Rise to the Top! Tips for Being a Kickass Executive Assistant

Have you ever felt like being an Executive Assistant is a bit like being James Bond—minus the fancy gadgets and car chases? You’re the behind-the-scenes powerhouse, always one step ahead, always prepared, and always pulling off the impossible with style. But how do you make sure you don’t just survive in this high-stakes role but actually thrive?

Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro looking to break the sound barrier of workplace excellence, we’ve got tips to help you kick ass, take names, and become the ultimate right-hand to your boss. Get ready to decode the secret recipe for EA success with some laughs (and pro tips) along the way.

Person with curly hair raises arms in victory, facing away, in an office. Text: "The difference between 'try' and 'triumph' is a little 'umph'." — Success is just a little ‘umph’ away! 💪✨ Keep striving, keep pushing, and make your mark.

1️⃣ Learn Constantly

Think of yourself as the Hermione Granger of the corporate world—always learning, always resourceful. The business world evolves faster than you can say "synergy" (ugh, we know), so staying on top of industry trends and sharpening your skills is non-negotiable.

Take classes or attend webinars: Sign up for workshops on time management, leadership communication, or the latest software your boss insists on using.
Be a sponge for industry news: Subscribe to newsletters, listen to podcasts, or chat with your office IT guy—he probably knows more than you expect.
Master new technologies: If your CEO switches to a new scheduling platform every six months, become the go-to guru for it.

“Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change.” — Unknown

The more you learn, the more indispensable you become. Be the person who says, "Slack's down? No worries, I already sent a backup email."

2️⃣Be Humble (But Confident)

You’re a rockstar—but even rockstars need to check their egos before they start smashing guitars. Confidence is key, but humility is your secret weapon.

Don’t let success go to your head. Just nailed a meeting reschedule with 10 moving parts? Celebrate, but don’t strut around like you own the place.
Don’t let failure define you. Mess up? Own it, learn from it, and move on. Even Beyoncé has an off day (probably).
Be humble in your pursuits. Set realistic goals, celebrate small wins, and stay grateful for every opportunity.

Humility keeps you relatable, approachable, and a team player. Call it humble pie—with a sprinkle of confidence to keep things zingy.

3️⃣Stay Ahead of Your Executive

If being an EA were a sport, this would be the Olympic-level move—always staying two steps (or more) ahead of your boss. It’s less about psychic superpowers and more about being ridiculously prepared.

Anticipate their needs. If they have a big meeting tomorrow, prep not just the agenda but also a backup plan (and a backup for the backup).
Be a solution-seeker. Don’t just present problems—offer solutions. Coffee machine broke? You’ve already got a backup café vendor lined up.
Understand their goals. Know what they’re aiming for so you can act in alignment. Bonus points for remembering their coffee order—flat white, no sugar, extra shot.

Think of it as playing a strategic chess game where you never wait for the king to move—you make the move before they even realize it’s their turn.

4️⃣Harness the Power of Relationships

Networking might not sound glamorous, but relationships are one of the sharpest tools in your EA arsenal.

Bond with your colleagues. A good relationship with the events team means smoother planning for that all-hands meeting.
Connect externally. Build a network of other EAs, vendors, and key contacts—you’d be surprised how handy this is when you need a last-minute miracle.
Know your audience. From understanding what makes your CEO tick to remembering that Dave in accounts loves puns, personal touches can work wonders.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

Sometimes, success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you know and how you enlist their help in the kindest, most efficient way possible.

5️⃣Keep Your Cool Under Pressure

When the office feels like it’s on fire, you’ve got to be the one holding the extinguisher. High-pressure situations are part of the EA life, but how you handle them sets you apart.

Prioritise ruthlessly. Not all tasks are equal. Decide what’s urgent, what can wait, and what can be delegated.
Stay positive. A sense of humor goes a long way when you’re juggling six deadlines and a last-minute flight cancellation.

Keeping cool isn’t about never panicking—it’s about not showing you’re panicking. Fake it till you make it—Taylor Swift style.

6️⃣ Remember the Big Picture

Beyond the schedules, emails, and meeting notes, take a step back. Your role is more than just ticking off to-do lists—it’s about creating real impact.

Think strategically. How can you streamline processes to save time? What innovative ideas can you bring to the table?
Align with the mission. Understand the company’s goals and ensure your work contributes to the bigger picture.

You’re not only an assistant—you’re an integral part of your executive’s (and your company’s) success.

Your Ultimate Secret Weapon

Being a top-tier kickass Executive Assistant isn't about perfection—it’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and a dash of humour. Learn, adapt, and never forget why you’re doing what you do—to make a difference, one brilliantly scheduled Zoom call at a time.

Oh, and don’t forget to breathe—preferably over a perfectly brewed cappuccino. You’ve got this.

Stay sharp,

Meg ✌️