Exceptional Admins | A Podcast for Assistants

What happens when you spend two decades observing how executives and administrative professionals actually work?

That question sits at the heart of my new book, The Proximity Advantage: Seeing More, Learning More, Becoming More in Executive Operations.

For this conversation, I handed the questions over to a friend and let her interview me about the ideas behind the book—where they came from, what I’ve learned from more than 7,500 conversations with administrative professionals and 400+ one-on-one conversations with leaders, and why I believe proximity may be one of the most overlooked career advantages in executive operations.

We talk about what administrative professionals are exposed to simply because of where they sit, what leaders have taught me about the profession, and why building a fulfilling and impactful career doesn’t always require adding something more. Sometimes, the opportunity is learning how to better leverage what’s already in play.

If you’re an executive assistant, administrative professional, or someone building a career in executive operations, I hope this conversation gives you a glimpse into the thinking behind the book—and encourages you to consider what your own proximity may already be teaching you.

Learn more about The Proximity Advantage and get your copy:
https://amzn.to/45WKnkt

SUMMARY:
A love letter to the admin profession.

INTENTION:
Recap the last 5-years and spark excitement for what's ahead.

EXCERPT:
"You're amazing!" Hilani

RESOURCES:
LinkedIn Post - ea Merch
Building Your Personal Brand Course (Code: 30_MYBRAND - exp: 12/31/25)

NEWSLETTER:
Never miss what's happening: Subscribe Here

DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram

SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that highlights the good, the bad, and the dirty from headhunting over the last 8 years.

INTENTION:
To offer the listener a behind the scene look of what it's like running EA.

EXCERPT:
"Did she show up drunk to work?" Hilani


NEWSLETTER:
Receive our Friday 60-second Industry Check-In Emails Here

DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Community: LinkedIn
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram

OFFERINGS:
Free, self-development on your own time HERE
ea Courses: ea School
- Course Topics: Resume + Build Your Personal Brand

SPONSOR:
The Receptionist for iPad
Automate what should be automated and let humans do what they do best - create that lasting human connection. Achieve higher efficiency by adding 'The Receptionist for iPad’ system to your visitor check-in process -visit TheReceptionist.com/YourFrontDeskPartner

As an added bonus, the first month of software is free as an Exceptional Admins community listener. Join the ranks of those who are revolutionizing processes while maintaining a stellar first impression.

SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that dives deep into the topic of cognitive (over)load.

INTENTION:
To offer the listener expertise, via our guest Dr. Heather Collins, Ph.D, insights and options for understanding and minimizing cognitive overload.

EXCERPT:
"There is no evidence that says there's a limit to our brain capacity." Heather

NEWSLETTER:
Receive our bi-monthly 60-second Industry check-in Newsletter Here

DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Community: LinkedIn
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram

OFFERINGS:
Free, self-development on your own time HERE
ea Courses: ea School
- Course Topics: Resume + Build Your Personal Brand

SPONSOR:
The Receptionist for iPad
Automate what should be automated and let humans do what they do best - create that lasting human connection. Achieve higher efficiency by adding 'The Receptionist for iPad’ system to your visitor check-in process -visit TheReceptionist.com/YourFrontDeskPartner

As an added bonus, the first month of software is free as an Exceptional Admins community listener. Join the ranks of those who are revolutionizing processes while maintaining a stellar first impression.

SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that highlights the importance of career planning, setting yourself apart, and confirming how you want to show up.

INTENTION:
To offer the listener inspiration through an update story with a prior guest career update.

EXCERPT:
"No may mean, not right now." Porchae


NEWSLETTER:
Receive our Friday 60-second Industry Check-In Emails Here

DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Community: LinkedIn
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram

OFFERINGS:
Free, self-development on your own time HERE
ea Courses: ea School
- Course Topics: Resume + Build Your Personal Brand

SPONSOR:
The Receptionist for iPad
Automate what should be automated and let humans do what they do best - create that lasting human connection. Achieve higher efficiency by adding 'The Receptionist for iPad’ system to your visitor check-in process -visit TheReceptionist.com/YourFrontDeskPartner

As an added bonus, the first month of software is free as an Exceptional Admins community listener. Join the ranks of those who are revolutionizing processes while maintaining a stellar first impression.

SUMMARY:
An insightful episode that was sparked by four independent conversations about how to elevate the way HR sees admin employees.

INTENTION:
Over the last 45-days, four different admins reached out to talk about (essentially) the same thing. Be seen by HR as more than an admin.

EXCERPT:
"It's about expansion, not growth" Hilani

RESOURCES:
Professional Development Workbook
Assessments
WTF Episode
Doing a Career Audit Episode
Personal Branding Episode
Lynda.com


NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here

DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram

SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that highlights the importance of confidence, influence, and impact.

INTENTION:
To offer the listener inspiration so they too can grow their confidence, influence and impact.

EXCERPT:
"I encourage you to step in and lean into your worth and impact." Chelsea


NEWSLETTER:
Receive our Friday 60-second Industry Check-In Emails Here

DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Community: LinkedIn
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram
Be a Guest on the Show: Form Bottom of Page

OFFERINGS:
Free, self-development on your own time HERE
ea Courses: ea School
- Course Topics: Resume + Build Your Personal Brand

SPONSOR:
The Receptionist for iPad
Automate what should be automated and let humans do what they do best - create that lasting human connection. Achieve higher efficiency by adding 'The Receptionist for iPad’ system to your visitor check-in process -visit TheReceptionist.com/YourFrontDeskPartner

As an added bonus, the first month of software is free as an Exceptional Admins community listener. Join the ranks of those who are revolutionizing processes while maintaining a stellar first impression.

SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that discloses great tips on creating a trajectory in your career.

INTENTION:
The host and guest cover career evolution strategies to help you do the same with your career.

EXCERPT:
"Having some form of tolerance with risk is helpful." Beth


NEWSLETTER:
Receive our Friday 60-second Industry Check-In Emails Here

DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Community: LinkedIn
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram
Be a Guest on the Show: Form Bottom of Page

OFFERINGS:
Free, self-development on your own time HERE
ea Courses: ea School
- Course Topics: Resume + Build Your Personal Brand

SPONSOR:
The Receptionist for iPad
Automate what should be automated and let humans do what they do best - create that lasting human connection. Achieve higher efficiency by adding 'The Receptionist for iPad’ system to your visitor check-in process -visit TheReceptionist.com/YourFrontDeskPartner

As an added bonus, the first month of software is free as an Exceptional Admins community listener. Join the ranks of those who are revolutionizing processes while maintaining a stellar first impression.

SUMMARY:
An engaging conversation that delivers valuable insights into the work style of an admin with ADHD.

INTENTION:
To put a spotlight on ADHD and working in an admin role, while sharing ideas on how to thrive.

EXCERPT:
"How I show up daily, my attitude, my reactions, and my responses to situations matter." Erikah

MENTIONED:
ea University
 Tactical to Strategic (Mary's Episode)
The Collective (DeeDee Episode)
Mayo Clinic Resource: ADHD

NEWSLETTER:
Receive our Friday 60-second Industry Check-In Emails Here

DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Community: LinkedIn
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram
Be a Guest on the Show: Form Bottom of Page

OFFERINGS:
Free, self-development on your own time HERE
ea Courses: ea School
- Course Topics: Resume + Build Your Personal Brand

SPONSOR:
The Receptionist for iPad
Automate what should be automated and let humans do what they do best - create that lasting human connection. Achieve higher efficiency by adding 'The Receptionist for iPad’ system to your visitor check-in process -visit TheReceptionist.com/YourFrontDeskPartner

As an added bonus, the first month of software is free as an Exceptional Admins community listener. Join the ranks of those who are revolutionizing processes while maintaining a stellar first impression.

SUMMARY:
An insightful episode that sheds light on best practices to help you with your job search.

INTENTION:
To offer unconventional tips that help you experience traction with your job search (whether actively or passively looking).

EXCERPT:
"Enthusiasm is compelling when connecting with an employer." Hilani

RESOURCES:
Professional Development Workbook
Assessments
WTF Episode
Doing a Career Audit Episode
Personal Branding Episode


NEWSLETTER:
Subscribe Here

DISCOVER:
Website: Exceptional Admins
Outreach: LinkedIn Community
Reading: Book Page
Social: Instagram