The EA Campus Podcast

Managing an Executive's inbox goes beyond just clearing emails; it’s about enhancing productivity and reducing stress. The discussion highlights crucial conversations for setting expectations on responses and frequency of checks. Understanding email stress points and prioritizing senders can transform the workflow. It emphasizes the importance of strategic value and trust in building a successful partnership. If you want to streamline communication, this conversation could be your game-changer!

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we explore one of the most overlooked but powerful dynamics in the Executive Assistant role: the ability to be both interested and interesting.Nicky shares personal stories and honest reflections on how curiosity and personality can shape your career path—from missed promotions in roles that felt uninspiring, to thriving in environments where she connected with the work and the people around her.You’ll learn:Why being curious about your Executive, their goals, and your organisation mattersHow showing your personality (yes, even your love of movies or gardening!) can open unexpected doorsPractical tips for building confidence and authenticity—even in quieter or less inclusive workplace culturesWhat to do if you’re not interested in your industry, and how to decide whether it’s time to move onPlus, don’t miss this week’s freebie: our Elevator Pitch for EAs, a guide to confidently explain your role in any setting. Download it now at theeacampus.com/podcast/ep73Learn and master the skills you need to be an incredible Assistant ➔ https://theeacampus.comhttps://theeacampus.com/newsletter/CONNECT WITH US:LinkedInInstagramFacebook🛠 MORE COURSES AND RESOURCES:https://theeacampus.com/resources/https://theeacampus.com/online-course/ The EA Campus

When your Executive’s calendar is bursting at the seams, it’s tempting to feel responsible, like somehow, you should have prevented the chaos. But guilt doesn’t belong in your job description. In this episode, we’re flipping the script on calendar management and giving you the tools to start strategic conversations that lead to real change.We’re diving into:Why it’s so important to talk about time, especially when your Executive is “too busy”How to ask subtle, thoughtful questions that spark meaningful reflectionWhat to do when your Exec says, “I don’t know,” and how to gently guide the conversation forwardThe real difference between being the calendar manager and being a strategic partnerYou’ll walk away with 10 practical conversation starters (and yes, there’s a free template!) to help you uncover what’s really driving the diary, and how to make smarter decisions with your Executive, not just for them.🎧 Plus, this week’s free download includes a script and toolkit you can use straight away: theeacampus.com/podcast/ep72Whether your Exec thrives on the hustle or is teetering on burnout, this episode will help you start the conversations that matter.Learn and master the skills you need to be an incredible Assistant ➔ https://theeacampus.comhttps://theeacampus.com/newsletter/CONNECT WITH US:LinkedInInstagramFacebook🛠 MORE COURSES AND RESOURCES:https://theeacampus.com/resources/https://theeacampus.com/online-course/ The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’re diving into the real-life juggle of supporting multiple executives—because yes, it’s a lot. But with the right systems, honest conversations, and a bit of forward planning, it can be done without losing your mind (or your lunch break).I’m sharing the strategies that have helped me stay on top of it all, plus we’ve got brilliant insights from Natalie Egan, Senior Executive Assistant & Operations Lead, International Communications at Salesforce. Natalie knows what it takes to manage several high-level stakeholders at once, and she’s generously shared her tried-and-tested approaches with us.We cover:How to set expectations early and fairly across multiple execsWhy time alignment is your first (and most important) stepTips for staying visible, building trust, and avoiding calendar chaosWhat to do when people dynamics get a little tricky🎁 Plus, we’re giving away a free Daily Briefing Document to help you manage tasks, priorities, and updates for each of your execs. Download it at theeacampus.com/podcast/ep71Learn and master the skills you need to be an incredible Assistant ➔ https://theeacampus.comhttps://theeacampus.com/newsletter/CONNECT WITH US:LinkedInInstagramFacebook🛠 MORE COURSES AND RESOURCES:https://theeacampus.com/resources/https://theeacampus.com/online-course/ The EA Campus

Ever feel like your brain has 47 tabs open – and not a single one is loading properly?In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, I’m sharing 10 real ChatGPT prompts I use every week to streamline my business, clarify my thinking, and save serious time – and I promise, they’re not just for techies. Whether you're writing tricky emails, planning events, building SOPs, or just trying to get your head straight for a 1:1, there’s something in here you’ll want to borrow (and make your own).We’ll talk about how ChatGPT can become your second brain – not to replace your skills as an Assistant, but to amplify them. I’ll show you how to adapt these prompts for your own role or even share them with your Executive to help them work smarter too.Plus, I’ve created a free EA ChatGPT Prompt Sheet to go with this episode – packed with examples you can copy, tweak and try straight away. Grab it at theeacampus.com/podcast/ep70. In this episode:How to turn brain dumps into action plansPrompts for writing emails, LinkedIn posts, and meeting agendasUsing AI to reduce decision fatigue and create routines that workTips for crafting SOPs, summarising meetings, and getting budget clarityWhether you’re just starting with AI or already dabbling, this is a practical, jargon-free guide to using ChatGPT in a way that makes sense for you as an EA.Learn and master the skills you need to be an incredible Assistant ➔ https://theeacampus.comhttps://theeacampus.com/newsletter/CONNECT WITH US:LinkedInInstagram Facebook 🛠 MORE COURSES AND RESOURCES: https://theeacampus.com/resources/https://theeacampus.com/online-course/ The EA Campus

As Executive Assistants, we’re no strangers to juggling a hundred things at once, but how often do we stop and ask: Is this a task, or am I actually running a project? In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we are diving into why recognising the difference between tasks and project work matters more than you might think.We’ll talk about how to spot project work in your day-to-day, why the language you use can completely change how others see your role, and how to start framing your contributions in a more strategic way, without adding loads of admin to your plate.You’ll walk away with a simple framework for thinking about your projects (yes, they are projects!) and the confidence to say, “I delivered this” - because you did.EA Insight of the Week: A small shift in language can lead to a big shift in impact. The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas sits down with Gisele Karame-Kemp for a candid and inspiring Day in the Life conversation.Gisele joins us from Sydney, Australia, where she leads a global team of Executive and Administrative Assistants at Atlassian. With a career that’s taken her from the University of Sydney to the private investment world supporting Lachlan Murdoch, and five and a half years as EA to Atlassian’s CEO, Gisele shares the real story behind her career evolution—and what it’s like to go from EA to people manager in a fast-paced tech environment.We talk about:What it takes to lead a team of Assistants while staying true to the EA mindsetHow to build confidence and shift out of perfectionismManaging burnout, creating sustainable routines, and prioritising self-careWhy a growth mindset is more valuable than a polished CVNavigating roles that look impressive on LinkedIn but don’t align with your lifeGisele brings a refreshing blend of insight, humility, and humour to this conversation—whether you're an EA exploring your next step, or a leader supporting others in their careers, you’ll take so much away from this episode.Resources and links mentioned:Feel Better, Live More podcast with Dr Rangan ChatterjeeUpcoming EA Campus events: https://theeacampus.com/events The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’re taking a deep dive into the Eisenhower Matrix — specifically the quadrant that too often gets overlooked: important but not urgent work.As Executive Assistants, it’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind of urgent requests, Slack pings, and last-minute diary dramas. But real strategic impact? That lives in Quadrant 2.Join Nicky Christmas as she explores how EAs can protect time for the work that improves processes, builds trust, and prevents future fires — all without needing a crisis to prioritise it. You’ll learn how to schedule and defend deep work time, link your projects to long-term goals, and frame your accomplishments to reflect the real value you bring.💡 Related Reading: 👉 Mastering Prioritisation as an Executive Assistant with the Eisenhower Matrix📅 Upcoming Events Mentioned: 🚀 Innovate Virtual Summit – AI & Automation for Assistants (11th July) 💻 Microsoft Office Essentials and AI Masterclass with Shelley Fishel (25th July)Whether you’re planning ahead, refining your systems, or just trying to make space for the work that really matters, this episode is for you. The EA Campus

Ever wish you had a clear roadmap for working seamlessly with your Executive? In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas guides you through the powerful process of creating an Executive User Guide - a strategic tool that captures everything you need to know about your Executive’s preferences, communication style, and leadership approach.From defining how they like to receive updates to understanding their management style, Nicky breaks down each section with practical tips and real-world examples. You’ll learn how to:Identify your Executive’s communication preferencesSet clear expectations around reporting and meetingsNavigate feedback and performance conversationsAlign with your Executive’s strategy and prioritiesPlus, don’t miss the free download to help you get started: the Executive User Guide Template, available at theeacampus.com/podcast/ep66.This episode is a must-listen for any Assistant who wants to build a stronger partnership with their Executive and elevate their impact. Tune in and discover how to take the guesswork out of working together! The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we sit down with freelance Executive Assistant Kaitlin Bekken for one of our ever-popular Day in the Life conversations.Caitlyn shares her journey into the EA world, how she transitioned into freelancing, and what a typical day looks like supporting multiple clients across industries. From managing inboxes and booking complex travel to using AI tools like ChatGPT and NVO to streamline her workflow, Caitlyn walks us through the systems and mindset that keep her on top of her game.We also dive into the importance of knowing your own working capacity, how to build strong remote relationships with executives, and the career-defining power of problem-solving and tenacity.Whether you’re an in-house EA curious about life as a freelancer, or a virtual assistant looking to refine your own approach, Caitlyn’s insights are full of practical wisdom, humour, and reassurance.In this episode:Caitlyn’s journey into the EA role and her move into freelancingHow she manages her day across multiple clients and time zonesHer favourite tools and tech, including ChatGPT and NVOBuilding trust remotely and setting healthy boundariesAdvice for new EAs (and why “just go for it” might be your new motto) The EA Campus