REACH - A Podcast For Executive Assistants podcast

#Business #Maven Recruiting Group #Reach #Jessica Vann Podcast #Tech #Executive Assistants #Administrators #Maven #EA #PA #Assistant #Admins

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In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast hosted by Kristian Marquez, guest Sindhu Joseph, founder and CEO of CogniCor, shares how artificial intelligence is transforming the financial services and wealth management industry. Sindhu discusses the significant wealth disparity she has observed globally and how CogniCor’s AI-powered co-pilot platform empowers financial advisors to scale their services, reaching beyond the traditional 30% of affluent households to potentially 70-80%. By reducing administrative burdens and providing a unified, real-time 360-degree view of client households, CogniCor enables advisors to deliver personalized, data-driven financial advice efficiently. Sindhu also reflects on her 15+ years of experience in AI, her global upbringing across India, Europe, and the US, and how her human-first approach shapes CogniCor’s mission to democratize access to wealth management. The episode explores the future impact of AI on work and society, the importance of domain expertise combined with AI knowledge, and the challenges posed by fragmented legacy systems in financial services. Listeners gain valuable insights into the intersection of AI innovation, fintech disruption, and ethical leadership in building scalable, impactful technology solutions. Whether you’re a financial professional, investor, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers a deep dive into AI’s transformative potential in wealth management and the inspiring journey of a visionary founder driving meaningful change. Learn more about Sindhu's work at https://www.cognicor.com/ Connect with Sindhu on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sindhujoseph/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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REACH is for the Executive Assistant who hustles hard, strives for excellence and is committed to seeking out life’s “aha moments” to help you reach the next stage in your development and career. In each episode, expect to gain invaluable insight from our personal network of Executive Assistants whose careers span the Fortune 500, Silicon Valley Venture Capital firms and your favorite tech companies and start-ups. Hosted by Maven Recruiting Group’s Founder and CEO, Jessica Vann, this is your opportunity to participate in the solidarity of listening to people who “get it.” REACH is designed to inspire your workday, guide you through pivotal moments in your career and transform you into the Executive Assistant you’ve always wanted to be. REACH is brought to you by Maven Recruiting Group who specializes in placing Executive Assistants and support staff to the Bay Area’s most prominent Executives and companies. You can learn more about Maven at www.mavenrec.com or by reaching out to us at reach@mavenrec.com.

100 episodes

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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updated il y a environ 16 jours

maison des série•Feed

100 episodes

#Business #Maven Recruiting Group #Reach #Jessica Vann Podcast #Tech #Executive Assistants #Administrators #Maven #EA #PA #Assistant #Admins

Tất cả các tập

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Brain Types & High Performance: Unlocking the Strategies to Achieve High-Performance and How to Read your Executive 1:07:28

il y a environ 16 jours1:07:28

1:07:28

In this episode of REACH, we’re joined by longtime friend of the Maven community and executive coach, Michael “Coop” Cooper. With over 20 years of experience coaching executives and teams, Coop specializes in helping organizations align, collaborate, and perform at their highest potential. His work spans leadership accelerators, team alignment workshops, and coaching on the Brain Types framework, a tool that helps individuals better understand how they think, communicate, and respond under pressure. We dive into what makes a high-performing team, how leaders can foster clarity and cohesion, and the common blind spots that hold teams back. Coop also shares actionable insights for Executive Assistants supporting C-suite leaders, especially when navigating misalignment or communication breakdowns. If you’re looking to deepen your influence, drive alignment across your organization, or better understand how to show up at your best under stress, this episode is a must-listen! If your team or organization is ready to operate at a higher level of alignment, collaboration, and performance, you can explore Coop’s offerings at highperformanceorgs.com .…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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From EA to Co-Founder: How a 17-Year Partnership Built Trust, Leadership and Opportunity 52:54

il y a environ 29 jours52:54

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In this episode, we’re joined by longtime EA-turned-cofounder Michelle Czarnik, whose 17-year partnership with her executive led to the launch of BOXMEDIA.io, a mission-driven storytelling platform. Michelle shares what it takes to build a high-trust, long-term EA partnership, one that evolves from support to strategic collaboration, and how that trust ultimately opened the door to entrepreneurship. We trace her incredible career journey, from working in Hollywood as Maria Bello’s assistant, to pivoting into tech, and now returning to her roots in estate management. Michelle also opens up about her passion for golf, the power of presence, and why she’s on a mission to get more women on the course. Whether you’re in the early stages of your EA career or dreaming about what’s next, Michelle’s story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and leaning into the unknown.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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From the Kitchen to the Page with Laurie Woolever: From Supporting Culinary Icons Batali and Bourdain to NY Times best-selling Author 1:15:12

il y a 6 weeks1:15:12

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Bridging the worlds of food, writing, and the behind-the-scenes realities of celebrity chefs, today’s guest is a true powerhouse! Laurie Woolever is best known as the longtime assistant and trusted collaborator of the legendary Anthony Bourdain. But her story stretches far beyond that role, from working as a receptionist, a private chef to a UHNW health-conscious family, to graduating from culinary school and serving as assistant to Mario Batali at the height of his fame. Laurie’s career evolved into food media and writing, culminating in co-authoring several books with Bourdain. A three-time New York Times bestselling author, she completed World Travel: An Irreverent Guide after Bourdain’s passing and penned Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography . Her latest memoir, Care and Feeding , is a raw, witty, and moving reflection on carving out her own voice while supporting someone else’s. In this episode, we dive deep with Laurie into her memoir Care and Feeding and the pivotal events that have shaped her life. Laurie pulls back the curtain on navigating the world as an assistant to larger-than-life culinary personalities, breaking into food media, and forging a new path as a writer. We explore the highs and lows of her journey, as she reflects on years spent supporting others and how it ultimately led her to tell her own story. You don’t want to miss this amazing episode and Laurie’s insights on what it truly means to find your own voice after a career spent amplifying others! Learn More About Laurie, Her Work, and Her Podcast: Website: https://lauriewoolever.com/about Memoir – The Care and Feeding : https://www.amazon.com/Care-Feeding-Memoir-Laurie-Woolever/dp/0063327600 Podcast – Carbface : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/carbface/id1331076906…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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REACH Hits 100! Behind the Mic & Flipping the Script on Jessica 1:31:20

il y a 9 weeks1:31:20

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🎉 We made it—100 episodes of REACH! 🎉 In this milestone episode, we're flipping the script and putting our host, Jessica Vann, in the hot seat. As Founder and CEO of Maven Recruiting Group, Jessica has spent the past 6 years bringing the voices, journeys, and insights of the EA community to life—and today, we’re turning the mic on her. Guest host Amy Crumley, Executive Assistant to the CEO at Samba TV (and longtime REACH fan!), takes us behind the scenes to explore the origin of the show, the most memorable moments, lessons learned, and what it’s taken to build a podcast that’s become a cornerstone for the administrative community. From sourcing top-tier guests to recording in studio (with a Molinari sandwich in hand), this episode is a heartfelt look at the journey, the people, and the passion behind REACH. Stick around for a special appearance at the end—you won’t want to miss it! It’s here! What is arguably Maven Recruiting Group’s most sought-after resource each year—our Annual Compensation Guide for Administrative Hiring! Don’t miss out on the insights that can shape your strategy for the year ahead. Download your copy now: https://www.mavenrec.com/compensation-guide…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Inside the Executive + EA Partnership: Building Trust, Efficiency & Leverage- Plus Everything You Need to Know About Zeal.ai 53:49

il y a 14 weeks53:49

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We’re thrilled to bring you a truly special episode of REACH—one that’s been years in the making! For the first time, we’re hearing from both an Executive and her former Executive Assistant in a joint conversation about what it takes to build a powerful, productive partnership. In this episode, we sit down with Varsha Rao, Founder and CEO of Zeal AI, and Sheena Deol, who supported Varsha during her time as CEO of Nurx. Their partnership spanned 3.5 years, and the insights they share about trust, communication, and operating as a true extension of one another are nothing short of inspiring. You’ll also get an inside look at Varsha’s newest venture, Zeal AI—an AI-powered restaurant discovery and booking assistant that’s designed to make planning business meals effortless. Whether you’re booking client dinners, private dining rooms, or just trying to find the perfect spot during travel, Zeal AI is quickly becoming an indispensable tool for EAs. Sponsor: This episode of REACH is sponsored by Zeal AI your AI-powered restaurant discovery and reservation planning assistant designed to make organizing business dinners and meetings effortless and memorable. Whether you're looking for the perfect restaurant for your team, board meetings, client lunches, including private dining options, near your office or for business travel, Zeal AI brings it all together in one place. Zeal’s intuitive AI search helps you discover and book restaurants across platforms—saving you time and stress and includes reviews from other EAs who’ve booked for business. Zeal AI also has private dining options that have been vetted by other EAs to simplify your work. As a special thank you to our listeners, the first 500 Executive Assistants to visit www.hellozeal.ai/maven/ will receive exclusive VIP access, including Zeal’s innovative EA agent that helps you handle complex booking tasks with ease. Less planning, more doing—thanks to Zeal AI!…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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From EA to SVP: Tanya’s Retrospective on a Decade of Growth and Leadership within Okta 1:15:26

il y a 17 weeks1:15:26

1:15:26

Happy Administrative Professionals Week! And what better way to celebrate than by spotlighting the incredible journey of Tanya Benvenuto! In this episode of REACH, we’re celebrating a remarkable milestone—Tanya Benvenuto’s 10-year anniversary at Okta! Tanya’s career evolution from Executive Assistant to Senior Vice President of Executive Operations for the Office of the CEO is nothing short of extraordinary. And for us, this one’s personal—REACH host Jessica Vann had the privilege of placing Tanya at Okta a decade ago (even though Tanya nearly turned the offer down!). Tanya’s journey is a powerful example of what it means to advocate for yourself, lean into your potential, and shape your own trajectory. Over the past ten years, she’s transformed her role from behind-the-scenes support to a strategic leadership position, building and leading a high-performing executive operations team that partners directly with Okta’s top executives. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to go from supporting leadership to becoming leadership—this one’s for you! It’s here! What is arguably Maven Recruiting Group’s most sought-after resource each year—our Annual Compensation Guide for Administrative Hiring! Don’t miss out on the insights that can shape your strategy for the year ahead. Download your copy now: https://www.mavenrec.com/compensation-guide…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Driving Change Through Narrative – A Guide for Executive Assistants 50:56

il y a 19 weeks50:56

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We're excited to share our conversation with Eliza Leoni, Senior Consultant at Decker Communications, who has extensive experience coaching senior leaders on high-stakes communication. Eliza’s expertise spans a range of critical areas—from leading presentations to large audiences, managing organizational change, and navigating difficult conversations. In this episode, we dive into the role of narrative in driving change, especially for Executive Assistants. You’ll hear how storytelling can shape team dynamics, keep everyone aligned during uncertainty, and help influence without formal authority. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their communication skills and make an impact in their organization. Don’t miss out on the valuable insights Eliza has to offer!…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Global Perspectives & Misconceptions of the Executive Assistant Career: Insight from the Middle East 37:06

il y a 21 weeks37:06

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In this episode, we welcome long-time REACH fan Karima Thomson, joining us from Abu Dhabi! Karima supports the Executive Leadership Team at Core42, a leading AI company, and previously worked at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). Born in Scotland, with career experience in London and the Middle East, Karima shares how the EA role in Abu Dhabi compares to the U.S. and Europe, the cultural nuances shaping executive support in the UAE, and how AI is transforming the profession. We also discuss misconceptions about the EA role in the Middle East, the realities of work-life balance in a fast-paced region, and the power of embracing discomfort for career growth. If you’re an EA with international ambitions, this one’s for you!…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Leading with Heart & Soul: Embracing Spirituality in the Workplace with Oprah's Former Chief of Staff 1:09:55

il y a 39 weeks1:09:55

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In this episode we hear from none other than Libby Moore who spent over a decade supporting the legendary Oprah Winfrey. Prior to her impressive tenure with Oprah, Libby supported Jann Wenner media mogul and co-founder or Rollingstone magazine as his Executive Assistant as well as talk show personality Maury Povich as a Personal Assistant. Libby has been featured for her noteworthy career in publications such as Forbes, Forty Over Forty and Smart Company and today, we get to hear about how she has embraced spirituality in the workplace throughout the various twists and turns in her career. Following her time with Ms. Winfrey, Libby transitioned into her now career as an Executive Life Coach. You can learn more about her offerings at https://libbymoore.com/ .…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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A Hospitality Background Might Just Be the Perfect Launching Pad for a C-Level Executive Assistant Career 51:57

il y a 51 weeks51:57

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Ever wonder if your years waiting tables or running a hotel front desk could be a secret weapon in your career arsenal? The answer is a resounding yes! In this episode of REACH, we'll be exploring how hospitality skills – those honed in the world of customer service, restaurants, cafes, and hotels – translate beautifully into the executive assistant career. Joining us is Janet Kim, Executive Assistant to the CEO of Clubhouse who successfully parlayed her background in hospitality into a highly successful EA career. We'll be diving into how skills like anticipation, service, multi-tasking, problem-solving and exceeding expectations seamlessly transition from a hospitality setting to supporting executives. Janet enjoys sharing her story and experiences with other EAs on her blog called “That Exec Asst Life,” so be sure to subscribe to her social and follow along: https://www.thatexecasstlife.com/…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Building & Leading Powerhouse EA Teams Featuring Panel of Ex-Slack Executive Assistants 1:15:27

il y a 1 year1:15:27

1:15:27

In this episode of REACH, we're welcoming a baller Executive Assistant panel, showcasing 3 incredibly accomplished executive assistants who worked together at Slack for many years as part of the PDE EA Team. In addition to their roles as individual contributor EAs, as leaders within the EA org they also implemented best practices, developed career pathing for EAs, supported with onboarding and navigated the complexities of an acquisition and the ensuring change management (Salesforce acquired Slack in 2021). Joining us is returning REACH guest from Season 2, Shelley Trask, who formerly supported the CTO of Slack for over 6 years. Next, we're joined by Sam Andonian who is currently the Lead Admin to Lidiane Jones, CEO of Bumble and has worked for companies like Slack, Google and Disney. And, rounding out our panel is Ellen Grosswiler, who currently supports the VP of Engineering at Figma and was an EA at Slack for nearly 5 years. Together, our esteemed guests will provide valuable perspectives on how they operate as Lead EAs, offering guidance on leadership responsibilities, mentorship, culture and how they navigate a managerial role within the realm of executive support.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Perfecting the Art of Communication and Understanding the Effect It Has on the Executive Assistant Brand 1:05:57

il y a 1 year1:05:57

1:05:57

In this episode of REACH, we're joined by Ninni Vanni who’s been a C-level Executive Assistant for 10 years working for companies like Rula, ON24 and Zuora. Ninni holds a master's degree in communication, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table to weigh in this topic. With a background finely tuned to the nuances of effective communication, Ninni is uniquely positioned to shed light on the intricate role that communication plays in supporting executives and managing the multifaceted and often delicate / diplomatic communications an Executive Assistant encounters. As we explore the importance of communication in this pivotal role, we'll unravel the impact of skills like active listening, information streamlining and the art of pushing back when necessary. Ninni's deep understanding of communication dynamics within and outside organizations will undoubtedly provide valuable insights for both aspiring and seasoned executive assistants.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Balancing Motherhood While Supporting at the Top: Advice from US Veteran Turned EA to Top Tech CEOs 58:26

il y a 1 year58:26

58:26

With Mother's Day right around the corner, we thought it’d be fun to do an episode specifically for the working moms! In this episode of REACH, we’ll be delving into a conversation that resonates deeply with many: balancing the demands of motherhood and an elite Executive Assistant career working at the top of the professional ladder. We welcomed remarkable guest Camille Howard for this feel good conversation. Camille's journey to the top is nothing short of inspiring. A US veteran who transitioned seamlessly into the corporate world, Camille now serves as a C-level Executive Assistant supporting the CEO of Mastercard. Beyond her professional accolades, Camille embodies the essence of resilience and balance, seamlessly navigating the intricacies of both career and motherhood. Listen in as Camille shares her insights, experiences, and invaluable wisdom on how she manages the delicate dance between her role as an Executive Assistant and her cherished role as a mother. We'll explore the unique challenges she's encountered, the strategies she's employed to overcome them, and the profound impact her role has had on enabling the executives she’s supported to also reclaim precious time for their personal lives. And last but not least, Happy Mother's Day!…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Listeners Call In: Your Questions Answered in Honor of Administrative Professionals Day 52:18

il y a 1 year52:18

52:18

Happy Administrative Professionals Day to our REACH Executive Assistant community! In the spirit of celebration, we invited our listeners to call in to the show and ask us anything. In this episode we welcomed back Maven Recruiting Group’s VP of Accounts and Growth, Gillian Lopez, to help tackle your burning questions alongside REACH host Jessica Vann. Thank you to all of you who called in to our program and asked such insightful questions around asking for a raise, standing out in your job search, landing an EA to CEO role, adjusting your resume when you've been out of the industry for a while, getting your executive to view you as a trusted partner and so much more! We're excited to share this Q&A episode with you all!…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Learning from Legends: What Jeff Bezos’ Former Executive Assistant Gleaned & Translated into Her New Career as a Leadership Strategist 59:53

il y a 1 year59:53

59:53

Ann Hiatt is a Silicon Valley veteran with 15 years of executive support experience under her belt. She’s supported many of the titans of tech including Jeff Bezos, Founder and CEO of Amazon, Marissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo!, & Eric Schmidt, CEO and Executive Chairman of Google. Having pivoted from her career as an Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff, Ann is now a Leadership Strategist & Executive Coach as well as an author and podcaster! In this episode of REACH, Ann shares some of the wisdom she's gleaned from working closely with some of the brightest minds in Silicon Valley and how she’s parlayed that knowledge into her work as an executive leadership strategist. If you haven't already, be sure to grab a copy of her book Bet On Yourself : Recognize, Own & Implement Breakthrough Opportunities.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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What One Executive Assistant Learned from Being in the Room with Renowned Tech Leaders 1:05:17

il y a 2 years1:05:17

1:05:17

In her nearly 25-year long career, Anita Gaeta has had two primary support relationships, each lasting over a decade, which suggests a lot not only about Anita’s immense value to these executives, but also the depth and extent of her partnerships and the tremendous opportunities for learning and exchange Anita has had. When we look at Anita’s career, she has been courtside with some of the most formidable and accomplished Titans of Tech, including Meg Whitman, former CEO of both eBay and Hewlett Packard, Lars Dalgaard, Founder and CEO of Success Factors and Steven Boal, CEO of Coupons.com. In this episode we hear from Anita firsthand about some of the lessons she’s learned and observations she’s had by being in the room with such renowned tech leaders and executives. One of her best pieces of advice? Always listen.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Understanding Your Rights as an Employee + Tips for Executive Assistants Creating Workplace Policies 1:02:29

il y a 2 years1:02:29

1:02:29

If you’re an executive assistant curious about your rights as an employee or perhaps you work in an environment where you’re tasked with being the defacto HR person or setting employee policy, this episode is for you. We're diving into the complex world of employment law with two experts who know the ins and outs of this topic. And, I promise you, if anyone can make the law fun and relevant, it’s our guests, Angel Horacek, Founding Partner and Attorney at Law Offices of Angel J. Horacek, PC and Iryll Robbins-Umel, Civil and Employment Attorney at Law Offices of Angel J. Horacek, PC and formerly an administrative judge with the EEOC. Both of these ladies bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, having represented countless individuals in cases ranging from all forms of discrimination to wrongful termination to wage and hour disputes. In fact, Angel and her team secured one of the largest plaintiff verdicts in 2022 in all of California! With their track record of successfully navigating the intricacies of employment regulations, we’ve brought these ladies on to help inform you of your rights as employees as well as to decode some of the more obtuse areas of the law, so you can feel more empowered in how you navigate or consider situations you may find yourself in. Moreover, we know many of our EA listeners are themselves also people managers, hiring managers or, at times, policy creators, so it's important to understand how your role may intersect with the law.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Defining & Owning Your Support Style: Advice for Executive Assistants Working in Creative Entrepreneurship 41:57

il y a 2 years41:57

41:57

Natasha Rodriguez, Business Operations Manager at Eyeswoon joins us from Brooklyn to talk about her role supporting the renowned Athena Calderone, dubbed as “the modern girl’s Martha Stewart” by none other than The New York Times. You may know Athena as a chef and author of the James Beard award-winning cookbook, Cook Beautiful, or perhaps you’re familiar with who she is as a designer, her book Live Beautiful or maybe you’ve seen one of her brilliant design pieces on Crate & Barrel’s website (a recent collaboration she did). In this episode of REACH, Natasha gives us a glimpse into her day-to-day and shares how she's framed her work experience and created a unique support style and brand for herself as a professional within the creative space. Be sure to shop Eyeswoon's stylish curation of beautiful objects for the kitchen and home at www.eye-swoon.com . 'Tis the season for holiday table inspo!…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Perspectives on the Loneliness Epidemic in the Workplace and How to Conduct a Successful Negotiation 59:00

il y a 2 years59:00

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In this episode of REACH, we're joined by Professor Juliana Schroeder. Juliana is the Harold Furst Chair in Management Philosophy and Values Professor at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business & she just recently gave a TEDx Talk on how to connect better in light of the loneliness epidemic plaguing American culture. Schroeder is a behavioral scientist who researches the psychological processes by which people think about the minds of other people, particularly in workplace contexts. The attributions people make about others’ minds are significant because they effect decisions about how we interact with others, such as whether to help or harm them. For instance, determining whether a negotiation partner is trustworthy affects willingness to cooperate. A tributary of Juliana’s research deals with negotiations and she teaches the Negotiations and Conflict Resolution course at Haas School of Business, so we figured she’d be the perfect person to give us the 411 on all things salary negotiations, which we know is often a burning topic for our REACH listeners. Watch Juliana's TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J509AZl7bHY…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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The Story of a C-Level Executive Assistant Becoming a Business Owner, Life Coach & Motherhood Mentor 46:05

il y a 2 years46:05

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Starting at just 15 years old, Violet Ostuni devoted much of her life to the Executive Assistant profession and worked her way to support CEOs of companies such as Zoox, Federation Bio, CSpence Group, Genstar Capital & Full Harvest. She’s held various demanding support positions and, as any good EA does, has made her executives’ goals and objectives her #1 priority, that is, until recently! Violet shares her journey from Executive Assistant to business owner, life coach, podcaster and motherhood mentor. This episode is a feel-good story that we hope inspires you to follow your dreams and passion projects as well as highlights how the Executive Assistant career can be a platform from which to launch your own entrepreneurial ambitions. Learn more about Violet Ventures at https://www.ventureviolet.com/ & check out her podcast here: https://www.ventureviolet.com/venturelovepodcast.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Viewpoints on DEI in the Workplace 1:04:18

il y a 2 years1:04:18

1:04:18

Today’s workspaces function very differently than they did even a year ago. Post-COVID era accommodations fundamentally shifted how we do work. A different kind of effort must be made to maintain our human connections that form as we work alongside each other. An important aspect of these connections that contribute to company culture is benefitting from inclusive and diverse workspaces. In this episode of REACH, we have the pleasure of speaking with Candace Deanes, who has had an illustrious career performing in roles that have uniquely qualified her to navigate this shift in how we work. Having been the Executive Business Partner to the Chief People and Diversity Officer at Twitter, and shifted to the Human Resources Business Partner role post-acquisition, Candace had super exclusive access and contribution to how DEI is approached and implemented in a large, dynamic organization.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Do I Need a Temp? How to Evaluate the Need for Temporary Coverage, Plus How to Hire, Train & Set Up a Contract Worker for Success 37:16

il y a 2 years37:16

37:16

In this episode, we have the privilege of interviewing one of our very own from Maven Recruiting Group, Shirin Esmaili, Account Director & Team Lead of our Temporary Division. Shirin works with our clients to fill critical gaps such as those created by parental leave, disability, vacations or just a need for additional bandwidth or capacity to get through a crunch period. Over her Maven tenure, Shirin has navigated nearly every request or situation imaginable and counseled countless clients and temp workers on how to set themselves up for success, so she’s the perfect person to cover today’s topic which is how to evaluate the need for temp coverage, plus how to hire, train & set up a contract worker for success.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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The Executive Assistant Role from Venture Capital and Start-Up Vantage Points 50:34

il y a 2 years50:34

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We’re delighted to welcome Lorynn Boland to our program! She is an EA who has navigated both sides of the aisle, so to speak, having spent five years at Kleiner Perkins, the legendary venture capital firm, and now the last six months supporting the CEO of PlanetScale, a database platform for developers with infinite scalability. Today we’ll be learning about Lorynn’s experiences of supporting in these environments which, while different, are also inextricably linked and symbiotic. We feel this is an important conversation to have, as there is definitely a compatibility and common language between these respective industries, as well as some noteworthy differences. For anyone curious to understand these difference or for someone who is perhaps preparing for a job interview or transition from one side to the other, today’s conversation will be particularly valuable.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Leveraging AI to 10x Your Work as an Executive Assistant 1:02:19

il y a 2 years1:02:19

1:02:19

In this episode, we welcome back Executive Coach and Co-Creator of Maven’s e-learning course and coaching program, Julia Quijano. Julia and Jessica recently finished the recording and roll-out of our latest e-course, “Becoming a Strategic Partner.” In furtherance to that conversation, here is a follow-up on an emerging area that is presenting itself as another strategic opportunity for executive assistants to 10x their work: the rapidly evolving area of AI. As a quick refresher, Julia is a former Executive Assistant turned Chief of Staff and currently runs her own Executive Development Firm where she works with startup leaders across various industries. She is the co-creator and host of our (now) 2 e-courses and also facilitates our group and individual coaching programs. This is her 4th time as REACH guest and her other episodes include What it Means to be a Chief of Staff, How Executives Have Also Been Affected by The Great Resignation, and How to set SMART Goals - if you haven’t already, be sure to check those out!…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Understanding the Legal and Security Landscape of AI in your Executive Assistant Role 50:44

il y a 2 years50:44

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In the continuously evolving AI landscape, we’ve only scratched the surface on the potential of AI as well as the latent security and legal issues that are co-emerging with the advent of AI technology, especially as that relates to the Executive Assistant role. As we further our exploration of AI in the workplace, we’ve invited subject matter expert Abraham Kang, Managing Consultant at Include Security LLC, to our program. Abe is both an information security leader and subject matter expert who has worked for such notable companies as Venmo and Samsung and spoken internationally on security matters, as well as a Juris Doctorate licensed to practice in the State of California who lends his time as an amicus curiae specifically for the emerging intersection of AI and the law. Whether it's earning a JD in his spare time, teaching himself quantitative mathematics or learning to dance bachata, Abe has an insatiable appetite for learning and expansion, making him the ideal guest to tackle the vastness of this topic!…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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Leveraging AI as a Strategic Advantage in your Executive Assistant Role 50:43

il y a 2 years50:43

50:43

The space of AI is moving so fast and evolving so quickly! AI is in the headlines nearly daily as people debate its merits, its utility in supporting efficiency and productivity, as well as the ethical and somewhat dystopian implications of its use as we incorporate it more and more into our daily lives and work. We've invited Nikki Dickman to our program to discuss her experience with AI and how she sees it supporting today's executive assistants. Nikki is particularly qualified to speak on this subject. Not only is she an accomplished executive assistant with a background in psychology who started a tech company to help therapists connect more effectively with their autistic adolescent patients, but she is also currently the Chief of Staff at Rewind, an AI company founded and led by Dan Siroker, who previously built Optimizely and garnered wide acclaim there. Rewind AI has the provocative thesis, "What if you had perfect memory? What if you could ask any question about anything you've seen, said, or heard?" Join us as we ask this question and so many more.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
Former EA to CEO of Twitter on How to Accelerate Your Career 1:10:42

il y a 2 years1:10:42

1:10:42

Taylor DeLorenzo is the definition of an A-list Executive Assistant and high achiever. As an Ivy League graduate from Cornell, her first Executive Assistant role was supporting a Founder, and in her next role she served as the right-hand to the CEO of publicly traded Shake Shack. She then leaped over to Twitter where she ended her tenure there supporting the CEO and saw them through their much publicized takeover by Elon Musk. In this episode, Taylor shares her story and her thoughts on how to shore up confidence in your abilities in order to accelerate your own Executive Assistant career.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
Life as an Executive Assistant in a Publicly Traded vs Privately Held Company 37:36

il y a 2 years37:36

37:36

If you’re a regular listener of REACH, you know that we like to unpack the nuances associated within EA roles across industries and across stages of organizational maturity. We’ve talked previously about what’s involved in taking a company public from the EA perspective, and in this episode with Katherine Estep, who currently supports the CFO at Udemy with executive operations, we discuss the specific responsibilities of an EA working in a publicly traded company. Katherine joined Udemy the month they announced their IPO and has been supporting their CFO ever since the company became publicly traded on NASDAQ. We're excited to share what she has to say about the EA role after a company has gone public!…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
What Does it Mean to be an Executive Assistant in a “War Room?” 40:49

il y a 2 years40:49

40:49

You may be familiar with the term “war room” or “situation room” as it relates to the Presidential Cabinet where the President and his advisors retreat to strategize on highly sensitive or critical matters. Today Rachel Tan joins us to discuss the role an Executive Assistant plays in a war room in the context of a business. While Rachel currently supports the CEO & President of Benchling with strategic programs, she also has experience supporting Chief Marketing Officers and working closely with Communications and PR, meaning she’s no stranger to being involved in addressing newsworthy and current events, and even crises. Our goal in this episode is to help EAs navigate any type of "war room" situation with sensitivity, grace and professionalism.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
Career & Life Lessons from Michelle Obama’s Former Assistant & Right Hand: Part Two 38:01

il y a 2 years38:01

38:01

We know you're excited for Part Two of our conversation with Chynna Clayton, former Executive Assistant to Michelle Obama and current Founder of Matriarch Made Development - and we're happy to deliver! Join us as we delve into Chynna’s formative years that helped shape her into the person she is today, learn all that went into supporting a celebrity and someone as high profile and adored as former First Lady Michelle Obama, as well as Chynna’s three life takeaways and lessons from her time with Mrs. Obama. (I’m not giving anything away by letting you know one of them is knitting!) You can learn more about Chynna’s consultancy, Matriarch Made Development , where she focuses on developing the talent and potential of administrative professionals in corporate and non-profit organizations by visiting https://www.chynnaclayton.com…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
Career & Life Lessons from Michelle Obama’s Former Assistant & Right Hand: Part One 32:51

il y a 2 years32:51

32:51

We are thrilled to release part one of our conversation with none other than Chynna Clayton who spent over a decade as the Executive Assistant to the legendary Michelle Obama, first in her capacity as FLOTUS, then for another 6 years after Mrs. Obama departed the White House. Chynna's story has been featured in Vogue and Oprah Daily , so we are especially grateful that she agreed to share her wisdom & experiences with the REACH community. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an individual who has literally worked at the highest echelon of demand, expectation, intensity, and discretion and where the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Plus, this is just part one, so be sure to join us in two weeks for the rest of our conversation! Be sure to also check out Chynna's consultancy, Matriarch Made Development, where she focuses on developing the talent and potential of administrative professionals in corporate and non-profit organizations. Visit www.chynnaclayton.com for more information.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
Applying the SMART Goals Framework to Your Work as an Executive Assistant 51:49

il y a 3 years51:49

51:49

This episode on goal setting was not only requested by our listeners, but it’s a timely one given we’re at the top of a new year and hopefully full of inspiration and motivation to achieve some great things in 2023! Today we’ll be discussing some of the material covered in our "Becoming a Chief of Staff" e-course, specifically how to apply the SMART goals framework to your work as an Executive Assistant. This episode is full of practical content that you won't want to miss! If you’ve been contemplating investing in the e-course, this episode might give you the motivation to officially sign up! You can do so at https://courses.mavenrec.com/courses/becoming-a-chief-of-staff . Use code MAVENLOVESEAS for 15% off through the month of February.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
Behind the Scenes: What It’s Like to Support Husband & Wife Lifestyle Influencer Duo 36:14

il y a 3 years36:14

36:14

We’ve had a wide range of Executive Assistants on our program who support business owners, celebrities, government officials and even magicians, but never have we featured an EA who supports an influencer – until now! Katie Hobson is the Senior Executive Assistant to husband and wife team Michael & Lauryn Bosstick, lifestyle brand influencers, podcasters, business owners of Dear Media & The Skinny Confidential and hosts of the Him & Her podcast. Obviously, the world of influencing is a new and hot industry that greatly impacts all things social media, consumerism, shopping, cooking, decorating, knowledge gathering, you name it. In this episode, Katie provides us with a behind-the-scenes look into what goes on in the lives of influencers and how she as an Executive Assistant shows up to support them in a unique and meaningful way. Check out Katie's "Day in the Life" video on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cj8fNI4ABIK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
Serena Williams’ Former Assistant is the Definition of a “Swiss Army Knife” Professional: Learn About His Experiences & How He’s Incorporated All Aspects in the Executive Assistant Role 42:27

il y a 3 years42:27

42:27

Don't miss this episode featuring Grant Firestone, former Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff to Serena Williams! Grant's widely eclectic career spans everything from political operative, legislative aide in local government, high school coach, French student, lacrosse player, intern for the Global New York Times and currently, he supports the CEO of Lax International Airport on all things strategic initiatives, special projects and events. As someone who is so clearly capable and has such a myriad range of interests and talents, we’re excited to explore the perspective Grant brings to his work as a former Executive Assistant turned Manager of Strategic Initiatives and learn what it was that he's found within the Executive Assistant career that has nourished all of his different interests. Join us for this inspiring interview!…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
Executive Assistant by Day and Soul Food Chef by Night 31:40

il y a 3 years31:40

31:40

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, it's only fitting to release an episode all about FOOD! Cherie Barfield, Executive Assistant at Meta and Owner of Cherie’s Southern Kitchen, has been an EA for over 26 years and she most recently embarked on a new journey as a food entrepreneur, having launched her own soul food catering company. There is something so beautiful and inspiring about seeing someone go after their dreams and we promise you this is one of those feel-good stories that just makes your heart warm, your mouth water and your stomach growl (seriously, grab a snack for this one!).…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
The Gaming Effect: Just What is Going on With These Lengthy Interview Processes?! 35:08

il y a 3 years35:08

35:08

You’re probably wondering, why is this episode called “The Gaming Effect?” What does that even mean? Well, have you ever noticed how ordinarily sweet kids, while playing video games will shoot their enemies on rapid fire screaming die, die in this kind of vapid, dehumanized way? Or the mindless look that washes over their faces as they vigorously grip the controller pressing “fire” as quickly as they possibly can? We’re calling this ability to tune out and turn off your empathy “The Gaming Effect.” This got me thinking that there is something very powerful that happens to our empathy and ability to relate and connect to others when we introduce the distance of technology. Many have spoken on the alienating and dehumanizing effects of technology and how Zoom and other similar platforms, while incredibly convenient, cannot compensate for human interaction and connection. With so many employers now relying exclusively (or at least mainly) on interviews conducted over a technology platform, it got me wondering if this "gaming effect" is also occurring in interview processes in today’s market and what evidence there might be for that based on the interview processes we run as a recruiting firm. In this episode, we welcome back Gillian Lopez, VP of Accounts and Growth at Maven Recruiting Group. Gillian works directly with many of Maven’s clients spanning Fortune 500 companies, venture capital firms, tech startups, you name it, and therefore, has a direct pulse on the market and what both job seekers and hiring managers are experiencing in today’s job market, which makes her the ideal guest for today’s topic.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
Debunking Stereotypes: How & Why Creative Minds Actually Thrive in the Executive Assistant Role 35:24

il y a 3 years35:24

35:24

In this episode of REACH, our friend Campbell Ruggles, Executive Assistant to the CEO of Universe, joins us from Brooklyn, New York. Campbell is one of those people who gets up to speed quickly, makes an immediate impact, and does so in non-traditional ways which we'll unpack in this episode. A creative herself who used Universe’s platform to create a website to sell her own art, Campbell is someone who sort of stumbled into the Executive Assistant profession and has been incredibly successful. Our goal with this episode is to debunk the stereotype most people have about the kind of person who is successful as an EA. You know the type – they are hyper-organized, type A, love list making and planned their wedding at 10 years old! Campbell wouldn’t put herself into that category and mentioned she’s never fit the classic EA archetype, and yet she loves this profession and has been really successful at it. Campbell’s affinity for this role also demonstrates an important lesson, which is that there are multiple ways to be successful and, often times, being able to approach challenges and solutions from a different angle can be incredibly beneficial. So, if you’re someone who also feels like you also don’t fit the typical EA mold, or you’d like to learn how you can approach your own EA role from a more unique or innovative viewpoint, this episode is for you!…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
How to Telescope Your Value and Build Good PR Across the Organization as an Executive Assistant 48:49

il y a 3 years48:49

48:49

If you’re a regular REACH listener, you know we’ve spent a lot of time discussing how to gain buy-in from your executive, but what about everyone else you need information from and work with day-in and day-out? People like your executive’s direct reports, or Finance, or other C-Suite members. Kristine Valenzuela, Executive Assistant to the Head of Engineering at Atlassian, has graciously offered to tackle this topic and share her tips for how to telescope your value beyond just your executive and essentially that boils down to creating good PR for yourself. So, if you need advice on how to position yourself or tweak your leadership brand to be perceived differently (and respected!) in your organization in order to get the information you need to do your job effectively, this episode is for you.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
How to Elevate Your Role as an Executive Assistant Within Venture Capital 43:03

il y a 3 years43:03

43:03

We invited Rachel Coffman, Operations Manager within Susa Ventures, to the program to be the spokesperson of Venture Capital. If you’re a loyal listener of REACH (and we hope you are!) you know we’ve featured several Executive Assistants who support the movers and shakers of the tech world, so we wanted to give the Venture Capital industry some love. In this episode, we address questions like 1.) How can you take ownership of your role and drive your destiny as an Executive Assistant in Venture Capital? 2.) What hidden opportunities are there specifically within VC for Executive Assistants to bring more leverage and value to the executive(s) they support? This is an incredibly informative episode for Executive Assistants and administrative professionals considering a career in Venture Capital.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
Tips and Tricks for Executive Assistants Planning Travel in a ”Post-COVID” Environment 24:05

il y a 3 years24:05

24:05

In this episode, we talk about all things travel coordination in a "post-pandemic" world. Courtney Puckett, Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO of Crunchbase, does quite a bit of traveling in her role and of course she’s the brains behind booking any trip, conference, or event for her CEO, and in cases like planning an SKO, she’s the one executing travel arrangements for all attendees. Clearly travel as we know it has changed now that we have COVID to contend with. There are weighty feelings around this subject and an ever-evolving list of rules and regulations to adhere to, which adds yet another layer to planning. But travel is Courtney's bread and better, in fact, it’s one of her favorite aspects of the Executive Assistant role so we’re talking to a bonified expert here. In view of this, today’s episode will be focused on giving our Executive Assistant listeners helpful tips and tricks for planning travel in a post-pandemic environment. This episode is sponsored by Office Otter .…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
The Dynamic Duo Behind Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx: How an Executive Assistant and Personal Assistant Partner Together 50:25

il y a 3 years50:25

50:25

We had the honor of speaking with the women behind the woman, referring to Executive Assistant, Kenya Graham & Personal Assistant Lisa Magazine, who together supported the one and only, iconic Sara Blakely, who is of course the legendary entrepreneur and founder of Spanx. In this episode, we hear how Kenya & Lisa worked together to provide holistic, continuous 360-degree support to Sara so she could ultimately show up as the effective leader and change-maker she is. It's hard for us to imagine a better duo and you'll understand why after hearing how to these two cultivated a partnership and friendship to last a lifetime. Their secret? Humility, clear boundaries and one common goal. What speaks to their incredible tenure and legacy at Spanx? Each other. If you've an Executive Assistant who's ever wondered why it's important to partner with your executive's Personal Assistant or how to do that most effectively, we're excited to give you access to the wisdom and knowledge of the best of the best!…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
Everything Executive Assistants Need to Know About Equity in an Offer 51:55

il y a 3 years51:55

51:55

In this episode, Kevin Baker, VP of Team and Customer Success at Maven Recruiting Group, addresses all of your equity and stock options questions. If you’ve ever received an offer letter from a pre-IPO company and found yourself positively stumped trying to wrap your head around what exactly was being offered, you wouldn’t be the first or the last! The purpose of this episode is to help you navigate through the quagmire of legal-ese and esoteric terminology to help you feel better prepared to properly understand and evaluate your offer letter and what questions you should be asking at that stage in an interview process. If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, be sure to check out Kevin’s article on this topic, Executive Assistants Can Earn Equity Too on our website .…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
How Your Executive May Be Affected by The Great Resignation 1:05:11

il y a 3 years1:05:11

1:05:11

Former Executive Assistant-turned-Chief of Staff and current Executive Coach, Julia Quijano, tackles the popular topic and trending hashtag, The Great Resignation and in particular, how she’s seen this movement affect executives and leaders of companies. We often forget that our leaders are also part of the equation! In sharing this perspective, we hope you will be better equipped to relate to your executives and adjust your support, as they are also navigating similar questions during these times. This episode is sponsored by Cabinet , the all-in-one software application for Executive Assistants. Cabinet was created for high-performing Executive Assistants who are streamlining processes, creating culture, and preventing burnout - all before lunch. Discover why EAs at Fortune 500 companies are turning to Cabinet to help them handle complex calendars and manage their never-ending to-do lists. Go to joincabinet.com and sign up for your free account.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
Getting What You Deserve: How to Negotiate like a Boss 46:33

il y a 3 years46:33

46:33

We get it, any conversation around money likely makes you want to crawl under the table and avoid it all together. We've asked Cynthia Gildea, an Executive and Personal Assistant who has supported a wide-range of executives and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, to teach you everything you need to know about salary negotiation, especially as a female Executive Assistant.…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

1
REACH Roundtable: The Great Resignation 1:01:41

il y a 3 years1:01:41