The Perfect RIA Hiring an Executive Assistant With Karen Stewart [Episode 334]
Nov 10, 2025
Join Karen Stewart, an Executive Assistant expert and former Belay client success consultant, as she shares her insights on hiring and managing executive assistants. Discover the key traits to look for in an EA, like proactivity and accountability. Karen outlines a rigorous vetting process with a mere 3% hire rate. Learn about effective onboarding strategies, feedback cycles, and maintaining open communication to build trust. Plus, tips on handling turnover and crucial documentation ensure that transitions remain smooth. It's a masterclass in maximizing productivity!
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Proactivity And Tech Skills Are Nonnegotiable
- A great EA is proactive, tech-savvy, servant-hearted, and anticipates needs before being asked.
- Karen emphasizes AI, CRM, and strong communication as baseline capabilities for today's assistants.
Vet Candidates Rigorously
- Screen heavily: use skills tests, personality tests, and multiple interview stages to filter applicants.
- Belay hires about 3% of candidates after talent-team vetting and layered interviews.
Match By Personality And Tasks
- Do a discovery call to capture personality, dislikes, past fits, and required hard skills before matching.
- Use that holistic profile to create a tailored job opening and interview top matches.