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The Hidden Power of EAs: How They Drive Business Success Behind the Scenes

In the world of high-level leadership, executives are often the face of strategy, innovation, and decision-making. However, behind every successful executive, there is often an exceptional Executive Assistant (EA) playing a crucial role in driving business success. Far from being just an administrative support, a high-performing EA acts as a strategic force – enhancing efficiency, enabling informed decision-making, and ensuring business continuity. Yet, their contributions often remain invisible to those outside the executive team. It’s time to recognise the hidden power of EAs and the game-changing impact they bring to an organisation.

The EA as a Strategic Partner

A great EA is not just a gatekeeper — they are a business enabler. Their ability to anticipate needs, streamline operations, and provide critical insights makes them invaluable to executives. Here’s how top-tier EAs drive business success:

1. Maximising Effective Productivity

Executives operate in high-stakes environments where every minute counts. An exceptional EA optimises their time by filtering distractions, prioritising key meetings, and ensuring that decision-making is backed by relevant information. They don’t just manage schedules; they create time for their executive to focus on what truly matters — leading the business.

2. Driving Organisational Efficiency

EAs serve as the nerve center of an organisation, connecting different departments and ensuring smooth communication. Their ability to preempt bottlenecks and address issues before they escalate significantly enhances operational efficiency. When an EA is empowered to make decisions within their scope, they become a force multiplier for the entire organisation.

3. Enhancing Business Continuity

Executives often travel, attend critical meetings, or manage crises that pull them in multiple directions. A strategically engaged EA ensures that key projects continue to move forward, priorities remain aligned, and no opportunity is lost. When necessary, they step in as a trusted proxy, ensuring stability even in an executive’s absence.

4. Providing Key Business Insights

A well-informed EA is more than an assistant — they are a business intelligence asset. By being involved in leadership discussions, tracking industry trends, and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships, they offer executives a unique perspective that aids in better decision-making. The best EAs don’t just execute tasks; they help shape strategies.

5. Shaping Leadership and Culture

Beyond logistics and strategy, EAs play a vital role in reinforcing company culture and leadership dynamics. As the executive’s right hand, they serve as a bridge between leadership and the wider team, ensuring that organisational values and priorities are effectively communicated and upheld.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your EA

Despite their immense potential, many EAs remain underutilised, confined to administrative duties rather than being engaged as true strategic partners. The key to unlocking their full impact lies in:

  • Boardroom Access: Involving EAs in key meetings ensures they gain firsthand insight into business priorities, eliminating the need for extensive briefings and allowing for faster execution.
  • Professional Development: Investing in leadership training, business strategy, and financial acumen transforms an EA from an assistant into a trusted advisor.
  • Delegation of High-Level Tasks: Empowering EAs with strategic responsibilities builds their confidence and expands their contribution to the business.

Elevate Your Business with the Right EA

Not every EA is equipped to operate at this level — but the right one can transform the way an executive works. 

At Executive Entourage, we specialise in matching executives with top-tier EAs who go beyond traditional support roles to become true business partners. Whether you’re looking to hire a high-calibre EA or upskill your current one, we provide the talent and coaching to make it happen.

If you’re ready to harness the full potential of executive support, let’s start a conversation. Contact Executive Entourage today to discover how the right EA can be the hidden power behind your success.

Does your EA have a seat at the table? Why It’s a Game-Changer for Executives & EAs

In the corporate world, high-performing executives understand that their time is their most valuable asset. The best working relationships between executives and their Executive Assistants (EAs) are built on trust, strategic alignment, and seamless execution. Yet, one crucial factor often determines whether an EA is merely a support role or a true business partner – having a seat at the table.

Too often, EAs are left out of critical boardroom discussions, only to be briefed afterward on high-level decisions that they are expected to execute. But what if they were in the room, hearing the strategy unfold in real time? What if they were involved in discussions, understood business priorities firsthand, and could immediately begin implementing plans? For both executives and EAs, this shift can be transformative.

Why Executives Should Give Their EA a Seat at the Table

Executives who involve their EAs in key meetings reap substantial benefits, including:

  1. Enhanced Efficiency & Execution
    When an EA is present during board meetings, leadership discussions, and strategic planning sessions, they gain real-time insights into the executive’s priorities. This eliminates the need for extensive debriefing and ensures that key decisions are implemented faster and more effectively.
  2. Improved Decision-Making Support
    An experienced EA brings problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and business acumen to the table. Their insights can provide alternative perspectives and practical solutions that drive more informed decision-making.
  3. Stronger Business Continuity
    If an executive is unavailable, an EA with firsthand knowledge of discussions can step in to manage priorities, ensuring seamless operations and continuity in high-level initiatives.
  4. Developing Future Leaders
    Many top-tier EAs use their experience as a stepping stone to a Chief of Staff or operations role. Exposure to strategic discussions enhances their leadership skills, making them more valuable to the organisation and strengthening the executive’s support network.

How EAs Benefit from a Seat at the Table

For ambitious EAs, boardroom access is a career-defining opportunity. Here’s why:

  • Professional Development: Sitting in on high-level meetings provides exposure to business strategy, financials, and executive decision-making processes.
  • Stronger Influence: Being involved in discussions allows an EA to take a more proactive role in implementing decisions and advising their executive.
  • Pathway to Career Advancement: Many of today’s successful Chiefs of Staff and senior business leaders started as EAs with direct access to executive decision-making.
Consider our Founder’s journey: starting as a C-suite Executive Assistant with over 25 years of experience, she consistently earned her seat at the table by seizing every opportunity to engage directly in strategic discussions. Learning from leading Australian and Asia Pacific Executives, she advanced her career through pivotal roles – from Chief of Staff to Human Resources and Governance Manager—and ultimately rose to become the CEO and Founder of Executive Entourage. Today, she empowers fellow EAs to leverage their positions and transform their careers.
 

How to Position Your EA for Boardroom Involvement

Executives looking to empower their EAs at this level should:

  • Coach them on business strategy so they understand key priorities and decision-making frameworks.
  • Encourage professional development in leadership, finance, and business operations.
  • Provide mentorship and introduce them to senior stakeholders.
  • Trust them with higher-level tasks to build confidence and credibility.

Hiring an EA with Strategic Capabilities

Not every EA is ready for this level of engagement—but the right one can become an invaluable strategic asset. If you’re looking for an EA with the capability to operate at this level, Executive Entourage specialises in connecting executives with top-tier talent who are more than just support staff—they are business partners.

If you’re ready to elevate your executive support, let’s start a conversation about finding the right EA for you. 

Contact Executive Entourage today to explore your next strategic hire.

Stepping Up to the Challenge

If you’re an EA looking to reach this level but aren’t sure where to start, Executive Entourage’s Coaching Services can help. We specialise in equipping EAs with the skills, mindset, and strategic insights needed to step up as a true business partner. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, professional development, or career progression guidance, we’re here to help you take that next step.

Ready to elevate your EA career? Let’s start the conversation.

Why Executive Assistants are the Backbone of Executive Success

Behind every high-performing executive is an exceptional Executive Assistant (EA) ensuring seamless operations, strategic coordination, and proactive problem-solving. While executives make critical decisions and drive business growth, their ability to do so effectively hinges on the support and expertise of a highly skilled EA.

At Executive Entourage, we understand that the role of an EA is far more than administrative—it’s about partnership, leadership, and strategic influence. Here’s why EAs are truly the backbone of executive success:

Maximising Executive Productivity

A great EA is the gatekeeper of an executive’s time. From managing complex schedules to filtering communications and prioritising tasks, an EA ensures that leaders can focus on high-value decision-making rather than being bogged down by operational details. They create the space for executives to lead effectively, eliminating distractions and improving efficiency.

Enhancing Executive Decision-Making

Executives often rely on EAs to provide key insights, research, and data that inform critical business decisions. A standout EA understands the industry landscape, anticipates challenges, and gathers relevant information, allowing their executive to make informed, strategic choices with confidence.

Serving as the Communication Hub

An EA is often the primary link between an executive and their internal and external stakeholders. They facilitate clear, consistent, and strategic communication across teams, clients, board members, and partners. Their ability to manage relationships, relay messages effectively, and ensure alignment within an organisation is invaluable.

Managing High-Stakes Projects

Beyond diary management and administrative tasks, elite EAs are trusted to oversee high-level projects and initiatives. Whether it’s coordinating mergers, leading events, or handling board preparations, their ability to manage deadlines, stakeholders, and execution ensures business objectives stay on track.

Anticipating Needs Before They Arise

A truly elite EA operates with foresight, predicting challenges and preparing solutions before they become issues. They learn their executive’s preferences, working style, and priorities to ensure a seamless workflow. This proactive approach enables executives to stay ahead in a fast-paced business environment.

Providing Stability Amidst Change

Business environments are constantly evolving, and executives rely on their EAs to provide continuity, stability, and structure. Whether navigating leadership transitions, company restructures, or market shifts, an EA ensures that operations remain steady and that their executive can adapt effectively.

Acting as a Strategic Sounding Board

The best EAs are more than just support staff—they are trusted advisors. They offer valuable perspectives, challenge ideas where needed, and provide thoughtful input on strategies and decisions. This partnership allows executives to refine their thinking and improve their leadership effectiveness.

Strengthening Organisational Culture

EAs play a vital role in reinforcing company values, maintaining morale, and fostering collaboration. Their position allows them to shape workplace culture, streamline team dynamics, and create an environment where employees feel supported and engaged.

Finding the Right EA: Why It Matters

Not all Executive Assistants operate at this elite level. Hiring the right EA—someone with the foresight, agility, and strategic mindset to truly support an executive—is critical. That’s where Executive Entourage comes in.

We specialise in recruiting high-performing Executive Assistants who don’t just fill a role but elevate it. We understand the nuances of what makes an exceptional EA and connect businesses with top-tier professionals who are ready to drive impact.

Whether you’re an executive looking for the perfect right-hand partner or an EA ready to take your career to the next level, Executive Entourage can help.

Let’s start the conversation. Contact Us today and discover how the right EA can transform your executive leadership.

The Traits of a Standout Executive Assistant

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the role of an Executive Assistant (EA) has evolved far beyond traditional administrative support. A truly exceptional EA is a strategic partner, a trusted advisor, and a vital extension of the executive they support. So, what separates a good EA from a standout EA? At Executive Entourage, we specialise in connecting top-tier Executive Assistants with organisations that demand excellence. Here are the key traits that define a standout EA:

Proactive Problem Solving

A standout EA doesn’t wait for issues to arise—they anticipate them before they happen. They are solution-oriented, always thinking two steps ahead to mitigate risks, streamline processes, and ensure their executive can operate at peak performance without unnecessary distractions.

Exceptional Communication Skills

Communication is at the heart of an EA’s role. Whether drafting executive correspondence, managing stakeholder relationships, or conveying critical information, a top-tier EA must possess clarity, diplomacy, and professionalism in all forms of communication.

Mastering the Art of Prioritisation

With an executive’s packed schedule, conflicting priorities are inevitable. A high-performing EA is adept at time management and prioritisation, ensuring that the most pressing matters receive attention while still keeping an eye on the bigger picture.

Discretion and Trustworthiness

An Executive Assistant is privy to confidential company information, high-level decision-making, and personal details of their executive. Integrity and discretion are non-negotiable traits that build trust and ensure long-term success in the role.

Tech-Savviness

Technology continues to reshape the way executives and their teams operate. A standout EA is proficient in the latest business tools, from project management software to AI-driven scheduling assistants, ensuring efficiency and seamless workflow.

Emotional Intelligence and Adaptability

High emotional intelligence allows an EA to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, manage stress effectively, and adapt to shifting priorities. The ability to read situations, remain composed under pressure, and support their executive with emotional agility is invaluable.

Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen

An exceptional EA doesn’t just execute tasks—they understand the business landscape. They bring insights, contribute to decision-making, and support strategic initiatives, making them an asset beyond administrative duties.

Leadership and Initiative

Standout EAs take ownership of their role. They demonstrate leadership by driving projects, taking initiative, and acting as a true partner to their executive. Their ability to manage teams, liaise with stakeholders, and keep business operations running smoothly makes them indispensable.

Elevate your EA Career with Executive Entourage

At Executive Entourage, we recognise that top-tier Executive Assistants are more than just support staff—they are game-changers. Whether you’re looking to hire an elite EA or position yourself as one, we can help connect you with the right opportunities.

Let’s elevate the standard together. Contact Us today to explore how we can help you build high-performing teams or advance your EA career.

How to Train Like an Athlete in Pursuit of Your Goals: A Mindset for Executives, Chief of Staff and Executive Assistants

Success is about more than just hitting targets. It’s about having the right mindset, strategy, and commitment to personal and professional growth. Just like elite athletes, Executives, Chief of Staff and Executive Assistants must train, not simply exercise, to reach their highest potential. At Executive Entourage, we work with organisations seeking top-tier talent and professionals looking to take their careers to the next level, offering both Executive Recruitment and Executive Coaching to help foster success across Australia.

Whether you’re an Executive or Chief of Staff looking to lead high-performing teams or an Executive Assistant eager to enhance your skills and value, the mindset of an athlete can propel you toward your career goals.

The Difference Between Training and Exercise: A Lesson for all high achievers

Do you know the difference between training and exercise? In its simplest terms:

  • Athletes train.
  • The average person exercises.

Training is a structured, intentional process that’s part of a bigger picture, with the end goal of competing at the highest level. For an Executive, Chief of Staff or Executive Assistant, training means developing the skills, mindset, and strategies required to meet business challenges and lead effectively, not just “getting active” in your role.

Exercise, on the other hand, is often a reactive approach: putting in the work without a clear strategy or plan. In a business context, this can look like simply fulfilling your day-to-day responsibilities without aiming for growth or improvement.

At Executive Entourage, we take the approach of training—we help our clients, both organisations and professionals, develop a concrete plan for success. Whether you’re seeking Executive, Executive Assistant recruitment or career coaching, we work closely with you to understand your needs and create a roadmap to achieve your goals.

The Process: Training Your Mindset for Business Success

When it comes to achieving professional success, it’s not just about reaching the end goal; it’s about the process. Like athletes, Executives, Chief of Staff and Executive Assistants must learn to thrive through the daily grind, developing a commitment to the process rather than focusing solely on the end result.

Most people think that motivation comes from always striving for the goal. However, the most successful athletes—and the most successful professionals—know that the real growth happens in the everyday actions that move you closer to your objectives. Every meeting, every decision, every action is part of the grind that contributes to ultimate success.

At Executive Entourage, we recognise that Executives and Executive Assistants need to build a strong, consistent work ethic that extends beyond just completing tasks. We focus on training for long-term growth—helping you develop the skills, mindset, and habits that will ensure you are always progressing toward greater impact, no matter how big or small the task.

The Grind: Pushing Through Challenges

In the world of professional development, “the grind” is the term athletes use to describe the consistent, sometimes challenging, process of preparation for their events. It’s about embracing the hard work and the discomfort that comes with pushing your limits.

For Executives, Chief of Staff and Executive Assistants, the grind might look like tackling a difficult project, leading through change, or making key decisions that affect your organisation’s success. It’s about pushing through challenges, being comfortable with discomfort, and maintaining focus even when things get tough.

The ability to love the grind is what separates those who succeed in their careers from those who falter. The people who thrive are the ones who see the daily grind as an opportunity to sharpen their skills, enhance their abilities, and ultimately excel in their roles.

Training Your Way to Success: The Executive Mindset

So how can you train like an athlete and apply that mindset to your career as an Executive, Chief of Staff or Executive Assistant?

  1. Create a Clear Plan for Success
    Just as athletes have a detailed training program, executives and executive assistants need to have a clear career plan. Know where you’re going, why you’re going there, and what skills you need to develop. At Executive Entourage, we offer career coaching to help professionals define and work toward their career goals, whether you’re aiming for C-suite or looking to elevate your role as a Chief of Staff or an Executive Assistant.

  2. Embrace the Grind
    Success is not always immediate, and it rarely comes easily. Like athletes who train day in and day out, professionals need to love the grind. This means continuously honing your skills, learning from challenges, and pushing through obstacles.

  3. Push Past Your Comfort Zone
    In training, the greatest growth happens when athletes push past their limits. This might mean taking on more responsibility, leading new initiatives, or stepping into roles that stretch your capabilities. Executive Entourage helps clients cultivate the resilience needed to step outside their comfort zone and achieve their career ambitions.

  4. Daily Practice and Continuous Improvement
    Just like athletes practice daily to stay at the top of their game, professionals should also make a habit of improving their skills and knowledge. At Executive Entourage, we guide professionals through this process by offering expert business coaching, providing resources to refine your leadership abilities, executive presence, and executive support skills.

From Recruitment to Coaching: Your Path to Success with Executive Entourage

At Executive Entourage, our goal is to help both organisations and individuals unlock their potential and achieve success now and beyond. Whether you’re seeking top-tier Executive, Chief of Staff or Executive Assistant recruitment or expert business coaching, we provide tailored solutions to meet the needs of professionals and organisations across Australia.

If you’re looking for a recruitment partner to help you build high-performing teams or an executive assistant to support your leadership, we’ve got you covered. If you’re a professional seeking guidance on how to elevate your career, our career coaching services are designed to help you develop the mindset and skills you need to succeed.

Let us help you train like an athlete in pursuit of your goals. 

With Executive Entourage, you’re not just recruiting for today—you are building the high-performing teams of tomorrow.

For more information on our services and how we can specifically assist you with your recruitment or coaching needs, feel free to Contact Us for a confidential conversation.

New Year, New Role: Tips for Starting Strong in 2025

As the new year begins, many professionals, including Executive Assistants (EAs), Chief of Staff and Executives, are looking to make career moves that align with their goals for growth and success. Whether you’re a Sydney-based Executive Assistant, a Melbourne-based professional, or an executive seeking top-tier support, 2025 offers an opportunity to redefine your career trajectory. At Executive Entourage, we specialise in connecting elite Executive Assistants and Executives across Australia, ensuring the perfect match for mutual success.

Here are five actionable steps to start the year strong, tailored for both candidates and hiring executives:

1. Define Your Career Goals

For Executive Assistants: Take a moment to reflect on your long-term aspirations. Are you aiming to transition into a Chief of Staff role? Do you want to work for a fast-growing company in Sydney or Melbourne? Defining these goals will help you focus on opportunities that align with your vision.

For Executives: Assess your current team dynamics. A top-tier Executive Assistant can be a game-changer, offering unparalleled support and streamlining your productivity. Determine what qualities you value most in an EA, such as discretion, adaptability, or tech proficiency.

2. Optimise Your Professional Profile

For Executive Assistants: Ensure your LinkedIn profile and resume are updated with your most recent accomplishments. Highlight your ability to manage complex schedules, support high-level executives, and adapt to fast-paced environments. Demonstrating your expertise in roles like C Suite EA, Office Management or Chief of Staff can set you apart.

For Executives: Consider crafting a compelling job description that clearly outlines your expectations and company culture. Working with a specialised recruitment agency, such as Executive Entourage, can help you attract the right candidates while saving time.

3. Expand Your Network

For Executive Assistants: Networking is key to uncovering hidden opportunities. Join professional groups on LinkedIn or attend industry events to connect with peers and potential employers. Engaging in discussions can also showcase your expertise and make you more visible to recruiters.

For Executives: Building relationships with specialised recruitment agencies, like Executive Entourage, ensures you’re connected with the best talent. Attend relevant events or webinars to stay informed about market trends.

4. Upskill for the Future

For Executive Assistants: Stay ahead by learning new technologies or honing leadership skills. Consider taking courses in project management, communication, or advanced software tools. Highlight these skills in your resume to stand out as a top-tier candidate.

For Executives: Invest in professional development for your team, including your EA. A well-trained assistant can enhance your productivity and support your long-term goals.

5. Leverage Industry Experts

For both EAs and Executives: Partnering with an experienced recruitment agency can make all the difference. At Executive Entourage, we understand the nuances of placing elite Executive Assistants and Chief of Staff candidates into roles where they thrive. Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, or elsewhere in Australia, our personalised approach ensures that we meet your unique needs.

When you choose Executive Entourage, you’re not just accessing a recruitment service—you’re partnering with a seasoned C-Suite Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, and Human Resources Manager. This unique combination of experience enables us to provide tailored solutions that address both immediate and long-term needs. Our expertise allows us to work closely with you to identify and secure the ideal fit, ensuring a strong and successful partnership that benefits your business now and in the future.

Start 2025 with Confidence

Whether you’re an Executive Assistant ready to embrace new challenges or an executive seeking world-class support, the beginning of the year is the perfect time to take action. Connect with Executive Entourage to explore how we can help you achieve your goals. With our deep expertise in EA recruitment and coaching, we’re here to set you on the path to success.

Contact Us for a confidential conversation regarding your recruitment and coaching needs for success in 2025.