Currently a CoS, I spent many years as an EA and before that Office Manager, Project Manager, and other roles that straddle the administrative/leadership space. I love this podcast because it acknowledges and elevates these fields as careers unto themselves, not automatically fields people are trying to “work out of”. I always find myself inspired when listening.

This episode is a standout. Host Jessica Vann asks deeply insightful questions that open the door to an honest, layered conversation with Karima Thomson about what it really takes to thrive as an Executive Assistant across cultures and continents. Karima’s reflections on working in the Middle East—from embracing hierarchy and cultural etiquette to the importance of in-person connection—are both practical and inspiring. Her journey from initially being hesitant to drive in the UAE to confidently dune bashing through the desert is such a powerful metaphor for the growth that comes from embracing the unfamiliar. The discussion around AI was especially timely. Karima emphasized that AI isn’t replacing the EA role, but rather enhancing it—freeing assistants to focus on higher-value, strategic contributions. And as Jessica so insightfully noted, these advancements are actually upping the demand for skilled humans—not reducing it. This episode is a must-listen for anyone working globally, supporting at a high level, or simply navigating change. It's full of wisdom, humility, and encouragement to step into your next chapter with purpose and curiosity.

This podcast is a must for an Executive Assistant serious about becoming an indispensable partner. I feel like it’s career therapy as you hear about how other top professionals face the same challenges. Thank you for making this podcast! I share it with so many people.

THIS PODCAST IS PHENOMENAL!! Last month I returned to work as a corporate EA. I’ve been away from the industry for a while, so I thought I’d find a good podcast to catch up with the changes. I did a simple search in the Apple Podcast app for “Executive Assistant”. REACH was in the #1 spot. I tapped it and I’ve never looked back! Jessica is a fantastic host and the guest are giving me a lot more than I ever expected. Rather than just giving tips on how to manage a calendar, they’re giving actionable tools on how to state my value and advance my career. Thank you REACH Podcast for Executive Assistants!

Highly recommend this podcast. The host has great perspectives and brings in guests to share their experiences while asking all the right questions. The content is genuine, informative and helpful.

Easy to listen to, love the guests, and so much incredible information here. Thank you! 🙌🏻

So much great information! I have taken so many gold nuggets of wisdom and applied to my business. Thank you! Keep rocking out the episodes… Bri

I really enjoy this podcast. It offers a variety of advice and situations/scenarios to help current or aspiring EAs

I have been enjoying this a lot! Everything is very relevant and helpful. I have learned so much, have related to a lot of the content and thoroughly enjoy the conversations!

This podcast has served me in so many different areas of my career. I HIGHLY recommended anyone within this field to PLEASE head over to this podcast as it has shifted my entire mindset and career as an EA. SIMPLY PHENOMENAL!!!

I am grateful I discovered REACH podcast. I look forward to listen to each topic and gleaning new ideas or ways of approaching situations. As a seasoned EA of 15+ years. I believe there is always something new we can learn to up our game. Thanks to Jessica and her team. These podcasts make me feel like I am talking with my best friends.

I’ve taken many practices, ideas, tips, into my day to day, safe to say I’ve leveled up!

I have enjoyed this podcast so much! 5 stars + keep up the good work. ** is there a place to ask more questions/submit show ideas?

Please don’t ever stop making this podcast! We need your best practices out here 🙌🏼

Jessica is my mom

Love the content, the insightful questions and answers. Open, honest and full of insights! Has helped shape how I approach my work! 💕

I’m a big fan of this podcast, and the knowledge I gain from it. I’m always looking to find podcasts having to do with the industry I work in, and they also happen to be based in the Bay Area (where I reside.) It has been especially motivating to listen to during pandemic times. Jessica is a great host, and I always look forward to getting the alert that a new episode is live :)

Jessica, You & your guest have helped me so much! I have been an EA for over 6 years and you get me through my rough days. I appreciate your podcast! Thank you!

Such a shame, the content for this podcast is relevant for me, but the host makes it very hard for me to enjoy. She constantly disrupts the guest speaker with her “active listening” sounds. Sometimes she just jumps in, talking over the speaker. It comes off as impatient and like she is rushing the speaker. Won’t be listening again.

Jessica, I listened to your recent podcast about being and EA during Covid-19. I've been struggling as forced remote EA supporting a CEO and CFO (with a few other hats on the shelf) during the Shelter-in-Place. The difficulties I have been having connecting without being able to pop into an office or get a meeting's backstory in the hallway really made me wonder if I was in the right place and doing the right thing. The podcast helped me regain my confidence and reminded me I can do my job just as well without sitting outside my Execs' offices. I wanted to thank you and Jill for your responses to the questions and your understanding of the insecurities we're all feeling right now. AND.. because I'd questioned my abilities, I thought maybe it is/was time to look at moving to a new company or role. That may still be the case but knowing it's now an employers' market gives me a little pause, although I know I'm still great at what I do. Thank you both again for understanding the market and how EAs tick. I have enjoyed the podcasts in the past but this one made me a loyalist! Very best and stay well, Trevin Rard

It was really nice to hear someone else respective on their job. I entirely agree that you need to mesh with your person to know how to communicate and succeed at your role.

I found this podcast relevant for this time. I start a new EA role Monday April 27th. On boarding virtual is new for me. I took notes and all that was discussed will help me to be successful in my new role. Thank you!! Jordan

A great podcast for both new and experienced EAs! I’ve been asked by fellows EAs about different courses they can take to better their skills and there’s not a ton out there geared towards executive assistants specifically. Sure you can take a GSuite or Slack class but when it comes to handling the day to day operations of your executives office, it can be hard to find relatable content. Well, here it is. I encourage everyone to take a listen. There’s always something new to learn!

This podcast is such a breath of fresh air for EA professionals! I have over 12 years of experience, but I always learn something new from these podcasts. The speakers are transparent and address actual challenges EAs face on a daily basis. It’s one of my favorite professional podcasts. Also, even though it’s produced by an employment agency, it’s not sales-y at all! Keep up the good work, Maven!

After 10+ years of experience being in an EA role there is always something new to learn. thank a god for this Podcast!!!

I have listened to six episodes and I can’t wait to hear more! The interviews are always informative, interesting, and fun. Jessica does a great job of bringing out great conversation from her guests. I find myself talking notes, laughing and enjoying the experience. Recommend it highly!

I just want to say THANK YOU, Jessica! This is so needed in our industry. People don’t realize how lonely the EA/OM/PA roles can be. Yes, we’re interacting with people all the time, but there is something about hearing from someone with the same tasks, problems, wins and loses as yourself. It’s so incredibly helpful to hear what made someone successful and really gives validity to our field. The EA/admin world is changing, and this podcast is proof of that. Thank you Maven for making this happen!

Love the ideas on this podcast. Feed for the host: Please stop saying “mhm” every time after everything your guest says, it’s extremely repetitive and distracts us from listening to a cleaner audio.

Thank you so much for putting out such great content, Maven! As someone who is pivoting into the OM & EA space, this series has been extremely helpful. I’m looking forward to more episodes as you build this community!

I can totally relate to Tanya in Episode 8. It was so validating to hear someone give a voice to the passion that I have for my job and my relationship with my boss. I can absolutely relate to her belief that being a true business parter makes the role more interesting to the EA and valuable to the executive. Tanya's role is a more formal version of what my own has organically grown into. I really appreciated her insight and advice. Thank you for providing a platform for a role that, when done well, is a rewarding and fulfilling career.

This is a great podcast with host and guests that clearly understand and have lived through the challenges/benefits of executive support! Whether an Admin Asst pursuing EA role, career EA or those looking to grow out of position - All will find helpful input and encouragement here. I especially like the prompts on how to approach leadership regarding career growth! Highly recommend and will share with friends/colleagues

I have shared with all the EAs I currently/have worked with. So many things on this podcast have made me say “yes” aloud. Beautifully moderated and all the guests have brought different insights and point of views. Really helps to bring the attention to a role that exists in many organizations that don’t get the credit they deserve.