Courtney Sallis, a dynamic Executive Assistant thriving in a fast-paced tech startup, shares her journey from corporate predictability to startup vibrancy. She reveals how embracing chaos can fuel personal growth and emphasizes the importance of adaptability in her role. Courtney discusses building confidence to challenge decisions and incorporating AI tools to enhance productivity. She stresses the need for strategic thinking while managing day-to-day tasks and the value of self-advocacy and strong workplace relationships in achieving career satisfaction.
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insights INSIGHT
Chaos Accelerates EA Growth
Startup chaos accelerates EA growth because every gap becomes a chance to build systems.
Embrace uncertainty: it forces you to level up organisation and problem-solving skills fast.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Work Back From The End Goal
Ask what the end goal is, then design simpler solutions that achieve it rather than blindly following instructions.
Confidently propose A/B/C options and implement the best path without waiting for perfect direction.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Becoming The Go-To Organiser
Courtney gained confidence by joining a small startup where no one had established EA practices.
Being the most organised person in the room pushed her to make decisions and learn by doing.
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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 place
Balances EA fundamentals with high-impact projects (including running a full Series A process)
Builds confidence to challenge decisions and propose better options
Hires for grit, curiosity, and bias to action - over years of experience
Uses AI smartly, including a custom “Joe AI” profile to draft in her executive’s voice
Streamlines calendars and inboxes with booking links and sensible automation - without losing control
Listen 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 growth
The fine line: keeping the day-to-day tight while driving big outcomes
Influence in action: weekly prioritisation check-ins that actually work
Tech stack talk: calendar links, inbox design, and practical AI
Career mindset: choose leaders who open doors—and remember “everything is figureoutable”
Tools and Resources:
Google Calendar – daily scheduling, advanced setup for blocking priorities and tasks
Calendly – as another option for sharing availability
ChatGPT – used daily to draft, edit, and research
Slack – team communications, used as a source for training the AI
Resources & 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.
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