Amber Youngren is the executive assistant and office manager lead at Forged Fiber 37.

In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Amber discusses the evolving role of the Executive Assistant. She shares how EAs can become strategic leaders by developing skills for operations and Chief of Staff roles, building deep trust, managing up, and acting as the organization's ultimate connector to translate observations into actionable insight and bring alignment across teams.

Show notes → leaderassistant.com/380

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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”

Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.

Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)

See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite.

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Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.

More from The Leader Assistant...

• Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com
• The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy
• Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership
• Events -> leaderassistantlive.com
• Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

Tune into this special episode featuring a rare dual interview between Diana Brandl, award-winning executive assistant Paula Moio and her executive, Louis. Discover the powerful synergy of their four-year working relationship, built on radical trust, open dialogue, and Louis' strong belief that "assistants must be leaders."

They share how emotional intelligence and cultural adaptation are critical in modern administration, and why future EAs must continuously add value beyond routine tasks to lead the profession.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation on leadership, trust, and the human side of the evolving executive office.

Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/379

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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”

Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.

Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)

See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite.

--
Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.

More from The Leader Assistant...

• Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com
• The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy
• Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership
• Events -> leaderassistantlive.com
• Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

Join Diana Brandl for an inspiring spotlight episode of Executive Office Insights with Atrayah Janhe, former Personal Assistant to Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Atrayah shares her diverse career path – from her start as a secretary and policewoman in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to managing the Arch's office during his transition to retirement.

She offers crucial insights into the evolution of the assistant role, arguing that while technology advances skills, human connection and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) are vital qualities often missed in today's fast-paced, remote work world. Discover the Arch's cherished routines (including hot chocolate and twice-daily tea times), the power of servant leadership, and why embracing the courage to "jump" into new opportunities is the key to becoming a Leader Assistant.

Show notes → leaderassistant.com/378

--
It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”

Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.

Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)

See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite.

--
Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.

More from The Leader Assistant...

• Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com
• The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy
• Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership
• Events -> leaderassistantlive.com
• Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

James “Mac” McPartland is a keynote speaker, author of the Unopened Gifts ® series, and MindShift & Performance Coach.

In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, James talks about what it really means to lead from where you are, self-leadership, radical responsibility, and communication.

Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/377

--
It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”

Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.

Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)

See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite.

--
Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.

More from The Leader Assistant...

• Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com
• The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy
• Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership
• Events -> leaderassistantlive.com
• Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

In this candid interview, Diana Brandl welcomes Brian Daniel, founder of The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network, to pull back the curtain on the world of private service for celebrities, high-net-worth families, and billionaires.

Brian, a former Personal Assistant and Chief of Staff for royal families and A-list stars, shares his firsthand expertise on the ups and downs of the industry. He reveals the true salary realities (including the controversial Anna Wintour assistant salary) and the immense patience required to find the right match.

Learn why professionalism, "thick skin," and maintaining discretion are non-negotiable, and discover why moving away from major cities like L.A. might open the door to world-class, once-in-a-lifetime career opportunities.

Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/376

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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”

Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.

Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)

See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite.

--
Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.

More from The Leader Assistant...

• Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com
• The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy
• Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership
• Events -> leaderassistantlive.com
• Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

In this spotlight episode of Diana Brandl's Executive Office Insights, Anne Marie Otañez details her intentional career path, moving from early roles at Netscape, Disney, and Apple to her current strategic position.

Learn what it truly means to be a Chief of Staff—a trusted partner, liaison, confidant, and proxy—and the importance of clearly defining the role against that of an Executive Assistant. Anne Marie, who is also an author and the founder of the Chief of Staff Academy, shares how she supports senior leaders, manages a 100% remote work environment with intentional travel, and her goal to build a sustainable family business. Tune in to Episode #375 for insider knowledge and new perspectives on leadership and executive support.

Show notes → leaderassistant.com/375

--
It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”

Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.

Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)

See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite.

--
Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.

More from The Leader Assistant...

• Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com
• The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy
• Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership
• Events -> leaderassistantlive.com
• Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

In this spotlight episode of the Executive Office Insights podcast, join Diana Brandl for an inspiring conversation with Matthew Chapman (President of Sales and Marketing) and his Executive Business Partner, Agnes Spohn, from Freudenberg Group. Despite being based in the US and Germany, this power duo reveals the dynamics of their thriving, trust-based, remote partnership, including how they leverage time zones for efficiency and rely on open communication.

Learn about the evolving role of the assistant into a strategic business partner. Agnes, who Matthew calls a "networking superhero," shares her passion project: founding and expanding Freudenberg's internal assistant community to increase visibility and professional development. Discover the essential tools - from Microsoft Teams and Microsoft To Do to Year Compass - that keep this cross-continental collaboration running smoothly.

Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/374

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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”

Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.

Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)

See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite.

--
Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.

More from The Leader Assistant...

• Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com
• The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy
• Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership
• Events -> leaderassistantlive.com
• Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

I had the honor of speaking with Maaike Knoester for an interview on the 5 Star Assistant Podcast to discuss my 20-year career as an Executive Assistant, my book The Leader Assistant, and the journey of producing over 360 episodes of my own podcast.

In this conversation we talk about challenging misconceptions about our profession. The greatest misunderstanding is that EAs are merely "one-trick ponies" focused on scheduling and expenses. In reality, we are strategic partners who see the whole picture for our executives. Internally, the biggest barrier I see is a lack of confidence, often stemming from attaching personal worth to job performance.

To combat burnout and build a sustainable career, I emphasize two core principles:

• Detach your worth from your work. Your value as a person is separate from your job performance.
• Set clear boundaries. I made it a point with my current executive to log off on the weekends because you cannot truly help others long-term if you don't take care of yourself.

Finally, when it comes to being busy, I see "multitasking" not as doing two things at once, but as the critical skill of prioritizing and context switching effectively between diverse responsibilities.

Thank you, Maaike, for the opportunity to be on your show, and for asking such great questions!

Show notes -> leaderassistant.com/373

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It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”

Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.

Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)

See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite.

--
Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.

More from The Leader Assistant...

• Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com
• The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy
• Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership
• Events -> leaderassistantlive.com
• Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community