We are not ‘Just’ Executive Assistants

I’ve spent over three decades growing, from being a receptionist to an Executive Assistant to the C-suite, not by accident, but by working hard, learning constantly, and choosing this path with intention.

Yes, I tried another career. Life happened and I made a conscious choice to return and stay here, no regrets! I say this with pride: This role is leadership.

We may not have formal titles. We may not be listed in the org chart under ‘strategy’ or ‘power’, but, behind the scenes, oh boy! we are the stabilizers, the pulse-checkers, the calm in the chaos.

Today, I write from a place of gratitude and contentment. My workplace has been my happy place for the past 18 years. I feel blessed to have found work, colleagues, and leaders who respect and trust me. But even so, I’m part of a larger professional community, The EA FACTION Community and I see, hear things and carry those stories with me.

Two stories recently left me disturbed:

•          One EA colleague was asked to leave, with no real feedback.

•          Another was offered a 5-day unpaid trial to “prove her worth.”

Really? These stories aren’t rare. And what I’ve shared here is only the tip of the iceberg both in terms of what we bring and what we face. I felt the need to speak up -Not to point fingers or preach but to simply say: We are not “just” Executive Assistants.

We are strategic, emotionally intelligent, highly skilled professionals and work hard to keep ourselves updated so we can get the best to the job. We are leaders, even if we don’t carry the badge or title. To my fellow EAs please know:

-           If you’ve felt dismissed, undervalued, or overlooked - You’re not alone.

-           If you’ve had to restart again and again - Your resilience is real.

-           If you thrive behind the scenes- It’s because you’re strong enough to hold space without needing credit.

Be proud, not arrogant.

We are the ones who help leaders climb ladders.

We give them peace of mind.

We absorb more than we show.

We don’t ask for applause.

We ask for dignity.

We ask for is what every professional deserves: Clarity. Trust. Fairness. Respect.

Is that too much? Some EAs like me really do get lucky. We find roles that value us. We stay. We grow, we also continue to aim higher not from ego, but from a place of curiosity, evolution, and service. Many EAs have gone on to earn titles aligned with their interests and capabilities, such as:

•          Chief of Staff

•          Manager – Administration

•          Project Manager

•          Culture & People Officer

•          Strategic Business Partner

•          Head of Internal Communications

•          EA Coach or Trainer

•          Operations Manager / Director

We are not outliers but proof of what’s possible when trust, respect, and belief in the role exists. We grow when we’re seen for the value we bring in.

Let this post be a small nudge, a humble request to leaders, HR professionals, and organizations: Please Don’t underestimate the person who makes it all work quietly.

Because in every corner of your company, there’s someone like me, one of us EAs, secretaries, admin staff, support staff, holding it together with grace so you can flourish.

#ExecutiveAssistant #EAPride #QuietLeadership #LeadershipWithoutTitle #PeopleFirst #EAfaction #HumanCenteredWork #WomenInLeadership #StrategicSupport #AdministrativeProfessionals #RespectSupportRoles #EmotionalIntelligence#EACommunity#PeopleFirstWorkplace

💬 If you’re an EA who has a story, a moment of pride, or a quiet win, I invite you to share it below. Let’s celebrate each other, learn from one another, and own our space!!!