants
Episode #138 - Interview with Marco Macente, Executive Business Partner
Episode #155 - Interview with Ursula Kohler: Founder & Managing Director, Capital EA
Episode #147 - Being a (Successful) Giver in 2022
Episode #160 - Revolutionise Your Inbox: My Interview with Steuart Snooks
Episode #149 - How To Manage Conflicting Priorities
Episode #152 - How To Reset & Re-energise Your Relationship With Your Executive
Visit thelinchpinassistant.com/podcasts to listen via your browser to any of these episodes or find them in your podcast app.
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In this special "road rambling" episode, Liz announces the conclusion of the "Assist with Impact" podcast at episode 200. Reflecting on the podcast's origins and journey, she shares her motivations and plans for the final episodes.
Key Topics Discussed:
Origins of the Podcast: Started in June 2016 as "Being Indispensable." Challenges Overcome: Podcasting during a difficult period post-breast cancer treatment. Community Building: Aimed to support and elevate executive assistants. Decision to End: Overcrowded podcast space; pivot to guest appearances on other podcasts. Final Episodes Plan: Most downloaded episodes. Favorite episodes. Liz's wish for the profession. Q&A session.Your Invitation: Be part of the final episode
Q&A Participation: Email questions for episode 200 to Liz at [email protected].Links Mentioned:
Pod O'Sullivan Episode: Listen to Episodes 116 & 117 to hear my interview with my executive Pod O'SullivanConnect with Liz:
Email: [email protected]Subscribe and Follow:
Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.Thank you for listening! Join us next week for a look back at the most downloaded episodes of the "Assist with Impact" podcast.
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The focus of this solo episode is your verbal communication skills and common blocks that get in the way of you being a confident and capable communicator.
This episode is part of our theme for March. It’s the ‘Power Skills’ impact and insight zone. Power Skills are your supercharged soft skills and in my world, there are ten key Power Skills that I focus on in my training, coaching and speaking.
In this episode I’m sharing the Top 10 Communication Blocks that can impact your relationships with your peers, your manager and other people you work with.
I remind you of the practical tips and strategies I’ve shared before. Listen to the following episode for more info on this topic
#55 How To Approach Difficult Conversations - Steps for Executive Assistants
You can find more information on the SBI framework here:
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/situation-behavior-impact-feedback.htm
You can read more about Petrea King's approach here:
https://www.flyingsolo.com.au/live-smarter/make-difficult-conversations-easier
Connect With Me:
- Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on our social media platforms. You can find The Linchpin Assistant on Instagram and LinkedIn.
- Join our community of Lovely Loyal Listeners (LLLs) by hitting follow/subscribe (and make my day by leaving a review).Thank you for joining us on Assist With Impact.
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It's a solo episode from Liz. All about improving how we ask questions, especially when it comes to asking questions of the person or people we support.
This month, we're focusing on enhancing our skills in managing up and engaging effectively with leaders. It's what I describe as the 'Leader Insight & Impact Zone'.
Why Questions Matter
- Asking the right questions is crucial for understanding and growth. Many of us hesitate to ask questions due to fear of looking incompetent or being annoying, but it's essential to overcome these fears.
Key Insights
- Reconnect with Curiosity: Let's embrace our natural curiosity and not be afraid to ask questions.
- Types of Questions: I discuss four main types: elevating, funneling, adjoining, and clarifying questions. Each serves a different purpose in helping us understand and connect better.
- Practical Tips: Use open-ended questions, balance them with closed questions when needed, appreciate the power of silence, and practice active listening.
Highlights
- The Importance of Questions: They help unlock new knowledge and increase understanding.
- Overcoming Fear: I encourage everyone to see questioning as an opportunity for learning, not something to be scared of.
Resources
- Episode 48: How To Interview Your Boss To Clarify Expectations & Perceptions
Conclusion
- Asking questions is a skill that can greatly improve our interactions and our work. It shows curiosity, vulnerability, and can lead to better outcomes.
Connect With Me:
- Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on our social media platforms.
- Join our community of Lovely Loyal Listeners (LLLs) by hitting follow/subscribe and be part of our journey in 2024!Thank you for joining us on Assist With Impact.
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🎙 Navigating the Labyrinth of Boss Personalities🎙
In this enlightening episode, dive deep into the complexities of workplace dynamics as we explore how to effectively manage up by understanding and adapting to different boss personalities. From the reflective introverts and the communicative extroverts to the goal-driven advancers, the team-focused harmonizers, and the detail-oriented micromanagers, we unveil strategies for building stronger and more productive relationships with your boss.
What You'll Learn:
- The distinct differences between introverted (Innies) and extroverted (Outies) bosses and how to communicate effectively with each.
- Insights into the personalities of Harmonizers, who value team cohesion, and Advancers, who are all about achieving results, plus tips on how to align your approach for better workplace harmony.
- Practical advice for dealing with micromanaging bosses, including how to build trust and keep them informed to minimize over-scrutiny.Why Listen:
Whether you're seeking to improve your relationship with your boss, understand their expectations better, or simply navigate the complexities of various managerial styles, this episode is packed with valuable advice and actionable strategies. Tune in to transform your approach to workplace interactions and pave the way for a more fulfilling professional environment.Additional Resources:
- Linsten to Episode 57 for more insights on managing expectations and clarifying perceptions with your boss.Connect With Us:
- Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on our social media platforms.
- Join our community of Lovely Loyal Listeners (LLLs) by hitting follow/subscribe and be part of our journey in 2024!Thank you for joining us on Assist With Impact.
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Overview:
In this enlightening solo episode, your host Liz Van Vliet revisits the influential concept of Personal SWOT Analysis, a tool she first introduced in Episode 70. With her signature friendly and engaging tone, she delves into this comprehensive self-assessment method, guiding listeners through the nuances of evaluating their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This episode is a perfect blend of professional insights and personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and thrive in their careers.What You'll Learn:
- The Essence of Personal SWOT Analysis: Discover the power of assessing your personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to gain a clear snapshot of where you stand.
- Stephen Covey’s Influence: Learn how Stephen Covey's principles of effectiveness can be integrated into your personal and professional life.
- The Four Dimensions of SWOT: A detailed walkthrough of each aspect of SWOT, offering practical tips on how to identify and leverage your strengths, address weaknesses, recognize opportunities, and anticipate threats.
- Implementing Your SWOT Analysis: Strategies for turning your SWOT insights into actionable plans, including setting SMART goals and updating your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Personal Development Tips:Inspirational advice on self-improvement and staying proactive in your career and personal life.Why It's a Must-Listen:
This episode is not just a revisitation of a key concept but a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying the Personal SWOT Analysis in your life. Whether you're an administrative professional or someone seeking personal growth, Liz’s relatable and conversational style, coupled with her profound insights, makes this podcast a treasure trove of wisdom. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and equipped with the tools to thrive in 2024 and beyond.---
Subscribe Now: Don't miss out on this valuable episode that could be the key to unlocking your full potential. Tune in, learn, grow, and become the proactive, effective individual you aspire to be!
Connect with your host Liz Van Vliet on Instagram or LinkedIn, and
Learn more about her coching, speaking and training at The Linchpin Assistant
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Embracing 2024 with Reflection, Review, and Goal-Setting
Welcome to the first episode of Assist With Impact for 2024! In this episode, we dive into the importance of reflection and goal-setting as we step into the new year. Join us for Episode 191 as we explore how to make the most of 2024.
Key Highlights:
1. New Year Reflections and Challenges:
- Your host Liz shares personal challenges during the transition into the new year.
- Discussion on the blend of pride and disappointment experienced in 2023, including the ten-year cancerversary and podcast milestones.2. The Power of Reflection:
- Importance of embracing a growth mindset by reflecting on past year's experiences.
- The concept of 'big kahuna' goals and the reality of not achieving them.3. Setting Up for Success in 2024:
- Introduction of 'The Liz Way' to set up for success in the new year.
- Here's the link to the downloadable worksheet for you to reflect and review on 2023 via five simple questions:https://thelinchpinassistant.ac-page.com/episode-191-reflect-review-your-year-free-download
4. Marie Forleo's Insight on Reflection:
- Here's the link to Marie Forleo's end-of-year review process and her perspective on learning from past experiences.5. Looking Forward: Goal Setting for 2024:
- The importance of setting SMART goals.
- Quotes from Zig Ziglar and C.S. Lewis on goal-setting.
- Crafting 'I will' statements for goals.6. Five Categories for Goal Setting:
- Skills Development.
- Performance Metrics.
- Career Progression/Professional Advancement.
- Work-Life Balance.
- Contribution to Team/Organization.7. Three Words - Manager Feedback in Goal Setting:
- Tips on incorporating manager feedback into goal-setting.
- How to use the feedback to shape your 2024 goals.8. Enhancing Self Insight:
- How reflecting and reviewing can boost your Self Insight, a key component in the Linchpin Model®.
- Invitation to subscribe to the AdminInsider newsletter for more insights.Additional Resources:
- Links to previous podcast episodes for more insights on managing expectations and clarifying perceptions with your boss.Connect With Us:
- Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on our social media platforms.
- Join our community of Lovely Loyal Listeners (LLLs) by hitting follow/subscribe and be part of our journey in 2024!Thank you for joining us on Assist With Impact. Here’s to a reflective, insightful, and successful 2024!
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In this milestone episode (we've hit 190 guys!), Liz celebrates overcoming challenges and embracing change and opportunity.
2023 marked her Ten Year Cancerversary with Liz sharing the joys and trials of this significant personal triumph. Reflecting on the evolution from 'My EA Career' to 'The Linchpin Assistant', we also delve into the concept of 'co-opertition' - cooperating while competing, and how this approach helped me stand against imitators while proudly acknowledging my pioneering role in developing Power Skills for assistants.
This episode also offers a reflective look at the word of 2023 - RENEW. How has this theme shaped the year's endeavors? We explore the exciting, albeit exhausting, aspects of going global and the achievements it brought along.
Pride points of the journey include:
- Persistently delivering this insightful podcast.
- Establishing a distinct voice as a connector and communicator.
- Guiding listeners to proactively engage with AI.
- Critically assessing the Chief of Staff role and its implications.
- Championing efficiency and effectiveness in professional roles.
- Personal strides in efficiency by hiring a Virtual Assistant.Looking forward, 2024 promises more global adventures, enhanced communication strategies (hint: people scan, not read emails), and more AI insights. The episode concludes with exciting opportunities for listeners to engage with our host in 2024, including coaching sessions, bespoke corporate presentations, extensive training programs, engaging webinars, and an upcoming LinkedIn newsletter 'Admin Insider'.
Join us for this special episode as we commemorate past achievements and eagerly anticipate the future of The Linchpin Assistant and the Assist With Impact podcast.
To discuss working with Liz in 2024, email her at [email protected].
Connect with your host Liz Van Vliet on Instagram or LinkedIn, and
Learn more about her coching, speaking and training at The Linchpin Assistant
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You would have to have been under a rock in 2023 not to have seen at least ONE podcast episode, article or social media talking about the rise of the CoS role (Chief of Staff) as a potential career path for Executive Assistants.
So unless you have just emerged from under your rock, you may be familiar with Maggie Olson from Nova Chief of Staff.
In this episode I interview Maggie about the WHAT, the WHY and the HOW when it comes to her innovative online self-paced CoS course that has been designed from real-world experience to educate and elevate professionals looking to maximize impact.
If you are an EA who is looking to upskill and build your commercial acumen, Maggie's program should be on your list of courses to consider. Her alumni are not just assistants who are aspiring to a CoS role, they're also 'lifetime' EAs who want to develop themselves...and if you know me, you will know that's what I'm all about!
Connect with Maggie and find out more about her program on Friday 8th December @ 8-9pm GMT+11
Maggie can also be found on LinkedIn here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-olson-cos/
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Doriette McIvor Stone is an Executive Assistant with over twenty years of experience supporting C-Suite leaders. She is also a marketer, a salesperson and a customer service person.
Currently Doriette supports the CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee. In Part Two of our interview we explore the importance of intuition and emotional intelligence and how Doriette uses these power skills to protect her executive's time and energy.
We talk about the importance of asking the right questions and questioning as a key skill and we explore why adopting a sales mindset can be so empowering for you as an assistant.
Enjoy Part Two of this refreshing and enlightening conversation with a true Linchpin Assistant.
Connect with Doriette on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/doriette-mcivor-stone
Read the Admin Avenues article featuring Doriette here:
https://adminavenues.com/admin-spotlight-doriette-mcivor-stone/
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Doriette McIvor Stone is an Executive Assistant with over twenty years of experience supporting C-Suite leaders. She is also a marketer, a salesperson and a customer service person.
Currently Doriette supports the CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee. In Part One of our interview we explore how Doriette came to the role of EA from a career in Events Management and successfully running her own business and hear about the core values that drive her in her role.
We discuss the complex nature of her role and the importance of being an effective stakeholder manager. Doriette shares her philosphy of treating everyone at every level and learning from everyone. Being a connector and building influence by genuinely being interested in other people.
Doriette is all about elevating people and epitomises the value of building reciprocity to elevate your influence.
Enjoy this refreshing and enlightening conversation with a true Linchpin Assistant.
Connect with Doriette on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/doriette-mcivor-stone
Read the Admin Avenues article we discuss here:
https://adminavenues.com/admin-spotlight-doriette-mcivor-stone/
Part Two will drop next week!
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A solo episode where your host, Liz Van Vliet gives an update on what has been a whirlwind of a month and shares some highlights from her recent trip to Ottawa. It's been a jam-packed schedule but Liz is enjoying meeting so many new faces and giving them a dose of Vitamin Liz.
Mentioned in the episode is the following question that Liz asked of Bank of Canada training attendees...feel free to send Liz an email at [email protected] to tell her which one is your spirit animal:)
What Australian animal is your EA spirit animal?
A) Koala - looks cuddly but has claws that will scratch your eyes out!
B) Kangaroo - seems maternal (that lovely pouch) but if you get on the wrong side it has a mean kick!
C) Wombat - slow moving but if you run into me, you're history!
D) Quoll - I'm the Scarlet Pimpernel of Australian Animals. Elusive. You won't even know I've been there but I will leave my impact.
E) The Great White Shark - I take no prisoners!!!!
Don't forget to leave a rating and review to help more assistants hear about the podcast.
Connect with your host Liz Van Vliet on Instagram or LinkedIn, and
Learn more about her coching, speaking and training at The Linchpin Assistant
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Welcome to Episode 185 of Assist With Impact, where we empower administrative professionals like you to make your hard work visible and impactful.
In this episode, we're diving into "Five Ways to Ensure Your Invisible Work is Visible."
It's an important topic because so much of what you do as an assistant is like the proverbial iceberg - hidden beneath the waterline.
Listen to the episode to hear practical and tactical ways you can ensure that your executive and colleagues see the contribution you're making.
Don't forget to leave a rating and review!
Connect with your host Liz Van Vliet on Instagram or LinkedIn, and
Learn more about her coching, speaking and training at The Linchpin Assistant
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A solo episode where your host, Liz Van Vliet gets her 'ranty pants' on about advice she sees being given to assistants that is flippant and unhelpful (in her opinion).
Listen to the episode if you want to be reminded that you're more than just an 'admin' and deserve the same level of respect and consideration as any other professional.
Connect with your host Liz Van Vliet on Instagram or LinkedIn, and
Learn more about her coching, speaking and training at The Linchpin Assistant
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In the second part of her interview with Liz Van Vliet, Robyn Greaves talks about the silver lining of redundancy, the value of curiosity and the skills and capabilities that allowed her to adapt and adjust as an Executive Assistant.
Robyn shares how her final role as an EA gave her "permission to have a voice" beyond the one on one relationship with her executive. How it opened up a world of possibilities and enjoyment for Robyn. In short, it allowed Robyn to be the same person in the office that she was at home.
We then explore the birth of Start Sort Scale, how assistants can see and leverage Artificial Intelligence as an opportunity rather than a threat and Robyn's adventurous life as a digital nomad.
Enjoy Part Two!
Robyn Greaves is a full-time digital nomad and start-up founder. She spends her time travelling the world and collaborating with business owners to optimise their processes and set them up to scale. She is passionate about giving people the freedom to work from anywhere and live life on their own terms.
Prior to launching her business, Start Sort Scale, Robyn spent 15 years as an Assistant, gaining experience across diverse industries including not-for-profit, media publishing, and digital businesses. In 2021, Robyn won an Australian Admin Award for excellence in a multi-functional admin role.
Robyn's passion for the pivotal role of Assistants led her to create "Mastering the Power of ChatGPT: a Guide for Executive Assistants" and the online course "Intro to AI for Executive Assistants." She has emerged as a leading voice in this space, empowering administrative professionals to leverage Artificial Intelligence and get their work done faster, with less effort.
Links:
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-greaves/
Follow her digital nomad journey on Instagram: @onthegocouple
Buy the ChatGPT Guide: https://startsortscale.com/chatgptguide/
Learn more about Start Sort Scale website: https://startsortscale.com/clarity/
To see a preview of what Microsoft Copilot will be able to do, check out this YouTube clip: https://youtu.be/hGb9UZ8DyDc
Connect with your host Liz Van Vliet on Instagram or LinkedIn, and
Learn more about her coching, speaking and training at The Linchpin Assistant
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Robyn Greaves is an award winning business administrator with 15 years experience as an Executive Assistant. Born in the UK, Robyn has extensive experience providing high level strategic and operational support to CEOs and Directors both in the UK and Australia. She has worked across a wide range of industries including not-for-profit, media publishing and digital businesses. Robyn is passionate about supporting business owners to achieve their goals.
In the first of our two-part interview we explore Robyn's origin story. How she began her career as an Administrative Professional and her talent was quickly spotted by a dynamic executive. Listen to the episode to hear about Robyn's experience navigating the career 'spider frame' and the skills and capabilities that have supported and empowered her growth as an Executive Assistant.
Connect with Robyn via LinkedIn and Instagram.
Connect with your host Liz Van Vliet on Instagram or LinkedIn, and
Learn more about her coching, speaking and training at The Linchpin Assistant
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A special solo episode sharing the audio from a series of three videos I posted last week on LinkedIn to celebrate my ten year 'cancerversary'.
An episode for new listeners who haven't heard my cancer story and old listeners who I'm fortunate to have in my life because of the serendipity of my cancer diagnosis.
An episode that shares both the grim and the grateful. Because we're human beings, not human doings.
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Amy Crumley learned the intricacies and nuances of the Executive Support profession from her mother and grandmother, who rendered their support to high-level executives in Atlanta, Georgia, and Denver, Colorado in the United States.
Amy's own career path has followed a diversified route, traversing the foundation of owning a cabinet company, owning a staffing company, traveling around Europe, and teaching English as a second language. Returning to the United States, Amy pursued a remote working dynamic, managing a bookstore and cocktailing while deliberated about her future endeavors. Eventually, she secured a part-time remote executive assistant position that sparked her passion for the field once again and never looked back.
In part two of our interview, listen to Amy explain her approach to being not just efficient but effective as an Executive Assistant supporting the C-Suite leaders at Samba TV. Amy talks about the importance of putting yourself in the shoes of your executive and managing them the way THEY want to be managed, not the way YOU want to be managed.
We also discuss Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies and how so many assistants (including Amy) are 'Upholders'. You can do the survey for free here.
Amy epitomises what Liz describes as a Linchpin Assistant. She has exceptional functional competencies (her hard skills) as well as displaying high strategic competency. Even more, in this interview, you hear how Amy uses her Power Skills, her supercharged 'soft' skills to manage up and influence others to not just get things done but get the RIGHT things done!
Enjoy Part Two of this Assist With Impact interview with Amy Crumley.
Connect with Amy here
Check out the new and updated website for The Linchpin Assistant
Connect with Liz on Instagram or LinkedIn
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