The EA Campus Podcast

In The EA Campus Ep87, we’re talking about something that sits at the heart of the EA–Executive relationship. Decision-making, and knowing when to act without constantly checking in.As Executive Assistants, we’re expected to move work forward, protect priorities, and reduce pressure on our executive. In The EA Campus Ep87, Nicky Christmas explores how judgement, problem-solving, and clear processes help EAs build trust through everyday decisions.This conversation is grounded in real EA work. Inbox management. Calendar decisions. Priorities. Access. The moments where you pause and wonder whether to decide or check in.You’ll hear why over-checking often creeps in, even for experienced EAs, and how executives actually experience repeated confirmation requests. In The EA Campus Ep87, we look at how trust is built through consistency rather than big moments.Nicky shares practical ways to strengthen your decision-making using context, past experience, and an understanding of what genuinely moves work forward. This includes what to do when a decision doesn’t land as expected, and how to recover without retreating into over-checking.One of the key themes in the episode is what changes once your Executive fully trusts how you think and work. Autonomy increases. Your role becomes clearer. You’re managing work end-to-end rather than relaying decisions.We also explore how this level of trust affects influence. You’re involved earlier. Your recommendations carry more weight. Others begin to see your role differently because of how consistently you operate.Beyond the relationship itself, The EA Campus Ep87 looks at how confident decision-making shapes your day-to-day work. Fewer check-ins. Clearer ownership. Less second-guessing. More focus on solving problems that matter.If you’re an EA who wants to feel more confident making decisions, especially in fast-moving or high-pressure environments, The EA Campus Ep87 will feel very familiar.We also reference current EA Campus training throughout the episode, including our Virtual Summit on 27 January and upcoming AI masterclasses in January and February, all designed to support better decision-making in real EA workflows. The EA Campus

January often starts with good intentions. New plans, new priorities, and a quiet expectation that you’ll somehow be more organised, more productive, and more on top of everything than ever before.In this episode, Nicky Christmas kicks off the 2026 season of The EA Campus Podcast by tackling something foundational for Executive Assistants. Clarity around responsibility.This episode is about the day-to-day reality of the EA role. The tasks that quietly creep in. The decisions you’re expected to make without authority. The mental load of holding context, chasing actions, and keeping everything moving. And how all of that shapes how productive, effective, and confident you feel in your role.You’ll hear:Why responsibility often expands without anyone deliberately deciding it shouldThe three types of responsibility most EAs carry, whether they realise it or notHow unclear responsibility affects productivity, expectation setting, and your day-to-day workloadWhat an alignment conversation with your executive actually looks like, and how to structure it using real examples rather than vague feelingsA simple responsibility reset exercise you can do this week to get clearer on what you own, what’s shared, and what needs a conversationNicky also references several EA Campus resources during the episode, which you can explore here:Job description and role clarity resources: https://theeacampus.com/tag/career-development/ https://theeacampus.com/resources/job-description/EA task and competency lists: https://theeacampus.com/resources/task-list/Tools and tech masterclasses: https://theeacampus.com/masterclass/Virtual Summit taking place on 27 January: https://theeacampus.com/virtual-summit/This episode sets the tone for the year ahead. Before new tools, new systems, or new productivity frameworks, it starts with clarity. Because knowing what you’re responsible for is the foundation for how you work, how you partner with your executive, and what a good day actually looks like.If this episode resonates, share it with another EA who might need it right now, and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss what’s coming next. The EA Campus

In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas is joined by long-time friend, global thought leader, and former Executive Assistant Diana Brandl.Diana shares her journey from supporting CEOs in global organisations like Sony and Babbel to building her own business, hosting a successful podcast, writing multiple books, and training assistants around the world. Together, Nicky and Diana reflect on what it really takes to evolve in the EA role without losing yourself along the way.This conversation goes far beyond job titles. You’ll hear honest insights on visibility, people-pleasing, career transitions, and why so many assistants struggle to articulate their impact. Diana brings a truly global perspective, drawing on her recent travels and work with assistants across Europe and beyond.They also dig into some of the biggest topics facing the profession right now. Strategic influence, the Chief of Staff conversation, professional qualifications, and how different countries approach the EA role. There’s a refreshingly balanced discussion on AI and automation too. What’s genuinely useful, what’s being overhyped, and why soft skills still matter more than ever.This episode is for you if you’re:Reflecting on where your EA career is headingCurious about thought leadership, training, or alternative career pathsFeeling the pressure to be more visible without wanting to shoutTrying to make sense of AI without losing your human edgeReady to stop people-pleasing and start protecting your energyIt’s thoughtful, honest, and packed with perspective from someone who’s seen the EA profession from every angle.Grab a cuppa and enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with one of the most respected voices in our industry. The EA Campus

Kimberly Spencer, founder of Crown Yourself and CEO of Communication Queens, is a dynamic entrepreneur and coach. She shares her transformative journey from Pilates instructor to screenwriter and entrepreneur. Kimberly emphasizes the importance of delegation and understanding one’s zone of genius for founders. She discusses hiring EAs for values rather than skills, and how podcast guesting became a key strategy for her business growth. Listeners gain insights into effective support strategies that empower visionary leaders.

In this insightful discussion, Andrew Chesnutt, CEO of The Authority Forge and a serial entrepreneur, reveals the secrets to a successful Executive Assistant (EA) partnership. He emphasizes the difference between EAs as order-takers versus strategic partners who anticipate needs. Andrew shares how awareness of neurodiversity enhances communication and the importance of creating organized workflows from founders' chaotic ideas. He also highlights the immense value EAs bring by reducing friction and building trust, ultimately helping entrepreneurs focus on their vision.

In The EA Campus EP82, Nicky Christmas dives into one of the most talked-about phrases in the Assistant world - Strategic Business Partner. Is it a genuine evolution of the role, or just a buzzword that’s been stretched too far? In The EA Campus EP82, Nicky unpacks what it really means to be “strategic” as an Executive Assistant, why it’s a mindset rather than a job title, and how to turn that mindset into everyday action.You’ll hear honest reflections on the disconnect between expectation and recognition, practical advice for working strategically without waiting for permission, and a step-by-step Weekly Operating System to help you align priorities, protect focus, and build influence in your role.If you’re ready to stop reacting and start leading with purpose, The EA Campus EP82 will help you bridge the gap between support and strategy - and show that being a Strategic Business Partner isn’t about status, it’s about how you show up every week. The EA Campus

In Ep81 of The EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas explores how Executive Assistants can take control of their personal brand and rebrand themselves for the next stage of their career.If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or ready for more responsibility but unsure how to communicate that growth, this episode is for you. Nicky breaks down a practical process to diagnose your current brand, define the three words you’re known for now, and choose the three words you want next.This isn’t about buzzwords or personal logos — it’s about building evidence, understanding perception, and showing up intentionally every day.Listen to Ep81: The EA Campus Podcast to learn how to realign your reputation with your ambitions and start shaping the next chapter of your EA career with clarity and confidence.Read the full article here 👉 Rebranding Matters for EAs Who Want More📝 Show NotesIn Ep81: The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky dives into the art of rebranding yourself as an Executive Assistant. You’ll learn how to build a clear picture of how you’re currently seen, identify the gap between where you are and where you want to be, and take practical steps to shift your professional reputation.In this episode:Why rebranding matters for Executive Assistants who want moreHow to diagnose your current brand with real evidenceThe “three words” exercise to define how others see you todayChoosing your three future brand words that align with your Executive’s prioritiesHow to start living your new brand through small, visible actionsEA Tip of the Week: Treat your personal brand like a living document💡 Read more: Rebranding Matters for EAs Who Want More🎧 Listen now to Ep81: The EA Campus Podcast and start defining your next career chapter with purpose and intention. The EA Campus

Julia Schmidt, an Executive Assistant with over 20 years of experience and Executive Vice Chair of IMA, shares her transformative journey from Brazil to Norway. She emphasizes the power of community, revealing how joining IMA shifted her perspective on the profession. Julia discusses the vital role of business education and change management in developing strategic influence. She advocates for aligning personal goals with organizational priorities, leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, and embracing feedback as a catalyst for professional growth. A must-listen for EAs aspiring to elevate their careers!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by William Thomson—our go-to events guru at The EA Campus and a renowned events management expert with 20+ years’ experience. William has delivered multiple masterclasses for our community, and he’s partnering with me to bring The EA Campus Conference to London next April.We get practical about office socials and team-building: how to turn a vague brief into a clear plan, set the right expectations, budget smartly (without cutting corners that matter), and design inclusive food and drink that keeps everyone happy. William also shares creative, low-cost ideas to spark real connection, the run-sheet details that make or break an event, and how to gather feedback that actually improves the next one.If you’re an EA juggling events alongside everything else, this conversation will save you time, money, and stress - while helping you deliver socials people genuinely enjoy. The EA Campus

As Assistants, we’re often told to be the “magic behind the scenes”, quietly making everything happen while others take the credit. However, the truth is that building autonomy around your work and confidently sharing your achievements is essential if you want to grow in your role and be recognized for the value you bring.In this episode of The EA Campus Podcast, we’ll explore how to:Create more independence in your role, even when responsibilities aren’t clearly definedSet clear goals and objectives that align with your Executive and organisationCommunicate your achievements without feeling like you’re braggingAdvocate for yourself with confidence and authenticityYou’ll leave with practical tips to take ownership of your work, gain recognition, and feel proud of the impact you make every single day. The EA Campus