Most of us already know what would help.

We know we need to start the task, have the difficult conversation, make the decision or take the next step, but we still aren’t doing it.

Instead, we get caught in overwhelm, overthinking, procrastination or the belief that we need to feel motivated before we can begin.

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice is joined by global motivational speaker, TEDx speaker, award-winning author and creator of the Two Minute Method™, Lizzie Williamson.

Known as “The Excuse Buster from Down Under”, Lizzie helps people stop waiting for the perfect moment and start taking action - even when they don’t feel ready.

Lizzie explains why capable, high-performing people can still feel completely stuck, particularly when they spend their days managing competing priorities and creating momentum for everyone else.

She also shares how making the first action small enough to begin can help us move through procrastination, perfectionism and fear - without needing to overhaul our entire lives or working habits.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why capable people still become stuck
• The difference between genuinely needing rest and avoiding discomfort
• Why overthinking can feel like productivity
• Whether confidence comes before action or because of it
• How reactive working environments affect our own priorities
• The mental energy consumed by unfinished tasks
• Why trying to change everything at once rarely works
• What makes two minutes so powerful
• How to identify a useful two-minute action
• Using the method for difficult conversations, boundaries and salary discussions
• How movement can shift our physical and emotional state
• Recognising and challenging the “excuse voice”
• Taking action while still feeling uncertain, tired or afraid
• How perfectionists can start small without lowering their standards
• Rebuilding trust in ourselves through consistent small actions
• Using the method to introduce workplace change, technology and AI
• How admins can help executives take action on something they have been avoiding

Lizzie also guides listeners through a practical two-minute challenge that can be used immediately to shift their energy or begin something they have been putting off.

Lizzie will deliver the closing keynote, Just 2 Minutes: What to Do When You Feel Stuck, at the 2026 Admin Avenues Sydney Conference.

After a full day of learning, conversations and new ideas, Lizzie’s session will leave attendees feeling energised, connected and ready to take action.

Come prepared to move, participate and discover what can change when you stop waiting to feel ready and simply begin.

2026 Admin Avenues Sydney Conference
Monday, 12 October 2026
Doltone House Hyde Park, Sydney

Learn more and secure your ticket here: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2026-admin-avenues-conf-syd 

Connect with Lizzie on LinkedIn here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzie-williamson/ 

Check out Lizzie’s Website here: https://www.lizziewilliamson.com/ 

If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love you to subscribe, leave a review and share it with another admin professional.

And remember - when something feels too big, you don’t necessarily need more motivation. You may simply need to make the first action smaller!

Great teamwork doesn’t happen by chance. It is built through shared experiences, genuine connection and creating opportunities for people to engage beyond their usual roles and routines.

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice is joined by leading corporate team-building expert Will Mason, the driving force behind Beyond the Boardroom, Pinnacle Team Events and Corporate Volunteering Australia.

With more than 20 years of experience designing and delivering purposeful corporate experiences across Australia, Will has worked with teams of every size- from intimate leadership groups to large-scale events involving more than 1,000 participants.

Will shares why some of the most powerful workplace connections happen in the moments between the agenda: during a shared challenge, an unexpected laugh or a spontaneous conversation.

Together, Candice and Will explore what separates a meaningful team experience from forced fun, how to create activities that are genuinely inclusive and what administrative professionals should consider when they are asked to organise the next team day, conference or workplace event.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why great teamwork is never accidental
• How shared experiences help build trust and stronger relationships
• Why face-to-face connection matters in a hybrid working world
• The difference between purposeful team building and simply filling time
• How to engage different personalities and participation styles
• Creating inclusive experiences for different ages, cultures, abilities and confidence levels
• The questions admins should ask before planning a team activity
• What information to provide when engaging a team-building company
• Common mistakes organisations make when choosing team activities
• How small, intentional actions can help employees feel more connected

Will also gives us a preview of what attendees can expect when Beyond the Boardroom and Pinnacle Team Events kickstart each of the 2026 Admin Avenues Conferences with a high-impact icebreaker.

And if the thought of conference participation makes you nervous, don’t worry - Will explains how his team creates experiences that feel welcoming, comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.

Beyond the Boardroom and Pinnacle Team Events are proud National Sponsors of the 2026 Admin Avenues Conference Series in Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane. 

Connect with Will Mason on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-mason-18952844/ 

Check out these amazing businesses

Beyond the Boardroom:
https://www.beyondtheboardroom.com.au/

Pinnacle Team Events:
https://www.pinnacleteamevents.com.au/

Corporate Volunteering Australia:
https://www.corporatevolunteering.com.au/

AND of course discover the 2026 Admin Avenues Conference Series and secure your ticket:
https://adminavenues.com/ 

If you’re joining us at an Admin Avenues Conference, arrive ready to move, laugh and meet some new people - because Will and his team will make sure there is plenty of energy and connection in the room from the very beginning.

Why Some EAs Are Becoming More Valuable While Others Are Becoming Easier to Replace with Rachael Bonetti

The executive assistant profession is changing faster than ever.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way work gets done. Organisations are restructuring, expectations are shifting and executives are looking for different kinds of support than they were just a few years ago.

So, what separates the executive assistants who are becoming increasingly trusted, influential and indispensable from those whose roles are becoming more transactional?

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice Burningham sits down with leadership strategist and executive advisor Rachael Bonetti to explore one of the biggest conversations shaping the future of the profession.

Together, they unpack why this shift isn't about working harder or doing more, but about understanding where value is changing and making intentional choices about where to invest your time, skills and energy.

Whether you're an Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, Office Manager or administrative professional, this conversation will challenge the way you think about your role - and help you prepare for what's next.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why the executive support profession is entering a new era
• The changing expectations executives have of their EAs
• How AI is influencing the profession - and why it isn't the whole story
• The common traits shared by EAs who are expanding their influence
• Why effort alone is no longer enough to stand out
• Practical ways to position yourself for long-term career growth and relevance
• What attendees can expect from Rachael's keynote and interactive masterclass at the 2026 Admin Avenues Conference Series

Join Rachael Bonetti live at the 2026 Admin Avenues Conference Series

Rachael will present her keynote "Why Some EAs Are Becoming More Valuable While Others Are Becoming Easier to Replace" at all three Admin Avenues conferences in Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane.

For those wanting to go beyond the keynote, she'll also facilitate The New Value Equation Masterclass the following day in each city - an interactive workshop designed to help participants identify where they create value today, understand how value is shifting, complete a personal value audit and leave with a practical action plan for future career growth.

If you're serious about staying relevant, increasing your influence and future-proofing your career, these sessions are not to be missed.

Find out more and secure your ticket at: www.adminavenues.com

Connect with Rachael Bonetti on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-bonetti-4b46561a 

Learn more about Rachael’s services here: https://www.rachaelbonetti.com 

If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love you to subscribe, leave a review and share it with another admin professional who's ready to embrace the future of the profession.

We all know what we should be doing.

Take better care of ourselves. Set stronger boundaries. Build healthier routines. Embrace AI. Become more strategic. Make time for professional development.

The challenge isn't knowing what to do - it's actually following through.

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice Burningham sits down with behaviour design expert and Certified Tiny Habits® Coach, Claire Jackson, to explore why lasting change doesn't come from trying harder or finding more time. Instead, it comes from designing habits that work with your brain, your life and your reality.

Drawing on behavioural science, the internationally recognised Tiny Habits® Method and her own experience overcoming burnout, Claire shares practical strategies to help administrative professionals create meaningful change without adding more to an already full plate.

Whether you're looking to embrace new technology, become more strategic in your role, improve your wellbeing or simply make positive habits stick, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can start applying straight away.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why motivation and willpower aren't enough to create lasting change
• What the Tiny Habits® Method is and why it works
• How behaviour design makes new habits easier to build and maintain
• Why small, consistent actions often outperform ambitious goals
• Practical ways to create healthier, more productive ways of working
• How to build habits that stick, even when life is busy or unpredictable
• One simple framework you can use whenever you're trying to create lasting personal or professional change

Join Claire Jackson live in Adelaide

Claire Jackson will be joining us exclusively at the Admin Avenues Adelaide Conference on Monday 28 September 2026, where she'll deliver her inspiring closing keynote:

Tiny Habits® for Busy Humans: From Good Intentions to Easier Daily Action

After a full day of learning, Claire will help you turn inspiration into action with practical, science-backed tools you can start using immediately. You'll leave with renewed energy, a fresh perspective and one tiny habit you can begin before Monday even arrives.

If you've ever struggled to make lasting change, this is one session you won't want to miss.

Find out more and secure your ticket at: www.adminavenues.com

To connect with Claire: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-jackson-thehabitlab 

To learn more about The Habit Lab: https://thehabitlab.com.au 

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with a colleague who could use a reminder that meaningful change doesn't have to start with giant leaps - it can begin with one tiny habit.

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice is joined by Trinity James and Alicia Fairclough from EA How To for an honest conversation about connection, visibility, confidence, salary and the future of the administrative profession.

While Trinity and Alicia will be presenting different keynotes at the upcoming Admin Avenues Conferences, their messages share a powerful theme: building a successful administrative career requires intention.

Working hard and hoping someone notices is no longer enough. Administrative professionals must understand their value, communicate their impact, build meaningful professional relationships and place themselves in the rooms where opportunities, insights and career-changing conversations happen.

Trinity explores why community and connection are essential to career growth, particularly as administrative professionals navigate rapid technological change and increasing expectations.

Alicia shares insights from the Australian Administrative Professionals Salary Report and discusses why benchmarking, evidence and confidence are critical when approaching salary and career conversations.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Whether working hard is still enough to get noticed
• Why administrative professionals often underestimate their value
• What may be holding admins back from progressing
• How visibility, community and professional relationships create opportunities
• Whether being in the right professional circles influences career growth
• Why AI has made professional community more important than ever
• What employers value as the administrative profession evolves
• Why salary conversations remain so uncomfortable
• How data and benchmarking can support better salary negotiations
• The role community plays in building career confidence
• The career progression myths Trinity and Alicia would love to bust

Meet Trinity James

Trinity James is the APAC Community Manager at EA How To and will present The Connected EA: How the Right Room Changes Your Career at all three Admin Avenues Conferences.

Her keynote explores how the right professional community can transform an administrative career - creating greater confidence, stronger connections, shared learning and access to opportunities that may never appear through traditional career pathways.

See Trinity at:

• Adelaide - Monday 28 September
• Adelaide – Monday 28 September: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2026-admin-avenues-conf-adl

Meet Alicia Fairclough

Alicia Fairclough is the Founder of EA How To and Co-Founder of the Administrative Professionals Salary Report.

At the Sydney Admin Avenues Conference, Alicia will officially launch the 2026 Australian Administrative Professionals Salary Report, giving attendees an early look at the latest Australian salary data and career trends.

She will then present the national findings in Brisbane through her keynote Paid, Valued & Future-Ready.

Alicia’s session will help administrative professionals better understand their market value, approach salary conversations with evidence and prepare for the future of the profession.

See Alicia at:

• Sydney – Monday 12 October 2026
  https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2026-admin-avenues-conf-syd

• Brisbane – Monday 26 October 2026
  https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2026-admin-avenues-conf-brisbane

Trinity will help you build the relationships, confidence and community that create opportunities. Alicia will help you understand your market value, navigate salary conversations and prepare for what comes next.

Together, their insights offer an essential roadmap for becoming a more connected, visible, valued and future-ready administrative professional.

Join us at the 2026 Admin Avenues Conferences to experience these important conversations live.

All conference links on Admin Avenues website: www.adminavenues.com

Connect with Alicia Fairclough on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciafairclough 

Connect with Trinity James on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinity-james 

Check out EA How To here: https://www.eahowto.com 

Burnout isn't a weakness. It's not a lack of resilience. And it's certainly not just the result of working too hard.

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice Burningham sits down with workplace wellbeing expert Stephen Woods, Founder and Director of Employee Wellness Australia, to explore why administrative professionals are particularly vulnerable to burnout - and what we can actually do about it.

As executive assistants, office managers and administrative professionals, we're often the calm in everyone else's chaos. We solve problems before they arise, absorb pressure from every direction and keep workplaces running smoothly. But who's looking after us?

Stephen shares the science behind burnout, explains how our nervous system influences the way we think, perform and respond under pressure, and offers practical strategies that can help you protect your energy, improve focus and sustain high performance without sacrificing your wellbeing.

Whether you're feeling stretched, overwhelmed or simply want to build healthier ways of working, this conversation will leave you with practical insights you can start applying immediately.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why burnout is about more than just workload.
• Why administrative professionals are particularly at risk.
• How your nervous system impacts focus, decision-making and productivity.
• The early warning signs of burnout you shouldn't ignore.
• Simple, science-backed techniques to regulate stress in under a minute.
• How to build sustainable habits that protect your wellbeing and career.

See Stephen live at the 2026 Admin Avenues Conference Series

This episode is just the beginning.

Stephen Woods will be delivering his keynote, Future-Proofing Your Most Valuable Asset: You -  Preventing Burnout in an Always-On World, at all three Admin Avenues Conferences in 2026.

Join us:

• Adelaide – Monday 28 September: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2026-admin-avenues-conf-adl
• Sydney – Monday 12 October: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2026-admin-avenues-conf-syd
• Brisbane – Monday 26 October: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2026-admin-avenues-conf-brisbane

Connect with Stephen via LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-woods-93451650 

Find out more about Employee Wellness Australia here: https://employeewellnessaustralia.com.au 

If you've ever felt like you're constantly "on," struggling to switch off or wondering how to keep performing at your best without burning out, this is one conversation (and one keynote) you won't want to miss.

In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Ford, winner of the 2025 AIOP Awards Excellence in Mentorship & Team Leadership Award, for a conversation that goes beyond traditional leadership and into the real impact of supporting others to grow.

Sarah shares how mentorship has shaped her career and the way she leads today, reflecting on the people who influenced her early on and how those experiences have carried through into her own leadership style. 

Throughout the conversation, Sarah offers a grounded and practical perspective on what it takes to build confidence in others, especially in high-pressure environments where self-doubt can creep in. Sarah speaks about the balance required to support people while managing the demands of a busy role.

Candice and Sarah also explore the difference between managing and leading, and why admin professionals are uniquely positioned to influence culture, connection and collaboration across an organisation. Sarah shares how she approaches tough conversations, maintains trust within her team, and continues to evolve her leadership style as her responsibilities grow.

At its core, this episode is a reminder that some of the most impactful leadership happens quietly - through mentorship, encouragement, and a genuine commitment to seeing others succeed.

You can find Sarah on LinkedIn to learn more about her journey and leadership approach here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ford/ 

Enjoyed the episode?

Follow The Admin Avenues Podcast and share it with a colleague who’s ready to step into their next level of leadership.

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice Burningham sits down with Alicia Fairclough, Founder of EA How To, one of the world's largest and most influential communities for Executive Assistants.

After building a successful career supporting CEOs in the technology sector, Alicia transformed a passion project into a global platform dedicated to improving the working lives of Executive Assistants and administrative professionals. What started as sharing knowledge and practical advice online has grown into a thriving international community supporting thousands of admin professionals around the world.

During the conversation, Alicia reflects on her journey into the profession, the lessons learned throughout her career as an Executive Assistant, and the unexpected path that led her into content creation and entrepreneurship. She shares the story behind EA How To, the challenges and opportunities that came with building a global brand, and how the needs of administrative professionals have evolved over time.

Candice and Alicia also discuss the importance of salary transparency within the profession, the impact of the EA Salary Survey, and why data-driven conversations are helping to elevate the visibility and value of administrative careers. They explore the recent expansion of EA How To into the APAC region, the opportunities this presents for local professionals, and the growing demand for community, development, and connection across the industry.

This episode is an inspiring conversation about career growth, leadership, community building, and the future of the administrative profession. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to take the next step in your professional journey, Alicia's insights offer valuable perspective on what is possible when passion and purpose come together.

Connect with Alicia and check out EA How To via these links:

LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciafairclough

EA How To LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ea-how-to

Website: https://www.eahowto.com

Redefining Longevity in the Admin Profession with Sharmayne Riseley

In this episode, we sit down with Sharmayne Riseley to explore what a truly long and meaningful career in the admin profession can look like.

Celebrating an incredible 28 years with the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), Sharmayne shares her journey from her early days in admin through to becoming a respected and experienced professional within the same organisation.

Together, we unpack the reality of career longevity in a world that often prioritises constant movement, and why staying can sometimes be the most powerful choice.

Sharmayne reflects on how the admin role has evolved over the past two decades, the mindset required to keep growing within the same environment, and the importance of finding fulfilment in the work you do.

We also explore:

• How to build a long-term, sustainable career in admin
• The role organisational culture plays in career satisfaction
• Why admin should be seen as a career, not a stepping stone
• The biggest misconceptions about the profession
• How community and connection contribute to confidence and growth

As a proud member of Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP), Sharmayne also shares the value of being part of a professional network and how community can shape both career progression and personal confidence.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that success in the admin profession doesn’t have to follow a linear or fast-moving path. Longevity, when built on purpose, growth, and connection, can be one of the most rewarding career choices of all.

Key takeaways:

• Growth doesn’t always require leaving
• Longevity is built through continuous learning and curiosity
• Culture and environment matter more than job titles
• Admin professionals play a critical role in shaping organisations

Whether you’re just starting out or reflecting on your next move, this episode will challenge how you think about career progression in the admin profession.

Connect with Sharmayne:
Find Sharmayne on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmayne-riseley-35693253/ 

IF you enjoyed this ep, subscribe, give us a 5 star rating and share with other admins who might learn from these stories. Be sure to stay up to date with upcoming events, podcast episodes, and opportunities to connect with the admin community by following Admin Avenues. 

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice sits down with Stevie Weine, recipient of the 2025 AIOP Emerging Leader in Executive Support Award, to explore what it really means to step into leadership early in your career.

Stevie shares her journey into executive support, the pivotal moments that shaped her growth, and how she began moving beyond traditional support into a more strategic, influential role. From developing business acumen to contributing to operational success, she offers a practical perspective on how emerging admins can think and act like leaders from day one.

The conversation dives into the realities of leading without authority, balancing initiative with respect for senior stakeholders, and the importance of building trust, credibility, and strong working relationships. Stevie also reflects on the experiences that have shaped her leadership style, and how she actively supports and uplifts those around her.

With a strong focus on continuous growth, Stevie shares the habits, mindset shifts, and learning curves that have accelerated her development, along with advice she would give to her earlier self.

Looking ahead, she offers her perspective on the future of executive support and the skills emerging leaders need to thrive in an evolving profession.

This episode is a compelling reminder that leadership isn’t defined by title or tenure, but by mindset, initiative, and the impact you choose to make.