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In this episode, Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears talk about one of the biggest challenges assistants face.

Many of us wait for permission before we take action or put ourselves forward.

Craig and Jodie explore why this happens, how the role has changed, and what it looks like to move into a more proactive and confident place in your career.
They talk honestly about the fear of being seen, the pressure to look busy, and the belief that hard work will speak for itself.

They share real stories from their own careers and explain how small, steady actions help you build a strong reputation over time.

Listener Question
“I often hear that personal brand matters even when you are not looking for a new role. But what does that actually mean for an assistant? How do I show my value without feeling like I am selling myself?”

Expert Contributor
Émer McCarthy, Principal Consultant at C&C Search, explains what a personal brand looks like for assistants.

She shares why your personal brand is simply the reputation you have when you are not in the room, and how small, helpful actions build trust over time.

Emer also talks about reliability, sharing solutions, asking for feedback, and supporting your network.

Episode Highlights

• Why assistants get stuck waiting for permission and how to break the habit.
• The mindset shift that helps you move from doing the work to showing the value.
• How to use quiet days to spot problems, try new ideas, and be more proactive.
• Why hard work alone will not make you visible and what actually does.
• The banker and builder mindset that helps you grow instead of staying stuck.
• A simple explanation of personal brand for assistants who do not want to brag.
• The small daily actions that build trust, confidence, and new career chances.

Value Bomb
Émer McCarthy: " it's simply the reputation that you have when you're not in the room"

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In this episode, Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears explore how assistants can build influence and visibility inside their organisations through intentional relationship-building. From bridging departments to boosting confidence, they unpack why internal networking is one of the most underrated career tools for EAs, and how external connections can quietly feed back into your internal success.

Listener Question
“I keep hearing that internal networking is important, but I have no idea where to start. What does it actually look like in practice for an assistant?”

Expert Contributor
Kristina Willis (Head of Customer Success & former EA) shares a practical roadmap for assistants to begin internal networking, from identifying who to know, to starting small conversations that build momentum.

Episode Highlights

• Internal networking 101: why assistants need to be visible beyond their exec
• The long-game mindset- networking when you’re not desperate for outcomes
• Building bridges across IT, marketing, and reception for faster results
• How internal visibility protects your career when your exec moves on
• Turning external relationships into internal wins
• The introvert’s guide to confident connection
• EA-led onboarding: the simplest way to start internal networking

Value Bomb

Kristina Willis: “The goal should always be to look inward first and ask yourself, who do you admire at your company and why?”

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In this bonus episode, Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears are joined by Fiona Young (founder of Carve) to go past “draft my email” and “summarise this deck.” We unpack how assistants can use AI for real, outcomes-focused impact: diagnosing diary inefficiencies, building lightweight automations, sharpening decision-making, and even “vibe-coding” practical tools without being a developer. If you’ve dabbled and now you’re asking “What’s next?”, this one’s for you.

Listener Question
Danielle (Boston, investment management):
“I’ve used AI for basics like emails and slide decks, but I want to spot patterns, remove bottlenecks and anticipate needs. How do assistants move beyond simple tasks and free up time for higher-value work?”

Episode Highlights

• AI beyond time-saving: use it to challenge your thinking, surface blind spots, and strengthen judgment
• COIF prompting (Context, Output, Intent, Format): a simple way to get higher-quality results consistently
• Tool-stacking wins: combine systems to automate end-to-end workflows
• Calendar analytics that matter: analyse time use and propose real changes
• Better briefings, faster: market intel, competitor scans, VIP prep
• Becoming a builder: why “vibe-coding” with AI is now within reach for EAs
• Mindset shift: define your higher-value work first; then use AI to create the capacity to do it

Value Bombs
Craig Bryson: “I’m looking at AI as helping me do the things that are monotonous and mundane so I can focus on the things that are important that the AI cannot do. (00:06:49)

Jodie Mears: “It’s not just about prompt writing, begin, middle and end. Can you confidently articulate to someone verbally if they were in person the same way you're articulating to the LLM online? It's that kind of conversation.” (00:15:50)

Fiona Young: “If you look at what's the next level, it's actually AI can help us to literally think differently. It can fill in for gaps in our thinking. Fill in for our biases, for our blind spots, to be able to actually be a sparring partner. (00:08:00)

Free Resources
Download Fiona’s Carve prompts guide + prompt library: https://joincarve.com/prompts-guide-signup

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This episode is sponsored by C&C Search – London’s leading recruitment partner for business support and HR professionals in finance and professional services. Whether you’re hiring, job hunting, or want to elevate your team, follow C&C Search. Because brilliant people deserve brilliant support.

In this episode, Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears explore one of the most requested and misunderstood topics in the admin profession:

How do you influence outcomes and shape decisions when you don’t have formal authority?

From communication skills to confidence, from planting seeds of change to building trust, they share actionable ways to increase your influence without waiting for a title, promotion, or permission.

Listener Question:

"I find it really hard to push back on senior leaders without sounding negative or difficult. How can I challenge or influence when I don’t feel like I have the authority to say no?"

Together, they unpack what it really takes to lead without authority and why influence is a skill you can practice, no matter your personality or level.

Episode Highlights:

• The paradox of influence in the admin profession and why it’s more important than ever
• Why influence starts with clarity, confidence, and communication
• Persuasion vs. influence: which mindset works better?
• How to use internal networks to amplify your voice and impact
• The power of the “Friday Wins Tracker” to showcase your value
• Practical sentence starters to help you influence outcomes respectfully
• How to push back on senior leaders without damaging relationships

Value Bombs:

Craig Bryson: “You don’t need a title to lead but you do need to build credibility through connection and collaboration.” (00:05:00)

Jodie Mears: “Influence isn’t about waiting for permission. It’s about planting the seed of change in a way that others can’t ignore.” (00:04:00)

Craig Bryson: “Sometimes, ‘no’ is a full sentence. But if that feels too hard, try reframing it into a question that puts the ball back in their court.” (00:14:00)

Support the show

Help us stay visible to you by sharing this episode with someone in your circle as well as following and subscribing so you never miss an episode.
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This episode is sponsored by C&C Search – London’s leading recruitment partner for business support and HR professionals in finance and professional services. Whether you’re hiring, job hunting, or want to elevate your team, follow C&C Search. Because brilliant people deserve brilliant support.

In this bonus episode, Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears are joined by Lucy Chamberlain, founder of C&C Search, to explore a question many assistants are grappling with:

How do you position yourself in a crowded, cautious job market, without pretending to be someone you’re not?
Whether you’re job hunting or raising your profile in your current role, Lucy shares practical, personal, and strategic advice on how to stand out authentically.

Listener Question:
"I’ve been in the same company for nine years and love my role, but leadership says I’m not visible enough. How do I show up more without looking desperate?"

Lucy helps reframe visibility as something quiet, credible, and completely within reach.

Episode Highlights:

• Why today’s job market feels so tough and how to stay optimistic
• The 3Cs of career positioning: Competence, Courage, Compassion
• Strong candidate vs. visible candidate: What’s the difference?
• CV strategies that highlight real impact and growth
• Ways to use LinkedIn without needing to post
• How to increase visibility inside your company (without the cringe)
• Why emotional intelligence is a hiring differentiator
• Smart strategies for introverts navigating networking

Value Bombs:

Lucy Chamberlain: “Power doesn’t mean control. It means choice. And choosing to own your brilliance is the first step to standing out.” (00:15:00)

Jodie Mears: “Visibility isn’t about shouting the loudest it’s about making your impact easy to see.” (00:25:00)

Craig Bryson: “You can’t get recognised if no one knows what you bring to the table. Ask your exec: What are your goals? And how can I align mine with yours?” (00:29:00)

Support the show

Help us stay visible to you by sharing this episode with someone in your network, especially those navigating job searches or career crossroads right now. Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Supporters will get a shout-out on social media and in future episodes.

Got questions?

We’d love to hear from you. Submit your listener question via our website or drop us a DM on LinkedIn, we might just feature your question next!

Support the show

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This episode is sponsored by C&C Search - London's leading recruitment partner for business support and HR professionals in finance and professional services. Whether you’re hiring, job hunting, or want to elevate your team, follow C&C Search. Because brilliant people deserve brilliant support.

In this insightful episode, Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears explore the often-overlooked reality that Administrative Professionals are inherently project managers. They unpack what project management truly involves, practical strategies to manage projects effectively without overwhelm, and offer tips on leveraging training and certifications to enhance your professional credibility and career growth.

Listener Question: "I'm struggling to see how project management courses like Prince2 relate to my role as a senior admin assistant. Do you have any advice on their relevance?"

Our contributor Kathleen Drum, Senior Editor at Executive Support Media, delivers a clear breakdown of available project management qualifications. Kathleen shares super valuable insights into how administrative professionals can strategically select training relevant to their roles.

Episode Highlights Include:

• Demystifying project management- it's simpler and more integrated into the admin role than you think.
• Effective tools and software for admin-driven project management, including Microsoft Planner, ClickUp, Trello, and Teams.
• Practical steps for tackling scope creep through clear communication and structured planning.
• Understanding the importance and relevance of different project management frameworks: Agile vs. Waterfall.
• Strategic advice on how project management certifications can boost your career visibility and credibility.

Value Bombs:

• Jodie Mears: "Own the fact that you are already a project manager. Lean into it, refine your skills, and get certified if it aligns with your goals." (00:16:00)
• Craig Bryson: "Break down your projects into smaller, manageable tasks—tackle each piece, and you'll see your project complete itself." (00:22:00)
• Kathleen Drum: "For most assistants, introductory-level project management qualifications from PRINCE2, APM, PMI, ACEA offer more than enough to significantly enhance your daily work and open doors for career growth."

Support the show

Help us stay visible to you by sharing this episode with someone in your circle as well as following and subscribing so you never miss an episode.
Supporters will get a shout-out on social media and in future episodes.

Got questions?

Support the show

Help us stay visible to you by sharing this episode with someone in your circle as well as following and subscribing so you never miss an episode.
Supporters will get a shout-out on social media and in future episodes.

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Become our Headline Sponsor! Looking for impactful ways to reach administrative and business support professionals globally? We have exciting sponsorship opportunities available! Get in touch to discuss our affordable and effective packages designed to connect your business with our engaged audience of administrative professionals worldwide.

Dive deep into essential wellness strategies that go beyond basic self-care, as Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears explore how administrative professionals can leverage wellness for career growth and organizational impact. Featuring special guest Richard Turner, High Performance Coach and Founder of Employees Health, this episode reframes wellness as a strategic driver for professional success.

This episode is essential listening for:

● Administrative professionals seeking to optimize their performance

● EAs and PAs looking to lead wellness initiatives in their organizations

● Business support professionals managing high-pressure roles

● Anyone interested in building sustainable career practices

You'll gain:

● Practical strategies for energy management over time management

● Techniques for setting boundaries without guilt

● Insights on building and leading workplace wellness initiatives

● Fresh perspectives on planning inclusive events beyond alcohol-centric networking

● Creating truly inclusive events

● Innovative alternatives to alcohol-focused gatherings

Listener question:

"Hi Crodie: Some weeks I'm feeling really deflated. I am not sure if it is my own nutrition or just the lows of the job sometimes. What do you guys do to stay energized?"

Value Bombs:

Craig Bryson [00:02:00]: " We should stop thinking wellness is optional and reframe it as, essential for thriving in high pressured roles."

Richard Turner [00:07:00]: "Understanding what it is that you do to be energized... What needs to be in place so that you perform at your best?"

Jodie Mears [00:12:00]: "I've leaned into that art of disconnecting... micro breaks work better for me. What works best for you is what matters."

Key Chapters:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Workplace Wellness

[00:06:00] Richard Turner's Expert Insights

[00:09:00] Setting Boundaries Without Guilt

[00:16:00] Future Trends in Workplace Wellness

[00:21:00] Reimagining Workplace Events: Moving Beyond Alcohol-Centric Culture

Connect with Richard Turner on LinkedIn for more insights on high performance and wellness strategies.

Support the show by sharing this episode with your network and following us to never miss an update. Got questions? Submit them via our website for a chance to be featured in future episodes.

Looking ahead: Don't miss our next ep

Support the show

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Supporters will get a shout-out on social media and in future episodes.

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Ready to elevate your career from EA to Chief of Staff? In this bonus episode, we chat with Maggie Olson, founder and CEO of Nova Chief of Staff, to discuss the transition from EA to Chief of Staff roles and provide guidance for administrative professionals seeking career advancement.

This episode is essential listening for:

● EAs looking to transition into strategic leadership positions

● Professionals seeking clarity on the Chief of Staff role

● Leaders wanting to understand the distinction between EA and Chief of Staff functions

● Anyone interested in building executive presence and strategic partnerships

You'll gain:

● Practical strategies for demonstrating strategic value

● A clear understanding of the Chief of Staff role across different organizations

● Tactics for building relationships with executive teams

● Guidance on developing your professional brand

● Tips for self-advocacy and confidence building

Plus, exclusive offer for listeners: $100 off Nova's Chief of Staff certification course with code CRODI100.

Listener question:

"Hi Crodie: How can I, as an aspiring Chief of Staff, demonstrate and prove I am ready for the role? As a successful EA of 12 years, how can I be noticed and even considered?"

YouTube
https://youtu.be/AVPIFV6dDvQ?si=sl9LDtJVwwI9D-_O

Use code CRODI100 for $100 off your next NOVA course at https://www.novachiefofstaff.com/shop

You can contact Maggie at

https://www.linkedin.com/company/novachiefofstaff/

https://www.facebook.com/novachiefofstaff

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC_7Nk0GWw4VdzLtwpIQ0CQ

Key Value Bombs with Timestamps:

Maggie Olson: [00:10:00] "The folks who are going to make great chiefs of staff are driven, curious, achievement-focused, collaborative."

Jodie Mears: [00:40:14] "Are you ready to let go of those traditional EA duties?"

Craig Bryson: [00:36:25] "Your actions are very important because people in your industry are watching you."

Support the show

Help us stay visible to you by sharing this episode with someone in your circle as well as following and subscribing so you never miss an episode.
Supporters will get a shout-out on social media and in future episodes.

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