ES GLOBAL 2024

Ayanna Castro is a global speaker, life coach and author with expertise in empowering others realize their potential and overcome self-imposed obstacles in pursuit of their goals. As the Founder and Chief Maven of Work Your Package®, her mission is to encourage and equip others to enhance what they already have to become the “total package” and be extraordinary. 

Known for her perfect balance of guidance, support, and hard truths, she is the “go-to” person for those embarking on new ventures or have lost clarity on their goals. As a speaker, Ayanna delights and engages audiences with her inspiring and transparent message of perseverance and “working their package.”   

Ayanna has degrees in Deviant Behavior and Social Control and Business Administration. She is also a Society of Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP), and certified Master Life Coach. She is also certified in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with over 25 years of professional experience in city government, law, public relations, private equity and media. She is currently the Program Manager of Employee Engagement for one of the country’s largest water utilities and is responsible for enterprise-wide programs to include DEIB, recognition, appreciation and corporate philanthropic giving.  

She has also authored three books, “Work Your Package – An Eight-Week Guide to Discovering and Developing Your True Purpose”, “Lessons from Wednesday” and “Work Your Package – A Guide to Being the Total Package”. 

Unleashing Potential: The Power of an Agile Mindset

In the business landscape, agility is a skill that allows for flexibility and adaptability to change. Some of the fundamental principles behind agile project management include setting iterative goals, embracing failure as learning opportunities, flexibility in problem-solving and cultivating resilience and adaptability.  

Join Ayanna Castro and imagine what would happen if you applied those same principles to professional growth.

Learning Outcomes

• The principles of an agile mindset 
• The similarities of agile in project management and professional development 
• How to apply agile principles to professional development

TEDx Speaker | Author Be the Ultimate Assistant, Staff Matters

Bonnie Low-Kramen is recognized as one of the world’s most respected thought leaders on workplace issues. Her work has taken her to 13 countries. She previously worked as the Personal Assistant to Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis for 25 years – until 2011.

Bonnie’s 2022 TEDx talk is called “The Real Reasons People Quit.” Her ‘Be the Ultimate Assistant’ workshop (co-taught with Vickie Sokol Evans) is considered a must-attend for top assistants and was featured in Forbes.

Bonnie is the bestselling author of Be the Ultimate Assistant and Staff Matters, People-Focused Solutions for the Ultimate New Workplace. She is a writer for Executive Support Magazine and Harvard Business Review. Her passion is to affect positive change in the global workplace by paving the way towards healthy, respectful, and productive partnerships between staff.

Clients include the Wharton School, Starbucks, Amazon, and the British Parliament. A committed advocate for women’s issues, Bonnie is at the center of the movements to close the wage gap and to end workplace bullying.

She is a sought-after keynote speaker and trainer at conferences and corporations around the world. Bonnie is based in Florida, USA and seeks to build better workplaces for her children and yours.

Impact! Ways to Make Your Mark, Earn Top Money and Leave Your Legacy

In a workplace landscape that is transforming before our eyes, the question in 2024 has become: what are the new ways Executive Assistants are exerting their power and influence to have a real and lasting impact on their companies, their leaders, and themselves?  

With the role in transformation, Executive Assistants have an unprecedented opportunity to shape perceptions about where they fit in the modern workplace. In a VUCA* post-pandemic world, company leaders and HR are struggling to meet the future filled with new AI technology. More than ever, they need human EA partners by their sides whom they trust, who are skilled communicators, and who know how to use the new tech tools.  

Bonnie Low-Kramen explores these ideas about power and influence as EAs impact the design of a new and sustainable workplace. In this exciting process, EAs can set themselves up for promotions, expanded responsibility, new titles, and increased compensation. 

 The future is here and there are new rules. Executive Assistants are racehorses and the gates have flown open. Where will you exert your power and influence? 

 *VUCA – Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous 

Learning Outcomes

• Gain confidence to speak up about the issues that matter.  
• Learn the top six ways Executive Assistants are making their mark on their companies. 
• Three strategies for EAs to exert influence as Strategic Business Partners and ensure job security and career progression. 

Cathy Harris is Executive PA to the CEO of Discovery Invest, with over 40 years’ experience in the administrative profession. She was nominated South Africa’s National Secretary of the Year for 2006/2007, and authored “The Executive Secretary Guide to Creating an Internal Assistant Network.”  

Cathy is the founder and Director of the Platinum Assistant Network – South Africa, a member of the World Administrators Alliance work force and contributor to the creation of the Global Skills Matrix. She headed up the Office Professionals of South Africa, (OPSA) National Awards for over 10 years, and was instrumental in formulating all the assignments and assessments for the OPSA CPD and Designations certifications which is now officially a South African SETA approved accreditation.   

Having also held the role of Chairperson of Discovery’s internal network for many years she, and fellow EA Susan Engelbrecht, now co-manage the Discovery PA Centre of Excellence. Cathy has initiated various programs for the internal network, which includes the Discovery PA Centre of Excellence induction program, the Chartered PA program, and the National Certificate for Business Administration program.  

Cathy is also one of four mentors on the Isipho Admin Bursary initiative, where previously disadvantaged young black South African women have an opportunity to train in the administrative profession.  

The Assistant Network in a Hybrid World

If we thought remote working was tricky, welcome to the hybrid working model, where we get to come in some days and work from home on others. Connecting people for spontaneous and collaborative interactions, with quick reaction times and productive resolutions is one of the many challenges we as Assistants face. These challenges can be overcome when given the correct resources and guides to navigate this new way of working. 

Continuous collaboration and connecting with our fellow Assistants are very important. It is a way to build trust and inclusion amongst our peer groups, as well as to stay up to date with the latest business developments and training initiatives within our organizations, allowing us to stay ahead of the game, and realize our potential as true strategic business partners.  

Learning Outcomes

In this session, you will discover:  

• How to get your network up and running effectively for a hybrid working model 
• How to build a digital network which allows you to stay connected as a community, and 
• What the benefits are when you open yourself up to change and new discoveries 

Corinne Hoisington is a full-time professor of Information Systems Technology at Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg, Virginia, with more than 30 years of teaching experience. Corinne travels over 250,000 miles a year delivering keynote addresses and training for organisations such as the Microsoft Corporation, Microsoft Canada International Events, Cengage Learning, ByteSpeed, National Geographic Abu Dhabi, Capital One International Bank, JLab, Executive LIVE in London and Johannesburg, and the international South by Southwest (SXSW) event in Austin, Texas.  

Professor Hoisington is the recipient of the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional award in Computer Programming. She has authored over 30 textbooks with Cengage Learning/National Geographic on topics such as Outlook 365, Office 365, Microsoft Windows, Android Boot Camp Java, Technology Now, and Visual Basic.  

Corinne is a distinguished thought leader, esteemed professor, and sought-after corporate trainer in the dynamic domains of Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT technology, Microsoft 365, and Admin Events. With a profound passion for technology and education, Professor Hoisington has become a guiding light in these rapidly evolving fields. 

24 AI Technologies to Supercharge Your Role as Admin Professionals

In the fast-paced world of 2024, administrative professionals are at the forefront of efficiency and innovation, thanks to a plethora of cutting-edge AI technologies.  

In the blink of an AI, these professionals are seamlessly integrating advanced tools into their workflows, revolutionizing the administrative landscape. Buckle up for a fast-paced – AI ride into productivity. 

Learning Outcomes

• Check out 24 AI tools that can enhance efficiency, allowing admins to focus on more strategic and value-added activities. 
• Use apps that stress the need for interoperability and easy integration when adopting multiple AI solutions. 
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in AI tools; crucial for maximizing your potential. 

Courtney Clark is the luckiest unlucky person in the world. 

After a series of major struggles beginning in her mid-20s, she has built two successful businesses and is the author of two books, including her most recent book ReVisionary Thinking.  She works with people who want to adapt faster and achieve more, and has spoken worldwide to organizations like Procter & Gamble, Dell, S&P, Humana, Cisco, and Cardinal Health.  

ReVisionary Thinking: The Science and Strategy of Adapting to Change

Can you reach your goals, even if things aren’t going the way you expect? Most people (and organizations) are good at setting goals and making plans, but not very good at revising those plans when things change. But that’s the real work of resilience.  

Backed by Courtney Clark’s data-driven research, ReVisionary Thinking offers concrete strategies for building “future readiness” and blazing a new path when the goalposts move on you.  

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

• Avoid the typical mistakes people make when confronted with change 
• Improve mental flexibility as individuals and teams 
• Understand why gut instinct fails you in unfamiliar situations—and how to counter it 
• Generate more (and more innovative!) ideas when solving problems 

Diana Brandl holds a degree in International Administration and Management. She is an international speaker, trainer and consultant focussing on digital transformation, new work, personal branding, and leadership.

Diana is the host of The Future Assistant Podcast and a LinkedIn Learning instructor.

The Customer-Centric Assistant: A Modern Approach to Executive Support

Service orientation and customer service are named in the “Top 10 Skills on the Rise” in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 –  skills which have been core competencies for Assistants for many years. Assistants are not only gatekeepers and schedulers, they are pivotal in shaping the customer experience, often from behind the scenes.

But what does it truly mean to be a customer-centric Assistant?

How can Assistants, in their unique positions, become the champions of customer satisfaction?

During this session, Diana Brandl will uncover the essence of a customer-first approach and explore how the subtleties of the Assistant role can make a substantial impact on client relationships and, ultimately, company success.

Learning Outcomes

Discover how to transform your role into a powerhouse of customer-centric excellence.

• Understand the Customer-Centric Approach
• Why Customer-Centricity Matters
• Core Qualities of a Customer-Centric Executive Assistant

Glynis E. Devine is the person organizations hire to take their female leaders to the next level.  She is the President and Chief Empowerment Officer (CEO) of She-Suite Leaders, an organization of solutionists dedicated to getting more women into C-Suite roles. Glynis works with executives to effect epic positive change and equip them to be more valuable to all stakeholders.   

Organizations hire Glynis so they can: 

• attract and retain TOP talent 
• optimize performance 
• grow exponentially – and sustainably 

Drawing on her experience as a Senior Sales Director in a multinational cosmetics organization, she led her team to the top 3% in Canada for more than 25 years. She has personally sold more than a half million dollars worth of lipstick placing her in the top 10 in Canada, twice, out of a sales force of 30,000. 

Glynis 

• is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) a designation held by fewer than 900 speakers worldwide. 
• trains female ‘high potential’ leaders in Saudi Arabia for Vision 2030 
• served on the National Board of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers 
• presents in person and online, in English and French.  
• leads the Your Soul Journey women’s empowerment retreat. 

Cutting-edge Advice for Developing Your Strategic Business Partnership

The corporate world is undergoing a seismic shift, and a remarkable opportunity has emerged for YOU! We’re talking about a transition from being task-focused to becoming a linchpin of leadership and strategy – a true strategic business partner. 

Gone are the days when support roles were seen merely as a checklist of tasks. The new era demands a fusion of skills, blending administrative excellence with strategic foresight. 

This evolution isn’t about piling on more work. It’s about enriching your role with a layer of expertise that positions you and your executive for unparalleled success. 

Stepping into this role means you don’t just contribute to your organization’s success – you shape it. You’ll find yourself in a position where your insights influence critical decisions, where your voice carries weight at the executive table, and where your partnership with leadership can redefine your organization’s trajectory. 

• Are you ready to see your professional input become a driving force in your company’s strategy?  
• Are you eager to elevate your role to a place of high-level strategic impact?  
• Do you dream of being recognized as a core contributor to your executive’s and organization’s achievements? 

Join us in our cutting-edge session, where we delve into the seven pillars of strategic partnership. 

Learning Outcomes

You will learn how to:  

• align your support roles with broader leadership and organizational strategies, enabling you to become essential partners in decision-making processes. 
• enhance your communication and influence skills, enabling you to effectively convey insights, ideas, and recommendations to executive-level stakeholders, thereby increasing your impact within the organization 
• build collaborative relationships with executives and other key stakeholders, fostering trust and cooperation to drive organizational success. 

Hallie Warner is the co-founder and owner of The Founder & The Force Multiplier and served as Chief of Staff for over 13 years to serial entrepreneur, Adam Hergenrother. Hallie also co-authored The Founder & The Force Multiplier: How Entrepreneurs and Executive Assistants Achieve More Together and The 200% Life: Your Guide to Spiritual Growth & Business Success Without Meditating on a Mountaintop.  

After years of providing executive support, strategic counsel to internal and external stakeholders, and leading special projects focused on the growth of the organization, Hallie started her own coaching and consulting company in 2024 and runs that business alongside The Founder & The Force Multiplier.  

The Founder & The Force Multiplier was created to help leaders and Force Multipliers (AKA: Executive Assistants, Chiefs of Staff) find the right strategic partner, enhance their communication, navigate change, grow companies and careers, and lead better together. The Founder & The Force Multiplier’s book, coaching, and courses are designed from over 15 years of real-world leadership, business-building, and strategic partnership experience to empower working relationships and elevate companies and careers. 

In her free time, you will likely find Hallie either reading or making a list. She lives in Vermont with her husband, Bill, and their dogs, Enzo and Stella.  

Make Your Work Work for You

Executive support professionals are no longer content with sitting on the sidelines. I mean, were they ever? I know that you want in on the action, that you want to contribute to the business at a higher level, and that you want to lead alongside your executive.

You want to become an influential leader, strategic business partner, and confident force multiplier. You want to take control of your career trajectory.

But where do you start?

In this session, Hallie Warner will share strategies for taking charge of your career and becoming the leader that you would want to partner with.

Learning Outcomes

• How to increase your visibility with your executive and team
• How to position yourself as a thought leader inside, and outside, your company
• Key strategies for taking control of your career development

Dr Denniston bridges the connection between personal well-being and professional success for elite leaders and their teams.  

She delivers custom solutions for burnout and stress and provides cohesive habit-training strategies that maximize vitality, productivity, and resilience. 

Her Wellness Amplifier Performance Program is sourced from 25 years of private practice and from working with companies from small start-ups to global giants like Microsoft.  

As a keynote speaker and coach, Dr Denniston motivates audiences covering topics from health and wellness to stress and resilience.  

She is the author of Three Day Reset and a regular contributor to several online wellness publications such as Thrive Global and Medium. 

Boundary Lines – Amplify Your Well-Being by Naming and Holding Clear Boundaries

Are you constantly overwhelmed and have no time for self-care or the things you want to do? You might have boundary issues. Boundaries are essential to define, set, and hold, but most of us have never been taught how!

Join Dr. Denniston in this interactive session, where you will discover what boundaries are, why they often fail, and how to finally set and secure them for good.

Learning Outcomes

You will learn

• the five types of boundaries we must consider
• why personal and professional limits are hard to set and often fail
• why flimsy or rigid boundaries chip away at your health
• the five steps to crush boundary setting once and for all

Helen Monument inspires and encourages Assistants to be the best they can be, by sharing 40 years of experience as a management support professional in international companies in many roles from Receptionist to Secretary to Office Manager and Business Support Team Leader, so she understands the profession inside out. 

At Monumental Assistance, Helen provides training and coaching to Assistants at all levels and is a stimulating, knowledgeable and entertaining conference speaker. She is passionate about giving back to the profession that created so many wonderful opportunities for her by ‘paying it forward’, helping others to become monumental Assistants. She offers a variety of training topics which can be tailor-made to an individual, teams, organization or event. 

Helen is also Chair of the World Administrators Alliance, a non-profit association representing Administrative Associations, Networks and industry stakeholders globally. Its aims are to guide, develop, influence and elevate the administrative profession, creating a community where administrative professionals everywhere can speak with one voice. The WA-Alliance produced the Global Skills Matrix, the award-winning, career development framework based on research from over 3000 administrative professionals in 61 countries.  

British-born Helen lives in The Netherlands and spends her free time reading, walking and enjoying culinary delights served up by her husband Robert. 

The A to Z of Leadership for Assistants

As an Assistant, you see leaders performing every single day. This puts you in a unique position to learn the best – and avoid the worst – way to be a leader. 

Assistants often complain about being ‘invisible’ and say that people don’t understand their role. You have the power to change those perceptions. Helen Monument will explain why you must step out of the shadows, forget false modesty and start practising those leadership skills. The more you act like a leader, the more you will be treated like one. 

Whether you have leadership aspirations, or you simply want to understand how to be the leader of your own life, Helen will highlight the essential skills that she learned on her leadership journey and inspire you to become your own leader. 

From Authenticity, Belief and Communication through to Xenophelia, Yes and Zeal, Helen will share why adopting these leadership traits is indispensable for your development, to equip you with skills and qualities that are vital for your professional growth.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the essential leadership skills needed for your professional development. 
• Learn how to step out of the shadows and increase your visibility. 
• Create your own plan to work on the leadership skills you need. 

Jessica McBride, founder of Tech Savvy Assistant, is a trailblazer in the world of administrative professionals, with a unique focus on integrating cutting-edge AI technology like ChatGPT to foster a softer, more relaxed working environment.  

Guided by a passion for innovation, Jessica’s speaking events and educational presentations have reached audiences across the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Through these platforms, she shares her insights on leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and enrich the professional lives of Executive Assistants, Administrative Assistants, those in Operations, and freelance virtual assistants. Her commitment to improving working conditions in the industry is underscored by her hands-on approach, which encompasses creating engaging videos and offering downloadable books and guides tailored to the needs and aspirations of admins in the workforce.  

Jessica’s vision is not only to revolutionize her industry but to promote personal growth and empowerment, making technology a tool for individual advancement. With a refreshing blend of expertise and empathy, Jessica is dedicated to her goal of enriching the lives of those in her field and aspires to not only inspire change but also achieve personal success. 

The Assistant's Edge: Harnessing Microsoft Copilot for Next-Level Productivity

In Jessica McBride’s cutting-edge presentation, attendees will discover transformative ways to leverage Microsoft Copilot, specifically tailored for administrative professionals. This engaging session goes beyond the basics, revealing how Copilot can revolutionize tasks by summarizing lengthy email chains, identifying critical action items, constructing compelling PowerPoint presentations, and performing in-depth data analysis.

Jessica will delve into practical demonstrations, showcasing how these features can significantly enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and facilitate decision-making processes. By integrating these advanced tools, administrative professionals will unlock new levels of efficiency and effectiveness in their roles.

Learning Outcomes

• Streamlined Communication: Learn how to use Copilot to condense extensive email conversations into concise summaries, ensuring key information is never missed.
• Enhanced Presentation Skills: Discover the power of Copilot in crafting visually appealing and impactful PowerPoint presentations with ease, saving time and enhancing message delivery.
• Data Analysis Mastery: Gain insights into how Copilot can analyze complex datasets, providing actionable insights and supporting informed decision-making without the need for deep technical expertise.

Pioneer of the Administrative Training Industry | CEO & Founder, Office Dynamics International

Joan Burge is known as the pioneer of the administrative training industry. Joan is an accomplished author, professional speaker, corporate trainer, and coach. After working in the administrative profession for 20 years, Joan founded Office Dynamics International in 1990, inspiring excellence in the administrative profession.  Since then, ODI has grown into a global industry leader, offering a broad range of training and coaching solutions for administrative assistants.

Joan has earned the respect of premier clients like Walt Disney World, Procter & Gamble, Cisco, and Humana. Joan has produced 400+ educational videos for assistants, written 5 books for assistants, designed 3 Certification/Designation courses for executive assistants, and has hosted 29 annual conferences for administrative excellence.

Joan Burge has been passionate about the administrative profession for 50 years. She eats, breathes, and lives to improve the quality of life and education for assistants at every level worldwide. Joan also coaches executives on how to maximize the time and talents of their assistants.

From Routine to Remarkable: Transforming Your Life Through Curiosity and Learning

This enriching session with Joan Burge is designed to ignite your curiosity, propel your personal and professional growth, and redefine the essence of lifelong learning. Embark on a journey that transcends traditional learning paradigms by exploring the transformative power of curiosity. Discover how fostering an inquisitive mindset not only enhances your problem-solving skills but also opens doors to innovative thinking and creative solutions.  

Simultaneously, embrace the principles of lifelong learning through Joan’s triple-pronged approach tailored for executive assistants. This comprehensive strategy ensures a well-rounded development, equipping you with the skills to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing administrative landscape. 

Learning Outcomes

• Enhanced Curiosity and Innovation: Learn practical strategies to cultivate curiosity in their professional lives, leading to enhanced problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and the capacity to generate creative solutions for complex challenges. 

• Skills in Lifelong Learning: Gain insights into developing a growth mindset and adopting lifelong learning practices. This includes understanding how to set personal learning goals, effectively utilize resources for self-education, and integrate continuous learning into daily routines.

• Effective Peer Learning Techniques: Discover the benefits of learning from fellow executive assistants, including how to effectively share knowledge, leverage community wisdom for personal growth, and engage in productive networking and mentorship opportunities. 

The visionary Lucy Brazier is one of the world’s leading authorities on the administrative profession.

She is the CEO of Marcham Publishing, a global force synonymous with world-class conferences and training, including Executive Support LIVE and Modern-Day Assistant, and home of Executive Support Magazine, the gold standard of training in print for administrative professionals.  

Author of ‘The Modern-Day Assistant: Build Your Influence and Boost Your Potential’, Lucy is passionate about ensuring the Assistant role is truly recognised as a career and not just a job and is dedicated to supporting the development of both senior and aspiring administrative professionals. 

Her formidable training expertise and speaking style have given her opportunities to train, present and emcee events in over 50 countries at over 650 events, including chairing the 2015 World Administrators Summit in Papua New Guinea and co-facilitating every World Administrators Summit since. Lucy has keynoted at almost every major conference for Assistants in the world.  

She has a unique overview of the role and where it is heading. With access to the most forward-thinking, passionate and knowledgeable trainers and administrative business leaders in the world, as well as personally meeting and speaking to thousands of Assistants for more than a decade, her knowledge of the market and what Assistants all over the world are facing on a day-to-day basis is second to none.  

Lucy’s work in the field has led to thousands of Assistants and executives working more effectively together. Her training and ongoing conversations have resulted in promotions, internal networks and career frameworks being created in some of the biggest companies in the world; college students seeing the Assistant role as a proper profession with a career path; and businesses, HR and executives finally understanding how to measure performance to best utilise their Assistants. The work being conducted worldwide with the publication of the Global Skills Matrix is one of Lucy’s key drivers, and she is working with some of the most recognisable companies on the planet to consult on restructuring and training their Business Support functions. 

In 2021, Lucy was awarded an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) from the Queen for services to office professionals. She has also received an Honorary Fellowship to the Institute of Administrative Management – one of the oldest management institutes in the world, having inspired professional business managers and administrators since 1915 – in recognition of her work to drive the profession forward. 

In 2021, Lucy was awarded an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) from the Queen for services to office professionals. She has also received an Honorary Fellowship to the Institute of Administrative Management – one of the oldest management institutes in the world, having inspired professional business managers and administrators since 1915 – in recognition of her work to drive the profession forward. 

The Modern-Day Assistant: Laura Schwartz Interviews Lucy Brazier OBE

An interview with Lucy Brazier OBE by Laura Schwartz, Professional Speaker, Television Commentator and Author of Eat, Drink and Succeed.  

Laura Schwartz has been a frequent headliner for Executive Support Live around the world and was thrilled to sit down with Lucy to discuss her incredible new book, The Modern-Day Assistant.  

This personal interview is full of tips and tools for every assistant at every stage of their career you’ll want to watch over and over again. 

Watch as Laura discusses with Lucy the power of Lucy’s new book in the administrative professional community and beyond! 

Passionate, fun and straight-talking, Lucy Chamberlain has become one of the business world’s most popular motivational speakers. Over the course of her Founder journey, Lucy has worked as a TV presenter, awards judge, ICF Accredited coach and award-winning speaker.

With over 20 years of leading industry experience, Lucy founded C&C Search to redefine and elevate both the client and candidates’ recruitment experience.   In April 2020, Lucy launched the C&C Academy, a global training platform specialising in offering CPD-certified qualifications, as well as bespoke, in-house training and keynote speeches for a wide variety of businesses, including WarnerMedia, BlackRock, Sony and Impax Asset Management.

Alongside her fantastic knowledge base, Lucy’s level of experience enables her to give genuine insights into leadership, change and overcoming adversity.

As a speaker, Lucy leaves an audience motivated, empowered and armed with tools to support a life and career that serves the individual better.

Mindset Mastery

Lucy Chamberlain is a recognised leader in empowering businesses and individuals to leverage mindset mastery for sustainable success. She delivers impactful strategies that boost engagement, fuel performance, and amplify the ability to manage change and thrive both personally and professionally.

In this session, Lucy will inspire you to achieve mindset mastery, unlock your potential, and exceed perceived limits. If you have felt stuck, overwhelmed or limited by an ever-critical inner voice; this session will empower you with tools and strategies delivered through storytelling and science that will give you the courage, competence and confidence needed to manage your mindset and unlock your true potential.

Learning Outcomes

Warning: This session may lead to serious fulfilment professionally and personally!

Learn how to:

• Increase engagement.
• Encourage innovation, connection and productivity.
• Develop conscious communication skills.
• Build resilience.
• Support transformation.
• Encourage continuous learning and development.
• Strengthen solution-focused thinking and ways of working.

Laura Belgrado holds a bachelor’s degree in office business administration and languages and is a licensed Executive Coach (AoEC and ICF Certified). She has over 35 years of experience working in international corporate environments, including companies such as Microsoft and MARS Inc., and has extensive experience in business management, budget management, project management and operations. Laura is a true linguist and is fluent in five languages – Dutch, French, English, German and Spanish. She has vast experience of working with top global CEOs and C-Suite executives as their trusted EA and advisor.  

 One of Europe’s most sought-after speakers, Laura has now travelled around the globe speaking and coaching Executive and Personal Assistants. Laura’s innovative way of working and thinking ensures Assistants grow within their role, find their strengths, and reconnect with the significance of the role. Laura’s continuous learning mindset has allowed her to not only grow her career, but she has inspired so many to look into their skills, accomplishments and strengths allowing these individuals to thrive in their careers and personal lives. 

 Laura has made some bold moves in the past 2.5 years in her career growth and is now working for a pharmaceutical supplements company as Chief of Staff.

Thriving Through Change: Cultivating Resilience, Flexibility, Curiosity, and Motivation for Lifelong Growth

In a rapidly evolving world, the ability of Assistants to thrive amidst change is paramount. Laura will bring her own experience as a Senior Executive Assistant and now Chief of Staff.  

Drawing from research and real-life examples, Laura underscores the essential qualities necessary for navigating change effectively: resilience, flexibility, curiosity, and motivation. 

Resilience is the foundation upon which we can weather adversity and bounce back stronger than before. Through stories of triumph over adversity, you will learn practical strategies for building resilience and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of challenges.  

Flexibility emerges as a key mindset for adapting to change, emphasizing the need to embrace uncertainty and cultivate a willingness to pivot when necessary. By fostering adaptability and open-mindedness, you can learn to navigate transitions with grace and agility. 

Curiosity is celebrated as a catalyst for lifelong learning and personal growth. Laura will encourage you to nurture your innate sense of curiosity, exploring new ideas, perspectives, and experiences to fuel innovation and creativity in our Profession. 

Motivation and self-awareness are explored as essential drivers of sustained growth and fulfilment. By cultivating a deep understanding of their values, strengths, and aspirations, you can harness intrinsic motivation to pursue your goals with passion and purpose. 

Throughout the session, Laura will share some practical tips to empower you, and how to apply these principles in your career and lives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong growth. 

Learning Outcomes

You will learn that: 

• Resilience is not about avoiding difficulties but about bouncing back from setbacks stronger than before.  
• The importance of embracing change and cultivating flexibility in both mindset and behaviour.  
• Cultivating curiosity is a fundamental driver of lifelong learning and personal development. 
• Motivation is an intrinsic force that propels you toward your goals and sustains your efforts over the long term.  
• We need to view personal and professional development as an ongoing journey rather than a destination. 

By internalizing these key learnings, you will be better equipped with the mindset, skills, and strategies needed to thrive in an ever-changing world, both personally and professionally.

Named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the Global Event Industry by Eventex 2019-2023 and one of the top 7 speakers in the United States, Laura Schwartz has been a Professional Emcee and Keynote Speaker since 2001. Laura began her professional career in 1993 as the youngest female presidential appointee in history, serving as the White House Director of Events for the Clinton Administration. After which, in addition to speaking, published her first book “Eat, Drink and Succeed” and currently appears on television as the American contributor on Australia’s #1 Today Show. Laura has been featured by and is a published writer in Fast Company, Elle Magazine, Marie Claire and other periodicals. In 2021, along with her cast from ITV News, she was awarded the International Drum Award for Podcast of the Year. 

Laura and her wife reside in Chicago where they are involved in civic and philanthropic endeavors. Laura is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, the City Club of Chicago and the American Heart Association Advocacy Committee. Globally, Laura serves as an active board member on the Keystone Board of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and the WASH Foundation, an endeavor of Clean the World Global.

The Modern-Day Assistant: Laura Schwartz Interviews Lucy Brazier OBE

An interview with Lucy Brazier OBE by Laura Schwartz, Professional Speaker, Television Commentator and Author of Eat, Drink and Succeed.  

Laura has been a frequent headliner for Executive Support Live around the world and was thrilled to sit down with Lucy to discuss her incredible new book, The Modern-Day Assistant.  

This personal interview is full of tips and tools for every assistant at every stage of their career you’ll want to watch over and over again. 

Watch as Laura discusses with Lucy the power of Lucy’s new book in the administrative professional community and beyond! 

Libby Moore is an executive leadership coach, international speaker, and former Chief of Staff to Oprah Winfrey.   

She is passionate about helping people and companies align with their authentic selves to achieve their higher purpose. 

For the past 25 years, Libby has worked with high-profile super-achievers in various capacities. Top among them – Oprah Winfrey.  Libby served as her Chief of Staff for over a decade, as well as helped create and launch Ms. Winfrey’s next show, Super Soul Sunday, on OWN. 

After The Oprah Winfrey Show concluded in 2011, Libby transitioned from the entertainment world to the world of coaching.  For the past 11 years, Libby has helped develop executives from organizations such as; Google, Facebook, Chobani, Morgan Stanley, UBS, and many more. 

Libby shares her unique insight, practical tools and lessons learned with audiences worldwide through customized speaking engagements and bespoke coaching programs. She has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Forty over 40, and Smart Company. 

AI vs. AI: Artificial Intelligence vs. Our Authentic Intelligence – Aligning with the original superpower

Libby Moore introduces her brand-new presentation, where attendees will rediscover how to live a more authentic life, in an ever-increasing artificial world.  

The term artificial intelligence is broadened to include all areas of one’s life that are not authentic, genuine and soulful. 

This session does a U-turn to bring you back to yourself.  Rediscovering the powers that lie within you and remembering how to integrate that knowledge into both your professional and personal world to live a better life. 

Using real-life experiences to demonstrate both the artificial outcomes as well as the authentic ones, participants will quickly recognize themselves at both ends of the spectrum.  

Simple and practical tools will be shared so that attendees can start immediately, in course-correcting any area of their lives that is not in alignment with their authentic selves.

Learning Outcomes

• Managing Stress and Anxiety: Scientifically researched breathing techniques to help manage stress and improve health. 
• Improved Communication: Learn how to communicate better and clearer by using one simple technique before difficult conversations. 
• Healthier & Happier: Daily practices to help stay in alignment with your authentic self, which leads to a more fulfilling life. 
• Reconnect to your Inner Wisdom: The highly intelligent inner GPS that every human being possesses. 

Based in San Francisco, Margot Roache-Green’s impact on her community stretches far beyond the administrative profession. At the 2023 Admin Awards, Margot received The Jeannette Castellano Lifetime Achievement Award.

Throughout her career she has dedicated herself to improving the lives of others:

In the 1960’s, Margot sought to empower and serve through establishing health centers in marginalized communities, a testament to her vision for accessible healthcare. In the 1980s, Margot championed education and professional growth for women on welfare and farm workers, helping them to become economically self-sufficient. In the 1990s, Margot worked at IBM – there she was able to adapt and embrace new technologies, utilizing it to bridge gaps and foster connections in the community she so passionately supported.

Later on, her role in Alameda County Services during the passing of the Affordable Care Act ensured healthcare for the working poor. Margot continued to empower women through her grant writing and fundraising work at Soroptimist of the East Bay, before her involvement in the Pathway to College and Career program for Oakland’s underserved youth.

To this day, she continues to advocate for positive change and improve the lives of those around her.

Lucy Brazier interviews Margot Roache-Green, winner of The Admin Awards 'Lifetime Achievement Award'

In this special session for ES Global 2024, Lucy Brazier is joined by Margot Roache-Green, the recipient of The Admin Awards ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’. Together they discuss Margot’s incredible career and her lifelong dedication to improving the lives of others.

Now at 79, within her current role at the DNV, Margot continues to advocate for positive change while supporting local businesses.

Margot’s story is a testament to the profound impact one person can have
on an organization and its community, standing as a symbol of selflessness and dedication to others’ well-being.

International Trainer | Author | Owner, MRH Enterprises LLC

When it comes to career and professional development, Marie Herman, CAP, OM, ACS, MOSM knows how to take you from where you are, to where you want to be.  As the owner of MRH Enterprises LLC, Marie helps office professionals to advance their careers through certification and education.

Prior to launching her incredibly successful training business, Marie supported the Chief Technology Officer of the Fermi National Accelerator Lab and Chairman Emeritus of ServiceMaster.  Marie, an author, mentor and subject matter expert, holds multiple certifications and can help you become better trained as well.

Her articles in Executive Support magazine have proven perennially popular. She has more than two decades of experience as an administrative professional and efficiency consultant.  She is a regular contributor to Executive Support Magazine and also facilitates Organizational Management cohorts for IAAP.

Marie teaches webinars and seminars on various technology and professional development topics and also provides highly respected online certification study groups for the Microsoft Office Specialist and Certified Administrative Professional exams.

Honing Your Focus and Productivity

We all have an overwhelming amount of tasks to complete and rarely have enough time to be able to get it all done.  

During this 60-minute session, Marie Herman will help you to establish priorities on your task list, increase your focus and hone in on your greatest value tasks to ensure that you are at maximum productivity with the time you do have available. You will receive guidance on clarifying what your best use of time is as well as solid tips for streamlining your to-dos effectively! 

Learning Outcomes

• Enhanced Focus: Discover some classic techniques to increase your focus and allow you to get so much more done compared to the usual amount of time your tasks take. 
• Prioritize Your Tasks: Gain a better understanding of some of the many ways you can organize and prioritize your tasks so that you aren’t just busy, but productive and working on the RIGHT things. 
• Maximize Productivity: By clarifying your mindset and adding in concrete tips that you can implement immediately on the job and at home, you will maximize your productivity and complete far more tasks. 

Peggy Vasquez is an inspirational speaker, a best-selling author, and an empowerment coach. She’s also a former Chief Executive Assistant.  

Known internationally for her inspirational keynotes, Peggy is the real deal; she’s “been there, done that.”  Peggy has a gift of getting her audiences to open up and connect.  She’s down to earth and vulnerably shares what worked and what didn’t in her career as an administrative professional and an entrepreneur.  Her passion and personal mission statement is to “empower others to succeed,” and that is exactly what she’ll do for you.  Peggy will share her knowledge and experience from over a decade in the C-Suite.  She’ll entertain you with humor and inspire you through passion. 

Peggy is a certified trainer.  She’s also the recipient of the Athena Leadership, Women of Distinction and I am Women Helping Women award. Her most successful accomplishment is being married to her husband for over 30 years, raising four children and spoiling their grandchildren together. 

Peggy’s latest product is the Roadmap to Empowering You, available on her website: www.peggyvasquez.net 

Peggy is also the author of Not Just An Admin! and Mean Girl No More, both available on Amazon and her website: https://peggyvasquez.net/ 

How to Position Yourself for a Seat at the Table

You’re IN the meeting but are you PART of the meeting? Are you tired of feeling like an observer in meetings, rather than an active contributor?  Have you been told you need to speak up in meetings and have no idea what to say?  If you want to increase your impact and be seen as a valuable contributor to the team, it’s time to master your communication and leadership behaviors.   

 Peggy Vasquez will show you the key strategies for effective meeting preparation and how to project leadership. By developing these skills, you’ll earn a seat at the table and be seen as a valuable contributor to the team.

Learning Outcomes

• Speaking with Impact: Acquire four actionable steps for effective and impactful participation in leadership team meetings. 
• Communication Proficiency: Master the art of effective communication through both voice modulation and body language. 
• Demonstrating Leadership: Learn practical methods to exhibit leadership qualities within an administrative role. 
• Defining Administrative Leadership: Define and align leadership traits within the realm of administrative responsibilities. 
• Self-Leadership Importance: Understand the three key reasons for excelling as a self-leader within an administrative capacity. 
• Embracing Failure: Gain insights into how failure acts as a catalyst for personal and professional advancement. 

International Speaker | Trainer | Author

International speaker, trainer and author Sandy Geroux, M.S. has nearly 20 years of administrative experience, plus 20 years of business/leadership experience. Since 2000, she has conducted over 250 motivational keynotes, training programs and workshops for 25,000+ administrative professionals, helping them become “invaluable,” create career opportunities and achieve their personal and professional dreams.

Author of three books, Sandy is a contributor to business publications, including Entrepreneur, ASAP, and Executive Support magazine. She is also the recipient of sales, professional and community service awards.  She has served as President and Speakers’ Academy Dean for the National Speakers Association’s Central Florida Chapter and Chairperson and board member for two Central Florida children’s charities.

Sandy also sings! She has performed in stage productions and sung the National Anthem at sports venues, including Daytona International Speedway.  In the technology arena, she was a Business Systems Consultant, owned a desktop publishing company and has taught hands-on computer classes.  Sandy combines corporate, entrepreneurial, entertainment and training experience and her inspiring programs overflow with practical ideas and tips to help attendees succeed. Her dynamic speaking style has been described as enthusiastic, energetic and extremely motivating!

The Invaluable Assistant: Top 5 Hard-Hitting Ideas From the Field

Your position is “indispensable.” Beyond that there are mindsets, attributes and skillsets that executives prize in their executive assistants that move you from “indispensable” to “invaluable.” Knowing what your leader is looking for (often before they know), “having their back” by anticipating their needs, attending to things they overlook and acting with the agility and adaptability demanded of executives is as critical to your success as it is to theirs.   

In this interactive and engaging session, you will receive, direct from executives, the top 5 hard-hitting tips, skills and mindsets that will help you be more prepared to serve as a true executive partner who has a seat at the leadership table, stays at the top of your game and helps your leaders stay at the top of theirs.

Learning Outcomes

In this session you will: 

• Learn the difference between being “indispensable” and being “invaluable” – and why it matters 
• Recognize what leaders are truly looking for in their Executive Assistants 
• Receive tips and ideas for serving your executive at a higher level 
• Discover the mindsets and habits of the most invaluable Assistants 
• Hold interactive discussions to raise the respect and credibility of the entire Administrative team 
• Get tools and templates to help you raise your impact to the level of “WOW”! 

Simone White is a multi-award-winning specialist, who works to increase the impact of under-represented groups by creating equitable opportunities for visibility and growth. 

Having experienced various hurdles on her own career journey, Simone has pushed the boundaries of inclusion, raising awareness that exclusionary practices for some, especially those with multiple intersectionalities, are embedded into corporate practices and are often overlooked in DEI discussions. 

With over two decades of administrative experience, Simone founded a global network at the world’s largest asset manager, leading transformative change for 500 administrative professionals, and creating and implementing transparent, equitable career paths and internal mobility opportunities. She is a leading voice advocating for the profession.  

Simone focuses on empowering individuals to work together to change their mindsets and environments and works with organisations to create safe spaces for discussion, action and positive inclusion outcomes, all with a desire and belief that impactful change can be started and driven by anyone, at any level. 

She is an international keynote speaker, writer, mentor and trainer, a fellow of EPAA and the Institute of Administrative Management, a Diversity lead for the World Administrators Alliance and sits on the Editorial Advisory Board for Executive Support Magazine. 

No More Unicorns!

The Administrative Profession has long suffered from a perception problem, both from those the profession works alongside and even by some who work within it. 

 More and more we see a call for change, but progress has been slow with resistance from organizations and from some in the role who ‘seemingly benefit’ from the current status quo. 

 Many organizations have hidden unicorns –  not the mythical creatures with a single horn – but individual administrative professionals who their employers feel are a one-off, rare and unique entity. That view negatively impacts not only the individual but the profession. 

 No more unicorns is a unique look at the profession through an individual lens and will highlight the need for the profession to no longer work in silo but collectively move from mythical to professional status. 

Learning Outcomes

In this session you will learn:

• What a unicorn is 
• What is the impact of unicorn status – on individuals and the profession
• How we can actively change the narrative and achieve parity. 

Thom Dennis is the CEO of Serenity in Leadership Ltd, the premier culture transformation, change and leadership specialists. 

 He is an international speaker, voiceover actor and Amazon #1 published author. Thom has been featured on both BBC TV News and radio, and as a thought leader in over 320 articles in industry-leading publications in just the last two years alone.  

 With over 30 years’ experience as an executive coach, facilitator, change maker and leadership developer, and having served 17 years as an officer in the Royal Marines, Thom has been hired by global banking, pharmaceutical, energy and engineering brands such as Citigroup, Royal Bank of Scotland, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Conoco Phillips, Shell, BP, Centrica and Transocean to name just a few.

Leadership, Teamwork and Social Influence

In this session, specially crafted for executive assistants, we will explore the essential skill set required of today’s emerging leaders. These vital skills for 2024 and beyond will help executive assistants manage conflict, navigate communication challenges, and understand organizational culture in a complex workplace environment. This session is for EAs and PAs who have felt uncomfortable with their current workplace dynamic, perhaps confused and powerless because of miscommunications, or simply depleted and burnt out at the end of a hard day or week. It will help attendees develop a deeper and more productive understanding of the challenges of today’s workplace dynamics and the nuances of leadership. Participants will feel more confident they can excel in their roles, contribute more and make a positive impact.

We will delve into the significance of understanding organizational culture and driving positive change within the workplace.  

Participants will gain practical insights into change management, stress management, communication strategies, time management, conflict resolution, technology integration, and career development tailored specifically to the needs of executive assistants. This session is your opportunity to enhance your skills, amplify your impact, and position yourself for success as an invaluable partner to C-suite executives. 

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this session, participants will be able to…

• Understand the importance of fostering teamwork and breaking down silos through cross-functional communication and active listening so that tasks aren’t duplicated and all efforts drive toward a common goal. 
• Identify essential skills for 2025, including empathy and active listening, and learn how to cultivate these skills for professional growth. 
• Explore strategies for understanding and positively influencing organizational culture. 
• Acquire practical tools and techniques for change management, stress management, communication, time management, conflict resolution, technology integration, and career development tailored to the needs of executive assistants.