Advertise on podcast: Rewrite The Playbook with Rachael Bonetti

Offshoring EA functions is an uncomfortable conversation, but it is one the profession cannot afford to avoid. Drawing on direct feedback from executives using offshore EA support, Rachael examines why organisations are moving executive assistant roles offshore and the commercial equation behind those decisions. You’ll hear: what executives are reporting about cost, quality and service how hybrid work is influencing comparisons between onshore and offshore support why hard work and strong relationships may not protect an EA function what EAs need to make visible before their value is reduced to a cost comparison A candid look at offshoring, organisational decision-making and the changing value of executive support. Resources mentioned Free audio training series: The EA Compass Free self-audit: The Strategic EA Reset Learn more about The Elite EA Academy  If you’re enjoying the show, please consider sharing the episode or leaving a review. It helps more executive assistants find the conversation. Connect with Rachael LinkedIn Instagram  Forbes Australia Substack

This episode explores one of the biggest shifts happening inside the Executive Assistant profession right now:  Why many highly capable Executive Assistants are already operating strategically, while still undervaluing or under-articulating their contribution. Rachael Bonetti unpacks the growing gap between strategic Executive Assistant capability and strategic visibility, and why Executive Assistant career growth increasingly depends on more than execution, responsiveness and coordination alone. As AI reshapes administrative work and organisations rethink where human value sits, this conversation explores what strategic Executive Assistant skills now look like, how EAs can strengthen their visibility and influence, and why operational effectiveness is becoming one of the most valuable capabilities in modern organisations. Inside the episode: Why the benchmark for high-performing Executive Assistants has shifted The growing gap between strategic contribution and strategic visibility How AI is reshaping the future of Executive Assistant work Why execution alone is no longer enough to stand out The hidden cost of interpreting the EA role too narrowly The difference between transactional support and strategic partnership What strategic Executive Assistants tend to notice that others miss Why many EAs are already operating strategically long before they recognise it themselves This episode is for Executive Assistants who want to strengthen their strategic thinking, increase their visibility and influence, and better understand how to position themselves for long-term career growth in a rapidly changing business environment. If you’re enjoying the show, sharing the episode or leaving a review helps more Executive Assistants find the conversation. Referenced in this episode: Why Strategic Executive Assistants Still Feel Invisible at Work The Strategic EA Reset Learn more about The Elite EA Academy  Connect with, and read more insights from Rachael  LinkedIn Instagram Forbes Australia

How do you train EAs to think strategically? “Be more strategic.” It’s one of the most common pieces of advice executive assistants hear. It’s also one of the least explained. Strategic thinking isn’t a personality trait and it’s not something you either have or don’t have. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it can be trained. In this episode, Rachael Bonetti breaks down:Why some EAs develop strategic thinking through exposure why others are placed into environments that keep their role transactional. Why this isn't a capability gap. Why it IS a context gap. What strategic thinking actually looks like in executive support and how you can start developing it deliberately in your role. If you’re enjoying the show, sharing the episode or leaving a review helps more executive assistants find the conversation.  Resources mentioned Free private audio series: The EA Compass Learn more about The Elite EA Academy Connect with, and read more insights from Rachael LinkedIn Instagram Forbes Australia

How should executive assistant performance actually be measured? Most organisations still assess executive assistant performance through responsiveness, output and how smoothly things run. Those things matter, but they don’t explain where the real leverage of executive support sits. In this episode, Rachael Bonetti introduces The Executive Support Performance Lens™, a framework for measuring executive assistant performance based on how executive support strengthens leadership effectiveness and organisational performance. In this episode we'll explore: Why traditional executive assistant performance metrics fall short The five dimensions of the Executive Support Performance Lens™ How executive assistants enable stronger leadership performance How organisations can rethink executive assistant performance frameworks Resources mentioned Full article and the diagnostic tool on the website The Elite EA Academy In-house training for EAs Connect with, and read more insights from Rachael LinkedIn Instagram Forbes Australia

Most organisations measure output. Very few measure stability. In this episode, Rachael explores the invisible work EAs quietly hold that keeps decision-making, workflow, and pace from breaking under pressure. From reading the room and managing bottlenecks to holding context and reducing friction, this is the layer of work that rarely shows up in KPIs but is immediately felt when it disappears. The episode unpacks why “admin efficiency” often erodes judgement rather than strengthening it, how organisations defer cost when they restructure or offshore without mapping invisible work, and why leaders underestimate the conditions EAs create for effective execution. This is not a conversation about effort.  It is about risk, continuity, and how work actually holds together inside fast-moving organisations. If you are an EA who knows you carry more than what appears on paper, or a leader responsible for designing roles and support structures, this episode will help you see what is being quietly stabilised every day and what is at stake when it is overlooked. You'll also hear how to start making strategic thinking clear without the performative visibility. Links and resources mentioned in this episode Get your free Strategic Self-Assessment Checklist here  It only takes 5 minutes to go through — and the shifts it sparks can be career-changing. LinkedIn post on headlines and narrative here LinkedIn post on offshoring EA roles here Learn more about Rachael or exploring working together here Find free insights on instagram @rachaelbonetti Join Rachael’s fortnightly insights newsletter here

Personal brand is already shaping your career, whether you engage with it or not. In this episode, Rachael unpacks why capable executive assistants are often categorised as “helpful support” rather than talent, and how that distinction quietly affects trust, opportunity, and protection inside organisations. This isn't  a conversation about visibility or self-promotion. It’s about reputation, judgement, and the narratives that form when value isn’t clearly articulated. Especially in environments under pressure, where decisions about roles, investment, and capability are being made quickly. If you’ve ever felt the gap between the value you know you bring and how you’re being seen, this episode will help you understand why that gap forms and what’s actually at stake. Show notes This is a keynote and in-house training topic Rachael works with regularly, shaped by real conversations with EAs, executives, and leadership teams navigating change in real time. To learn more, visit www.rachaelbonetti.com  Connect with Rachael on socials: LinkedIn Instagram @rachaelbonetti

The EA role is at a crossroads. Not a trend. A decision point. Organisations are consolidating. AI is reshaping work. Executives are relying more on judgement and context than ever, yet many EA roles are still being designed for a world that no longer exists. In this episode, Rachael explores what’s changing, why timing matters, and what happens when EAs and organisations actively shape the role versus letting it be shaped for them. Show notes Connect with Rachael Linkedin Instagram  @rachaelbonetti Website www.rachaelbonetti.com The reflection questions shared in this episode: Where is the way you’ve always done things no longer fit for purpose? What changed last year in your workplace?
 And the year before that? What might that tell you about what’s coming next? What your opportunities could be? And what’s one stretch you could make in how you’re showing up, so you’re positioned on the right side of this shift rather than watching it happen around you?

If your calendar never really settled in 2025, this episode will help you understand why. After spending the year inside organisations training and working closely with executive assistants and executive teams, one pattern kept repeating: constant reprioritisation. Not as a time management issue. Not as a capability gap. But as a signal of deeper capacity strain. In this season-opening episode of Rewrite The Playbook, we name what was actually happening beneath the surface and why so many capable EAs felt stretched, despite doing everything “right”. You’ll hear: Why reprioritisation became so common in 2025 The difference between strategic, reactive, and structural reprioritisation What unsettled calendars reveal about organisational load and decision pressure Why the EA role is becoming more influential as organisations search for stability This is a grounded conversation for EAs who want clearer language for what they were navigating last year and stronger footing as they move into 2026, and it will give you the language to raise it at a leadership level. Show Notes The Elite EA Academy This is where I continue this work with executive assistants who want to better understand the patterns they’re seeing, develop language for their judgement, and stand behind the influence they already have. January intake is open now. 👉 https://www.rachaelbonetti.com/the-elite-ea-academy Subscribe to my newsletter For first access to free community classes and new work. Free audio training: The EA Compass: https://www.rachaelbonetti.com/free-ea-training 👉 https://rachaelbonetti.myflodesk.com/subscribe Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaelbonetti/ Follow me and connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-bonetti-4b46561a/

In this final episode of the season, I’m answering six questions from the community in a rapid-fire mentoring format. Think career clarity, mindset shifts, becoming more strategic, and turning your passions into something more. This episode is for you if you’re: Sitting on years of experience and wondering if there’s a business in it The first EA in your company, trying to figure out where to start Craving more strategy and influence in your day-to-day Stuck in procrastination or struggling to focus on what is working Exploring how to build a career or side gig that’s more you You’ll get grounded, practical advice I usually only share inside my private mentoring and courses—plus a first look at what’s coming in the new Dear Rachael newsletter segment, where I’ll be answering questions like these every month. Episode Highlights: How to turn your EA experience and love of books into a side gig What to do first if you’re starting a business with 17+ years in another field  Where to focus your energy when you’re the only EA in the organisation Practical mindset shifts for dealing with procrastination What being strategic really means (and how to start thinking that way)  The weekly habit I used to stay focused on progress, not problems Loved this episode? Rate and review to help others find it Share it with a friend or colleague Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next season Links and resources Instagram: @rachaelbonetti
 LinkedIn Join the newsletter Submit a question for the newsletter Dear Rachael segment Visit The Career Success Shop to get the Strategic Impact Planner

What exactly is Biz Rizz?  It’s your ability to build powerful relationships in a professional setting. It’s executive presence with a rebrand. And if you’ve never thought about how others experience you at work, you might be missing out on career-changing opportunities. In this episode, we’re breaking down Biz Rizz—business charisma that opens doors—so you can command a room, influence outcomes, and be seen as someone who belongs at the table without waiting for an invite. This episode is for you if you’re: Wondering why some people naturally attract promotions, trust, and career-defining opportunities Feeling stuck behind the scenes, waiting for recognition that never comes Ready to show up with the kind of presence that makes people listen and respect your voice Tune in to learn five practical ways to cultivate Biz Rizz starting today. No fluff. No awkward networking hacks. Just real, strategic moves to elevate how you show up at work. Episode Highlights: Why Biz Rizz matters more than ever, especially if you started your career post-pandemic The Barbie Movie lesson that changes the game for behind-the-scenes professionals The truth about executive presence and why some people get ahead faster How to hold attention, hold space, and influence outcomes Five core moves to develop Biz Rizz in your career Loved this episode? Rate and review to help others find it Share it with your network—someone you know needs to hear this Subscribe so you never miss a powerful insight Links & Resources: Work with me  The Elite EA Academy  Follow me for more tips on Instagram @rachaelbonetti And on LinkedIn

Simplicity gets mistaken for laziness—but it’s actually your sharpest strategy. Most of us overcomplicate things to prove our worth… and it’s killing our impact. We confuse busy with valuable, and complexity becomes a default. But clarity is what really cuts through. In this bite size episode, Rachael dives into the power of simplicity—why it’s misunderstood, how to strip back without losing value, and the framework she uses  to keep her work clear, effective, and high impact. You'll learn: Why simplicity is not a shortcut—it’s a skill  How overcomplicating is slowing down your progress Where simplicity makes the biggest difference (think: emails, meetings, reports, workflows) A powerful 4-step framework to bring clarity and influence into everything you do If your work feels heavier than it should… this is the shift you’ve been waiting for. Hit follow so you don’t miss future episodes packed with career clarity, healthy high performance, and bold conversations that rewrite the rules. And if this one landed, please share it or leave a review so the show can reach as many listeners as possible.  Let’s connect Instagram: @rachaelbonetti LinkedIn: Rachael Bonetti  Explore my offers and services: rachaelbonetti.com

Thinking about stepping up into a new role within your organisation? Internal opportunities can be a powerful way to accelerate your career—but only if you’re set up for success. Beware the fake title, the silent trap and the false promise! In this episode, we break down: The real risks of internal promotions and secondments that nobody talks about How to spot red flags before you say yes Why some ‘career opportunities’ are just old roles with a fresh coat of paint How to navigate the politics and protect your position The one move that ensures you're never left stranded If career progression and next-level confidence are on your radar this year, don’t miss this episode—it could save you from a misstep and help you make the most of your next move. Listen now and if you found it helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it! Connect with Rachael Bonetti 🔗 Website: www.rachaelbonetti.com 📲 Instagram: @rachaelbonetti 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachaelbonetti

How often do we let fear, insecurity, or competitiveness hold us back? In this episode, we’re flipping the script on competition and looking at how our so-called 'rivals' can actually be our biggest expanders—showing us what's possible and helping us accelerate our own success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Hidden Power of Competition – How seeing others as expanders rather than threats can unlock career growth and business success.
 The Novak Djokovic Mindset – Why one of the greatest athletes of all time hired a longtime rival to push him to be even better.
 The Fear That Holds Us Back – How a scarcity mindset can limit your potential and how to break free from it.
 Why Surrounding Yourself with Greatness Matters – How being in the right circles, including with 'competitors,' can propel you forward. 
The CEO Mindset Shift – How top leaders leverage roundtable discussions to stay ahead.
 How to Assess Your Own Circle – Are the people around you expanding your potential or keeping you stuck? If you've ever felt hesitant to collaborate, intimidated by someone else's success, or unsure of how to push past your own limitations, this episode is for you. Key Takeaway: Success isn’t a finite resource. When we stop seeing competition as a threat and start seeing it as inspiration, everything shifts. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you leave a review, email me a screenshot at [email protected] for a special freebie: my top 5 game-changing career and business books. Connect with me on socials: Instagram: @rachaelbonetti LinkedIn: Rachael Bonetti Website: www.rachaelbonetti.com Find me in Forbes Australia

In this episode, we dive into the delicate balance of building a visible personal brand while being an employee—without putting your career at risk. We’re in an era where having a digital footprint is almost a requirement, yet the internet never forgets. So, how do you create a compelling and authentic online presence that opens doors rather than closes them? This Episode Explores: Why having an online personal brand matters and how it can set you apart in a competitive job market The risks of oversharing and how to avoid the fine line between authenticity and sharing too much What employers, hiring managers, and industry leaders look for when they search for you online The power of perception and how your online presence shapes how others view your judgment, discretion, and professionalism How to audit your digital footprint to ensure your online profile aligns with your career goals Practical strategies to craft a strong, career-safe public profile that enhances your credibility and keeps you front of mind for the right opportunities Why This Episode is Important Your online brand is your calling card. It is your legacy, your online handshake, and your chance to be known for the right reasons. Whether you are looking to secure your next promotion, land a dream role, or position yourself as a thought leader, you need to be intentional about how you show up online. Tune in to learn how to leverage your personal brand with confidence, without raising red flags at work. If this episode resonates, tag me in your first LinkedIn post—I would love to support you. Like freebies? If you leave a review and send me a screenshot at [email protected], I will send you a special freebie: the five books that transformed my career and business mindset. Connect with me Find me on Linkedin here or on IG @RachaelBonetti And visit my website to see how we can work together, learn more about me

AI is an incredible tool—no doubt about it—but relying on it too heavily? That’s where things get risky. In this episode, Rachael shares a cautionary tale for anyone letting AI do all the heavy lifting in their work. Whether it’s emails, content creation, or reports, it’s easy to spot when the personal touch is missing—and it’s costing people their originality, impact and influence. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The hidden dangers of letting AI dilute your authenticity. How to use AI as a tool without losing your unique voice and DNA. The common giveaways of AI-generated content and how to avoid them. Why your originality is your most valuable asset in a world full of sameness. Practical ways to make AI work for you—at work or in your business—while staying ahead of the curve. In a world where everyone else is getting complacent, this episode will teach you how to sharpen up, use AI smartly, and amplify your voice, not a robot’s. Links mentioned in this episode: Follow Rachael on Instagram Connect with Rachael on LinkedIn Explore Rachael’s Work