Workplace Insights by Adrie van der Luijt
As a Wall Street Journal-quoted former business editor and EA to the Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, I write about workplace trends, technology and career development.
The EA echo chamber is full of writers, speakers and trainers telling us how to thrive in the workplace. Are there any collective blind spots, any gaps? Can a new trainer or speaker really still add value?
Authencity is key for Executive Assistants in an AI-driven world. Executives don’t want a flawless automaton. They want someone who understands the unspoken context, who can read the room, who knows when to push back and when to step in. They want someone real.
The PA Show Spring 2025 in London offers the perfect opportunity to quietly observe, reconnect and absorb the current landscape.
Virtual assistants are not some separate breed of admin professionals. They are executive assistants, office managers and skilled administrators who happen to be running their own businesses.
The most effective EAs I’ve known aren’t those who fit perfectly into expected patterns. They’re the ones who bring their whole selves to the role, including the perspectives gained from sometimes feeling like they don’t entirely belong.
International Management Assistants’ founder Sonia Vanular wanted trainers and speakers to really challenge Executive Assistants to evolve their role, not just have them nodding along.
The best speakers don’t just keep you entertained for an hour, nodding along to relatable stories. They give you practical advice and information that sticks.
If you want to stay relevant in an AI-driven world, you need to think beyond today’s tasks and focus on tomorrow’s strategy. The EAs who thrive aren’t just efficient – they’re influential.