In Episode 6 of Season 3, we’re diving into one of the most nuanced and essential skills for admin professionals today:  “Managing Up: Are Executives Open To It?”. Jodie joins us to unpack what managing up really means, how to approach it strategically (and respectfully), and why it’s a must-have skill for every modern admin.

Jodie Mears is a strategic C-Suite Executive Assistant, LinkedIn Top Voice, and respected thought leader in the administrative profession. With over 20 years’ experience across aviation, energy, and digital industries, she now supports executives at Bentley Systems, blending high-level support with strategic business insight.

She is the co-host of The Crodie Files podcast and an Advisory Board Member for The PA Show UK. Jodie is deeply passionate about elevating the admin profession through mentorship, speaking, and her highly sought-after coaching program. A certified Mental Health First Aider and Regional Wellness Lead, she also shares her insights in her monthly newsletter The Assist List and through industry publications.

In this episode, Jodie shares honest insights from her 20+ year career, including what executives really think about being “managed up,” how to build trust without overstepping, and practical ways to position yourself as a strategic partner rather than just a task-doer.

We’ve covered questions like:

- What exactly does it mean to manage up, and how is it different from being proactive?

- Are executives generally open to being “managed up,” or does resistance still exist?

 - What role does trust, emotional intelligence, and company culture play?

 - How can admins build credibility and influence in environments where managing up isn’t the norm?

We’re also loving Jodie’s final words of wisdom: “For me, the game changer was developing my business acumen, staying ahead of our industry trends and being the person who brought information back to them and position yourself as a strategic partner who can manage up rather than waiting to be told you can now do that. The more you elevate yourself, the more indispensable you become. So that was something that stuck with me is it's all about you”

 So if you’ve ever felt unsure about how to influence upwards, advocate for your role, or be seen as a true business partner, this episode is for you. Jodie brings clarity, warmth, and wisdom to a topic that many admins navigate but few talk about openly.

You can connect with Jodie on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiemears.

You can learn all about and tune into The Crodie Files Podcast here: https://craigandjodie.com

As always, we want our listeners to stay connected with us on our social channels for updates on new episodes. So please follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturefocusedadmin and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-future-focused-admin to join our growing global community and newsletter.

Remember, this podcast is all about admins. Subscribe & Follow for more conversations that elevate, empower, and redefine what it means to be an admin in today’s world. 

Thank you for being a part of The Future Focused Admin Podcast. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and share with your admin friends and community. We welcome you all!

If you have anything you want to share, have an idea or just want to connect, drop us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected].

In Episode 5 of Season 3, we sit down with Tara M. Sims on the topic of “Own Your Evolution: Taking Charge of Your Admin Career”, In this inspiring episode we sit down with powerhouse admin leader and author Tara M. Sims to explore how admin professionals can take ownership of their careers, redefine their roles, and evolve with intention.

From beauty school dreams to a transformative 11-year journey at Comcast, Tara shares how she found her "zone of genius" in the admin space and how her experience led to the writing of The Evolved Assistant. Together, they discuss the evolution of the role, the importance of visibility, and how assistants can advocate for themselves and their growth.

Key Takeaways

Following Unexpected Paths: Tara’s admin career began as a practical decision to accommodate her beauty school schedule, and ended up becoming her true calling.

The Evolution of the Admin Role: Tara reflects on how the assistant role has shifted from task-driven to strategic, emphasizing the need for EAs to be part of decision-making and business conversations.

Why She Wrote The Evolved Assistant: Sparked by the pandemic, Tara felt a calling to challenge outdated perceptions and empower assistants to embrace their full value and potential.

Rejecting the "Servant" Narrative: A passionate discussion around the term servant leadership and why Tara prefers support leader - a phrase that respects the leadership and impact of admin professionals.

Owning Your Career Growth:

- Ask for development opportunities.

- Track and communicate your impact.

- Build visibility inside and outside your organization.

- Join professional networks or create your own.

- Don’t wait! Take one intentional step forward.

Overcoming Plateaus: When you feel stuck, it’s a signal that it’s time to stretch. Tara shares how she created her own leadership role and encourages others to initiate conversations with their executives about growth.

Navigating Career Setbacks: Tara opens up about the hard decision to leave a long-term role at Comcast and how that leap led to a more balanced, fulfilling career with better support, boundaries, and compensation.

Building Confidence: Confidence is a byproduct of consistent action. Tara encourages assistants to keep a “portfolio of accomplishments” and not be afraid to make decisions or ask for feedback.

So tune in, listen now and get ready to evolve! Some of Tara’s Memorable Quotes “Career transformation is not linear. It’s consistent action and intentionality that moves you forward.” “We support the decision-makers. That’s power. We need to tap into that.” “We’re not just supporting, we’re leading. That’s why I prefer the term support leader.”

So if you haven’t already, check out ‘Evolved Assistant’ website where you can grab Tara’s book, connect with Tara for speaking opportunities and more.

The website is: https://www.evolvedassistant.com

And be sure connect with Tara on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taramariesims

The article Jessica referred to on “The Impact of Servant Leadership in an Organization” is here: https://businessleadershiptoday.com/what-is-the-impact-of-servant-leadership-in-an-organization/

In Episode 4 of Season 3, we sit down with Kristina Willis to discuss the topic of “Building Your Brand & Advocating for Admins: A Conversation”. Kristina is a versatile leadership partner with proven expertise in managing operational, administrative, and people-centered strategies on behalf of C-Suite Leaders. At the time of this recording, she was the Chief of Staff to the CEO at We Are Rosie, but is now the ‘Head of Customer Success’ at ShareCal. Kristina shares her incredible journey from falling into an Executive Assistant role at a luxury resort in The Bahamas to stepping into a strategic Chief of Staff position. With heartfelt honesty and tactical insights, she shows how building visibility, owning your voice, and taking bold action can open doors - no matter your title.

We cover Kristina’s career journey, her Adweek 50 award, why personal branding matters, career growth & advocacy, the evolving admin role and community & mentorship.

Kristina’s Top Takeaways from this episode are:

- Be unapologetically you. Your personal brand starts with authenticity, not imitation.

- Over-deliver, every time. Consistency and follow-through build undeniable credibility.

- Track your wins. Data and stories are your proof points—use them when advocating for growth.

Her action steps for Admins are:

- Block time with your Executive to discuss your wins, aspirations, and development goals.

- Advocacy starts with intentional conversations. Don’t wait for your next performance review.

We’re loving Kristina’s final words of wisdom: “You do not have to do this alone, and you’re not intended to. The trajectory of your career starts with you. Don’t wait for someone to hand you the next step. Start connecting, conversing, and allowing others to inspire you in a way that propels you forward.” - Kristina Willis

You can connect with Kristina on LinkedIn here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-willis.

If you’d like to know more about ShareCal, check them out here: https://sharecal.io.

Kristina would love the opportunity to give a demo to any admins who would like to know more about this amazing product (which we use ourselves over at The Future Focused Admin). As always, we want our listeners to stay connected with us on our social channels for updates on new episodes.

So please follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturefocusedadmin and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-future-focused-admin to join our growing global community and newsletter.

Remember, this podcast is all about admins. Subscribe & Follow for more conversations that elevate, empower, and redefine what it means to be an admin in today’s world. Thank you for being a part of The Future Focused Admin Podcast.

If you like what you hear, please subscribe and share with your admin friends and community. We welcome you all! If you have anything you want to share, have an idea or just want to connect, drop us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected].

In this episode of The Future Focused Admin podcast, co-hosts Jessica McBride and Candice Burningham are joined by Darcy Bennet, an accomplished Executive Assistant and Founder of DB Executive Services.

Darcy shares her extensive experience in event planning, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences, offering valuable insights into balancing creativity and logistics. She highlights the importance of communication, strategic planning, and vendor management.

Darcy also discusses overcoming event challenges, maximizing budgets, and the significance of building strong industry relationships.

This episode provides actionable tips for admins looking to enhance their event planning skills and showcases how event planning can elevate their roles and careers.

We loved chatting with Darcy and know you will too. She's most active on LinkedIn so connect with Darcy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darcybennet 

Also, be sure to check out DB Executive Services at: www.dbexecutiveservices.com

Stay connected with us on our social channels for updates on new episodes. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturefocusedadmin and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-future-focused-admin to join our growing global community.

Remember, this podcast is all about admins. Subscribe & Follow for more conversations that elevate, empower, and redefine what it means to be an admin in today’s world. Thank you for being a part of The Future Focused Admin Podcast. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and share with your admin friends and community. We welcome you all!

If you have anything you want to share, have an idea or just want to connect, drop us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected].  ⁠

Season 3 - Ep 2: Money Matters: Tackling Debt & Building Financial Confidence for Admins with Khadiza Ali from Changed

In this episode, Khadiza Ali, Community Manager at Changed, a leading financial wellness platform, joins us to discuss how administrative professionals can take control of their finances. Learn about practical strategies to manage debt, build savings, and achieve financial goals through automated round-ups and personalized approaches.

Khadiza’s insights are crucial for admins seeking to build financial confidence.

We also spotlight other influential women in the financial education space, including:

These experts are all working to close the gender wealth gap and provide accessible financial education, offering resources for admins and women to become financially independent and savvy.

How financially secure are you?

Stay connected for more practical financial tips and empowering conversations on our social media channels:

If you found this episode helpful, subscribe and share it with other admins who might benefit from these tips. Join the global community and elevate your financial confidence with us.

For feedback, ideas, or questions, drop us an email at [email protected].

Welcome to Season 3 of The Future Focused Admin Podcast Show!

We’re kicking off 2025 with an exciting announcement: the official launch of The Future Focused Admin Community! In this episode, co-founders Candice Burningham and Jessica McBride take you behind the scenes of this brand-new global network designed by admins, for admins. Whether you're looking to level up your career, expand your network, or gain access to cutting-edge resources, this is the community you’ve been waiting for.

What We Cover in This Episode:

If you’re ready to take your admin career to the next level, visit thefuturefocusedadmin.com and be part of the future of the profession. If you would like a copy of our Business Case template to help you seek investment from your workplace to join the Career Growth Hub or Legacy Builders membership tier, click here. Stay connected with us on our social channels for updates on new episodes.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to join our growing global community. Remember, this podcast is all about admins.

Subscribe & Follow for more conversations that elevate, empower, and redefine what it means to be an admin in today’s world. Thank you for being a part of The Future Focused Admin Podcast. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and share with your admin friends and community. We welcome you all! If you have anything you want to share, have an idea or just want to connect, drop us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]. ⁠

In this final episode, Candice and Jessica reflect on the challenges of 2024. A year that tested resilience and revealed the hard work so many admins put in. Burnout was a common theme, and we opened up about our own journey through a year of deep reflection, learning to embrace setbacks, and growing stronger through the lessons they brought.

Looking ahead, we delve into how the admin profession is poised to evolve over the next five years in an increasingly tech-driven world. From navigating the shifting landscape to understanding the profound impact of AI on the profession, we discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future.

Here’s what we cover:

AI’s Impact on Admin Work: Automation tools are streamlining tasks like scheduling, document management, and first-line support. Entry-level admins will focus on managing tech and automation tools.

Skills for the Future: Admins need digital fluency and foundational AI skills to adapt and thrive. Training will focus on mastering automation and overseeing tech solutions.

A Shift to Strategic: Support Roles are evolving from reactive tasks to proactive operational support.

Advanced admins will handle complex scheduling, predictive analytics, and hybrid work logistics.

Opportunities for Growth:

Emphasis on project management and strategic partnerships with executives. Diverse paths for growth, whether transactional or strategic.

We believe that the admin profession is at a pivotal moment. By embracing AI and new tech, admins can enhance their roles and stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to share an exciting announcement: The Future Focused Admin is growing beyond the podcast! We’re bringing together The Tech Savvy Assistant Community and The Admin Collective Community under one unified parent company to create a vibrant new admin community.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come:

Podcast & Guests: Ongoing interviews with diverse experts to explore the future of admin roles. Newsletter: Launching soon, featuring podcast updates, exclusive downloads, and curated insights. Microlearning Focus: Short, interactive sessions designed for real-world application.
Global Reach: Live and recorded content tailored for admins worldwide. We’re building a forward-thinking, supportive community to help admins thrive.

Membership:

Newcomers & Career Starters: Foundational resources for newcomers.

Career Growth Hub: Access to our Knowledge Hub with tools and insights for experienced admins.

Legacy Builders: Opportunities for seasoned professionals to mentor, teach, and leave an impact. So subscribe here NOW to join us on this exciting new endeavour:

https://www.futurefocusedadmin.com/launchlist

This episode is sponsored by Admin Avenues. The Admin Avenues network is a professional and lifestyle information platform, designed to assist admin professionals in finding relevant education, tools & systems, access to admin communities and more. They provide free access and support for admin professionals no matter what stage you’re at in your admin career.

Go to https://www.adminavenues.com and join the network today.

In this episode, Candice and Jessica open up about the pivotal moments when they realized it was time to transition from their roles as Executive Assistants and explore new career paths. These decisions came after deep reflection and, in Candice's case, seeking outside counsel to confirm that her journey as an EA had come to an end. Jessica shares her perspective on how traditional office environments often present challenges for neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism or ADHD. She discusses how the pandemic created a more inclusive work-from-home environment where many thrived, and the difficulties now faced as full-time office returns are being enforced.

This honest and thought-provoking episode dives into career evolution, self-awareness, and the broader conversation around inclusivity in the workplace.

This episode is sponsored by Admin Avenues. The Admin Avenues network is a professional and lifestyle information platform, designed to assist admin professionals in finding relevant education, tools & systems, access to admin communities and more. They provide free access and support for admin professionals no matter what stage you’re at in your admin career.

Go to https://www.adminavenues.com and join the network today. Stay connected with us on our social channels for updates on new episodes. Follow us on @thefuturefocusedadmin @theburnedoutassistant @adminavenues and @candice_burningham to join our growing global communities of admin enthusiasts!

Remember, this podcast is all about admins, so let's have some fun, maybe learn something, and grow in our careers together! Thank you for being a part of The Future Focused Admin Podcast. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and share with your admin friends and community. We welcome you all!

If you have anything you want to share, have an idea or just want to connect, drop us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected] ⁠⁠⁠ and join us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturefocusedadmin⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join our new LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-future-focused-admin.

In this latest episode of The Future Focused Admin Podcast, we’re diving into the world of Ageless Expertise and tackling Ageism in the Admin Profession. We sit down with Rita Gunning, Career Admin Professional, Executive Assistant, YouTuber, Founder of Executive Assistant Oasis and Author of ‘The Executive Assistant Tool Box” from Sydney, Australia and Sandria Plummer a Career Office Manager / Executive Assistant to board-level / C-Suite within the think tank, pharmaceutical, legal, education, telecoms, property, sport, finance, public, NHS and not-for-profit sectors from London, UK, to discuss the challenges faced by mature candidates in today’s job market globally!

We explore the topic of Ageless Expertise and Challenging Ageism in the Admin World and delve into their personal experiences with ageism and how they’ve navigated the challenges within the profession. The discussion expands to address the broader issue of ageism, particularly how it disproportionately affects women across industries, diminishing their contributions as they grow older. Together, we highlight the importance of valuing seasoned professionals and fostering a more inclusive, age-diverse environment for admins and women everywhere. Tune in to gain insights on how we can all challenge ageism and celebrate the expertise that comes with experience.

Link to the 2024 EA Salary Surveys here: https://www.easalarysurvey.com/

Link to Ivee Jobs in the UK helping women into jobs: https://ivee.jobs

Link to Rita’s new book “The Executive Assistant Toolbox”: https://www.amazon.com/Executive-Assistant-Toolbox-Rita-Gunning/dp/0645891304

This episode is sponsored by The Tech Savvy Assistant, your guide to a more relaxing work life through technology. Are you an administrative professional or freelancer? Want to stay ahead of the curve with AI, ChatGPT, and more? Tech Savvy Assistant has just what you need. Subscribe to our premium newsletter packed with exclusive insights, tips, and guides tailored to help you excel in your career. It's a must-have for anyone looking to improve their working conditions and embrace the future of tech. Go to ⁠⁠techsavvysistant.com⁠⁠, and you can sign up on Jessica's webpage. Stay connected with us on our social channels for updates on new episodes.

Follow us on @thefuturefocusedadmin @theburnedoutassistant @adminavenues and @candice_burningham to join our growing global communities of admin enthusiasts!

Remember, this podcast is all about admins, so let's have some fun, maybe learn something, and grow in our careers together! Thank you for being a part of The Future Focused Admin Podcast. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and share with your admin friends and community. We welcome you all! If you have anything you want to share, have an idea or just want to connect, drop us an email at ⁠⁠⁠:

[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturefocusedadmin⁠⁠⁠⁠ and our new LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-future-focused-admin.

In this episode of The Future Focused Admin Podcast, we’re chatting with special guests Melissa Peoples from Admin Gurus and Haefa Mansour Founder & CEO at ShareCal on the topic of “Breaking Barriers In Inclusion”. We discuss how admin professionals can lead the charge in creating more inclusive workplaces, events and communities. Don’t miss this conversation on driving change and fostering diversity in the admin profession. Link to one of the websites that shows how to design a website for the colour blind community: https://www.audioeye.com/post/8-ways-to-design-a-color-blind-friendly-website/ Link to Jessica’s video post example of how ChatGPT is bias for men and women’s job descriptions: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jlynnmcbride_executiveassistant-techsavvyassistant-activity-7257393310418247680-bCnF?utm Link to Candice’s viral LinkedIn Post to read some of the comments made: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7230195205147148288/ Thank you again to our amazing guest! To connect with Melissa Peoples and find our more about Admin Guru’s Melissa Peoples LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissapeoples/ Melissa Peoples | Admin Guru’s: https://www.melissapeoples.com/ To connect with Haefa Mansour and find out more about ShareCal: Haefa Mansour LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haefa-mansour/ ShareCal: https://sharecal.io This episode is sponsored by The Tech Savvy Assistant, your guide to a more relaxing work life through technology. Are you an administrative professional or freelancer? Want to stay ahead of the curve with AI, ChatGPT, and more? Tech Savvy Assistant has just what you need. Subscribe to our premium newsletter packed with exclusive insights, tips, and guides tailored to help you excel in your career. It's a must-have for anyone looking to improve their working conditions and embrace the future of tech. Go to ⁠⁠techsavvysistant.com⁠⁠, and you can sign up on Jessica's webpage. Stay connected with us on our social channels for updates on new episodes. Follow us on @thefuturefocusedadmin @theburnedoutassistant @adminavenues and @candice_burningham to join our growing global communities of admin enthusiasts! Remember, this podcast is all about admins, so let's have some fun, maybe learn something, and grow in our careers together! Thank you for being a part of The Future Focused Admin Podcast. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and share with your admin friends and community. We welcome you all! If you have anything you want to share, have an idea or just want to connect, drop us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturefocusedadmin⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join our new LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-future-focused-admin