207: What does it take to move beyond managing calendars and become a trusted business partner?

In this episode, we explore the future of the Executive Assistant profession and the mindset shift required to create strategic impact. Debbie shares powerful lessons on executive presence, communication, leadership, and why soft skills remain essential in the age of AI.

From building trust with leaders to using data to drive better decisions, this conversation offers practical insights for Executive Assistants, Administrative Professionals, and Chiefs of Staff who want to think beyond tasks and create real value. We also discuss how the role is evolving, why AI won't replace great assistants, and what it takes to become a true business partner.

Whether you're looking to strengthen your executive presence, future-proof your career, or elevate your role, you'll find plenty of inspiration and actionable ideas in this conversation.

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Debbie Gross knows that administrative excellence is about more that juggling schedules and managing tasks. An intuitive leader, she offers a fresh approach to teaching administrative professionals how to upgrade their soft skills and build confidence. Whether on stage or in the classroom, she has an innate ability to transform staff into leaders, drawing out their inner "Office Rockstar."

As the former Chief Executive Assistant to John Chambers, the past CEO of Cisco – a global corporation based in Silicon Valley – Debbie supported the company's growth from a multimillion-dollar business to a multibillion-dollar enterprise. Known as John's "right hand," she increased his productivity by 40 percent.

Debbie designed initiatives and programs that helped the global administrative community at Cisco grow and thrive. Now she is using her thirty years of experience to help the next generation of administrative professionals' transition from overwhelmed task managers to strategic business partners.

She has spoken globally and conducted interactive workshops and motivational talks at companies such as Cisco, Veritas, Facebook, FedEx, Comcast, and Intel. Debbie does not just share information – she inspires and incites greatness. Her distinctive teaching style blends creativity, fun, and new thought processes to help administrative professionals gain a greater satisfaction, recognition, and promotions.

For her passion and advocacy, the Admin Awards of Silicon Valley presented her with Colleen Barrett Award, the highest recognition given for administrative excellence.

Debbie genuinely cares about each one of her clients and her 'one-of-a-kind' approach to training transforms a good administrative professional or executive assistant into someone who is an amazing and true business partner!

LINKS:

- Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ - Debbie Gross on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarama/ - Website from Debbie Gross: http://www.debbiegross.com

- 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 Feels like a rockstar - Kenny Chesney