REACH - A Podcast For Executive Assistants podcast

#Business #Maven Recruiting Group #Reach #Jessica Vann Podcast #Tech #Executive Assistants #Administrators #Maven #EA #PA #Assistant #Admins

22:49

Jonathan Jones is an NFL cornerback for the Washington Commanders who rose from the undrafted ranks to become two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, a businessman, philanthropist, and licensed pilot. In 2019, Jonathan founded the Jonathan Jones Next Step Foundation in 2019, a platform dedicated to empowering youth through education, professional development, and mentorship. The foundation works to alleviate food insecurity, promote women in stem and sports, and to promote professional development in the communities where he lives. Jay and Jonathan talk about investing in the communities they live in, acknowledging the people who helped you become the person you are, and paying that same investment forward to the next generation. Episode Chapters 0:00 intro 1:24 Building local connections 4:25 Jonathan’s mentors and mentees 10:54 Jonathan’s pride in his mentees’ successes 13:04 how Jonathan chooses his causes 14:08 Jonathan’s support for girls and young women 17:19: Jonathan’s passion for flying 19:40 The Next Step Foundation 20:29 Goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/ Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight , in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at www.jayruderman.com .…

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

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REACH is for the Executive Assistant who hustles hard, strives for excellence and is committed to seeking out life’s “aha moments” to help you reach the next stage in your development and career. In each episode, expect to gain invaluable insight from our personal network of Executive Assistants whose careers span the Fortune 500, Silicon Valley Venture Capital firms and your favorite tech companies and start-ups. Hosted by Maven Recruiting Group’s Founder and CEO, Jessica Vann, this is your opportunity to participate in the solidarity of listening to people who “get it.” REACH is designed to inspire your workday, guide you through pivotal moments in your career and transform you into the Executive Assistant you’ve always wanted to be. REACH is brought to you by Maven Recruiting Group who specializes in placing Executive Assistants and support staff to the Bay Area’s most prominent Executives and companies. You can learn more about Maven at www.mavenrec.com or by reaching out to us at reach@mavenrec.com.

98 episodes

REACH - A Podcast for Executive Assistants

15 subscribers

updated 5 days ago

Series home•Feed

98 episodes

#Business #Maven Recruiting Group #Reach #Jessica Vann Podcast #Tech #Executive Assistants #Administrators #Maven #EA #PA #Assistant #Admins

All episodes

1
From EA to SVP: Tanya’s Retrospective on a Decade of Growth and Leadership within Okta 1:15:26

5 days ago1:15:26

1:15:26

Happy Administrative Professionals Week! And what better way to celebrate than by spotlighting the incredible journey of Tanya Benvenuto! In this episode of REACH, we’re celebrating a remarkable milestone—Tanya Benvenuto’s 10-year anniversary at Okta! Tanya’s career evolution from Executive Assistant to Senior Vice President of Executive Operations for the Office of the CEO is nothing short of extraordinary. And for us, this one’s personal—REACH host Jessica Vann had the privilege of placing Tanya at Okta a decade ago (even though Tanya nearly turned the offer down!). Tanya’s journey is a powerful example of what it means to advocate for yourself, lean into your potential, and shape your own trajectory. Over the past ten years, she’s transformed her role from behind-the-scenes support to a strategic leadership position, building and leading a high-performing executive operations team that partners directly with Okta’s top executives. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to go from supporting leadership to becoming leadership—this one’s for you! It’s here! What is arguably Maven Recruiting Group’s most sought-after resource each year—our Annual Compensation Guide for Administrative Hiring! Don’t miss out on the insights that can shape your strategy for the year ahead. Download your copy now: https://www.mavenrec.com/compensation-guide…

1
Driving Change Through Narrative – A Guide for Executive Assistants 50:56

23 days ago50:56

50:56

We're excited to share our conversation with Eliza Leoni, Senior Consultant at Decker Communications, who has extensive experience coaching senior leaders on high-stakes communication. Eliza’s expertise spans a range of critical areas—from leading presentations to large audiences, managing organizational change, and navigating difficult conversations. In this episode, we dive into the role of narrative in driving change, especially for Executive Assistants. You’ll hear how storytelling can shape team dynamics, keep everyone aligned during uncertainty, and help influence without formal authority. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their communication skills and make an impact in their organization. Don’t miss out on the valuable insights Eliza has to offer!…

1
Global Perspectives & Misconceptions of the Executive Assistant Career: Insight from the Middle East 37:06

5 weeks ago37:06

37:06

In this episode, we welcome long-time REACH fan Karima Thomson, joining us from Abu Dhabi! Karima supports the Executive Leadership Team at Core42, a leading AI company, and previously worked at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). Born in Scotland, with career experience in London and the Middle East, Karima shares how the EA role in Abu Dhabi compares to the U.S. and Europe, the cultural nuances shaping executive support in the UAE, and how AI is transforming the profession. We also discuss misconceptions about the EA role in the Middle East, the realities of work-life balance in a fast-paced region, and the power of embracing discomfort for career growth. If you’re an EA with international ambitions, this one’s for you!…

1
Leading with Heart & Soul: Embracing Spirituality in the Workplace with Oprah's Former Chief of Staff 1:09:55

23 weeks ago1:09:55

1:09:55

In this episode we hear from none other than Libby Moore who spent over a decade supporting the legendary Oprah Winfrey. Prior to her impressive tenure with Oprah, Libby supported Jann Wenner media mogul and co-founder or Rollingstone magazine as his Executive Assistant as well as talk show personality Maury Povich as a Personal Assistant. Libby has been featured for her noteworthy career in publications such as Forbes, Forty Over Forty and Smart Company and today, we get to hear about how she has embraced spirituality in the workplace throughout the various twists and turns in her career. Following her time with Ms. Winfrey, Libby transitioned into her now career as an Executive Life Coach. You can learn more about her offerings at https://libbymoore.com/ .…

1
A Hospitality Background Might Just Be the Perfect Launching Pad for a C-Level Executive Assistant Career 51:57

35 weeks ago51:57

51:57

Ever wonder if your years waiting tables or running a hotel front desk could be a secret weapon in your career arsenal? The answer is a resounding yes! In this episode of REACH, we'll be exploring how hospitality skills – those honed in the world of customer service, restaurants, cafes, and hotels – translate beautifully into the executive assistant career. Joining us is Janet Kim, Executive Assistant to the CEO of Clubhouse who successfully parlayed her background in hospitality into a highly successful EA career. We'll be diving into how skills like anticipation, service, multi-tasking, problem-solving and exceeding expectations seamlessly transition from a hospitality setting to supporting executives. Janet enjoys sharing her story and experiences with other EAs on her blog called “That Exec Asst Life,” so be sure to subscribe to her social and follow along: https://www.thatexecasstlife.com/…

1
Building & Leading Powerhouse EA Teams Featuring Panel of Ex-Slack Executive Assistants 1:15:27

40 weeks ago1:15:27

1:15:27

In this episode of REACH, we're welcoming a baller Executive Assistant panel, showcasing 3 incredibly accomplished executive assistants who worked together at Slack for many years as part of the PDE EA Team. In addition to their roles as individual contributor EAs, as leaders within the EA org they also implemented best practices, developed career pathing for EAs, supported with onboarding and navigated the complexities of an acquisition and the ensuring change management (Salesforce acquired Slack in 2021). Joining us is returning REACH guest from Season 2, Shelley Trask, who formerly supported the CTO of Slack for over 6 years. Next, we're joined by Sam Andonian who is currently the Lead Admin to Lidiane Jones, CEO of Bumble and has worked for companies like Slack, Google and Disney. And, rounding out our panel is Ellen Grosswiler, who currently supports the VP of Engineering at Figma and was an EA at Slack for nearly 5 years. Together, our esteemed guests will provide valuable perspectives on how they operate as Lead EAs, offering guidance on leadership responsibilities, mentorship, culture and how they navigate a managerial role within the realm of executive support.…

1
Perfecting the Art of Communication and Understanding the Effect It Has on the Executive Assistant Brand 1:05:57

47 weeks ago1:05:57

1:05:57

In this episode of REACH, we're joined by Ninni Vanni who’s been a C-level Executive Assistant for 10 years working for companies like Rula, ON24 and Zuora. Ninni holds a master's degree in communication, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table to weigh in this topic. With a background finely tuned to the nuances of effective communication, Ninni is uniquely positioned to shed light on the intricate role that communication plays in supporting executives and managing the multifaceted and often delicate / diplomatic communications an Executive Assistant encounters. As we explore the importance of communication in this pivotal role, we'll unravel the impact of skills like active listening, information streamlining and the art of pushing back when necessary. Ninni's deep understanding of communication dynamics within and outside organizations will undoubtedly provide valuable insights for both aspiring and seasoned executive assistants.…

1
Balancing Motherhood While Supporting at the Top: Advice from US Veteran Turned EA to Top Tech CEOs 58:26

51 weeks ago58:26

58:26

With Mother's Day right around the corner, we thought it’d be fun to do an episode specifically for the working moms! In this episode of REACH, we’ll be delving into a conversation that resonates deeply with many: balancing the demands of motherhood and an elite Executive Assistant career working at the top of the professional ladder. We welcomed remarkable guest Camille Howard for this feel good conversation. Camille's journey to the top is nothing short of inspiring. A US veteran who transitioned seamlessly into the corporate world, Camille now serves as a C-level Executive Assistant supporting the CEO of Mastercard. Beyond her professional accolades, Camille embodies the essence of resilience and balance, seamlessly navigating the intricacies of both career and motherhood. Listen in as Camille shares her insights, experiences, and invaluable wisdom on how she manages the delicate dance between her role as an Executive Assistant and her cherished role as a mother. We'll explore the unique challenges she's encountered, the strategies she's employed to overcome them, and the profound impact her role has had on enabling the executives she’s supported to also reclaim precious time for their personal lives. And last but not least, Happy Mother's Day!…

1
Listeners Call In: Your Questions Answered in Honor of Administrative Professionals Day 52:18

1 year ago52:18

52:18

Happy Administrative Professionals Day to our REACH Executive Assistant community! In the spirit of celebration, we invited our listeners to call in to the show and ask us anything. In this episode we welcomed back Maven Recruiting Group’s VP of Accounts and Growth, Gillian Lopez, to help tackle your burning questions alongside REACH host Jessica Vann. Thank you to all of you who called in to our program and asked such insightful questions around asking for a raise, standing out in your job search, landing an EA to CEO role, adjusting your resume when you've been out of the industry for a while, getting your executive to view you as a trusted partner and so much more! We're excited to share this Q&A episode with you all!…

1
Learning from Legends: What Jeff Bezos’ Former Executive Assistant Gleaned & Translated into Her New Career as a Leadership Strategist 59:53

1 year ago59:53

59:53

Ann Hiatt is a Silicon Valley veteran with 15 years of executive support experience under her belt. She’s supported many of the titans of tech including Jeff Bezos, Founder and CEO of Amazon, Marissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo!, & Eric Schmidt, CEO and Executive Chairman of Google. Having pivoted from her career as an Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff, Ann is now a Leadership Strategist & Executive Coach as well as an author and podcaster! In this episode of REACH, Ann shares some of the wisdom she's gleaned from working closely with some of the brightest minds in Silicon Valley and how she’s parlayed that knowledge into her work as an executive leadership strategist. If you haven't already, be sure to grab a copy of her book Bet On Yourself : Recognize, Own & Implement Breakthrough Opportunities.…

1
What One Executive Assistant Learned from Being in the Room with Renowned Tech Leaders 1:05:17

1 year ago1:05:17

1:05:17

In her nearly 25-year long career, Anita Gaeta has had two primary support relationships, each lasting over a decade, which suggests a lot not only about Anita’s immense value to these executives, but also the depth and extent of her partnerships and the tremendous opportunities for learning and exchange Anita has had. When we look at Anita’s career, she has been courtside with some of the most formidable and accomplished Titans of Tech, including Meg Whitman, former CEO of both eBay and Hewlett Packard, Lars Dalgaard, Founder and CEO of Success Factors and Steven Boal, CEO of Coupons.com. In this episode we hear from Anita firsthand about some of the lessons she’s learned and observations she’s had by being in the room with such renowned tech leaders and executives. One of her best pieces of advice? Always listen.…

1
Understanding Your Rights as an Employee + Tips for Executive Assistants Creating Workplace Policies 1:02:29

1 year ago1:02:29

1:02:29

If you’re an executive assistant curious about your rights as an employee or perhaps you work in an environment where you’re tasked with being the defacto HR person or setting employee policy, this episode is for you. We're diving into the complex world of employment law with two experts who know the ins and outs of this topic. And, I promise you, if anyone can make the law fun and relevant, it’s our guests, Angel Horacek, Founding Partner and Attorney at Law Offices of Angel J. Horacek, PC and Iryll Robbins-Umel, Civil and Employment Attorney at Law Offices of Angel J. Horacek, PC and formerly an administrative judge with the EEOC. Both of these ladies bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, having represented countless individuals in cases ranging from all forms of discrimination to wrongful termination to wage and hour disputes. In fact, Angel and her team secured one of the largest plaintiff verdicts in 2022 in all of California! With their track record of successfully navigating the intricacies of employment regulations, we’ve brought these ladies on to help inform you of your rights as employees as well as to decode some of the more obtuse areas of the law, so you can feel more empowered in how you navigate or consider situations you may find yourself in. Moreover, we know many of our EA listeners are themselves also people managers, hiring managers or, at times, policy creators, so it's important to understand how your role may intersect with the law.…

1
Defining & Owning Your Support Style: Advice for Executive Assistants Working in Creative Entrepreneurship 41:57

1 year ago41:57

41:57

Natasha Rodriguez, Business Operations Manager at Eyeswoon joins us from Brooklyn to talk about her role supporting the renowned Athena Calderone, dubbed as “the modern girl’s Martha Stewart” by none other than The New York Times. You may know Athena as a chef and author of the James Beard award-winning cookbook, Cook Beautiful, or perhaps you’re familiar with who she is as a designer, her book Live Beautiful or maybe you’ve seen one of her brilliant design pieces on Crate & Barrel’s website (a recent collaboration she did). In this episode of REACH, Natasha gives us a glimpse into her day-to-day and shares how she's framed her work experience and created a unique support style and brand for herself as a professional within the creative space. Be sure to shop Eyeswoon's stylish curation of beautiful objects for the kitchen and home at www.eye-swoon.com . 'Tis the season for holiday table inspo!…

1
Perspectives on the Loneliness Epidemic in the Workplace and How to Conduct a Successful Negotiation 59:00

1 year ago59:00

59:00

In this episode of REACH, we're joined by Professor Juliana Schroeder. Juliana is the Harold Furst Chair in Management Philosophy and Values Professor at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business & she just recently gave a TEDx Talk on how to connect better in light of the loneliness epidemic plaguing American culture. Schroeder is a behavioral scientist who researches the psychological processes by which people think about the minds of other people, particularly in workplace contexts. The attributions people make about others’ minds are significant because they effect decisions about how we interact with others, such as whether to help or harm them. For instance, determining whether a negotiation partner is trustworthy affects willingness to cooperate. A tributary of Juliana’s research deals with negotiations and she teaches the Negotiations and Conflict Resolution course at Haas School of Business, so we figured she’d be the perfect person to give us the 411 on all things salary negotiations, which we know is often a burning topic for our REACH listeners. Watch Juliana's TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J509AZl7bHY…

1
The Story of a C-Level Executive Assistant Becoming a Business Owner, Life Coach & Motherhood Mentor 46:05

2 years ago46:05