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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Website: https://www.eahowto.com

Redefining Longevity in the Admin Profession with Sharmayne Riseley

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

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

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

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

We also explore:

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

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

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

Key takeaways:

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

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

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

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