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/

IF you enjoyed this ep, subscribe, give us a 5 star rating and share with other admins who might learn from these stories. Be sure to stay up to date with upcoming events, podcast episodes, and opportunities to connect with the admin community by following Admin Avenues.

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice sits down with Stevie Weine, recipient of the 2025 AIOP Emerging Leader in Executive Support Award, to explore what it really means to step into leadership early in your career.

Stevie shares her journey into executive support, the pivotal moments that shaped her growth, and how she began moving beyond traditional support into a more strategic, influential role. From developing business acumen to contributing to operational success, she offers a practical perspective on how emerging admins can think and act like leaders from day one.

The conversation dives into the realities of leading without authority, balancing initiative with respect for senior stakeholders, and the importance of building trust, credibility, and strong working relationships. Stevie also reflects on the experiences that have shaped her leadership style, and how she actively supports and uplifts those around her.

With a strong focus on continuous growth, Stevie shares the habits, mindset shifts, and learning curves that have accelerated her development, along with advice she would give to her earlier self.

Looking ahead, she offers her perspective on the future of executive support and the skills emerging leaders need to thrive in an evolving profession.

This episode is a compelling reminder that leadership isn’t defined by title or tenure, but by mindset, initiative, and the impact you choose to make.

Season 2 - Episode 2: Innovation in Action: Redefining Administrative Excellence with Lindsay Davies from Atlassian

Innovation isn’t confined to product teams or technology departments, it’s happening every day in the admin profession.

In this episode, Candice Burningham sits down with Lindsay Davies, recipient of the 2025 AIOP Innovation in Administrative Excellence Award, to explore how admin professionals can drive meaningful change inside their organisations.

Lindsay has built a reputation for bringing clarity, structure, and calm to complex, fast-moving environments. Known for thinking several steps ahead and quietly making big things happen behind the scenes, she has spent the past four years at global tech giant Atlassian.

In this conversation, Lindsay shares how curiosity, problem-solving, and a willingness to challenge existing processes can lead to powerful innovation - even in roles that aren’t traditionally associated with it.

We explore how admin professionals can identify opportunities for improvement, introduce smarter systems, and elevate the strategic impact of the admin function.

In this episode - we talk:

• The Spark of Innovation
• From Idea to Implementation
• The Mindset of an Innovator
• Collaboration & Organisational Impact
• The Future of Administrative Excellence

Key Takeaway

Innovation in the admin profession isn’t about reinventing the wheel - it’s about seeing opportunities others miss, questioning inefficient processes, and having the confidence to build better ways of working.

As Lindsay demonstrates, admin professionals are uniquely positioned to drive innovation because they sit at the centre of communication, workflow, and operational insight.

To learn more about Lindsay and her work, connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydaviesea/

Lindsay’s book recommendations are:

1. Break Out of Boredom: Low-Tech Solutions for Highly Engaging Zoom Events by Robbie Samuels - Packed with techniques and instructions you can pull straight into your next Zoom meeting.

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BW1YLZ87?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_au

1. Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge by Melody Wilding - Practical conversation starters and useful questions that get you the interactions with your manager that matter.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Managing-Up-What-People-Charge/dp/0593444655

1. KIND: The quiet power of kindness at work by Graham Allcott - Shares his 8 principles of kindness at work and how to develop them.

https://www.amazon.com.au/KIND-quiet-power-kindness-work/dp/1399417401

Linday’s Podcast Recommendation - Squiggly Careers

https://open.spotify.com/show/6t6vYEeYl3Kmdd0AE6v3xj?si=6ZjbAF_yTq6CEpXrv-Epgw&nd=1&dlsi=77c654193acf4a4d

The Admin Avenues Podcast

Season 2 | Episode 1 : The Admin’s Guide to Thoughtful Corporate Gifting with Samantha Finnegan

Corporate gifting often lands squarely on the desk of an administrative professional — whether it’s organising client thank-yous, executive gifts, event welcome packs or end-of-year appreciation.

But how do you choose gifts that feel thoughtful, memorable and aligned with your company’s values, without spending hours researching options?

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice Burningham sits down with Samantha Finnegan, Founder of Madebox and the Season 2 sponsor of the podcast, to explore how admins can approach corporate gifting more strategically.

Madebox connects businesses with meaningful gift boxes filled with products from Australian small businesses and makers, helping organisations give gifts that not only delight recipients but also support local communities.

Together, Candice and Samantha discuss the role admins play in shaping how companies show appreciation, and share practical tips to make the gifting process easier, more thoughtful and more impactful

In This Episode

• Why corporate gifting matters more than we realise in building business relationships
• The important role admins play as the “gifting strategists” within organisations
• How to choose corporate gifts that actually resonate with recipients
• Practical tips for busy admins managing gifting for events, clients and teams
• How supporting local makers can add meaning and impact to corporate gifting

Key Takeaway

Corporate gifting may seem like a small task - but it’s often admins who create the moments that make people feel valued, appreciated and remembered.

With the right approach, gifting can become a powerful relationship-building tool rather than just another item on the to-do list.

To learn more about Madebox and to connect with Sam click here:

Madebox: https://madebox.co
Samantha Finnegan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samfinnegan/

This Season of The Admin Avenues Podcast is proudly sponsored by Madebox.

Inclusion isn’t just a policy - it’s a feeling. And in this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, we’re joined by someone who embodies that truth every day.

Meet Liisa Partanen, winner of the 2025 AIOP Workplace Inclusion Advocate Award, recognised for her commitment to creating workplaces where people feel valued, respected, and truly seen. From intentional daily actions to subtle cultural shifts, Liisa’s impact proves that inclusion begins with the choices we make not the titles we hold.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Liisa’s journey and what shaped her passion for equity and inclusion
• How everyday behaviour can create meaningful cultural change
• Practical ways to approach conversations about bias, belonging and advocacy
• What “quiet leadership” looks like, and why it’s so powerful
• Real examples of initiatives and moments that strengthened inclusion in her workplace
• How inclusion has transformed the way she leads and supports others
• What workplaces must prioritise next to build inclusive cultures that last

Liisa’s insights are a powerful reminder that inclusion starts with intention — and that every one of us has a role to play in creating a culture of belonging.

Tune in to hear Liisa’s story, her lessons, and her vision for the future of inclusive workplaces.

Here is the link to the book ‘Quiet’ by Susan Cain that Liisa referenced: https://susancain.net/book/quiet/

To connect with Liisa on LinkedIn, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liisa-partanen-46527399/

Behind every seamless event, trip, or operational process is someone who makes the impossible look effortless, and in this episode, that someone is Yuki Park, winner of the 2025 AIOP Excellence in Travel, Event & Operational Coordination Award.

Yuki shares how she brings structure to complexity and calm to chaos, turning detailed logistics into impactful business outcomes. From orchestrating major events to managing high-stakes travel, her approach blends foresight, empathy, and precision - proving that operational excellence is both an art and a strategy.

In this conversation, we explore:

✅ Yuki’s career path to award-winning Executive Assistant
✅ Some of the projects that pushed her skills to new heights
✅ How she aligns logistics with strategy (and keeps everyone calm in a crisis)
✅ The systems and tools that help her stay ahead
✅ The people side of operations - building trust with teams, vendors, and executives
✅ Her biggest lessons learned and advice for aspiring admins

🎧 Tune in to hear how Yuki turns every moving part into harmony, and why excellence in execution is what truly powers business success.

👉 Connect with Yuki on LinkedIn and follow The Admin Avenues Podcast for more stories celebrating the impact and innovation of admin professionals across Australia.

Connect with Yuki on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yinouep/