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

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

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

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

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas is joined by long-time friend, global thought leader, and former Executive Assistant Diana Brandl. Diana shares her journey from supporting CEOs in global organisations like Sony and Babbel to building her own business, hosting a successful podcast, writing multiple books, and training assistants around the world. Together, Nicky and Diana reflect on what it really takes to evolve in the EA role without losing yourself along the way. This conversation goes far beyond job titles. You’ll hear honest insights on visibility, people-pleasing, career transitions, and why so many assistants struggle to articulate their impact. Diana brings a truly global perspective, drawing on her recent travels and work with assistants across Europe and beyond. They also dig into some of the biggest topics facing the profession right now. Strategic influence, the Chief of Staff conversation, professional qualifications, and how different countries approach the EA role. There’s a refreshingly balanced discussion on AI and automation too. What’s genuinely useful, what’s being overhyped, and why soft skills still matter more than ever. This episode is for you if you’re: Reflecting on where your EA career is headingCurious about thought leadership, training, or alternative career pathsFeeling the pressure to be more visible without wanting to shoutTrying to make sense of AI without losing your human edgeReady to stop people-pleasing and start protecting your energyIt’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: The real difference between a Virtual Assistant and an Executive AssistantWhy EAs who move from order taker to consultant quickly become indispensableHow to build trust and anticipation with entrepreneurs who find it hard to let goWhy clear communication and understanding neurodiversity are key to a strong partnershipHow EAs can use AI tools and SOPs to translate an entrepreneur’s “brain dump” into structured, actionable workflowsAndrew 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: Why rebranding matters for Executive Assistants who want moreHow to diagnose your current brand with real evidenceThe “three words” exercise to define how others see you todayChoosing your three future brand words that align with your Executive’s prioritiesHow to start living your new brand through small, visible actionsEA Tip of the Week: Treat your personal brand like a living document💡 Read more: Rebranding Matters for EAs Who Want More 🎧 Listen now to Ep81: The EA Campus Podcast and start defining your next career chapter with purpose and intention. The EA Campus

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, I’m joined by Microsoft Office maestro Shelley Fishel, founder of Tomorrow’s VA. Shelley has spent decades training assistants to get brilliant results with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and now, of course, Microsoft Copilot. We dig into what’s genuinely useful right now, what’s coming next, and how EAs can lead the conversation on AI without losing sight of the fundamentals. Shelley shares how she uses Copilot daily (from redrafting tricky emails to prioritising the inbox and summarising meetings), why core skills like slide masters and brand-safe templates still matter, and how to make the most of lesser-known gems across Microsoft 365. We also talk mindset—staying curious, learning out loud, and saying “yes” then figuring it out—plus the big question: Will AI replace EAs? (Short answer: no. Nuance, judgment, and calendar strategy still need a human.) What you’ll learn: Practical ways EAs can use Copilot today in Outlook, Teams, Word and beyondWhy knowing the basics (formatting, slide masters, rules/quick steps) saves hours every weekHow to make a case for Copilot licences—and the security benefits of using it inside your tenantMindset shifts to keep pace with fast-moving tech (without chasing every shiny thing)Where Microsoft 365 is quietly evolving—and the features most assistants overlookTools, features & terms mentioned: Microsoft Copilot across Outlook, Word, Teams (meeting summaries), and forthcoming Excel capabilities (including =COPILOT)Outlook: Quick Steps, Rules, prioritising the inboxPowerPoint: Slide Master, custom layouts, brand-safe decksMicrosoft Loop (pages & live components), Copilot PagesMicrosoft Sway (lightweight, web-style internal newsletters)Microsoft Forms, Microsoft Lists, Microsoft BookingsSecurity/Tenant awareness (enterprise data protection vs. pasting data into public AI tools)Other AI tools touched on: ChatGPT, Claude, PerplexityPerfect for: Executive Assistants who want clear, real-world ways to work smarter with Microsoft 365 and lead on AI - without the hype. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or on The EA Campus website. The EA Campus