Libsyn Directory

Why AI Won't Replace Executive Assistants

Release Date: 08/05/2026

Executive Business Partner to the CEO of Zapier - Cortney Hickey (only Audio)

Executive Office Insights

213: Cortney Hickey is the Executive Business Partner to Wade Foster, the CEO and co-founder of Zapier. In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Cortney talks about remotely supporting a CEO who lives across the country, the definition of a strategic partner, and how to scale your impact as an executive assistant by using automation and AI. Show Notes -> -- It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.” Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and...

Die Macht der Stimme: Wie du Präsenz und Wirkung stärkst

Executive Office Insights

212: Was macht eine Stimme unverwechselbar, und warum kann echte Präsenz nicht einfach durch KI ersetzt werden? In dieser Folge des Executive Office Podcasts spricht Diana Brandl mit Dietmar Wunder über die Kraft der menschlichen Stimme, authentische Kommunikation und die Kunst, Menschen wirklich zu erreichen. Es geht darum, warum wir gerade in wichtigen Situationen häufig zu schnell sprechen, welche Wirkung bewusst gesetzte Pausen haben und weshalb unsere Stimme weit mehr transportiert als nur Worte. Dietmar gibt Einblicke in sein Handwerk und zeigt, was Führungskräfte und Menschen, die...

Why AI Won't Replace Executive Assistants

Executive Office Insights

211: What does it really take to become a trusted strategic partner in today's executive world - and where does AI fit into that future? In this episode, Diana Brandl welcomes Clara Nakagawa for an insightful conversation about the evolving role of Executive Assistants in an AI-driven workplace. Together, they explore why trust, judgment, and human connection remain essential, even as technology transforms the way executives and assistants work together. Clara shares her thoughts on adopting AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, embracing continuous learning, earning professional certifications,...

Mobbing unter Assistenzen? Warnsignale, Ursachen und Lösungen

Executive Office Insights

210: Konflikte gehören zum Berufsalltag – doch wann wird daraus Mobbing? In dieser Podcastfolge sprechen wir offen über Konflikte, Mobbing und schwierige Dynamiken im Assistenzbereich. Gemeinsam beleuchten wir, woran sich systematisches Mobbing erkennen lässt, welche Warnsignale Führungskräfte und HR ernst nehmen sollten und warum klare Rollen, transparente Kommunikation und aktives Zuhören entscheidend für eine gesunde Zusammenarbeit sind. Anhand realer Erfahrungen aus Recruiting, Mediation und Konfliktbegleitung geht es um typische Warnsignale, Prävention, die Verantwortung von...

Halbzeit 2026 und deine Weiterbildung

Executive Office Insights

209: Diana läutet den Sommer ein und macht auf neue Weiterbildungsformate aufmerksam. Sollten euch die Themen interessieren, geht es hier entlang für mehr Infos: On Demand Projektmanagement Kurs mit Christine Maurer Trailer: Anmeldung und weitere Infos: Speak Up Live Seminar mit Margit Lieverz am 11. Dezember in Frankfurt Anmeldung und weitere Infos: memox KI Roadshow 2026: Wer den monatlichen Newsletter noch nicht kennt: Und zum Schluss freuen wir uns über eine 5-Sterne-Bewertung des Podcasts. Danke für die Treue!

Upskilling and community building in Ghana (Audio only)

Executive Office Insights

208: In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Afful to explore how the Executive Assistant profession is evolving. We discuss how Executive Assistants can take ownership of their careers, develop a powerful mindset, and build the skills needed to thrive in the future of work. In this episode, you'll discover: - How professional communities accelerate career growth - Why mindset is the foundation of a successful Executive Assistant career - How AI is reshaping the administrative profession - How the Global Skills Matrix supports long-term career development - The importance of networking,...

From Executive Assistant to Business Partner (Audio only)

Executive Office Insights

207: What does it take to move beyond managing calendars and become a trusted business partner? In this episode, we explore the future of the Executive Assistant profession and the mindset shift required to create strategic impact. Debbie shares powerful lessons on executive presence, communication, leadership, and why soft skills remain essential in the age of AI. From building trust with leaders to using data to drive better decisions, this conversation offers practical insights for Executive Assistants, Administrative Professionals, and Chiefs of Staff who want to think beyond tasks and...

KI & Copilot: So verändert sich die Assistenzrolle (nur Audio)

Executive Office Insights

206: Wird KI die Assistenz ersetzen, oder ihre Rolle sogar stärken? In dieser Podcast-Folge sprechen wir über die praktische Nutzung von Microsoft Copilot, den Einsatz von KI im Arbeitsalltag und die Veränderungen, die aktuell in Unternehmen stattfinden. Warum haben manche Organisationen KI bereits fest in ihrer Arbeitsweise verankert, während andere noch ganz am Anfang stehen? Welche Aufgaben lassen sich heute schon automatisieren – und wo bleibt der Mensch unverzichtbar? Außerdem geht es um typische Anwendungsfälle für Assistenzen, den Umgang mit Datenschutz, die Bedeutung von...

Inside the Modern Chief of Staff Role (only audio)

Executive Office Insights

205: What does a Chief of Staff actually do — and why are more CEOs hiring them than ever before? In this episode, Clara Ma breaks down the real role of a Chief of Staff inside fast-growing startups and modern leadership teams. From executive strategy and hiring to AI, remote work, and scaling companies, this conversation explores why the Chief of Staff role is evolving so quickly. We talk about: - Chief of Staff vs Executive Assistant - How CEOs hire the right strategic partner - Startup leadership and operations - AI tools and AI literacy for Chiefs of Staff - Emotional intelligence in...

Krisenmanagement auf Geschäftsreise: Executive Assistant strandet in Doha

Executive Office Insights

204: Eine internationale Geschäftsreise. Ein gesperrter Luftraum. Und plötzlich werden aus wenigen Stunden ganze elf Tage im Ausnahmezustand. In dieser Podcastfolge erzählt Tanja Donislreiter von einer Reise, die völlig anders endete als geplant: Nach einem Meeting in Indien strandet sie gemeinsam mit einem Kollegen in Doha – mitten in einer geopolitischen Krisensituation. Was folgt, sind Tage voller Unsicherheit, Alarmmeldungen, spontaner Entscheidungen und emotionaler Momente. Wir sprechen über: - Krisenmanagement unter extremen Bedingungen - mentale Stärke und Resilienz -...

More Episodes

211: What does it really take to become a trusted strategic partner in today's executive world - and where does AI fit into that future?

In this episode, Diana Brandl welcomes Clara Nakagawa for an insightful conversation about the evolving role of Executive Assistants in an AI-driven workplace. Together, they explore why trust, judgment, and human connection remain essential, even as technology transforms the way executives and assistants work together.

Clara shares her thoughts on adopting AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, embracing continuous learning, earning professional certifications, and staying ahead in a rapidly changing profession. They also discuss the Global Skills Matrix, the value of building an international network, and how Executive Assistants can grow into trusted strategic partners.

Whether you're an Executive Assistant, Administrative Professional, Chief of Staff, or simply interested in leadership and the future of work, this conversation offers practical insights, fresh perspectives, and inspiration for your own professional journey.

Topics covered:

- AI and the future of the Executive Assistant profession

- Strategic partnership and executive support

- Continuous learning and professional certifications

- Microsoft Copilot and workplace productivity

- The Global Skills Matrix

- Building a global professional network

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with your network.

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With over 20 years of experience as an executive assistant, Clara Nakagawa has built her career supporting C-suite leaders across the
pharmaceutical, finance, and IT sectors.

Working in both Japanese and international environments, she is
bilingual in English and Japanese, and often acts as a bridge
between cultures, helping executives navigate both business and
day-to-day life in Japan.

She is known for her proactive and thoughtful approach, anticipating
needs, creating structure, and supporting smooth decision-making in
complex, fast-paced organizations. Her experience living in Japan,
the UK, and the US has shaped her global mindset and adaptability.
Today, she works closely with senior leadership as a strategic
partner, combining operational excellence with a strong sense of
trust, discretion, and cultural awareness.

LINKS:

IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals)
https://www.iaap-hq.org/default.aspx

IAAP Summit
https://www.iaap-hq.org/page/summit

CAP Certification (Certified Administrative Professional)
https://www.iaap-hq.org/page/cap

CAP Specialty Courses (CAPstone Program)
https://www.iaap-hq.org/page/capstone

ASAP (American Society of Administrative Professionals)
https://www.asaporg.com

PACE Certification (Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence)
https://www.asaporg.com/pace

ES Tech (Executive Support Media Event)
https://executivesupportmedia.com/es-tech/

ACEA
https://www.acea.training/

TOPICS