Épisodes

  • Not "Just an Assistant": How Top EAs Become Executive Partners

    Not "Just an Assistant": How Top EAs Become Executive Partners
    Feb 4 2026
    197: What if the most underrated role in leadership is actually the one that makes everything run? In this episode of Executive Office Insights, Joe Davis (Senior Advisor, former Managing Director & Senior Partner, and North America Regional Chair Emeritus, BCG) and Mary Kate Steincke (Administrative Services Manager, former Senior EA) unpack what real executive support looks like when it evolves into true partnership. You'll hear how high-performing leaders and EAs build trust, decision rights, and a shared operating rhythm. The best support isn't "task help," but a strategic advantage that protects focus, energy, and outcomes. They also explore the leadership mindset behind great partnerships: mentorship without strings attached, honest feedback, and the human side of high standards—the kind of principles that shape culture and careers. Finally, they look ahead at how AI and modern tools are changing admin work, what will (and won't) be automated, and what skills will matter most for the next generation of executive support professionals. What to expect in this conversation: - Executive Assistant → Executive Partner: What makes the shift happen? - The leadership behaviors that create trust (and the ones that break it) - Career paths, titles, and what "progression" can really look like - AI, automation, and the future of the EA/admin function About Joe Davis Joe is a Senior Advisor at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and a former Managing Director & Senior Partner, where he worked for 37 years. He founded and is Chair of BCG's Center for Inclusion and Equity (CIE). He co-founded and later led BCG's Washington, D.C. office, and founded BCG's U.S. Public Sector Practice. Joe served as Chair of BCG North America, responsible for operations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As Regional Chair, he advanced inclusion, diversity, and racial equity by launching BCG's Racial Equity Task Force, publishing BCG's first public U.S. DEI Report, and founding BCG's CIE (where he currently serves as Chair). His client work focused on the Consumer/Retail, Public Sector, and Organization Practices, primarily on fundamental transformations, change, and organizational effectiveness. Outside of BCG, Joe serves as Chair of the Whitman College Board of Trustees and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. Joe and his spouse Sarah have four children and eight grandchildren. He published The Generous Leader: 7 Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone's Gain in April 2024. About Mary Kate Steincke Mary Kate is an Administrative Services Manager at BCG with more than eight years of experience supporting senior leadership and driving administrative excellence across the NAMR region. Since joining BCG in 2017, she has worked in Administrative Services—starting as an Administrative Assistant and later becoming an Executive Assistant and Senior Executive Assistant (plus Specialist-level roles)—while supporting Joe Davis, BCG's North America Regional Chair. She managed complex, high-stakes calendars, communications, leadership meeting rhythms, and onsite support for major regional events and executive visits. Her work ranged from strategic prep for leadership engagements to orchestrating multi-layered client meetings, regional town halls, cohort forums, and cross-office initiatives, with high precision and ownership. She's recognized for creating order, clarity, and calm, and supported large-scale operational efforts including COVID-19 response coordination, regional communications, digital signage programs, and leadership forums, while mentoring new administrative staff and shaping a cohesive cross-office experience. She built training initiatives for the NAMR Administrative Services cohort, including a new series on supporting BCG's Managing Directors and Partners that is now a Regional offering. Colleagues praise her grace, empathy, and extraordinary service orientation—calling her "Disneyland personified," a "BCG Rockstar," and someone who makes high-pressure situations "feel like a summer breeze." Today, as Administrative Services Manager for the NYC and Brooklyn teams, she continues to elevate administrative operations, strengthen team culture, and enable leaders and staff to work at their highest potential. Outside of BCG, Mary Kate enjoys time with friends and family, especially in Atlantic Beach, and earned a BA in Communications and Marketing from Loyola University Maryland. - Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ - Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter - Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS - Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661 The Executive Office Insights Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd Guest Picks: Mary Kate Steincke: Light On by Maggie Rogers Joe Davis: Buy Me a Rose by Kenny Rogers
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    55 min
  • How Sona Movsesian Became Conan O'Brien's Assistant

    How Sona Movsesian Became Conan O'Brien's Assistant
    Jan 21 2026

    196: You think assistants just "support" leaders? Think again; they're the reason everything works.

    We are doing something special! I have partnered with my friend Jeremy Burrows, host of The Leader Assistant Podcast, to exchange some of your favorite episodes. Together, we are bringing you conversations with incredible guests who share insights, stories, and strategies to empower assistants and leaders alike.

    Tune in, enjoy the lineup, and don't forget to connect with both Jeremy and our featured guests, you will find inspiration and practical takeaways to elevate your work and leadership journey.

    In this episode of the Leader Assistant Podcast, Jeremy Burrows talks with Sona Movsesian, longtime executive assistant to Conan O'Brien and co-host on Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, about what it really takes to thrive in high-trust support roles. They dig into setting boundaries (yes, including weekends), why work-life balance isn't optional, and how to stop tying your identity to your job—so you're still okay if a role or project ends.

    Sona shares how she landed the job, how their dynamic became part of the show organically, and what it's like sitting in rooms with famous people while battling imposter syndrome. They also discuss her book, The World's Worst Assistant, and why it's time to highlight healthier, more fulfilling assistant careers.

    ---

    Today's episode is with Sona Movsesian from 2022.
    Sona is an executive assistant, author and media personality. She has been the personal and executive assistant of talk show host Conan O'Brien since 2009 and was featured in many of the show's segments. She currently cohosts the Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend podcast.

    CONNECT WITH SONA

    - Order Sona's book, The World's Worst Assistant: https://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Worst-Assistant-Sona-Movsesian/dp/059318551X?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&linkCode=ll1&tag=leaderassista-20&linkId=b62dc17cfc183123ee92985000842799&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

    - Follow Sona on X (https://x.com/sonamov) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sonamov/)

    - Listen to Sona cohost the Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conan-obrien-needs-a-friend/id1438054347

    Watch a couple of my favorite clips of Sona on Conan's show:
    - Conan and Sona meet with HR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-CzwR9bDA4
    - Conan helps Sona buy a new car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiaDblUd-lw

    More about Jeremy's work: https://goburrows.com/
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    36 min
  • 6 years of Executive Office Insights podcast

    6 years of Executive Office Insights podcast
    Jan 7 2026

    195: Celebrating six years of Executive Office Insights, Diana welcomes Helen Monument for a special anniversary conversation that looks back at the podcast's remarkable journey. Together they revisit the very first moments that sparked this series, recalling the energy of launching a platform dedicated to executive excellence and support leadership.

    From those early recordings to the diverse lineup of inspiring guests who have shared their wisdom, this episode is both a tribute and a celebration. It honors the voices that shaped the dialogue, the lessons learned along the way, and the vibrant community that has grown around the show.

    More than just a retrospective, this milestone episode captures the spirit of resilience, visibility, and connection that has defined Executive Office Insights, a heartfelt walk down memory lane and a reminder of the impact that thoughtful conversations can have on the future of leadership.

    LINKS:

    🔴 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8hQHKHJCTGQ

    Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/

    Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter

    Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects

    Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS

    Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661
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    35 min
  • Stop Being Underpaid: Introducing the ROI Calculator

    Stop Being Underpaid: Introducing the ROI Calculator
    Dec 31 2025
    194: How Executive Assistants can turn daily support work into hard numbers that lead to real raises. In this conversation, Elizabeth Sutkowska (based in Gdańsk, Poland) breaks down a practical way to negotiate your EA salary with data, using an EA ROI Calculator that tracks time saved, cost avoided, and the business impact leaders actually understand. If you've ever heard "your salary is fair," this is the exact mindset (and method) that flips the script. We also go beyond compensation and dig into the bigger picture of modern Executive Support: - From Au Pair → Hospitality → Corporate EA: how a non-linear career path builds the real skills top executives need (pressure handling, service excellence, business instincts, communication). - Executive Assistant in Poland: why the role is often underestimated, how stereotypes still shape expectations, and what needs to change for stronger recognition and career growth. - EA vs Chief of Staff: an honest take on titles, responsibilities, and why many EAs already do "CoS-level" work, without the label. - Community & visibility: why Elizabeth founded the Assistologist to elevate the profession through representation, education, and a "Polish roots, global mindset" approach. - Plus a few human moments (work-life balance, habits, and the funny IKEA/Swedish candy confession). This episode is packed with tools, perspective, and confidence boosts you can apply immediately. Drop a comment: Have you ever been told your salary is "fair"? What did you do next? Subscribe for more Executive Support career strategies. About Elizabeth Sutkowska: Elizabeth is an experienced Executive Assistant with international expertise supporting leaders in fast-paced corporate and startup environments. Her career spans Poland, Cyprus, the USA, and Italy, and she has studied at five universities in fields such as international relations, corporate communication, business psychology, media, and marketing. Elizabeth is the founder of Assistologist, a Poland-based association aimed at elevating the Executive Assistant's role through global best practices and strategic collaboration. She is passionate about healthy living, mindfulness, and exploring the world. LINKS: 🔴 Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P-MIubR-NbQ Assistologist, Association of Executive Assistants in Poland: https://www.assistologist.com/ Elizabeth Sutkowska on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-sutkowska/ Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661 Elizabeth's song: Adele - Rolling in the deep 🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd
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    42 min
  • Karriereweg: Executive Assistant, Teamleiterin, Unternehmerin

    Karriereweg: Executive Assistant, Teamleiterin, Unternehmerin
    Dec 17 2025
    193: Was braucht es wirklich für eine erfolgreiche Karriere in der Assistenz? In dieser Folge spricht Evelyne Moser über ihren persönlichen Karriereweg als Executive Assistant mit Führungsverantwortung. Sie teilt Erfahrungen aus ihrer beruflichen Entwicklung, zentrale Entscheidungen und die Kompetenzen, die sie auf diesem Weg geprägt haben. Evelyne erzählt, wie sich die Rolle der Assistenz im Laufe der Zeit verändert hat, welche Anforderungen heute damit verbunden sind und was es bedeutet, Verantwortung zu übernehmen – fachlich, menschlich und organisatorisch. In dieser Episode erfährst du: - wie sich ein Karriereweg vom klassischen Assistenzjob hin zu einer Führungsrolle entwickeln kann - welche Fähigkeiten für Executive Assistants heute entscheidend sind - was sich verändert, wenn man Verantwortung für Menschen, Themen und Prozesse übernimmt - wie internationale Zusammenarbeit persönliche und berufliche Entwicklung fördert - warum Selbstvertrauen, Klarheit und kontinuierliche Weiterentwicklung wichtige Erfolgsfaktoren sind Evelyne spricht über persönliche Lernprozesse und darüber, warum die Assistenzrolle heute ein anspruchsvoller Karriereweg mit großem Gestaltungs- und Entwicklungsspielraum ist. Und zum Schluss erfahren wir über ihr neues spannendes Projekt in den USA. Evelyne Moser ist eine in der Schweiz geborene Executive Assistant, deren beruflicher Weg von Präzision, Intuition und echter menschlicher Verbundenheit geprägt ist. Seit über einem Jahrzehnt begleitet sie Führungskräfte auf höchster Ebene über verschiedene Kontinente hinweg, koordiniert anspruchsvolle Prioritäten, organisiert internationale Managementmeetings und hält globale Teams selbst in hektischsten Phasen souverän auf Kurs – oft noch bevor jemand merkt, dass etwas ins Wanken geraten könnte. Bekannt für ihren klaren Blick, ihre Ruhe im Sturm und ihre beeindruckende Fähigkeit, Probleme zu lösen, bevor sie entstehen, bringt Evelyne sowohl Struktur als auch Herz in jede Zusammenarbeit. Sie wurde mehrfach global ausgezeichnet doch diejenigen, die mit ihr arbeiten, wissen: ihre wahre Stärke liegt in ihrer Warmherzigkeit, ihrem Humor und ihrer verlässlichen Präsenz, die auch in herausfordernden Situationen Stabilität schafft. Hinter ihrem professionellen Erfolg steckt eine Geschichte von Neugier, Mut und der festen Überzeugung, dass Weiterentwicklung nie stillstehen sollte – selbst wenn das Bekannte bequem wäre. Genau dieser innere Kompass führt sie jetzt in das mutigste Kapitel ihres Lebens. Evelyne erfüllt sich ihren lang gehegten Traum: den Schritt in die USA zu wagen und als Unternehmerin neu durchzustarten. Es ist ein Aufbruch voller Leidenschaft, Tatkraft und dem Wunsch, etwas zu schaffen, das Sinn stiftet – etwas, das ihre Werte, ihre Vision und die Person widerspiegelt, zu der sie geworden ist. LINKS: 🔴 Folge auf YouTube anschauen: https://youtu.be/6IrROINkRFM Smart Business Partners: https://www.smartbizpartners.com/ Evelyne Moser auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyne-moser-72669b122/ Diana auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter Podcast auf YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects Podcast auf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast auf Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661 🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd
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    44 min
  • Inside the EA Role at Tetra Pak: Career Growth & Insights

    Inside the EA Role at Tetra Pak: Career Growth & Insights
    Dec 2 2025

    192: How a Technician Became a Top Executive Assistant at Tetra Pak! In this inspiring and honest conversation, we meet Niklas, a former technician who made an unconventional leap into the world of executive assistance. From managing machines to managing people, he shares how his technical background, team leadership, and passion for connection made him thrive in his new role at Tetra Pak.

    We talk about:

    - The evolving assistant profession
    - Remote leadership and collaboration across countries
    - Being a male EA in a female-dominated field
    - The power of IMA (International Management Assistants) and its mentorship
    - Balancing a career with gardening, parenting, and teaching kids about sustainability
    - Thoughts on AI, unconscious bias, and what the future holds for the next generation of assistants

    If you're looking for career inspiration, real talk on work-life balance, and insights into the changing face of admin roles — this episode is for you.

    Niklas Cerovina is Vice President Assistant at Tetra Pak in Lund, Sweden. With a background in technical operations and process engineering, he brings hands-on experience to his current role. Niklas was recognized as Upcoming Executive Assistant of the Year 2024 for his thoughtful approach to the evolving assistant profession. He's particularly interested in how leadership and AI are shaping the future of the role.


    LINKS

    🔴 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KRqamtJhmPU

    - IMA - International Management Assistants: https://ima-network.org/

    - Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/
    - Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter
    - Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS
    - Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

    Niklas's song: Abba and Dancing Queen
    🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd
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    41 min
  • How Working Out Loud Transforms Careers, Confidence & Connection - John Stepper

    How Working Out Loud Transforms Careers, Confidence & Connection - John Stepper
    Nov 19 2025

    191: What if the key to growth isn't working harder — but working together?
    In this inspiring long-form conversation, Working Out Loud founder John Stepper reveals how peer-to-peer development, shared learning, and authentic human connection can transform not only careers but entire organizational cultures.

    John shares the origin story of Working Out Loud (WOL), now used in more than 100 global organizations, and explains why meaningful relationships, psychological safety, and generosity are at the heart of effective personal development. We explore how WOL circles spark confidence, belonging, and purpose — and why people stay connected for years after the program ends.

    The episode dives deep into purposeful discovery, John's approach to finding direction through intention, openness, and small steps. You'll hear remarkable real-life stories, including how individuals leveraged WOL to change careers, publish books, start companies, and reimagine what's possible in their professional lives.

    John also shares exclusive insights into his upcoming projects — from a new CliftonStrengths-based peer program to the Good Men Collective, a decentralized, non-commercial initiative designed to support men's well-being, resilience, and healthy connection.

    With wisdom, warmth, and refreshing honesty, John opens up about work, family, meaning, and how connection can help us shape a better future for ourselves and our communities.

    Whether you're in HR, leadership, coaching, organizational development, or simply searching for more purpose, this episode is packed with practical insights that will inspire you to grow — and maybe even start your own circle.

    Top 5 Takeaways From This Episode:

    - Why small, consistent steps can open doors you didn't even know existed.
    - How authentic human connection can transform not just work — but your sense of possibility.
    - Why generosity and visibility often matter more than ambition for long-term growth.
    - What can happen when people begin to trust themselves — and each other — inside a safe, structured space.
    - How purpose emerges not from certainty, but from curiosity, courage, and community.

    About John Stepper:

    John Stepper designs peer-to-peer development methods that build skills and relationships, that strengthen self-efficacy while fostering feelings of belonging. The Working Out Loud programs produce deeper engagement and a sense of self-determination in individuals—and more connected, collaborative cultures across organizations.

    The original method, described in Working Out Loud (Now in German and Chinese as well as English) is used by HR Managers in 100+ organizations for tens of thousands of employees worldwide. There is now a family of WOL methods: for leadership and team development, for wellness and female empowerment, and for operational workers in manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.

    John lives with his family in New York City.

    LINKS

    🔴 Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vfXBSLHkNlA

    - Website: https://www.workingoutloud.com/

    - Book (Deutsch): https://www.amazon.de/Working-Out-Loud-Verbundenheit-Gemeinschaft/dp/3800662817

    - TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpjNl3Z10uc

    - Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/
    - Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter
    - Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS
    - Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

    John's song: "The Raiders March" - John Williams
    🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd
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    51 min
  • Formula One Lessons for Executive Support

    Formula One Lessons for Executive Support
    Nov 5 2025

    190: What does Formula One teach us about being an exceptional executive assistant and strategic partner at the top level? In this inspiring episode, Nicole Bearne shares her journey from supporting one of Formula One's most respected leaders to becoming a communications expert and business founder.

    She takes us behind the paddock doors to reveal what it's really like to work alongside Ross Brawn, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton—where every second counts and preparation is everything. You'll discover how executive support plays a crucial role in leadership success, team communication, and resilience under pressure.

    Nicole also talks about reinventing herself, building The Comms Exchange, and empowering others to grow from EA to leadership roles. Plus, she discusses her mission to inspire more women to join motorsport through programs like Girls on Track and the F1 Academy.

    This episode is a masterclass in confidence, communication, and career evolution—for anyone ready to bring Formula One focus into their executive support role.

    ---
    About the Guest:

    Nicole Bearne has been at the forefront of Formula 1 motor racing for over 25 years, winning 9 World Championships with the Brawn Grand Prix and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 teams.

    Her extensive motorsport experience includes executive and technical operations, Internal Communications, Employee Experience and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). She is also an Independent Non-Executive Director of Motorsport UK, the governing body of four-wheel motorsport in the UK.

    Nicole now leads The Comms Exchange, leveraging her F1 business experience and academic knowledge to help organisations build high-performing, people-centric cultures.

    She also runs 1-day workshops on Internal & Leadership Communication for EAs, PAs and Business Support professionals.

    Nicole holds a Master's degree in Organisational Behaviour and a CIPR Diploma in Internal Communication. She is a member of the Institute of Internal Communication, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (MCIPR) and an Accredited PR Practitioner. Nicole is frequently invited to speak at Internal Communications, Employee Experience, Leadership and HR conferences in the UK, USA and Europe.

    Links:

    🔴 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h_7dhABSjQY

    https://comms-exchange.com/
    www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-bearne
    https://www.motorsportuk.org

    Nicole's song: We Are the Champions by Queen
    🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd


    Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/

    Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter

    Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects

    Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS

    Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661
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    1 h et 8 min