The Whole Assistant Podcast - podcast cover

The Whole Assistant Podcast

Annie Cronerwww.wholeassistant.com
Welcome to The Whole Assistant Podcast! I’m your host Annie Croner. I’m a former assistant who is passionate about the profession, and a certified coach who is invested in your success. You’ve come to the right place if you want to know what it looks like to stand in your power, and achieve success free from overwhelm & burnout.
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Episodes

How to Have a Stellar Annual Review

Are you ready to own your annual review and showcase your true value, but not quite sure where to start? In this episode, I dive deep into strategies that will enable you to own your annual reviews and turn them into powerful conversations that highlight your value proposition. We'll discuss how to prepare, what key elements to include, and ways to present your accomplishments that leave a lasting impression on your executive. Whether you’re a seasoned assistant or new to the role, these insight...

Oct 31, 202413 min

Benchmarking Your Value Proposition

Does your company offer a clear path forward for your professional progression? In this episode of The Whole Assistant Podcast, I dive into answering a listener question. We explore the crucial steps to articulating your value proposition, and effectively approaching management for that well-deserved raise or title change. Whether you're in a small organization or a large corporation, the strategies I share will help you clearly present your value and start the necessary conversations to advance...

Oct 24, 202411 min

Giving Yourself Permission to Rest

Let’s. Take. A. Breath. Shall we? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I share about my recent personal experience of hitting capacity, and the importance of stepping back to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. From making tough decisions like turning down exciting opportunities, to implementing strategies for more intentional downtime, this episode is all about setting sustainable standards both in your personal life and at work. In this episode, you will discover: - The ...

Oct 17, 202415 min

Creating Baselines for Success

Ever find you have unrealistic expectations of yourself when you’re trying something new? You create a standard rooted in “perfectionist fantasy”, only to beat yourself up when things don’t go according to plan. Discover how to break free from this cycle and create a sustainable path to success as an assistant. In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I share insights on building baselines for success, reframing perfectionist thoughts, and gathering valuable data to continuously improve y...

Oct 03, 202410 min

How to Move Forward After a Big Mistake

Have you ever felt the crushing weight of a big mistake, leaving you wondering how to move forward? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I'm diving deep into a topic that many of us can relate to - how to move forward after making a significant mistake. Inspired by a heartfelt message from a listener, we'll explore practical strategies for processing your errors without wallowing, the importance of radical accountability, and how to use these moments to build trust and grow both perso...

Sep 26, 202413 min

The Power of Boring Magic

Have you ever done something seemingly inconsequential in the moment thar had a huge impact later on? In this episode, I delve into the concept of "boring magic" and how showing up for mundane, seemingly inconsequential tasks can lead to exceptional results. Whether you’re trying to build trust with your executive or develop a new habit, this episode provides practical insights to help you leverage the power of the mundane to elevate your career and personal life. In this episode, you will uncov...

Sep 19, 202416 min

Work Hacks for Busy Executive Assistants

Want to know my favorite work hacks that keep me in control of my work? In this final episode of a 3 part series on hacks, I dive into 5 simple-but-mighty strategies for busy executive assistants, sharing practical tips and tricks to enhance productivity, stay focused, and manage your workload efficiently. In this episode, you will discover: - My favorite counterintuitive strategy to boost your productivity and focus - One thing that completely transformed how I work, and keeps me free from burn...

Sep 12, 202415 min

Life Hacks to Streamline Everything

Want to know the shortcuts and life hacks I use to streamline my day? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I pull back the curtain on my life and share my favorite time & energy saving life hacks. Join me as I explore how to create more space for what truly matters and make your days run smoother than ever. In this episode, you will discover: - The decisions I make ahead if time, and the impact of those decisions - My favorite strategy that helps me connect with others - How creat...

Sep 05, 202416 min

Powerful Brain Hacks to Level up Your Life

🚀Are you ready to take your mental strength and resilience to “badass” status? 🚀 In this episode of The Whole Assistant Podcast, I dive into powerful brain hacks that have not only transformed my life, but also the lives of my clients. These hacks will help you regain control, amplify your efficiency, and navigate challenges with grace. This is the first part of my three-part “hack” series that will guide you through impactful techniques to optimize your mind, life, and work. In this episode, ...

Aug 29, 202417 min

How to Deal with a Terrible Executive

Let’s talk about dealing with difficult executives shall we? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I delve into the unpleasant yet very real dynamics of working with a terrible executive. From identifying the signs of gaslighting and manipulative behavior to protecting your mental health, I offer practical strategies to help you stay empowered in these impossible situations. In this episode, you will discover: - How to recognize the subtle but telling behaviors of a gaslighting executi...

Aug 22, 202420 min

Are You Over Complexifying?

Do you ever make things harder than they have to be? From obsessing over the perfect email to getting lost in endless research, I break down why our brains tend to over complexify. Join me as I share practical strategies to break free from this cycle, embrace action, and aim for excellence without the shackles of perfectionism. In this episode, you will discover: - Common signs that you're over-complicating tasks and what this likely stems from - Practical tips for taking action, even when your ...

Aug 15, 202410 min

Thinking Things "Should" Be Different vs Creating Change

Do you often find yourself thinking things at work should be different, but feel powerless to create change? In this episode, I dive into the common thought pattern of believing things should be different - whether it's your executive, your pay, your colleagues, or other aspects of your job. While this mindset may seem innocent on the surface, it can actually lead to disempowerment and powerlessness, rather than positive change. I explain how examining these thoughts and taking intentional actio...

Aug 08, 20249 min

How to Stop Taking Things Personally

Want to stop taking things personally? In this episode, I dive into how many of us inadvertently give away our power by taking things personally. I share personal stories and insights on how to separate fact from interpretation and how to stop letting others' opinions define you. In this episode, you will discover: - How to distinguish between facts and opinions - Why others' opinions often say more about them than about you - Powerful questions to ask yourself to determine what feedback is help...

Aug 01, 202415 min

How to Get Things Done Faster

Ever wonder how some people seem to get more done in less time? In this episode, I unveil my top strategies for increasing efficiency and getting things done faster. Drawing from my own journey of juggling a demanding executive assistant role, building a business, and managing life with kids, I share how efficiency became one of my superpowers. I dive deep into 2 counterintuitive strategies that have the potential to revolutionize your efficiency. You'll walk away with actionable insights to rec...

Jul 25, 202416 min

How to Ask For a Promotion When You Feel Overlooked or Held Back

Are you unsure of how to ask for a promotion? In this special episode, I answer a question submitted by a listener, “How do you ask for a promotion when you feel overlooked or held back?” I tackle the essential steps to effectively advocate for yourself, strategies to communicate your value proposition consistently, and how to separate emotional hurdles from actionable insights to push your career forward. In this episode, you will discover: - The critical questions to ask yourself before approa...

Jul 18, 202413 min

The Myth of the Silver Bullet

Have you ever found yourself searching for that one magic solution that will make everything in your professional life fall perfectly into place? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I dive into a myth you might be unaware you are currently holding… the myth of the "silver bullet". I explore why this belief is not only unrealistic but also detrimental to your growth. In this episode, you will discover: - Why this myth is a perfectionist fantasy and how it’s keeping you stuck - One sim...

Jul 11, 202414 min

Celebrating Your Wins

Have you ever taken a moment to truly celebrate your achievements and acknowledge how far you've come? In this special celebratory episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I reflect on the six-year journey of Whole Assistant and emphasize the importance of taking time to celebrate the wins. You'll hear about our humble beginnings back in 2018, the twists and turns that led me to become a certified coach, and how Whole Assistant has grown into the supportive community it is today. ----------------...

Jul 04, 202410 min

Self Care, Hitting Rock Bottom, & Finding Your Passion with Abigail Barnes

Are you teetering on the brink of burnout? If so, this episode is for you! In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I chat with Abigail Barnes, the founder of Success by Design Training and a time management expert. We delve into her story of burnout and how this experience pushed her onto the path of self-discovery and helped her tap into her passion. In this episode, you will discover: - The importance of incorporating short, impactful self-care activities to sustain your well-being and...

Jun 27, 202439 min

The One Question Every EA Should Consistently Ask Themselves

What if this one question could change everything? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I break down one game-changing question that every executive assistant should consistently ask themselves to skyrocket their productivity and transform their self-concept. In this episode, you will discover: - The one question every executive assistant should ask themselves - Practical productivity hacks that will help you streamline everything - The importance of minimizing distractions and creati...

Jun 20, 202413 min

3 Misguided Productivity Myths

What is productivity actually? In this episode of The Whole Assistant Podcast, we demystify some common misconceptions about productivity that could be holding you back. By debunking these misguided beliefs, you’ll learn how to streamline your processes, reduce the amount of time it takes to complete tasks, and ultimately increase your overall productive output. In this episode, you will discover: - 3 productivity myths that may be holding you back - How to implement strategies that allow you to...

Jun 13, 202416 min

My Favorite Energy Management Strategy to Reduce Stress

Looking for a small shift that could make a huge impact? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I share one of my favorite energy management strategies that helped me excel as an executive assistant and continues to enhance my productivity today. In this episode, you will learn: - What batching is and how it can revolutionize how you work - The science behind task switching and its impact on your brain and overall efficiency - Practical examples of tasks you can batch to save time and r...

Jun 06, 202413 min

The Power of Prioritization

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your endless to-do list and struggling to figure out what truly matters? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I dive deep into the transformative power of prioritization. I'll share how aligning your priorities with those of your executive can drastically increase your effectiveness and reduce overwhelm. Together, we'll explore actionable strategies, such as leveraging digital task tracking systems and making critical distinctions between urgent and impo...

May 30, 202415 min

Creating Authentic EA Communities with Becky Kaapuni

Are you hungry for connection and community? Please join me as I sit down with the dynamic force behind EA Social Club, Becky Kaapuni. You will discover: The importance and power of networking within the executive assistant community The organic evolution of the EA Social Club and how to get connected The significance of authentic connections and the beauty of collective wisdom Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here. To save 2...

May 23, 202422 min

How to Separate the Data from the Drama

Looking for techniques to help you stay objective and calm in emotionally charged situations at work? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I delve into the crucial skill of separating the data from the drama in our professional lives. I share personal experiences and effective strategies to help you, as an assistant, discern the factual basis of the situations you face and manage your responses accordingly. In this episode, you will discover: - Techniques for identifying the distincti...

May 16, 202416 min

The #1 Barrier to a More Strategic Partnership

Have you ever caught yourself agreeing to take on a task just because it seemed easier than delegating or training the proper person? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I'm diving deep into the often overlooked challenge of convenience versus strategic engagement in our roles as assistants. I explore how routinely opting to handle tasks because it’s easier in the moment can block your path to a more strategic partnership. In this episode, you will discover: - The number one barrier ...

May 09, 202419 min

Becoming the Calm in the Storm & Developing Sturdiness in Your Role

Do you ever find yourself ingesting the stress of your executive and feeling off kilter as a result? During this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I unpack what it looks like to develop sturdiness in your role. I share techniques that will help you remain composed and clear-headed, even when everything around you isn’t. In this episode, you will discover: - Why developing sturdiness in your role is important & how sturdiness will help you show up more strategically - How to stay in you...

May 02, 202418 min

The Power of Networking with Craig Bryson & Jodie Mears

Have you ever felt that networking events were more intimidating than beneficial? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, we demystify the scary world of networking with our special guests Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears as they unravel the secrets to making authentic, meaningful connections that go beyond the exchange of business cards. In this episode, you will discover: - How to overcome the discomfort of networking events and use them as a springboard for career advancement - Strategies...

Apr 25, 202438 min

How To Have a Side Hustle

Have you ever felt the pull to pursue a passion beyond your executive assistant role but aren’t sure how to incorporate it successfully? In this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I open up about balancing the demanding life of an executive assistant with the thrill and challenges of nurturing a side hustle. Drawing from my personal journey of running Whole Assistant alongside a full-time executive assistant role, I share candid insights and practical strategies to run your own successful p...

Apr 18, 202420 min

The 100th Episode - A Tribute to Messy Growth

Have you ever felt hesitant to try something new because you were afraid it wouldn’t be perfect? During this special episode, I reflect on my own journey of messy, from starting a blog and YouTube channel to developing my own voice and ideas. I share how embracing failure and allowing growth to be messy has led me to where I am today. It’s my hope that this episode will encourage you to loosen your grip on perfectionism and embrace your own messy journey. In this episode, I share: - A behind the...

Apr 11, 202414 min

What If They Don't Respect My Boundary?

Are you tired of feeling like your boundaries are constantly being overstepped? During this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I flush out the biggest pain point around setting boundaries… When other people don’t respect them. In this episode, you will discover: - One common misconception around boundaries that may cause you to inadvertently step out of your power - The importance of communicating your boundaries and how to communicate them effectively - How to handle situations when others...

Apr 04, 202420 min
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