In this final episode, Candice and Jessica reflect on the challenges of 2024. A year that tested resilience and revealed the hard work so many admins put in. Burnout was a common theme, and we opened up about our own journey through a year of deep reflection, learning to embrace setbacks, and growing stronger through the lessons they brought.

Looking ahead, we delve into how the admin profession is poised to evolve over the next five years in an increasingly tech-driven world. From navigating the shifting landscape to understanding the profound impact of AI on the profession, we discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future.

Here’s what we cover:

AI’s Impact on Admin Work: Automation tools are streamlining tasks like scheduling, document management, and first-line support. Entry-level admins will focus on managing tech and automation tools.

Skills for the Future: Admins need digital fluency and foundational AI skills to adapt and thrive. Training will focus on mastering automation and overseeing tech solutions.

A Shift to Strategic: Support Roles are evolving from reactive tasks to proactive operational support.

Advanced admins will handle complex scheduling, predictive analytics, and hybrid work logistics.

Opportunities for Growth:

Emphasis on project management and strategic partnerships with executives. Diverse paths for growth, whether transactional or strategic.

We believe that the admin profession is at a pivotal moment. By embracing AI and new tech, admins can enhance their roles and stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to share an exciting announcement: The Future Focused Admin is growing beyond the podcast! We’re bringing together The Tech Savvy Assistant Community and The Admin Collective Community under one unified parent company to create a vibrant new admin community.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come:

Podcast & Guests: Ongoing interviews with diverse experts to explore the future of admin roles. Newsletter: Launching soon, featuring podcast updates, exclusive downloads, and curated insights. Microlearning Focus: Short, interactive sessions designed for real-world application.
Global Reach: Live and recorded content tailored for admins worldwide. We’re building a forward-thinking, supportive community to help admins thrive.

Membership:

Newcomers & Career Starters: Foundational resources for newcomers.

Career Growth Hub: Access to our Knowledge Hub with tools and insights for experienced admins.

Legacy Builders: Opportunities for seasoned professionals to mentor, teach, and leave an impact. So subscribe here NOW to join us on this exciting new endeavour:

https://www.futurefocusedadmin.com/launchlist

This episode is sponsored by Admin Avenues. The Admin Avenues network is a professional and lifestyle information platform, designed to assist admin professionals in finding relevant education, tools & systems, access to admin communities and more. They provide free access and support for admin professionals no matter what stage you’re at in your admin career.

Go to https://www.adminavenues.com and join the network today.

In this episode, Candice and Jessica open up about the pivotal moments when they realized it was time to transition from their roles as Executive Assistants and explore new career paths. These decisions came after deep reflection and, in Candice's case, seeking outside counsel to confirm that her journey as an EA had come to an end. Jessica shares her perspective on how traditional office environments often present challenges for neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism or ADHD. She discusses how the pandemic created a more inclusive work-from-home environment where many thrived, and the difficulties now faced as full-time office returns are being enforced.

This honest and thought-provoking episode dives into career evolution, self-awareness, and the broader conversation around inclusivity in the workplace.

This episode is sponsored by Admin Avenues. The Admin Avenues network is a professional and lifestyle information platform, designed to assist admin professionals in finding relevant education, tools & systems, access to admin communities and more. They provide free access and support for admin professionals no matter what stage you’re at in your admin career.

Go to https://www.adminavenues.com and join the network today. Stay connected with us on our social channels for updates on new episodes. Follow us on @thefuturefocusedadmin @theburnedoutassistant @adminavenues and @candice_burningham to join our growing global communities of admin enthusiasts!

Remember, this podcast is all about admins, so let's have some fun, maybe learn something, and grow in our careers together! Thank you for being a part of The Future Focused Admin Podcast. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and share with your admin friends and community. We welcome you all!

If you have anything you want to share, have an idea or just want to connect, drop us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@thefuturefocusedadmin.com ⁠⁠⁠ and join us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturefocusedadmin⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join our new LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-future-focused-admin.

In this latest episode of The Future Focused Admin Podcast, we’re diving into the world of Ageless Expertise and tackling Ageism in the Admin Profession. We sit down with Rita Gunning, Career Admin Professional, Executive Assistant, YouTuber, Founder of Executive Assistant Oasis and Author of ‘The Executive Assistant Tool Box” from Sydney, Australia and Sandria Plummer a Career Office Manager / Executive Assistant to board-level / C-Suite within the think tank, pharmaceutical, legal, education, telecoms, property, sport, finance, public, NHS and not-for-profit sectors from London, UK, to discuss the challenges faced by mature candidates in today’s job market globally!

We explore the topic of Ageless Expertise and Challenging Ageism in the Admin World and delve into their personal experiences with ageism and how they’ve navigated the challenges within the profession. The discussion expands to address the broader issue of ageism, particularly how it disproportionately affects women across industries, diminishing their contributions as they grow older. Together, we highlight the importance of valuing seasoned professionals and fostering a more inclusive, age-diverse environment for admins and women everywhere. Tune in to gain insights on how we can all challenge ageism and celebrate the expertise that comes with experience.

Link to the 2024 EA Salary Surveys here: https://www.easalarysurvey.com/

Link to Ivee Jobs in the UK helping women into jobs: https://ivee.jobs

Link to Rita’s new book “The Executive Assistant Toolbox”: https://www.amazon.com/Executive-Assistant-Toolbox-Rita-Gunning/dp/0645891304

This episode is sponsored by The Tech Savvy Assistant, your guide to a more relaxing work life through technology. Are you an administrative professional or freelancer? Want to stay ahead of the curve with AI, ChatGPT, and more? Tech Savvy Assistant has just what you need. Subscribe to our premium newsletter packed with exclusive insights, tips, and guides tailored to help you excel in your career. It's a must-have for anyone looking to improve their working conditions and embrace the future of tech. Go to ⁠⁠techsavvysistant.com⁠⁠, and you can sign up on Jessica's webpage. Stay connected with us on our social channels for updates on new episodes.

Follow us on @thefuturefocusedadmin @theburnedoutassistant @adminavenues and @candice_burningham to join our growing global communities of admin enthusiasts!

Remember, this podcast is all about admins, so let's have some fun, maybe learn something, and grow in our careers together! Thank you for being a part of The Future Focused Admin Podcast. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and share with your admin friends and community. We welcome you all! If you have anything you want to share, have an idea or just want to connect, drop us an email at ⁠⁠⁠:

hello@thefuturefocusedadmin.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and join us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturefocusedadmin⁠⁠⁠⁠ and our new LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-future-focused-admin.