Beyond the Desk: Admin Advocates

What Coaching Gave Us (And Can Give You)

What would it mean to have someone fully in your corner — asking the right questions, holding space for your growth, and helping you see what you can't always see in yourself? In this episode of Beyond the Desk: Admin Advocates, hosts Rachel Suman and Melissa Mahoney get personal. No guests, no agenda — just an honest conversation about their own experiences with coaching and what it's opened up for each of them personally and professionally. Because coaching isn't just for executives or people in crisis. It's for anyone ready to move. And if you've ever been curious but not quite sure it's for you, this episode is your invitation. Plus — IAAP is bringing a complimentary coaching experience to Summit 2026 in Los Angeles, and you won't want to miss what's waiting for you there. Connect with us on our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iaaphq/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-association-of-administrative-professionals-iaap/ X: https://twitter.com/iaap

The Letters That Say: I Showed Up With Katie Mercier

What does it really mean to earn the Certified Administrative Professional credential — and what does it take to get there? In this season premiere of Beyond the Desk: Admin Advocates, hosts Rachel Suman and Melissa Mahoney sit down with IAAP's credentialing manager Katie Mercier, CAP, for a conversation that's equal parts personal and practical. Katie brings a rare perspective: she's not only the expert behind the program, she's a former admin who earned her CAP and knows firsthand what it means to claim that credential for yourself. Together, they explore what the CAP signals to the world, the courage it takes to sit for an exam, and an exciting new way to do it — surrounded by your peers at IAAP Summit 2026 in Los Angeles. Whether you've been thinking about your CAP for years or just heard about it for the first time, this episode meets you where you are. Connect with us on our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iaaphq/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-association-of-administrative-professionals-iaap/ X: https://twitter.com/iaap

From Scarcity to Abundance: Admins as Culture Champions

Have you ever noticed how one person can completely change the energy of a room? As an admin, you have that power every single day – and it's one of the most underestimated superpowers in the workplace. In this heartfelt episode, Melissa and Rachel explore something beautiful: how admins naturally sit at the crossroads of people's lives at work, perfectly positioned to be the person who makes everything flow a little smoother, feel a little warmer, and work a little better. But here's the thing – we get to choose whether we become the bridge that connects people or the wall that keeps them apart. Melissa and Rachel share touching stories and real-world examples of how shifting from "protecting what's mine" to "lifting everyone up" doesn't just transform your workplace – it transforms you. They'll walk you through simple but powerful ways to become the person others light up to see, from truly listening beyond the task list to becoming the champion who celebrates everyone's wins. This isn't about being a people-pleaser or losing yourself in the process. It's about discovering that when you help others shine, you don't dim – you become absolutely radiant. You'll learn how to navigate tricky dynamics with grace, turn competitive energy into collaborative magic, and build the kind of reputation that opens doors you didn't even know existed. Connect with us on our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iaaphq/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-association-of-administrative-professionals-iaap/ X: https://twitter.com/iaap

Beyond the Crisis: Why Important Tasks Matter More Than Urgent Ones

Picture this: You've just settled in to tackle that important project when three "urgent" requests hit your desk simultaneously. Sound familiar? In this episode, Melissa and Rachel dive into the daily whirlwind that every admin knows – when everything feels like a fire that needs putting out right now. Here's the thing: not all urgent requests are created equal, and some of your most valuable work might never feel urgent at all. Using the time-tested Eisenhower Matrix, Melissa and Rachel help you see through the chaos and discover which tasks deserve your immediate attention and which ones are just... well, loud. They get real about the unique pressures admins face – like when five different people insist their request is the most critical, or when you're so busy reacting to the next "emergency" that you never get to the work that would prevent future crises. You'll walk away with simple but powerful tools to assess what's really happening in those hectic moments and practical ways to protect space for the work that truly moves the needle. This isn't about becoming less responsive – it's about becoming more intentional. When you master the art of distinguishing urgent from important, you don't just get better at your job; you get your sanity back too. #AdminAdvocates #ProductivityTips #UrgentVsImportant Connect with us on our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iaaphq/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-association-of-administrative-professionals-iaap/ X: https://twitter.com/iaap

Know Your Worth: The Difference Between Recognition, Value, and Praise

Do you ever feel like your contributions go unnoticed, or wonder why a simple "thank you" sometimes falls flat? In this episode, Melissa and Rachel break down the crucial differences between recognition, value, acknowledgment, and praise – and why understanding these distinctions can transform how you experience appreciation at work. They dive into the foundational truth that recognizing your own value must come first, before anyone else can truly see and celebrate your contributions. You'll learn how to get specific about what you need and how to validate your own value proposition instead of waiting for external validation. The conversation also challenges you to reflect: Do you value others' contributions in meaningful ways? Melissa and Rachel share practical strategies for both giving and receiving each type of appreciation, plus highlight how IAAP's Awards Program creates opportunities for admins to be recognized on a broader scale. Whether you're feeling undervalued or want to better appreciate your colleagues, this episode will help you understand what you need and how to create more meaningful recognition in your workplace. Connect with us on our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iaaphq/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-association-of-administrative-professionals-iaap/ X: https://twitter.com/iaap