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 -> https://leaderassistant.com/339

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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 logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.

Sound too good to be true? It's actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)

See how at https://leaderassistant.com/offsite

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The Assistant Habits Weekly Planner is designed to help you lead well through consistent action. It bridges the gap between daily calendar chaos and strategic executive partnership. Learn more -> https://assistanthabits.com

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Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.

ℹ️ This episode was originally recorded in 2025.

More from The Leader Assistant:

- Free Community -> https://leaderassistant.com/community

- Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> https://leaderassistantbook.com

- Assistant Habits App and Weekly Planner -> https://assistanthabits.com

- Events -> https://leaderassistantlive.com

- The Leader Assistant Academy -> https://leaderassistantbook.com/academy

- Premium Membership -> https://leaderassistant.com/membership

About the Executive Office Insights:

- Diana Brandl 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

The Executive Office Insights Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd

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 regelmäßig vor Publikum stehen, daraus für ihren eigenen Auftritt mitnehmen können. Dabei sprechen die beiden über Präsenz und Sprechtempo, den Umgang mit Lampenfieber und darüber, warum es so wichtig ist, auf der Bühne bei sich selbst zu bleiben.

Natürlich geht es auch um eine Entwicklung, die Dietmars Branche unmittelbar betrifft: künstliche Intelligenz. Kann KI menschliche Emotionen tatsächlich ersetzen? Wo kann sie ein sinnvolles Werkzeug sein – und was geht verloren, wenn Technologie beginnt, menschliche Kreativität, Stimme und Ausdruck zu übernehmen?

Ein Gespräch über Stimme und Wirkung, über die Leidenschaft für das eigene Handwerk und darüber, warum das Menschliche gerade im Zeitalter der KI wichtiger sein könnte denn je.

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Über Dietmar Wunder

Er ist Schauspieler und synchronisiert unter anderem Daniel Craig, Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle und Sam Rockwell. Er spricht Hörbücher und Hörspiele, ist John Sinclair, der Geisterjäger, führt Regie, steht als Moderator auf der Bühne und ist auch vor der Kamera zu sehen.

In seiner Wunderclass gibt er außerdem sein Wissen rund um Stimme, Sprechen und Präsenz weiter. Und als wäre das alles noch nicht vielseitig genug: Dietmar ist ursprünglich ausgebildeter Augenoptiker.

Irgendwie ist er ein Allrounder – einer, der das, was er tut, mit Leidenschaft und absoluter Begeisterung angeht. Einer, den stellst du hin, und er macht einfach.

Ganz nach dem Motto: Der Wunder macht das schon!

Link: https://www.dietmar-wunder.de/de/

Portraitfoto: Mathias Scheuer

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Links zum Podcast:

🔴 Folge auf YouTube anschauen: https://youtu.be/PCFXrVOcoTs

- Diana Brandl 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

- The Executive Office Insights Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd

Dietmar fügte hinzu: „A Different Corner" von George Michael

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/

MORE LINKS:

- Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/

- Rebecca Afful on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-a-afful/

- 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

The Executive Office Insights Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd

Guest Picks: Miley Cyrus - Flowers