THE ACEA® BLOG

With the increasing threat of AI , standing out as an executive assistant requires more than just experience. It demands a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through executive assistant certification. This credential not only validates your skills but also opens doors to new opportunities and career growth. In this post, I will share insights on how executive assistant certification, particularly t

If you still think AI is just about prompts, you’re already missing the point — especially if you work as an Executive Assistant. Let’s be honest, a lot of EAs see AI as a handy assistant for small stuff: writing emails, summarizing meetings, drafting presentations, keeping to-do lists neat and tidy. Sure, those things add up to some saved time. But if you keep seeing AI as just a prompt-response machine, you’re holding yourself back. Here’s the thing: If your main concern is

Bottom line: If you want to get further, that’s ambition. If you’re still blaming others for where you’re stuck, that’s entitlement. Every Executive Assistant hits a moment where they stop and think, “This is where I’m at in my career…but I want to get over there instead.” That gap? It matters. But what really matters is the story you tell yourself about it. 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 looks at that gap and says, “Okay, so I want more. How do I actually grow?” Then, you start asking rea

In times of economic turbulence, organizations often revert to instinct rather than strategy. Faced with shrinking margins, geopolitical instability, or sudden market shocks, leadership teams look for quick wins—immediate cost reductions that create the illusion of control. And too often, they look in the wrong place. Support functions—particularly Executive Assistants—are frequently, and incorrectly, viewed as “low-hanging fruit.” It is a flawed assumption. But it is also a

When we first started our training business, our focus was not on Executive Assistants at all. Our core work was delivering leadership, procurement, and project management programmes. That remains true today. Like many training providers, we worked primarily through marketing partners. Their job was simple: get “bums on seats.” They achieved this through a combination of cold calling organisations and following up on warm leads. But something interesting kept happening. When

Artificial Intelligence is changing the way many professionals work, and Executive Assistants (EAs) are no exception. There is a growing push for EAs to “learn AI” to stay relevant. While this advice has merit, many AI courses aimed at assistants miss the mark. They often emphasize learning numerous AI tools or technical skills that do not directly improve the core functions of executive support. Executive Assistants bring unique value through judgment, communication, organiz

In recent weeks, I have witnessed numerous posts debating the concept of the Strategic Executive Assistant . Many comments rightly point out that not every EA will operate at this level, just as not every manager, leader, or specialist contributes strategically in their role. This observation is fair and sensible. However, alongside this acknowledgment sits a recurring issue: a basic misunderstanding of what strategic actually means in the context of the Executive Assistant

Executive Assistants have always been the quiet architects of order in an executive’s world. Travel plans, last-minute diary changes, stakeholder meetings, conflicting priorities—somehow, it all gets resolved. Increasingly, however, AI is being positioned as the new solution to the chaos, with promises of effortless itinerary planning, automated meeting coordination, and even real-time travel adjustments. But here’s the real question: would you trust AI—right now—to handle ev

There are two kinds of people in business. Those who see only what’s visible and those who understand the power of what lies beneath. The...

Personality assessments have become a popular way to understand human behaviour, improve communication, and enhance teamwork. These tools...

Personality assessments have become a vital tool in the landscape of professional development. They offer insights into individual...

There’s been a surge of shiny new AI tools appearing on LinkedIn and across the internet. Each one claims to be the next great “AI...

Choosing the right professional development program can significantly impact your career growth and skill enhancement. With numerous...

As Executive Assistants (EAs) transition into more senior roles—supporting board members, C-suite executives, or operating at a strategic...

“In modern organisations, the EA is no longer just an administrative resource — you’re expected to be a strategic asset.” This shift in...

As an Executive Assistant, your role goes beyond just scheduling meetings. You’re not merely arranging dates and times; you are...

The Real Threat to Executive Assistants Isn’t AI—It’s How You’re Using It The fear is real—and justified. Artificial Intelligence is...

As ChatGPT becomes a go-to productivity tool in offices around the world, Executive Assistants (EAs) are leveraging it to streamline...

Professional certifications continue to make a measurable difference in the career progression and earning potential of Executive...

Being an executive assistant (EA) is no small feat. This pivotal role supports high-level executives and requires a unique blend of...