In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, I sit down with Anu Lamba, Executive Assistant to Country Head of Operations at Amazon, to explore the purpose, growth, and recognition that come with a career in the admin profession.

Anu shares her inspiring journey - from moving to Australia, starting a family, and building a new career in a new country, to thriving in high-pressure executive support roles at global companies like Amazon and Microsoft. We talk about the challenges she faced, the resilience she built, and the mindset that has kept her confident in choosing the admin path, even when others didn’t understand it.

We also dive into what life is really like as an EA in a fast-paced corporate environment, the tools and strategies that keep her on top of competing priorities, and why she’s such a passionate advocate for the profession.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Anu navigated starting over in a new country while balancing family and career
• Why she chose the EA profession despite holding university degrees
• Common misconceptions about admin roles, and how to challenge them
• A behind-the-scenes look at supporting executives at Amazon and Microsoft
• The productivity systems and tools that have been game-changers for he
• The role mentorship has played in her career, and her advice for new admins
• How she believes the perception of admin roles needs to evolve in corporate environments

This conversation is a powerful reminder that admin professionals are more than just support - they’re strategic, resilient, and capable of incredible impact.

Quick Links:

To connect with Anu, hit her up on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anu-lamba-210331b/

Gisele Karame-Kemp has served as Executive Assistant to Lachlan Murdoch (News Corp) and Scott Farquhar (Atlassian), later leading a global team of EAs/AAs at Atlassian. Most recently, she’s stepped into Workplace Experience - highlighting how EA skills translate into diverse leadership pathways.

In this episode, Gisele talks through her incredible career, the importance of mentoring, and why she left admin to work in her new Workplace Experience role at one of the largest tech companies in the world.

We explore what truly changes when you move from supporting Chairman and CEOs to taking a step back in the business. We talk through how to earn trust at the highest levels, and why a non-linear career can be your biggest advantage.

In this episode, you’ll learn

• Career arc: How Gisele moved from early admin roles to C-Suite support, team leadership, and Workplace Experience.
• Trust at the top: Practical ways to build credibility, protect time, and influence outcomes without authority.
• Beyond the traditional EA remit: Examples of strategic contribution and stepping into business operations.
• Navigating tough moments: Tactics for handling shifting priorities, ambiguity, and high-stakes change.
• Strategic Impact: Moving beyond tasks to commercial thinking, systems, and measurable outcomes.
• Mentorship & Community: Why mentoring lifts the whole profession and how to get started.

Easy Links:

To connect with Gisele - hit her up on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisele-karame-kemp

The book Gisele recommended was: https://www.oliverburkeman.com/meditationsformortals

The app Gisele recommended was: https://www.wakingup.com/

If this episode helped you, share it with an admin friend, subscribe, and leave a review.

Got questions or a topic you want us to cover? Drop us a DM or comment.

From early admin roles to senior strategic support and entrepreneurship, Kiara Filardi has built a career defined by initiative, influence, and impact. In this conversation, Kiara shares how adopting a business partner mindset elevates the EA role, why mentorship is a career multiplier, and the habits that keep you steady when priorities move at pace. We also explore her vision for AIOP NSW and how community accelerates professional growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn

• How Kiara navigated her career from EA to founder, and what truly prepared her to build Urge.Concierge
• Practical ways EAs operate as strategic business partners (beyond the traditional remit)
• The skills that matter at senior level: influence, commercial thinking, systems, and calm under pressure
• Why mentorship changes careers, and how to find (and work with) the right mentor
• Staying effective in high-pressure environments: resets, rituals, and run-of-show systems
• Kiara’s plans as AIOP NSW Division President to support and connect the community
• Where the EA profession is heading next, and the mindset shifts to get ahead

Love the episode? Follow/subscribe, leave a quick rating, and share it with an admin who’d benefit.

Easy Links:

• Connect with Kiara Filardi on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiara-filardi-b4bb147b/
• Join the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) community and learn more about the institute here: https://aiop.com.au
• Join us at the Admin Avenues Conference: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/adminavenuesconference
• Then join us for a night of celebrating at the 2025 AIOP Awards after the conference: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2025-aiop-awards-gala-dinner

Tamara (TJ) shares how she turned recognition into real-world impact as AIOP’s Hunter Region Division President. From earning influence without authority to designing a career that works for family life, TJ unpacks the systems, boundaries and mindset that keep momentum going - especially when work gets busy. We also chat about the new AIOP Mentor Program (launching 2026), practical professional development strategies, and the future-ready skills every admin should practise now.

In this episode, you’ll learn

• Influence without authority: Why rapport is step one in any pipeline, and how to protect yourself when politics show up.
• Career compounding: The early decision to build genuine relationships and how it paid off years later.
• Making impact visible: Showing trust, respect and honesty to decision-makers
• Career design for parents: Boundaries, honest comms, and choosing roles that fit life.
• Peak-period playbook: Daily priorities, focus blocks, team check-ins, pre-built templates and fast wins.
• Negotiating flexibility: Come with a solution, a coverage plan and agreed guardrails.
• Future skills (2026): Adaptive problem-solving and weekly practice to build continuous improvement muscle.
• AIOP Mentor Program (2026): Closing the gap between capability and progression with structured support.
• After the award: Handling imposter thoughts, using recognition as permission to step up, and leading through the “messy middle.”

Love this conversation?

Join AIOP for community, PD and mentoring, and bring it into your professional development budget.

If this episode helped you, follow/subscribe, leave a quick rating, and share it with an admin who’d benefit.

Easy Links:

• Connect with Tamar (TJ) Barge on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-james-chpea-aa402953/
• Join the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) community and learn more about the institute here: https://aiop.com.au
• Join us at the Admin Avenues Conference: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/adminavenuesconference
• Then join us for a night of celebrating at the 2025 AIOP Awards after the conference: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2025-aiop-awards-gala-dinner

From fundraises and M&A to COVID, downturns and rapid pivots, Janice Parker has seen the full tech rollercoaster. Janice has worked for some of the largest tech firms globally both here in Australia and in London, UK. In this episode, Janice shares what it’s really like operating as a remote-first, strategic EA in high-growth environments, why community matters, and how she’s thinking about the road ahead as AIOP Victoria Division President (including a sneak peek at 2026).

What we cover in this episode:

• Startups → scale-ups: Lessons from hypergrowth and change as an Executive Assistant
• Remote-first reality: time zones, async rhythm, boundaries and trust.
• Working 100% remote: Is it really all it’s cracked up to be?
• Network & community: Why it’s so important to have an admin network and be part of a community
• What’s next for AIOP VIC and early plans for 2026

Easy Links:

• Connect with Janice Parker on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceparkerea
• Join the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) community and learn more about the institute here: https://aiop.com.au
• Join us at the Admin Avenues Conference: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/adminavenuesconference
• Then join us for a night of celebrating at the 2025 AIOP Awards after the conference: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2025-aiop-awards-gala-dinner

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, I’m joined by Suzy Miller - CEO, AFR 100 Women of Influence, award-winning Leadership Specialist, Speaker, and Executive Coach - to talk about what it really takes for admin professionals to step into their leadership potential.

Ahead of her keynote Lead with Impact: From Admin to Leader at the Admin Avenues Conference, Suzy shares the mindset shifts, behaviours, and strategies that can help you evolve from a behind-the-scenes contributor to an influential leader - regardless of your job title.

We also dive into Suzy’s own career journey: from the experiences and choices that shaped her, to the lessons she’s learned working with leaders and teams across industries, and the work she does today helping professionals unlock their leadership strengths.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Suzy’s career journey and what led her to become a CEO, coach, and mentor
• The biggest leadership lessons she’s learned through decades of coaching and team development
• How admin professionals can identify and own their leadership strengths
• Practical ways to communicate with impact and influence
• Why leadership is about mindset, not job title
• A sneak peek at her conference keynote and the takeaways attendees can expect

If you’ve ever felt you’re capable of more but haven’t known how to step forward, this conversation is your permission slip to own your leadership journey.

In this episode, Candice chats with Alison Shamir as she explores the inner dialogue that holds high achievers back, and how to dismantle it for good. Alison is the Author of Conquer Your Imposter, Imposter Syndrome Expert, International Speaker & Coach.

What We Covered:

• Alison’s personal story of navigating debilitating imposter syndrome during her tech career
• Why admin professionals, especially senior EAs, are uniquely affected
• The difference between imposter syndrome and everyday self-doubt
• How identity, culture, and systemic barriers contribute to feelings of unworthiness
• Clear signs you're dealing with imposter syndrome (hint: it's in your self-talk)
• Tools and reflections from the book, including:
  • Understanding the "imposter spectrum"
  • Anchoring yourself with authenticity
  • Reclaiming your voice in executive rooms
• Why confidence grows through small, consistent action—not fear-based leaps
• The underrated strength of self-awareness and how to check in daily
• AND of course Alison’s upcoming session at the Admin Avenues conference on the topic of ‘UnMasking ImposterSyndrome’. Find out more about Alison’s session and the conference here: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/adminavenuesconference

Memorable Quotes by Alison:

“Imposter syndrome isn’t your fault—but it is your responsibility to work through it.”

“You didn’t just land in that executive room by accident. Don’t talk yourself out of spaces you’ve earned.”

“Confidence thrives in motion. Fear thrives in hesitation.”

Special Highlight For Admins:

Pages 178–179 of Conquer Your Imposter specifically highlights the admin profession by Candice Burningham on how imposter syndrome shows up uniquely in our profession,

Get Alison’s book ‘Conquer Your Imposter: Dismantle the fear that undermines your success. Unlock your true potential. Free yourself from Imposter Syndrome for good’. here: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Conquer-Your-Imposter/Alison-Shamir/9781925452976

Alison’s website is: https://alisonshamir.com where you can learn about her program, coaching and how to book her for a speaking opportunity.

Connect with Alison on Linked here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-shamir-67440b17/ and on socials @alisonshamir

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, I sit down with Samantha Cox, globally experienced executive support professional, Founder of Samantha Cox International, and former EA to Sir Richard Branson during her tenure on Necker Island.

Sam takes us inside the whirlwind world of supporting one of the most dynamic leaders on the planet, sharing the lessons she learned, the strategies she used to stay centred, and how those experiences shaped her career in high-stakes executive and VIP support.

We explore her transition from executive assistant to leading VIP guest experiences at global brands like Hard Rock Hotels and Seminole Gaming, her leap into entrepreneurship, and the exciting projects she’s working on now - including her upcoming book!

You’ll also get a sneak peek of her keynote for the Admin Avenues Conference, Calm in the Chaos: Thriving in High-Stakes Executive & VIP Support, and the mindset shifts she hopes every attendee will take away.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What it’s really like to work alongside Sir Richard Branson
• How to stay calm when everything around you is moving at lightning speed
• Misconceptions about working with high-net-worth individuals and celebrities
• The highs and lows of working as an Executive Assistant to one of the most recognised leaders in the world
• Why Sam launched Samantha Cox International and the services she provides
• A sneak peek into her book and what she hopes readers will gain
• Practical advice for admins aspiring to work in high-profile, high-pressure roles

This episode is packed with fascinating stories, career insights, and practical tips for thriving in the most demanding support roles - all delivered with Sam’s trademark warmth and candour.

Connect with Sam via LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthalcox

To find out more about Samantha Cox International or to connect with Sam for speaking, training or coaching click here: https://scinternational.com.au