The Whole Assistant Podcast

Do you ever find yourself ingesting the stress of your executive and feeling off kilter as a result?During this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I unpack what it looks like to develop sturdiness in your role. I share techniques that will help you remain composed and clear-headed, even when everything around you isn’t.In this episode, you will discover: - Why developing sturdiness in your role is important & how sturdiness will help you show up more strategically- How to stay in your lane and not take on the emotional states of those around you- Practical tips on how to serve the work rather than the whims of others ---------------------------------------------- Are you ready to develop the strategic partnership you've always wanted? You shouldn't have to settle for less in your executive assistant role. It's time to embrace your badassery & position yourself as the indispensable strategic business partner you know you can be.Sign up for this FREE masterclass happening May 8th and 10th. Click here to save your spot! ---------------------------------------------- Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here.  ----------------------------------------------Are you ready to show up more strategically in your role, and gain clarity on your executive's priorities? Grab my FREE Strategic Planning Session guide and learn how to hold consistent strategic planning sessions with your executive. This will help you:- Prepare and execute your strategic planning session- Enhance trust with your executive & gain clarity around their goals- Form a more strategic partnership & increase your fulfillmentGrab your free guide here!----------------------------------------------Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

Have you ever felt that networking events were more intimidating than beneficial?In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, we demystify the scary world of networking with our special guests Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears as they unravel the secrets to making authentic, meaningful connections that go beyond the exchange of business cards.In this episode, you will discover:- How to overcome the discomfort of networking events and use them as a springboard for career advancement- Strategies to build strong relationships with external stakeholders- The importance of internal networking and advocacy - Tips on following up after networking events to solidify connections   Click here to check out Craig and Jodie’s podcast, The Crodie Files Click here to connect with Craig on LinkedIn. Click here to connect with Jodie on LinkedIn. Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here.   ----------------------------------------------Are you ready to show up more strategically in your role, and gain clarity on your executive's priorities? Grab my FREE Strategic Planning Session guide and learn how to hold consistent strategic planning sessions with your executive. This will help you:- Prepare and execute your strategic planning session- Enhance trust with your executive & gain clarity around their goals- Form a more strategic partnership & increase your fulfillmentGrab your free guide here!----------------------------------------------Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

Have you ever felt the pull to pursue a passion beyond your executive assistant role but aren’t sure how to incorporate it successfully? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I open up about balancing the demanding life of an executive assistant with the thrill and challenges of nurturing a side hustle. Drawing from my personal journey of running Whole Assistant alongside a full-time executive assistant role, I share candid insights and practical strategies to run your own successful passion project. In this episode, you will discover: - Practical time management strategies to efficiently divide your attention between work responsibilities and your side hustle- The importance of embracing 'fast failure' to push forward and move quickly past setbacks- Strategies to maximize every spare moment and build a successful business in the margins of your life Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here. To register for the Admin Day Party, click here.    To save 20% on your first 3 rides with Savoya, click here. ----------------------------------------------Are you ready to show up more strategically in your role, and gain clarity on your executive's priorities? Grab my FREE Strategic Planning Session guide and learn how to hold consistent strategic planning sessions with your executive. This will help you:- Prepare and execute your strategic planning session- Enhance trust with your executive & gain clarity around their goals- Form a more strategic partnership & increase your fulfillmentGrab your free guide here!----------------------------------------------Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

Have you ever felt hesitant to try something new because you were afraid it wouldn’t be perfect? During this special episode, I reflect on my own journey of messy, from starting a blog and YouTube channel to developing my own voice and ideas. I share how embracing failure and allowing growth to be messy has led me to where I am today. It’s my hope that this episode will encourage you to loosen your grip on perfectionism and embrace your own messy journey. In this episode, I share:- A behind the scenes look at the evolution of Whole Assistant, including the many failures and missteps along the way- How to have compassion for your past self and embrace every iteration of yourself along your growth journey- The value of putting yourself out there, even if it feels challenging, in order to progress and evolve Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here.   ----------------------------------------------Are you ready to show up more strategically in your role, and gain clarity on your executive's priorities? Grab my FREE Strategic Planning Session guide and learn how to hold consistent strategic planning sessions with your executive. This will help you:- Prepare and execute your strategic planning session- Enhance trust with your executive & gain clarity around their goals- Form a more strategic partnership & increase your fulfillmentGrab your free guide here!----------------------------------------------Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

Are you tired of feeling like your boundaries are constantly being overstepped? During this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I flush out the biggest pain point around setting boundaries… When other people don’t respect them. In this episode, you will discover:- One common misconception around boundaries that may cause you to inadvertently step out of your power- The importance of communicating your boundaries and how to communicate them effectively - How to handle situations when others test or disregard your boundaries Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here.   To save 20% on your first 3 rides with Savoya, click here. ----------------------------------------------Are you ready to show up more strategically in your role, and gain clarity on your executive's priorities? Grab my FREE Strategic Planning Session guide and learn how to hold consistent strategic planning sessions with your executive. This will help you:- Prepare and execute your strategic planning session- Enhance trust with your executive & gain clarity around their goals- Form a more strategic partnership & increase your fulfillmentGrab your free guide here!----------------------------------------------Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

Is there a difficult conversation you've been avoiding? In this episode, I dive deep into the art of having difficult conversations, and share practical strategies for achieving a successful outcome.You will discover:- The significance of cleaning up your thoughts prior to having difficult conversations- Strategies for approaching challenging discussions with curiosity, not defensiveness - The importance of knowing when to pause ----------------------------------------------Are you ready to show up more strategically in your role, and gain clarity on your executive's priorities? Grab my FREE Strategic Planning Session guide and learn how to hold consistent strategic planning sessions with your executive. This will help you:- Prepare and execute your strategic planning session- Enhance trust with your executive & gain clarity around their goals- Form a more strategic partnership & increase your fulfillmentGrab your free guide here!----------------------------------------------Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

As an executive assistant, have you ever considered your influence when it comes to fostering trust within your team? In this episode I sit down with my friend and Chief of Staff, Jennifer Connelly, to discuss the crucial topic of building safety and trust in the workplace. We focus on the pivotal role executive assistants play in fostering psychological safety, collaboration, and innovation. In this episode, you will discover:- How to balance accountability with creating an environment where team members feel secure enough to take risks and make mistakes- The importance of transparency in addressing trust issues within a team- How to promote safety by establishing and maintaining personal and professional boundaries in the workplace Jennifer Connelly - Chief of Staff at Alder Companies (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdconnelly) To save 20% on your first 3 rides with Savoya, click here. ----------------------------------------------Are you ready to show up more strategically in your role, and gain clarity on your executive's priorities? Grab my FREE Strategic Planning Session guide and learn how to hold consistent strategic planning sessions with your executive. This will help you:- Prepare and execute your strategic planning session- Enhance trust with your executive & gain clarity around their goals- Form a more strategic partnership & increase your fulfillmentGrab your free guide here!----------------------------------------------Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

Have you ever been disappointed by the result of a working style assessment or personality test?In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I delve into the potential drawbacks of personality assessments and the self-limiting beliefs we mistakenly onboard.In this episode, you will learn:- The benefits and drawbacks of personality assessments and working style tests- How to avoid “compare and despair” in response to assessment results- The power of self-awareness in reshaping your identity and overcoming self-limiting beliefs Resource Mentioned: Book - Personality Isn't Permanent by Benjamin Hardy If you've been considering taking your growth deeper and exploring a coaching partnership, I also want to extend an invitation to book a free discovery call with me. I'm here to support assistants like you in applying the concepts discussed on the podcast and to help you achieve your professional goals. Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn.  Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

Are you aware of how you’re shaping your company's culture? In this episode, I delve into the often underestimated influence that executive assistants have on work environments. I highlight three key ways that executive assistants impact company culture.In this episode, you will discover: - The pivotal role executive assistants play as the bridge between their executive and the rest of the organization- How the organizational knowledge and insights of executive assistants can shape company culture- The significance of setting the standard and tone in the organization, from addressing gossip to avoiding micromanagement If you've been considering taking your growth deeper and exploring a coaching partnership, I also want to extend an invitation to book a free discovery call with me. I'm here to support assistants like you in applying the concepts discussed on the podcast and to help you achieve your professional goals. Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn.  Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com  

Have you ever wondered if a chief of staff role is right for you?In today's episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I'm joined by the founder of Nova Chief of Staff, Maggie Olsen, to dissect and define the roles of executive assistant and chief of staff. In this episode, you will discover:- Key differences between an EA and a chief of staff, tailored to reflect various workplaces - Step-by-step guidance on making the move from EA to chief of staff- How to categorize your current workload to clarify which aspects of your role are logistical, tactical, or strategic—and how this can inform your career trajectory- The importance of cultivating a synergistic relationship between a chief of staff and an executive assistant Join Maggie and me as we peel back the layers of these two intricate positions, providing you with the insights and encouragement to pursue the path that aligns best with your professional desires and goals. To learn more about Nova Chief of Staff, click here. To connect with Maggie on LinkedIn, click here. Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn.  Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

Are you tired of constantly saying "yes" to everything and feeling overwhelmed as a result? In this episode, I discuss the powerful concept of making room for "yes" through discovering the power of a strategic "no".In this episode, you will discover:- The importance of getting clear on your priorities both personally and professionally- How to embrace the power of a strategic “no” in order to make room for “yes”- My favorite way to say no that won’t burn bridges To save 20% on your first 3 rides with Savoya, click here.If you've been considering taking your growth deeper and exploring a coaching partnership, I also want to extend an invitation to book a free discovery call with me. I'm here to support assistants like you in applying the concepts discussed on the podcast and to help you achieve your professional goals. Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn.  Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

The brain’s natural inclination is to focus on the one thing that isn’t going well or that you’d like to change… your black dot. What happens when your black do” eclipses all of the legitimately good things in your life?During this episode I break down this concept, and share strategies for giving equal airtime to both the challenges and the blessings in life.  In this episode, you will learn:- The concept of the black dot- The negative impact of superficial positivity and denial when trying to move past your black dot- Strategies for overcoming the black dot and adopting a well rounded perspective Resource mentioned:The Gap and the Gain, The High Achiever's Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success by Dan Sullivan. If you've been considering taking your growth deeper and exploring a coaching partnership, I also want to extend an invitation to book a free discovery call with me. I'm here to support assistants like you in applying the concepts discussed on the podcast and to help you achieve your professional goals. Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn.  Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

Do you feel like you’re running on empty?In this episode, I break down what to do when you’re feeling depleted and running on empty. I discuss the importance of recognizing the signs of burnout and exhaustion, and how these things can manifest in our relationships and overall well-being.In this episode, you will discover:- How to recognize the early stages of burnout so you can course correct.- Strategies for filling your tank and replenishing your energy.- The importance of recognizing and addressing your needs, setting boundaries, and showing up for yourself with kindness. If you've been considering taking your growth deeper and exploring a coaching partnership, I also want to extend an invitation to book a free discovery call with me. I'm here to support assistants like you in applying the concepts discussed on the podcast and to help you achieve your professional goals. Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn.  Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

Self-care may sound like a nice idea, but have you ever wondered why it’s so hard to implement?Join us as we explore some common misconceptions around self-care, along with why it can be so challenging.In this episode, you will discover:- The four types of self-care- The challenges and resistance that make self-care difficult- Strategies for overcoming these challenges and the importance of being intentional and self-sufficient when it comes to taking care of yourselfIf you've been considering taking your growth deeper and exploring a coaching partnership, I also want to extend an invitation to book a free discovery call with me. I'm here to support assistants like you in applying the concepts discussed on the podcast and to help you achieve your professional goals. Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn.  Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

Have you inadvertently onboarded others’ opinions of you as truth?  In our latest episode, we dive deep into the topic of self-perception and its impact on your success as an assistant. I explore the impact of how you see yourself, and how your self-perception can either empower or hinder your growth. By intentionally deciding how you want to view yourself, you can unlock your true potential and make a greater impact. In this episode, you will discover:- How to break free from fitting into a specific mold, and define your unique career path- One underlying belief you may be holding onto, and how this belief manifests- The significance of embracing who you are and stepping into the fullness of your badassery   If you've been considering taking your growth deeper and exploring a coaching partnership, I also want to extend an invitation to book a free discovery call with me. I'm here to support assistants like you in applying the concepts discussed on the podcast and to help you achieve your professional goals. Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn.  Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

To get the year kicked off right I'l be hosting a free masterclass  to help you become a more strategic business parter, Embrace Your EA Badassery: 3 Steps to Developing Your Strategic Partnership.  In this episode, I discuss the concept of leveraging time constraint to optimize productivity. I introduce the concept of Parkinson's Law, and explain how setting time constraints around tasks can help you maximize your productive output.  In this episode, you will learn: - The importance of setting time constraints around tasks to optimize your productive output- Parkinson's Law and how work expands to fill the time allotted for its completion- Several examples of how I use time constraint in my daily workflows   To save 20% on your first 3 rides with Savoya, click here. If you've been considering taking your growth deeper and exploring a coaching partnership, I also want to extend an invitation to book a free discovery call with me. I'm here to support assistants like you in applying the concepts discussed on the podcast and to help you achieve your professional goals. Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn.  Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

To get the year kicked off right I'l be hosting a free masterclass the week of 1/15 to help you become a more strategic business parter, Embrace Your EA Badassery: 3 Steps to Developing Your Strategic Partnership.   Are you ready to unlock your EA badassery and develop a strategic partnership with your executive?In this episode, you will learn: - The equation for optimal productivity- The importance of allowing your brain time and space to assimilate information- The pitfalls of overworking and buffering, and how they can hinder your productive output Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn.  Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

To get the year kicked off right I'l be hosting a free masterclass the week of 1/15 to help you become a more strategic business parter, Embrace Your EA Badassery: 3 Steps to Developing Your Strategic Partnership.  Are you ready to ditch multitasking and discover a more effective productivity strategy?In this episode, you will learn: - The difference between multitasking and multitracking- The detrimental effects of multitasking on productivity- The benefits of implementing a task management system for effective multitracking- Mindset shifts to adopt for better productivity and success as an assistant Here's the link to the article I reference in this episode. Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn.  Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

Could focus be the “secret sauce” to showing up more strategically?This week’s “Best of 2023” episode centers around one of my favorite topics… Focus. In this episode, I discuss how we often underestimate the importance of focus as assistants. We tend to believe that we need to juggle multiple tasks and keep everything in our heads, but the truth is, focusing on one task at a time can lead to greater productivity and success. I share insights on how we inadvertently train our brains not to focus and provide strategies to overcome this challenge.Additionally, I talk about the impact of creating systems that allow you to maintain focus throughout your day. By implementing simple techniques you can transform your work life and achieve success as an assistant.   To save 20% on your first 3 rides with Savoya, click here. If you've been considering taking your growth deeper and exploring a coaching partnership, I also want to extend an invitation to book a free discovery call with me. I'm here to support assistants like you in applying the concepts discussed on the podcast and to help you achieve your professional goals. Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn.  Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

Are you ready to strategically partner with your executive and help them get clear on their priorities?As assistants, we often support executives who are visionaries, which is fantastic. Unfortunately, this can also mean that they have a tendency to be all over the place, throwing ideas around without a clear focus. During this episode of The Whole Assistant Podcast I provide strategies and tips on how to help your executive pinpoint their priorities, so you both can know where to focus your time, attention, and energy.In this episode, you will learn:- How to help your executive pinpoint their priorities- Questions to ask your executive to help them gain clarity on their priorities and hold them accountable- Tips for holding your executive accountable   To save 20% on your first 3 rides with Savoya, click here. If you've been considering taking your growth deeper and exploring a coaching partnership, I also want to extend an invitation to book a free discovery call with me. I'm here to support assistants like you in applying the concepts discussed on the podcast and to help you achieve your professional goals. Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn.  Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com