From Scarcity to Abundance: Admins as Culture Champions

You Are the Culture: Kindness, Connection, and the Admin Advantage

What if the most powerful thing you bring to work every day isn't your skills or your systems — but your capacity for genuine human connection? That's the question at the heart of Beyond the Desk: Admin Advocates hosts Rachel Suman and Melissa Mahoney's conversation with Shola Richards, the kindness champion, bestselling author, and returning favorite of the IAAP community. Shola is back — first as a guest on this podcast, and then on the Summit stage in Los Angeles, where his opening keynote, Our Power Is in Our Hands, will set the tone for the entire Summit 2026 experience. In this conversation, Shola unpacks what it really means to be a culture carrier and connector, why kindness is not the same as niceness, and how administrative professionals are uniquely positioned to be the most powerful change agents in any organization. You'll leave with practical strategies you can put to work immediately — and with a serious case of Summit FOMO if you aren't already registered. 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

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