The future of the profession with Melba J. Duncan
Release Date: 05/21/2025
How Working Out Loud Transforms Careers, Confidence & Connection - John Stepper
Executive Office Insights
191: What if the key to growth isn’t working harder — but working together? In this inspiring long-form conversation, Working Out Loud founder John Stepper reveals how peer-to-peer development, shared learning, and authentic human connection can transform not only careers but entire organizational cultures. John shares the origin story of Working Out Loud (WOL), now used in more than 100 global organizations, and explains why meaningful relationships, psychological safety, and generosity are at the heart of effective personal development. We explore how WOL circles spark confidence,...
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Formula One Lessons for Executive Support
Executive Office Insights
190: What does Formula One teach us about being an exceptional executive assistant and strategic partner at the top level? In this inspiring episode, Nicole Bearne shares her journey from supporting one of Formula One’s most respected leaders to becoming a communications expert and business founder. She takes us behind the paddock doors to reveal what it’s really like to work alongside Ross Brawn, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton—where every second counts and preparation is everything. You’ll discover how executive support plays a crucial role in leadership success, team...
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Berufsbild Assistenz im Wandel: Netzwerken, Community Mindset und lebenslanges Lernen
Executive Office Insights
189: Assistenz ist keine Nebenrolle, sie ist das Rückgrat moderner Unternehmensführung. In dieser inspirierenden Podcastfolge sprechen wir mit Nadine Götz von der DVAG (Deutsche Vermögensberatung) über das neue Berufsbild Assistenz – zwischen Digitalisierung, Künstlicher Intelligenz und Netzwerkkompetenz. Nadine gibt uns spannende Einblicke in ihre Rolle, ihren Weg in der Assistenzwelt und wie sie aktiv die Veränderung ihres Berufsbildes mitgestaltet. 📌 Was dich erwartet: – Warum moderne Assistenzen mehr sind als Kalender und Reiseplanung – Wie bei der DVAG interne Netzwerke...
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AI, Tech & ADHD: How Executive Assistants Can Thrive
Executive Office Insights
188: What if your biggest distraction could become your greatest productivity superpower? 💡 In this inspiring and practical talk, Lauren Bradley, founder of The Officials, reveals how AI, tech, and ADHD can combine to help executive assistants, office managers, and admin professionals not just survive—but thrive in today’s fast-changing digital world. Discover how to harness AI tools like Notion, Microsoft Lists, and Power Automate, create smart workflows, and build confidence through automation, mentorship, and community. Lauren also opens up about living and...
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Chief of Staff, Leadership and Faith with Concetta Green
Executive Office Insights
187: What does it really take to be Chief of Staff at Harvard Business Publishing? I sit down with Concetta Green, Chief of Staff at Harvard Business Publishing, for an inspiring deep dive into leadership, career growth, and purpose-driven success. From her journey as an assistant to becoming a trusted executive partner, Concetta reveals why purpose matters more than titles, how mentorship and kindness shape real leadership, and why administrators are the unseen backbone of business. She also shares how faith and grace help her navigate challenges and create...
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Executive Assistant Tipps: Kalender, Meetings & Kommunikation
Executive Office Insights
186: Wie führt man Chefs durch den Tag – ohne Mikromanagement? Mit Klartext, Mut und System. Stephanie Rockenbach, erfahrene Vorstandsassistentin, zeigt, wie Kommunikation auf Augenhöhe, Hartnäckigkeit und smarte Team-Routinen den Executive-Office-Alltag strukturieren: vom Kalender über Meetings bis Reise- und Unterlagenmanagement – mit Vertrauen statt Klein-Klein. Ihr Weg führt von Köln über IT/Software ins Bankenwesen und prägt ihren Blick auf Empathie und Qualitätsanspruch. Außerdem teilt sie ihre Haltung...
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Microsoft Insights: Executive Support & Career Secrets
Executive Office Insights
185: Go behind the scenes of Microsoft Germany’s CEO Office with two inspiring women: Andrea (Executive Assistant) and Svetlana (Chief of Staff). In this candid conversation, they share what it really takes to support a top executive, manage complex schedules, and keep leadership moving at full speed. Discover: ✅ The difference between an Executive Assistant and a Chief of Staff ✅ How to manage the CEO Office of Microsoft Germany ✅ Career insights and skills for assistants and chiefs of staff ✅ Tools and strategies that keep leadership effective ✅ Why collaboration and trust are...
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Karriere-Neustart mit 50+: Cornelias inspirierende Erfolgsgeschichte
Executive Office Insights
184: Wie schafft man es, mit Ende 50 noch einmal beruflich neu durchzustarten? In dieser Folge erfährst du, wie Cornelia Bahr den Mut gefunden hat, einen kompletten Jobwechsel anzugehen – und welche Strategien, Netzwerke und Weiterbildungen ihr geholfen haben. ✨ Du bekommst praxisnahe Tipps für berufliche Veränderung im Alter, erfährst, wie man den eigenen Marktwert erkennt, neue Chancen nutzt und auch in einem völlig neuen Umfeld schnell ankommt. Diese Episode ist vollgepackt mit Motivation, echten Karriere-Erfahrungen und klaren Schritten für alle, die sagen: „Es ist nie zu...
info_outline![Former EA to Sir Richard Branson and Hospitality Expert - Samantha Cox [Summer Edition] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/192339000?height=50&width=50)
Former EA to Sir Richard Branson and Hospitality Expert - Samantha Cox [Summer Edition]
Executive Office Insights
183/124: Samantha Cox's career journey is indeed impressive and diverse, showcasing her expertise in Executive Assistant, Hospitality, and VIP Guest Services roles. Her extensive experience, spanning over 20 years, has involved working with high-profile clients and in various locations around the world. One notable highlight is her time working for Sir Richard Branson, the Founder of the Virgin Group. During her tenure, she not only served as an executive assistant but also became part of a select group managing personal affairs, budgets, charitable initiatives, and coordinating celebrity...
info_outline![New Work & Diversity: Inklusion und Karrierewege neu gedacht [Summer Edition] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/192107040?height=50&width=50)
New Work & Diversity: Inklusion und Karrierewege neu gedacht [Summer Edition]
Executive Office Insights
182/149: Entdecke, wie Diversität und „New Work“ die Arbeitswelt verändern und was moderne Unternehmen tun, um ein inklusives Arbeitsumfeld zu schaffen! Begleite mich in diesem aufschlussreichen Gespräch mit Dominique Jäger, in dem wir über die Bedeutung von Diversität und Inklusion im heutigen Arbeitsumfeld sprechen, die Zukunft der Führung beleuchten und wie flexible Arbeitsmodelle unseren Ansatz zur Produktivität und Work-Life-Balance verändern. Dominique teilt ihren Weg von ihren ersten Rollen in der Beratung bis hin zur Führung von Diversity-Initiativen bei der DKB und gibt...
info_outline171: Melba J. Duncan is the Founder and President of The Duncan Group Inc., a retained search and consulting firm. Since 1985, the firm has been advising CEOs and other corporate leaders regarding specialized senior management support resources. Ms. Duncan was Assistant to The Hon. Peter G. Peterson, Founder of The Peter G. Peterson Foundation, Chairman Emeritus and Co-Founder of The Blackstone Group, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb Incorporated, and former Secretary of Commerce.
In her prior position, she was Assistant to Sanford C. Bernstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., a New York Stock Exchange member firm, where she was elected Corporate Secretary and became a stockholder.
Ms. Duncan is an experienced public speaker. She has served as keynote speaker at the American Management Association’s Annual Conference for Executive Secretaries & Administrative Assistants. Ms. Duncan has served as chairperson for the Marcus Evans Executaries Forums, held in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Toronto, and Montreal. Ms. Duncan has delivered the keynote address to the EA&PA Congress Series in Sydney, Australia, and Adelaide, Australia, respectively and served as Keynote for the EA/PA Congress in Melbourne, Australia.
Ms. Duncan has served as Keynote and Conference Host for the Bermuda Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals and has served as a presenter at the World Bank, Washington DC, responding to the topic “Shaping your future: Maintaining Your Competitiveness.”
Articles and Video:
Indispensability and Legacy: Interview – Melba Duncan and Lucy Brazier OBE: https://lnkd.in/eQigh3iU
Harvard Business Review: The Secret Weapon of Great Leaders (HBR Video): https://hbr.org/2011/05/the-secret-weapon-of-great-lea
The Essential Assistant: Secretariado Master Class (São Paulo, Brazil) (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCgs2yFxyyg
Harvard Business Review: What Executive Assistants Know About Managing Up: https://hbr.org/2014/12/what-executive-assistants-know-about-managing-up
Harvard Business Review: May 2011: The Case for Executive Assistants: https://hbr.org/2011/05/the-case-for-executive-assistants
Books by Melba J. Duncan:
- Indispensability: Administrative Intelligence - The Importance of the Other AI (Centenary University Press, June 2025)
- EQ/IQ Developing Emotional Intelligence for Effective Executive Support (Open Hand Press, 2021)
- The New Executive Assistant: Advice for Succeeding as an Executive or Administrative Assistant (McGraw Hill, 1997)
- How To Succeed in Business As An Executive Assistant (Collier Books, 1990)
More about the podcast:
Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/
Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter
Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects
Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS
Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661