Former EA to Sir Richard Branson and Hospitality Expert - Samantha Cox [Summer Edition]
Release Date: 08/27/2025
Executive Office Insights
195: Celebrating six years of Executive Office Insights, Diana welcomes Helen Monument for a special anniversary conversation that looks back at the podcast’s remarkable journey. Together they revisit the very first moments that sparked this series, recalling the energy of launching a platform dedicated to executive excellence and support leadership. From those early recordings to the diverse lineup of inspiring guests who have shared their wisdom, this episode is both a tribute and a celebration. It honors the voices that shaped the dialogue, the lessons learned along the way, and the...
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194: How Executive Assistants can turn daily support work into hard numbers that lead to real raises. In this conversation, Elizabeth Sutkowska (based in Gdańsk, Poland) breaks down a practical way to negotiate your EA salary with data, using an EA ROI Calculator that tracks time saved, cost avoided, and the business impact leaders actually understand. If you’ve ever heard “your salary is fair,” this is the exact mindset (and method) that flips the script. We also go beyond compensation and dig into the bigger picture of modern Executive Support: - From Au Pair → Hospitality →...
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193: Was braucht es wirklich für eine erfolgreiche Karriere in der Assistenz? In dieser Folge spricht Evelyne Moser über ihren persönlichen Karriereweg als Executive Assistant mit Führungsverantwortung. Sie teilt Erfahrungen aus ihrer beruflichen Entwicklung, zentrale Entscheidungen und die Kompetenzen, die sie auf diesem Weg geprägt haben. Evelyne erzählt, wie sich die Rolle der Assistenz im Laufe der Zeit verändert hat, welche Anforderungen heute damit verbunden sind und was es bedeutet, Verantwortung zu übernehmen – fachlich, menschlich und organisatorisch. In dieser Episode...
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192: How a Technician Became a Top Executive Assistant at Tetra Pak! In this inspiring and honest conversation, we meet Niklas, a former technician who made an unconventional leap into the world of executive assistance. From managing machines to managing people, he shares how his technical background, team leadership, and passion for connection made him thrive in his new role at Tetra Pak. We talk about: - The evolving assistant profession- Remote leadership and collaboration across countries - Being a male EA in a female-dominated field...
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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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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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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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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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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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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...
info_outline183/124: 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 visits, while being based on Necker Island. Her involvement with Virgin Unite and The Elders demonstrates her commitment to philanthropy and global issues, supporting initiatives founded by Sir Richard Branson and Nelson Mandela.
Samantha's international exposure is evident through her travels to the Caribbean, Central America, the Far East, Australia, and Europe. Her role as the Corporate Director of VIP Guest Services for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casinos in the USA further enriched her professional portfolio.
Returning to Australia, Samantha opened the award-winning hospitality venue, Shell House, in Sydney CBD. Additionally, she launched her consulting business, Samantha Cox International, at the end of 2023. Her mantra of saying “yes” reflects her energetic and driven nature, encouraging a positive mindset and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
With a background that spans continents and industries, Samantha Cox continues to be a dynamic and passionate professional in the fields of executive support, hospitality, and consulting. Her multifaceted career showcases a commitment to excellence and a willingness to explore diverse opportunities.
Links:
Connect with Sam
https://scinternational.com.au
www.linkedin.com/in/samanthalcox
http://facebook.com/SamanthaCoxInternational
Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/
Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter
Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS
Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661