Executive Office Insights

Inside the EA Role at Tetra Pak: Career Growth & Insights

192: How a Technician Became a Top Executive Assistant at Tetra Pak! In this inspiring and honest conversation, we meet Niklas, a former technician who made an unconventional leap into the world of executive assistance. From managing machines to managing people, he shares how his technical background, team leadership, and passion for connection made him thrive in his new role at Tetra Pak. We talk about: - The evolving assistant profession- Remote leadership and collaboration across countries - Being a male EA in a female-dominated field - The power of IMA (International Management Assistants) and its mentorship - Balancing a career with gardening, parenting, and teaching kids about sustainability - Thoughts on AI, unconscious bias, and what the future holds for the next generation of assistants If you're looking for career inspiration, real talk on work-life balance, and insights into the changing face of admin roles — this episode is for you. Niklas Cerovina is Vice President Assistant at Tetra Pak in Lund, Sweden. With a background in technical operations and process engineering, he brings hands-on experience to his current role. Niklas was recognized as Upcoming Executive Assistant of the Year 2024 for his thoughtful approach to the evolving assistant profession. He's particularly interested in how leadership and AI are shaping the future of the role. LINKS 🔴 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KRqamtJhmPU [https://youtu.be/KRqamtJhmPU] - IMA - International Management Assistants: https://ima-network.org/ [https://ima-network.org/] - Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/] - Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter [https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter] - Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS [https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS] - Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661 [https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661] Niklas's song: Abba and Dancing Queen 🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd]

How Working Out Loud Transforms Careers, Confidence & Connection - John Stepper

191: What if the key to growth isn't working harder — but working together? In this inspiring long-form conversation, Working Out Loud founder John Stepper reveals how peer-to-peer development, shared learning, and authentic human connection can transform not only careers but entire organizational cultures. John shares the origin story of Working Out Loud (WOL), now used in more than 100 global organizations, and explains why meaningful relationships, psychological safety, and generosity are at the heart of effective personal development. We explore how WOL circles spark confidence, belonging, and purpose — and why people stay connected for years after the program ends. The episode dives deep into purposeful discovery, John's approach to finding direction through intention, openness, and small steps. You'll hear remarkable real-life stories, including how individuals leveraged WOL to change careers, publish books, start companies, and reimagine what's possible in their professional lives. John also shares exclusive insights into his upcoming projects — from a new CliftonStrengths-based peer program to the Good Men Collective, a decentralized, non-commercial initiative designed to support men's well-being, resilience, and healthy connection. With wisdom, warmth, and refreshing honesty, John opens up about work, family, meaning, and how connection can help us shape a better future for ourselves and our communities. Whether you're in HR, leadership, coaching, organizational development, or simply searching for more purpose, this episode is packed with practical insights that will inspire you to grow — and maybe even start your own circle. Top 5 Takeaways From This Episode: - Why small, consistent steps can open doors you didn't even know existed. - How authentic human connection can transform not just work — but your sense of possibility. - Why generosity and visibility often matter more than ambition for long-term growth. - What can happen when people begin to trust themselves — and each other — inside a safe, structured space. - How purpose emerges not from certainty, but from curiosity, courage, and community. About John Stepper: John Stepper designs peer-to-peer development methods that build skills and relationships, that strengthen self-efficacy while fostering feelings of belonging. The Working Out Loud programs produce deeper engagement and a sense of self-determination in individuals—and more connected, collaborative cultures across organizations. The original method, described in Working Out Loud (Now in German and Chinese as well as English) is used by HR Managers in 100+ organizations for tens of thousands of employees worldwide. There is now a family of WOL methods: for leadership and team development, for wellness and female empowerment, and for operational workers in manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. John lives with his family in New York City. LINKS 🔴 Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vfXBSLHkNlA [https://youtu.be/vfXBSLHkNlA] - Website: https://www.workingoutloud.com/ [https://www.workingoutloud.com/] - Book (Deutsch): https://www.amazon.de/Working-Out-Loud-Verbundenheit-Gemeinschaft/dp/3800662817 [https://www.amazon.de/Working-Out-Loud-Verbundenheit-Gemeinschaft/dp/3800662817] - TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpjNl3Z10uc [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpjNl3Z10uc] - Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/] - Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter [https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter] - Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS [https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS] - Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661 [https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661] John's song: "The Raiders March" - John Williams 🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd]

Formula One Lessons for Executive Support

190: What does Formula One teach us about being an exceptional executive assistant and strategic partner at the top level? In this inspiring episode, Nicole Bearne shares her journey from supporting one of Formula One's most respected leaders to becoming a communications expert and business founder. She takes us behind the paddock doors to reveal what it's really like to work alongside Ross Brawn, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton—where every second counts and preparation is everything. You'll discover how executive support plays a crucial role in leadership success, team communication, and resilience under pressure. Nicole also talks about reinventing herself, building The Comms Exchange, and empowering others to grow from EA to leadership roles. Plus, she discusses her mission to inspire more women to join motorsport through programs like Girls on Track and the F1 Academy. This episode is a masterclass in confidence, communication, and career evolution—for anyone ready to bring Formula One focus into their executive support role. --- About the Guest: Nicole Bearne has been at the forefront of Formula 1 motor racing for over 25 years, winning 9 World Championships with the Brawn Grand Prix and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 teams. Her extensive motorsport experience includes executive and technical operations, Internal Communications, Employee Experience and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). She is also an Independent Non-Executive Director of Motorsport UK, the governing body of four-wheel motorsport in the UK. Nicole now leads The Comms Exchange, leveraging her F1 business experience and academic knowledge to help organisations build high-performing, people-centric cultures. She also runs 1-day workshops on Internal & Leadership Communication for EAs, PAs and Business Support professionals. Nicole holds a Master's degree in Organisational Behaviour and a CIPR Diploma in Internal Communication. She is a member of the Institute of Internal Communication, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (MCIPR) and an Accredited PR Practitioner. Nicole is frequently invited to speak at Internal Communications, Employee Experience, Leadership and HR conferences in the UK, USA and Europe. Links: 🔴 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h_7dhABSjQY [https://youtu.be/h_7dhABSjQY] https://comms-exchange.com/ [https://comms-exchange.com/] www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-bearne [http://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-bearne] https://www.motorsportuk.org [https://www.motorsportuk.org] Nicole's song: We Are the Champions by Queen 🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd] Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/] Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter [https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter] Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects [https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects] Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS [https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS] Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661 [https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661]

Berufsbild Assistenz im Wandel: Netzwerken, Community Mindset und lebenslanges Lernen

189: Assistenz ist keine Nebenrolle, sie ist das Rückgrat moderner Unternehmensführung. In dieser inspirierenden Podcastfolge sprechen wir mit Nadine Götz von der DVAG (Deutsche Vermögensberatung) über das neue Berufsbild Assistenz – zwischen Digitalisierung, Künstlicher Intelligenz und Netzwerkkompetenz. Nadine gibt uns spannende Einblicke in ihre Rolle, ihren Weg in der Assistenzwelt und wie sie aktiv die Veränderung ihres Berufsbildes mitgestaltet. 📌 Was dich erwartet: – Warum moderne Assistenzen mehr sind als Kalender und Reiseplanung – Wie bei der DVAG interne Netzwerke und Community-Building gelebt werden – Welche Tools wie Microsoft 365, Copilot, OneNote & Outlook wirklich helfen – Wie du mit KI-Tools im Office produktiver arbeitest – Und warum Netzwerken für Assistenzen der Schlüssel zur beruflichen Weiterentwicklung ist Wir sprechen über digitale Assistenten, Tipps für die Assistenz der Zukunft, praktische Erfahrungswerte mit Power Automate und wie Lernen und Offenheit entscheidend für den Wandel im Office-Alltag sind. Diese Folge ist ein Must-Listen für alle, die im Office Management, als Executive Assistant oder in der modernen Assistenzrolle arbeiten – oder dorthin möchten. 🔴 Folge auf YouTube anschauen: https://youtu.be/LibFBwXFmO4 [https://youtu.be/LibFBwXFmO4] --- Nadine Götz ist eine erfahrene Assistenz mit einem fundierten kaufmännischen Hintergrund, den sie in einem Autohaus mit dem Schwerpunkt Automobilkauffrau aufgebaut hat. Nach ihrem Einstieg ins Berufsleben sammelte sie wertvolle Erfahrungen in der Kundenbetreuung bei einem internationalen Mietwagenunternehmen, wo sie zunächst Reisebüros und Veranstalter betreute. Später übernahm sie die komplette Verantwortung für den Budget Kundenservice im Incoming-Bereich. Ihre berufliche Reise führte sie schließlich zur Deutschen Vermögensberatung, wo sie als Assistenz im Bereich Veranstaltungen und Reisen tätig ist. In dieser Rolle bringt Nadine ihre organisatorischen Stärken, ihre kreative Ader und ihre emotionale Intelligenz gezielt ein. Ihr Engagement und ihre Leidenschaft für die Assistenzrolle wurden mehrfach ausgezeichnet, unter anderem mit dem ersten Platz beim Netzwerk Office Award sowie einem weiteren Preis als herausragendes Rolemodel in der Office-Community. Nadine engagiert sich seit vielen Jahren für mehr Sichtbarkeit und Kommunikation im Assistenzbereich. Sie investiert viel private Zeit in Weiterbildung und aktives Netzwerken und ist bekannt für ihren ausgeprägten Teamgeist und ihre Motivation. Neben ihrer beruflichen Tätigkeit findet Nadine Ausgleich durch Reisen, Theaterbesuche, Musikveranstaltungen und gemeinsame Unternehmungen mit ihrer Familie, all das stärkt ihre Energie und Kreativität für neue Projekte. 🔴 Folge auf YouTube anschauen: https://youtu.be/LibFBwXFmO4 [https://youtu.be/LibFBwXFmO4] Vernetze dich mit Nadine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-götz-846325233/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-g%C3%B6tz-846325233/] Diana auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/] Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter [https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter] Podcast auf YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects [https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects] Podcast auf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS [https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS] Podcast auf Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661 [https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661] Song für die Spotify-Playlist: Shake It Off, Taylor Swift 🎵 Hier geht es zur Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd]

AI, Tech & ADHD: How Executive Assistants Can Thrive

188: What if your biggest distraction could become your greatest productivity superpower? 💡 In this inspiring and practical talk, Lauren Bradley, founder of The Officials, reveals how AI, tech, and ADHD can combine to help executive assistants, office managers, and admin professionals not just survive—but thrive in today's fast-changing digital world. Discover how to harness AI tools like Notion, Microsoft Lists, and Power Automate, create smart workflows, and build confidence through automation, mentorship, and community. Lauren also opens up about living and working with ADHD, showing how to turn neurodiversity into a strength that fuels creativity, innovation, and leadership. Whether you're a tech-savvy EA or just starting to explore AI for administrative professionals, this episode is packed with practical strategies, productivity hacks, and empowering insights to future-proof your career. ✨ Watch now to learn how to use AI, embrace your ADHD brain, and build the confidence to lead in the age of automation. --- Lauren Bradley is the multi-award-winning founder of The Officials, an online platform dedicated to empowering administrative professionals through innovative training, mentorship, and a global community. With over 20 years of experience, she has trained executive assistants and office managers from top companies like Google, Siemens, and Mastercard. Having worked in key administrative roles, including Executive Assistant and Private PA, Lauren's "training for admins, by admins" philosophy guides her approach. A dynamic speaker and corporate trainer, she's known for her no-nonsense style on leadership, technology, career development, and confidence-building. With accolades like 2022 eLearning Businesswoman of the Year, Lauren is committed to advancing the administrative profession, offering practical, real-world insights on leveraging technology to help assistants thrive globally. Links: 🔴 Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C-LvVzPIyjo [https://youtu.be/C-LvVzPIyjo] Promo: Treat Your Career as a Startup can be found here: https://community.jointheofficials.com/plans/1903717 [https://community.jointheofficials.com/plans/1903717] Save 25% with the code BRADL1025 - https://jointheofficials.com/ [https://jointheofficials.com/]- https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmbradley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmbradley/] Books: - The XX Brain by Dr Lisa Mosconi: https://amzn.to/40ami74 [https://amzn.to/40ami74]- Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss: https://amzn.to/3HQDoRm [https://amzn.to/3HQDoRm]- Hooked by Nir Eyal: https://amzn.to/4jWjTnC [https://amzn.to/4jWjTnC] 🎵 Executive Office Insights Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd] Lauren's playlist song: Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/] Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter [https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter] Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects [https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects] Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS [https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS] Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661 [https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661]