The EA Campus Podcast

In this episode, William Richardson, the Executive Assistant to the CEO at United Launch Alliance (ULA), shares his fascinating career journey in the aerospace industry. He likens his role to 'air traffic control,' managing communication and ensuring operational efficiency in a high-stakes environment. William discusses the importance of professional development and certification, particularly through IAAP, and highlights the need for effective communication strategies tailored to different audiences. His insights reveal the dynamic nature and unique challenges of being an executive assistant.

In this captivating episode of the EA Campus podcast, host Nicky Christmas sits down with Grazia Maietta for an insightful conversation about her journey as an Executive Assistant (EA) in the dynamic world of technology. Grazia, originally from Italy with a background in foreign languages, delves into her career evolution from a translator and teacher in Italy to an accomplished EA in the UK.Working currently at Condense, a company specializing in live-streaming events into digital worlds, Grazia shares the intricacies of her role, which uniquely blends EA responsibilities with office management. She provides a fascinating glimpse into Condense’s innovative work in AR, VR, and the Metaverse, underscoring the company's unique ability to stream content from their Bristol-based Metaverse studio to various digital venues.Grazia talks about the challenges and rewards of her position, including managing the busy schedule of Condense's CEO, Nick Fellingham, and supporting other directors and teams. Her role extends beyond administrative tasks, involving close interaction with engineers and technicians, particularly during live events.The conversation takes a personal turn as Grazia shares her morning routine and how it prepares her for the day's challenges. She emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, enjoying outdoor lunches by Bristol's waterfront, and her passion for Latin American dances like salsa and bachata.Nicky and Grazia discuss the importance of being proactive, adaptable, and managing expectations in the EA role, especially in a tech-driven environment like Condense. Grazia offers valuable advice for aspiring EAs, highlighting the significance of continuous learning, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and Discord for professional growth.Notion: An app used for managing projects, documents, and tasks. It offers features like wikis, docs, and templates for organizing work. You can download it for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. For more information, visit the Notion website.Trello: A web-based tool used for tracking projects and tasks, employing a system of boards and cards to organize and prioritize work.LinkedIn: A professional networking site that Grazia uses for staying updated on industry trends and connecting with other EAs and PAs.Discord: Originally known for its popularity in the gaming community, Discord is also used for professional communities, including executive assistants.Podcasts: Grazia mentioned listening to the "EA How To" and "Leader Assistant" podcasts, as well as podcasts published by Practically Perfect EA.Books: She referred to the book "The Leader Assistant" by Jeremy Borrows. The EA Campus

In this podcast episode, Emily discusses her transition from college to the hospitality industry, her progression into events planning, and her eventual move into an EA role. She emphasises the importance of organisational skills and the dynamic nature of her job, dealing with various tasks ranging from events planning to managing the CEO's schedule and communications.Emily shares her experiences of learning on the job, the significance of mentorship, and the evolution of her role from PA to EA. Her passion for her current company, Inicio Group, shines through as she discusses the rewarding nature of her work in social care. She also delves into her personal life, highlighting her interests like running, going to the gym, and her involvement in an ABBA tribute band.We touch on the challenges of the EA role, such as juggling conflicting priorities and learning to deal with high-pressure situations. Emily provides valuable advice for aspiring assistants, emphasising the importance of learning about their organisation, developing a thick skin, and being proactive in communication and task management.She also advocates continuous learning and professional development, recommending resources like LinkedIn, networking opportunities, and specific training courses. Emily's story is an inspiring example of how dedication, adaptability, and a willingness to learn can lead to a successful and fulfilling career as an Executive Assistant.Book: The Joy of WorkCourse: The Exceptional PA by Heather Baker The EA Campus

Episode 34 of the EA Campus Podcast features Laura Escalante, an Executive Assistant at Golden Software, in conversation with host Nicky Christmas. The episode delves into Laura's career journey, highlighting her pivot from a decade in operations and program management within human services to becoming an executive assistant. Laura shares her immigrant background, moving from Lima, Peru, to the US as a teenager and how this experience shaped her work ethic and career choices.Laura discusses her transition during the pandemic, which coincided with her becoming a mother, leading her to seek a more fulfilling and sustainable career path. This search led her to establish her own business as a virtual assistant, My Virtual Edge, and eventually to her current role supporting the CEO of Golden Software. She reflects on the challenges of balancing work with motherhood and the importance of being present for her son.Nicky and Laura also explore the skills Laura developed in her previous roles that aid her in her current position, such as quickly understanding people's needs and effective communication. They discuss the impact of technology on Laura's work, with a particular emphasis on her use of ChatGPT to enhance productivity. Laura advises listeners on building trust with executives, learning new skills, and the importance of being part of a supportive community.The conversation covers Laura's daily routine, the transition to working remotely, and her methods for managing multiple clients in her virtual assistant business. She emphasizes the importance of consistency and reliability in building trust with executives. She concludes by reflecting on the key skills that have contributed to her success in the Assistant role. The EA Campus

In this insightful episode of the EA Campus Podcast, host Nicky Christmas sits down with Tawnya Convoy, a dynamic executive assistant with a unique career trajectory. Tawnya shares her fascinating journey from being a professional flutist and music teacher to thriving in the world of technology and startups. She delves into her experiences at Apple, her transition during personal life changes, and her growth in various startup environments.Musical Beginnings [00:00:30]: Tawnya discusses her initial career as a professional flutist and music teacher, reflecting on the challenges and fulfilment of being a freelance musician.A Shift to Stability [00:02:00]: She shares her journey towards financial stability, which led her to explore new opportunities, including a role at Apple.Embracing Technology and Retail [00:04:00]: Tawnya talks about her time at Apple, where she discovered her passion for technology, balanced with the demanding nature of retail work.The Startup World [00:06:00]: She describes her experiences in various startups, from her initial office coordinator role to her impactful tenure at FAIR.Current Role at Dozer [00:08:00]: Tawnya delves into her responsibilities at Dozer, supporting the CEO and other executives, and her enjoyment in tackling a variety of tasks.Personal Growth and Routines [00:10:00]: She shares her morning routine, emphasizing the importance of fitness and how it aids in managing her ADHD.Work-Life Balance and Remote Work [00:12:00]: Tawnya speaks about the benefits and challenges of remote work, her approach to setting boundaries, and maintaining a balance between her professional and personal life.Advice for Aspiring EAs [00:14:00]: Offering valuable tips, Tawnya highlights the importance of technology skills and building strong relationships with executives, especially in the startup environment.Featured Books, Products, Tools, and Technologies:Apple Products:Tawnya shares her experience working at Apple and her fondness for Apple products, which she continues to use both personally and professionally.Link: Apple Official WebsiteGoogle Calendar:Tawnya emphasizes the importance of Google Calendar in managing her tasks and schedules, highlighting its notification system and color-coding feature.Link: Google CalendarClickUp:Tawnya mentions using ClickUp for task management and organization, describing it as a vital tool in her workflow.Link: ClickUpSlack:Slack is discussed as a crucial communication tool in Tawnya's work, particularly for its integrations and apps.Link: SlackAtomic Habits by James Clear:Tawnya recommends "Atomic Habits" for personal development and habit formation.Link: Atomic Habits on AmazonMel Robbins' Inspirational Content:Tawnya expresses her admiration for Mel Robbins and her motivational approach.Link: Mel Robbins' Website The EA Campus

Welcome to the latest episode of the EA Campus podcast! In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Christi Brewer, an accomplished Executive Assistant (EA) to the CEO at Shipt. Christi shared valuable insights into her career journey, overcoming preconceived notions about the Assistant role, leveraging technology in her day-to-day work, and her experience working for a startup.The episode started with Christi providing an overview of her career path, highlighting her business administration and marketing background. She shared how she initially worked in retail management, ventured into the insurance industry, and eventually found her passion in marketing. However, during the Great Recession in 2009, she faced a round of layoffs that led her to explore new opportunities.Christi recounted how a recruiter encouraged her to consider an EA role, despite her initial reservations and misconceptions about the position. Taking a leap of faith, she embraced the role and discovered her love for it. Her story resonated with many Assistants, who are often surprised by how fulfilling and rewarding the EA profession can be.As the EA to the CEO at Shipt, Christi discussed the various aspects of her role. In addition to managing her executive calendar, inbox, and travel arrangements, she described herself as a "people connector," a sounding board, and a problem solver. She emphasised the importance of adaptability and highlighted her ambivert personality, enabling her to connect with leaders while excelling in focused, independent work.The conversation shifted to the use of technology in Christi's role. She revealed that Shipt primarily relies on Slack for communication, enabling her to stay connected with her executive and the team throughout the day. Christi emphasised the significance of being well-versed in technology tools and adapting to the digital landscape to enhance productivity and collaboration.The podcast delved into Christi's experience working for a startup. She shared her appreciation for the fast-paced environment at Shipt, a retail tech company. Christi highlighted the dynamic nature of her role, where each day presents new challenges and unique needs. She also emphasised the importance of being proactive, staying agile, and embracing change when working for a startup.Towards the end of the episode, Christi provided valuable advice for Assistants aspiring to work for startups. She encouraged them to be open-minded, flexible, and willing to take on diverse responsibilities. Christi emphasised continuous learning, adaptability, and building solid relationships with colleagues and executives in a startup setting. The EA Campus

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Holly Copsey, a Business Support Specialist at Virtually Priceless. Holly shares her remarkable journey and valuable insights into her 20-year Executive Assistant (EA) career.Join us as we delve into Holly's journey and learn how she navigated the shifting landscape of the EA profession, particularly during the pandemic. Discover her insights on running a successful VA agency and how she has adapted her services to meet client's evolving needs. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and inspiration from Holly Copsey, a seasoned EA and business support specialist. The EA Campus

In the next episode of the EA Campus podcast, we have the pleasure of hosting Shaun Alphonso, Executive Business Partner at Georgian, a renowned venture capital firm specializing in SaaS technology investments. Join host Nicky Christmas as she delves into Shaun's intriguing career path and uncovers the valuable lessons he learned. From working in Starbucks to his stellar EA career, Shaun shares many helpful tips and tricks for Assistants, including time management techniques, technology use, and how he manages communication with his Executives. This is one not to miss.  The EA Campus

 In Episode 29, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Lora Whicher, the Founder of Lora May Virtual PA. Lora's journey in the corporate world as an executive assistant took her through various roles, including a significant stint at Savills real estate agency.During our conversation, we delved into Lora's career trajectory, exploring her experiences working as a corporate EA and the pivotal moment that led her to start her own virtual assistant business. We discussed the challenges she faced and overcame, especially during the pandemic, and how she managed to successfully establish Lora May Virtual PA.One of the highlights of our conversation was learning about Lora's ability to adapt and work with different personality types. She shared invaluable insights on navigating various working styles and how she leverages her expertise to provide top-notch support to her clients.Additionally, Lora shared her effective time-blocking techniques and how she manages her day to ensure productivity and balance. Her expertise in structuring her schedule provides actionable tips and strategies that can benefit all EAs looking to optimize their workflow.Join us as we dive deep into Lora's journey, from her corporate EA days to becoming a thriving virtual assistant entrepreneur. Her story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of seizing opportunities, even in challenging times.So, if you're ready to be inspired and gain valuable insights into the world of virtual assistance, grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and get ready for Episode 29 of the EA Campus podcast The EA Campus

Welcome to the EA Campus podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Hayley Hudson, the Founder of Hudson Admin Support and the VA Lounge. Join us as we delve into Hayley's journey of starting her own virtual assistant business and creating a thriving network for VAs.In our conversation, we explore the world of virtual assistance and dive into the tech tools and strategies that can empower assistants to excel in their roles. Hayley shares valuable insights on building confidence, understanding your worth, and leveraging technology to streamline administrative tasks.Whether you're an aspiring virtual assistant or an experienced assistant looking to enhance your skills, this episode is packed with practical tips and advice. Tune in as we unlock the secrets to success in virtual assistance and gain a deeper understanding of the value that assistants bring to the table.Join us on the EA Campus podcast as we learn from Hayley Hudson and uncover the possibilities that await in the realm of virtual assistance. Get ready to boost your confidence, harness the power of technology, and embrace your worth as an assistant. Don't miss this inspiring and informative episode! The EA Campus