In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, I sit down with Samantha Cox, globally experienced executive support professional, Founder of Samantha Cox International, and former EA to Sir Richard Branson during her tenure on Necker Island.

Sam takes us inside the whirlwind world of supporting one of the most dynamic leaders on the planet, sharing the lessons she learned, the strategies she used to stay centred, and how those experiences shaped her career in high-stakes executive and VIP support.

We explore her transition from executive assistant to leading VIP guest experiences at global brands like Hard Rock Hotels and Seminole Gaming, her leap into entrepreneurship, and the exciting projects she’s working on now -  including her upcoming book!

You’ll also get a sneak peek of her keynote for the Admin Avenues Conference, Calm in the Chaos: Thriving in High-Stakes Executive & VIP Support, and the mindset shifts she hopes every attendee will take away.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What it’s really like to work alongside Sir Richard Branson 
• How to stay calm when everything around you is moving at lightning speed
• Misconceptions about working with high-net-worth individuals and celebrities
• The highs and lows of working as an Executive Assistant to one of the most recognised leaders in the world
• Why Sam launched Samantha Cox International and the services she provides
• A sneak peek into her book and what she hopes readers will gain
• Practical advice for admins aspiring to work in high-profile, high-pressure roles

This episode is packed with fascinating stories, career insights, and practical tips for thriving in the most demanding support roles - all delivered with Sam’s trademark warmth and candour.

Connect with Sam via LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthalcox 

To find out more about Samantha Cox International or to connect with Sam for speaking, training or coaching click here: https://scinternational.com.au

In this episode, Candice sits down with Rachael Bonetti, a former C-suite EA turned coach, speaker, speaker, corporate trainer, mentor and advocate for admin professionals. Known for her honest, deep insights, and passion for changing the narrative, Rachael shares her journey from burnout to breakthrough, and why now is the moment for EAs to step up, stand out, and rewrite the rules.

With decades of experience supporting global CEOs, Rachael now helps admin professionals thrive with boundaries, confidence, and clarity. From her own experience walking away from burnout to building a purpose-led business, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck or striving for more.

In This Episode:

• Rachael’s career journey from high-pressure EA roles to purpose-driven entrepreneur
• Her personal story of burnout - and how it transformed her definition of success
• What needs to shift in how the admin profession is supported and recognised
• How admins can transition from reactive to strategic partners (if they want to!)
• Practical advice on setting boundaries without guilt
• What “sustainable success” looks like in today’s admin landscape
• Rachael’s tips for admin professionals at a career crossroads

Rachael shares powerful messages for every admin professional wondering what’s next, and why your potential is bigger than your job title.

The Admin Avenues Conference:

Rachael gives us a taste of her upcoming keynote “The Next-Gen EA”, which she’ll be presenting at the Admin Avenues Conference on Monday 20 October in Sydney. She breaks down:

• Why the profession is at a defining fork in the road
• The shifts shaping the next decade of executive support
• How EAs can position themselves as high-impact, strategic leaders

More details on the conference here:https://www.eventcreate.com/e/adminavenuesconference 

AIOP Awards Gala:

We also chat about the return of the national AIOP Awards and why it’s time to celebrate admin excellence on a grand stage once again. If you haven’t nominated yet - get cracking here:https://www.cognitoforms.com/AustralianInstituteOfOfficeProfessionals/_2025AustralianInstituteOfOfficeProfessionalsAwards 

Connect with Rachael Bonetti:

• Website & courses: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-bonetti-4b46561a 
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachaelbonetti
• Podcast: Re-Write The Playbook https://open.spotify.com/show/28iQoCzbdDveiwHqRPipo9 (available on all platforms)

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, I sit down with Heather Batchelor FAIOP, a true stalwart of the admin profession with an incredible 40-year career - to talk about leadership, legacy, and breathing new life into one of Australia’s oldest professional associations, the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP).

Heather opens up about her journey from her first admin role to becoming National President of AIOP during one of its most challenging chapters. She shares the bold decisions, difficult changes, and strategic partnerships that helped turn things around, and why collaboration across the admin profession is key to its future.

This conversation is full of insights, history, and inspiration for anyone passionate about elevating our profession.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Heather’s 40-year admin journey and the milestones that shaped her career
• Why she said “yes” to leading AIOP when it was at a crossroads
• The most challenging and rewarding changes made to ensure AIOP’s survival
• The vision and strategy behind the AIOP rebrand
• How collaboration with organisations like Admin Avenues has strengthened the profession
• Heather’s hopes for the future of AIOP and advice for future admin leaders

If you care about legacy, leadership, and making an impact in your profession, you’ll love this episode.

Listen now and be inspired to lead change in your own corner of the admin world.

To learn more about AIOP - click here: https://aiop.com.au 

To find out more about the AIOP Awards - click here:https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2025-aiop-awards-gala-dinner 

To nominate an Australian admin for the 2025 AIOP awards - click here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/AustralianInstituteOfOfficeProfessionals/_2025AustralianInstituteOfOfficeProfessionalsAwards 

To see the AIOP video of the Brisbane event (proudly shot by our sponsors of this AIOP event Tempus Media) - click here: https://aiop.com.au/resources/AIOP-Website%20Members%20Video.mp4 

You can connect with Heather on her LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-batchelor-faiop-77002b35/ 

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, we sit down with Ruth Kilah, Founder of Hoxton Hyde, Executive Coach, Consultant and Advocate for Admin Excellence. We sat down to talk about what it really takes to future-proof your admin career.

Ruth is a career coach and mentor who helps experienced Executive Assistants move into higher-level roles where they can grow their income, influence, and impact. Through her coaching, she empowers admin professionals to gain clarity, strengthen strategic thinking, and communicate their value with confidence.

Fun fact: We recorded this episode a few months ago, and during our chat, Ruth mentioned one of her dreams was to land a speaking gig in the USA. The very next day (not even kidding) she got an email from an American company inviting her to speak in the USA. Now that’s what we call fast manifesting! 

Join us as we explore Ruth’s inspiring journey from EA to business founder, the mission behind Hoxton Hyde, and her top insights on building visibility, leadership, and resilience in today’s evolving world of work.

In This Episode:

• Ruth’s transition from EA to founder and executive coach
• The mission behind Hoxton Hyde and the career gaps it’s helping to close
• Coaching vs. mentoring – and why coaching is so powerful for admins
• Common career challenges Ruth sees in the profession
• How EAs can step into leadership without the title
• The importance of boundaries, visibility, and strategic relationships
• Future-proofing your admin career with the right mindset and soft skills
• Practical advice for EAs feeling stuck or unsure about their next step

Ruth shares her best piece of advice for any EA or admin professional feeling unsure about the next chapter in their career, and how to reconnect with your value and potential.

Ruth’s link to ‘3 Ways To Communicate Your Value For Career Growth: https://www.hoxtonhyde.com.au/3WaysToCommunicateYourValueForCareerGrowth  

To connect with Ruth Kilah and explore coaching and resources at Hoxton Hyde: https://www.hoxtonhyde.com.au 

Follow Ruth on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-kilah/

In this inspiring episode, Candice sits down with Kristine Niven, a purpose-driven Executive Assistant who’s making waves in the education sector. Kristine currently supports the Associate Principal at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar, one of Melbourne’s leading independent schools, and is also the visionary behind EAs in Education, a professional learning network designed to uplift and connect administrative professionals in schools across Australia.

From navigating the dynamic demands of a school environment to founding a thriving peer community, Kristine shares her journey with warmth, wisdom, and heart. You’ll hear how she transitioned from the legal and health sectors into education, why relationships are the cornerstone of her leadership style, and what makes tailored development so crucial for school-based EAs.

In this episode, we cover:

🔹 What it’s really like being an EA in a school setting

🔹 The story behind founding EAs in Education

🔹 The differences between corporate and education admin roles

🔹 The power of relationships in high-trust school communities

🔹 Kristine’s role as AIOP’s National Education Director 

Connect with Kristine & EAs in Education:

💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristineniven

🌐 Website https://easineducation.com.au/about

Liked the episode?

Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and follow The Admin Avenues Podcast for more inspiring conversations with Australia’s leading admin professionals.

Meet Chelsea Lewis, Executive Assistant and Office Manager at Zimmermann, the global luxury fashion brand.

Ever wondered what happens when high-level executive support meets luxury fashion and entrepreneurial drive? Chelsea shares her inspiring journey, from receptionist to C-suite EA, founder of her own business, and now, a soon-to-be mum.

With experience across music, media, and fashion, supporting celebrity HNWIs and senior leaders, Chelsea has done the full admin career journey, and she’s here to share the lessons learned along the way. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The difference between PA and EA roles, and how to navigate both
• What it’s really like managing C-suite execs across industries
• How Chelsea launched her own business while working full-time
• Tips on staying authentic while maintaining a strong professional presence

If you’re an admin professional ready to shake up your career, start something on the side, or simply hear a real and relatable success story - this episode is for you.

👉 Subscribe to The Admin Avenues Podcast for more inspiring stories from those shaping the admin profession in Australia

🔗 Share this episode with a fellow admin who’d love to hear Chelsea’s story

💼 Connect with Chelsea Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-lewis-b08672b9/

I get asked all the time: “What is GIFTA Benefits?” And honestly, it’s not something I can explain in just one sentence. So I sat down with our sponsor and GIFTA Benefits Co-Founder, Dion Bastian, to let him explain it in full.
Dion shares his journey from engineering in the mines to co-founding one of Australia’s leading rewards and benefits platforms. Along the way, he discovered what many of us already know, admin professionals are the real power players when it comes to workplace culture, loyalty, and wellbeing.

🎧 In this episode, we discuss:

Dion’s pivot from mining to tech, and how it sparked the idea for GIFTA Benefits
Why admin professionals are key decision-makers (and who opened Dion’s eyes to this!)
What sets GIFTA Benefits apart from traditional perks platforms
How companies are using GIFTA to drive engagement, morale, and retention
The power of meaningful recognition, from wellbeing rewards to “the gift of time”
Emerging trends in employee benefits, including green rewards and experience-based perks
How admins can easily champion and customise GIFTA Benefits in their own workplaces

✨ You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what GIFTA Benefits is all about, why they’re so passionate about recognising admin professionals, and why we love working with the GIFTA team!

👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Admin Avenues Podcast, share it with your team, and explore how GIFTA Benefits can support your people.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.giftabenefits.com
💼 Connect with Dion Bastian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dion-bastian-571011a4/

Welcome to The Admin Avenues Podcast!

In each episode, I’ll be chatting with inspiring Australian admin professionals, expert advisors, and a few surprise guests you won’t want to miss.
No matter where your admin career has taken you, this is your space to learn, grow, and connect with the people shaping the future of our profession.

Expect real stories, practical insights, and expert advice to help you thrive, whether you're just starting out or leading at the top.
We’re also here to celebrate the Australian admin community, because admins are at the heart of every successful business.
Let’s shape the future of admin in Australia, one conversation at a time.

🎧 Subscribe now and don’t miss a moment. New episodes coming soon!

Visit adminavenues.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @adminavenues