The Whole Assistant Podcast

By Annie CronerBusiness Education Self-Improvement How To Careers

The Whole Assistant Podcast episodes

December 04, 2025Best of 2025 - 5 Habits of Exceptionally Efficient Executive Assistants
Grab my Cyber Week Bundle → https://www.wholeassistant.com/bundle
----------------------------------------------
Are you moving through your days at full speed yet still feeling like you are not making meaningful progress?
Many assistants live in a constant state of busy without ever experiencing the relief of being ahead.
In this “best of 2025” episode, I break down the five core habits that set exceptionally efficient executive assistants apart.
These habits are practical, repeatable, and designed to help you work with more clarity, ease, and strategic impact.
In this episode, you will discover:
How to build simple systems that reinforce your productivity instead of draining it

What it looks like to prioritize with intention, even when everything feels urgent

How to communicate with clarity and confidently articulate your value

The time management habits that keep you proactive—and how to know when it is time to ask for support
----------------------------------------------

Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here.

----------------------------------------------

Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening.
Stay Connected:
Book your free coaching discovery call.
Visit the website.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
Send Me an Email: [email protected]
20 min
November 27, 2025 Thank you!
You’re invited to Empowered Seat, my membership designed to help you grow, lead, and rise alongside other powerhouse assistants.
Join Here → https://www.wholeassistant.com/empoweredseat
----------------------------------------------
Happy Thanksgiving! I just want to say THANK YOU for hanging with me here on the podcast.
----------------------------------------------

Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here.

----------------------------------------------

Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening.
Stay Connected:
Book your free coaching discovery call.
Visit the website.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
Send Me an Email: [email protected]
1 min
November 20, 2025Coaches in the Hot Seat: Strategy, Clarity, and Chaos - with Melissa Peoples
You’re invited to Empowered Seat, my membership designed to help you grow, lead, and rise alongside other powerhouse assistants.
Join Here → https://www.wholeassistant.com/empoweredseat
----------------------------------------------
Ever find yourself buried in an overflowing inbox, juggling competing priorities, and wondering how you’re supposed to operate strategically when everything feels urgent?
You’re not alone, and this episode is for you.
In this conversation, Melissa Peoples and I get real about what assistants are navigating right now.
We dive into your toughest, spiciest questions, from building trust with your exec and staying out of burnout, to holding boundaries, tightening up workflows, and dropping the myth that you have to be “always on” to be effective.
Inside this episode, we cover:
How to shift out of “taskmaster mode” and show up more strategically, even when your confidence wavers.
Clear ways to handle reorgs, ballooning responsibilities, and leaders who aren’t communicating.
How to hold colleagues (and executives) accountable without slipping into people-pleasing or resentment.

Simple systems for managing your inbox, workload, and priorities so you can quiet the chaos and operate at your best.
If you’re feeling overextended, overlooked, or undervalued, press play.
This conversation brings both clarity and the practical steps to help you stand tall in your role, own your expertise, and embrace your badassery.
Connect with Melissa Peoples:
Check out Melissa People’s website HERE
----------------------------------------------

Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here.

----------------------------------------------

Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening.
Stay Connected:
Book your free coaching discovery call.
Visit the website.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
Send Me an Email: [email protected]
55 min
November 13, 2025 Letting Go In 2025
You’re invited to Empowered Seat, my membership designed to help you grow, lead, and rise alongside other powerhouse assistants.

Join Here → https://www.wholeassistant.com/empoweredseat
----------------------------------------------
Sometimes the only way forward is to release what no longer fits.
During this episode I pull back the curtain and give you an inside look at my own personal journey and transformation over 2025.
You’ll hear raw reflections on grief and joy, what it looks like to rebuild community from the ground up. You’ll also discover how surrendering to the unknown can open the door to deeper peace, richer connection, and the courage to dream bigger than ever before.
Let’s dive in.
----------------------------------------------

Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here.

----------------------------------------------

Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening.
Stay Connected:
Book your free coaching discovery call.
Visit the website.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
Send Me an Email: [email protected]

26 min
November 06, 2025How to Nail Your Annual Review With Madelyn Mackie
Ever left your annual review feeling unseen or unsure how to ask for the raise you deserve?
If you’ve ever downplayed your wins or dreaded talking up your wins, this episode is for you.
I’m joined by the brilliant Madelyn Mackie, former admin turned CEO and career activator, to talk about how to show up to your review with confidence and strategy.
In this episode, we cover:
How to communicate your impact without feeling “braggadocious”
A simple system for tracking wins and quantifying results
Why ongoing feedback matters more than once-a-year reviews
How to prepare and advocate for raises like a pro
It’s time to stop minimizing your contributions and start owning your impact.
Hit play and let’s get you ready to crush your next review.
Connect with Madelyn Mackie
Check out Madelyn Mackie’s website HERE
Follow Madelyn Mackie on LinkedIn HERE
Book your free consult with Madelyn HERE
----------------------------------------------

Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here.

----------------------------------------------

Are you ready to show up more strategically in your role, and gain clarity on your executive's priorities? Grab my FREE Strategic Planning Session guide and learn how to hold consistent strategic planning sessions with your executive.

This will help you:
- Prepare and execute your strategic planning session
- Enhance trust with your executive & gain clarity around their goals
- Form a more strategic partnership & increase your fulfillment

Grab your free guide here.

----------------------------------------------

Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening.
Stay Connected:
Book your free coaching discovery call.
Visit the website.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
Send Me an Email: [email protected]
42 min
October 30, 2025It's Time to Take Your (Empowered) Seat at the Table
In this episode, I share the origins of my brand new membership, The Empowered Seat, and take you behind the scenes on why and how this offer was created for ambitious assistants just like you. I dive into the gaps I’ve seen in professional development for administrative professionals, and show you how this new community is designed to meet you where you are, help you grow, and empower you in the most accessible, strategic way possible.
In this episode, you will discover:
Why traditional professional development often falls short for busy assistants and how The Empowered Seat addresses those gaps.
All about the flexible structure of the membership, including pre-recorded trainings, private podcast access, and real-time group support.
How a diverse range of outside industry experts and topics make this community unique and truly valuable.
The intentional, affordable pricing (plus tips for getting employer sponsorship!).
👉🏼 Click here to learn more & join Empowered Seat.
Claim an extra $50 off your annual membership with code EMPOWEREDAF.
Request employer sponsorship using this email template.
----------------------------------------------

Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening.
Stay Connected:
Book your free coaching discovery call.
Visit the website.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
Send Me an Email: [email protected]
16 min
October 23, 2025Reclaiming Your Power in the Workplace
In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I pull back the curtain on the ways we tend to give away our power without even realizing it. I dive deep into patterns that limit your agency. You’ll hear real talk about how these patterns can keep you stuck, and actionable strategies you can use right now to break free, step into your enoughness, and show up confidently.
In this episode, you will discover:
How to notice when you’ve handed over your power
Why shifting your source of validation from external to internal changes everything
Practical ways to set values-based boundaries and stay in your own emotional lane (without feeling selfish or confrontational)
I’m excited to invite you to my brand new networking event “Empower Hour” happening on October 29th at 12:00 MST! Join me for an hour of fun, real connection, and strategies to help you feel more empowered and less alone in your role. Plus, you’ll get an inside look at my brand new membership, The Empowered Seat, launching later this month.
Click here to save your spot.
----------------------------------------------

Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here.

----------------------------------------------

Are you ready to show up more strategically in your role, and gain clarity on your executive's priorities? Grab my FREE Strategic Planning Session guide and learn how to hold consistent strategic planning sessions with your executive.

This will help you:
- Prepare and execute your strategic planning session
- Enhance trust with your executive & gain clarity around their goals
- Form a more strategic partnership & increase your fulfillment

Grab your free guide here.

----------------------------------------------

Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening.
Stay Connected:
Book your free coaching discovery call.
Visit the website.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
Send Me an Email: [email protected]
22 min
October 16, 2025Connection: The Power Move Nobody Talks About
Feeling isolated in your role doesn’t have to be your reality.

In this episode, I talk about how building connections (with mentors, coaches, friends, and other executive assistants) can help you thrive at work and feel less isolated. I share my own experiences, discuss the real downsides of going it alone, and give you simple strategies to help you find your people.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why working alone can make things harder and limit your growth
How growing your network opens up new opportunities and resources
Easy ways to connect with others and build a supportive community
Connecting with others isn’t just good for your career—it helps you feel empowered and less alone every day.

📢 I’m excited to invite you to my brand new networking event “Empower Hour” happening on October 29th at 12:00 MDT! Join me for an hour of fun, real connection, and strategies to help you feel more empowered and less alone in your role. Plus, you’ll get an inside look at my brand new membership, The Empowered Seat, launching later this month.

Don’t miss out - click here to register and save your spot.

----------------------------------------------

Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here.

----------------------------------------------

Are you ready to show up more strategically in your role, and gain clarity on your executive's priorities? Grab my FREE Strategic Planning Session guide and learn how to hold consistent strategic planning sessions with your executive.

This will help you:
- Prepare and execute your strategic planning session
- Enhance trust with your executive & gain clarity around their goals
- Form a more strategic partnership & increase your fulfillment

Grab your free guide here.

----------------------------------------------

Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening.
Stay Connected:
Book your free coaching discovery call.
Visit the website.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
Send Me an Email: [email protected]
21 min
October 09, 2025What if My Executive Has Never Worked With an EA Before?
Ever worked with a leader who has never had support before?

In this episode, I break down barriers to success when it comes to working with a leader who has never had an executive assistant. I talk about common challenges, and share clear tips on how you can guide your exec, build trust, and showcase your value (without losing your cool or your confidence).

In this episode, you will discover:
Why some execs struggle to let go of control, and how to handle it.
How to guide and educate your leader about what you’re capable of.
Simple ways to build trust and foster communication.
How to show your value, even when your leader doesn’t “get it” yet.
If you want to feel more confident and make a bigger impact with a brand new (and maybe clueless!) executive, this episode will help you get there.

----------------------------------------------

Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here.

----------------------------------------------

Are you ready to show up more strategically in your role, and gain clarity on your executive's priorities? Grab my FREE Strategic Planning Session guide and learn how to hold consistent strategic planning sessions with your executive.

This will help you:
- Prepare and execute your strategic planning session
- Enhance trust with your executive & gain clarity around their goals
- Form a more strategic partnership & increase your fulfillment

Grab your free guide here.

----------------------------------------------

Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening.
Stay Connected:
Book your free coaching discovery call.
Visit the website.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
Send Me an Email: [email protected]
22 min
October 02, 2025Creating Safety in Yourself
Do you ever feel like you’re your own worst critic, always worrying about mistakes or what others think?

In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I share why learning to create a sense of safety within yourself is so valuable, especially when things get tough. I talk about my own experiences and challenges this past year, and how having my own back helped me move forward with more confidence and resilience. You’ll hear honest insights on letting go of perfectionism, building true self-trust, and how to stop spinning out over small (or big!) mistakes.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why feeling safe within yourself helps you handle tough emotions and bounce back faster.
How self-trust and being your own biggest supporter lets you take more risks and go after what you want.
An easy, three-step approach to create your own inner safety, plus real-life examples you can relate to.

If you’re ready to start showing up for yourself the way you do for everyone else, this episode is a must-listen!

----------------------------------------------

Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here.

----------------------------------------------

Are you ready to show up more strategically in your role, and gain clarity on your executive's priorities? Grab my FREE Strategic Planning Session guide and learn how to hold consistent strategic planning sessions with your executive.

This will help you:
- Prepare and execute your strategic planning session
- Enhance trust with your executive & gain clarity around their goals
- Form a more strategic partnership & increase your fulfillment

Grab your free guide here.

----------------------------------------------

Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening.
Stay Connected:
Book your free coaching discovery call.
Visit the website.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
Send Me an Email: [email protected]
26 min

About The Whole Assistant Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Whole Assistant Podcast! I’m your host Annie Croner. I’m a former assistant who is passionate about the profession, and a certified coach who is invested in your success. You’ve come to…