In honor of 35 years of inspiring administrative excellence, this feature highlights shining stars of the administrative profession: trailblazers who are excelling in their roles and their advice for other administrative professionals.
Q: Can you share the story of how you began your career as an executive assistant and what inspired you to pursue this path?
I landed my first admin role in 2003 as a student worker, assisting the admin staff and the dean of the art department while I was in college.
When I graduated, I was engaged to someone in the military, and I saw this career as something that could offer flexibility and continuity as we moved from city to city.
It wasn’t until 2008, when I was living in Boston, that everything really clicked for me. I had the opportunity to step into the role of executive assistant to the CEO of the company I was working for, and that’s when I started realizing this wasn’t just a convenient job, it was something I was truly talented at.
That role gave me the confidence to see this as a career, not just a job, and set me on the path I’m on today.
Q: What would you consider your biggest achievement as an executive assistant, and why does it stand out?
I consider my biggest achievement as an executive assistant to be all the little wins that add up. Whether it’s organizing a major gala or a big team meeting, locking in that crucial meeting for my boss, or handling those panicked flight changes so they can make it to their kid’s hockey game – it’s these moments that stand out.
Being there as a sounding board or getting that “You crushed it” thank-you text as I am driving home from an event is pretty rewarding.
All these small wins have gotten me to where I am in my career – a career that I love.
Honestly, being passionate about what I do and loving it is the biggest achievement.
Q: What are the top three skills every successful executive assistant should master, and why?
The top three skills every successful executive assistant should master are:
- Mastering the calendar like a strategist – Calendaring isn’t just about finding open time slots—it’s about being intentional. You’re not just scheduling meetings; you’re building a workflow that maximizes your leader’s productivity. Knowing when they need focus time, when to stack meetings for efficiency, and when to create breathing room can make all the difference. A well-managed calendar helps your leader be more present, prepared, and in control of their day.
- Listening and asking the right questions – It’s not just about hearing what’s being said—it’s about understanding what isn’t being said. A great EA listens not only to their leader but also to their team and stakeholders. Asking questions helps you stay ahead of priorities, uncover potential issues, and sometimes even bring up something your leader wasn’t aware of yet. The more you know, the more strategic you can be.
- Observation – This skill is underrated, but I swear by it. Paying attention to body language, social cues, and office dynamics gives you a leg up. In meetings, I love watching how people interact—who’s engaged, who’s checked out, and how my leader communicates with others. Noticing small things, like when your leader starts to lose focus or when a conversation shifts in tone, helps you anticipate needs before they’re even spoken.
Q: Are there any tools, apps, or technologies that you rely on daily to stay efficient and organized?
Since most of my career has been in Microsoft-based organizations, I live by color coding—not just for calendars but also for my inbox and task priorities.
I’ve tried different virtual organization tools, but honestly, my brain retains things better when I write them down. So, I’ve built my own system in a daily notebook that keeps me on task.
I’ve found that the best approach is a balance between digital and analog—mixing both creates the perfect cocktail for staying organized.
When it comes to efficiency, I fully embrace IT. Copilot for meeting minutes has been a game-changer—instead of obsessing over capturing every detail, I can let it transcribe while I actually engage in the meeting.
I also use ChatGPT to help refine emails—especially at the end of the day when my brain battery is low, or when I need that extra set of eyes on a message before it goes out.
Q: How do you keep your skills sharp and stay updated with new tools or trends in your field?
I’m all about continuous learning—it’s just part of my daily routine.
I subscribe to EA newsletters from Office Dynamics and other organizations.
I also make a point to read what my leader is reading. When I check his inbox, I love seeing what he’s reading—it helps me understand his priorities and keeps me in the loop.
I also try and stay on top of industry trends, which in my case include Higher Ed and IT, since I support the Chief Information Officer at Vanderbilt University.
Staying in the habit of learning keeps me sharp and ready for whatever’s next. I’ve pursued certifications in my field and take advantage of webinars.
Q: What has been the most challenging situation you’ve faced in your career, and how did you navigate through it?
I had spent nearly 12 years with one company, and while I was good at what I did, I knew I had more to offer. The problem? There wasn’t room for me to grow there. I could have stayed, kept things easy, and comfortable—but that wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted to push myself, to evolve into more than just an admin, to become a true strategic partner.
After months of reflection and conversations with trusted colleagues, I realized that if I wanted real change, I had to make it happen. But that meant leaving not just my job, but my city. I was already at one of the top companies for admins in that area, so if I wanted something bigger, I had to go where bigger opportunities existed.
So, I took the leap. I moved across the country to a city I had never been to, stepped into a completely different industry, and started fresh on my own. It was terrifying, but also the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made. It forced me to grow in ways I never would have if I had stayed comfortable.
Sometimes, the hardest thing isn’t knowing you need more—it’s having the courage to go after it.
Q: How do you maintain resilience and focus during high-pressure situations or when unexpected issues arise?
I think different parts of my life have shaped how I handle high-pressure situations and unexpected challenges.
I was an acting major in college, so I got comfortable with improv and thinking on my feet. My time as a military spouse taught me how to pivot quickly and adapt to constant change. Playing roller derby reinforced teamwork, quick decision-making, and staying calm under pressure—because when you’re getting knocked around, you learn to recover fast. And as someone who thrives on pushing my limits—whether it’s running or weightlifting – I’ve built the mental endurance to stay focused, even when things get tough.
Professionally, my last role had me supporting multiple leaders, constantly being pulled in different directions. And at the executive level, fires happen, it’s just part of the job. You learn when to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
I don’t like feeling stagnant and I embrace change, which makes it easier for me to roll with whatever comes my way. I also love the feeling that comes after helping put out a fire—that moment when you know you made an impact and helped everything run smoothly.
Q: What strategies have you used to build a strong, trusting partnership with your executive(s)?
Building a strong, trusting partnership with my executive starts with open communication and setting clear expectations from the start. When I interviewed for my current role, I was upfront about what kind of admin I am—someone who operates as a strategic partner. To make that relationship successful, I needed certain things in place, like attending team meetings and having access to his inbox. Laying that groundwork early meant we could start building trust right away.
But trust isn’t built overnight – it takes time and consistency. The first rule is confidentiality. If your executive doesn’t feel they can trust you with information, the relationship will never fully work.
Beyond that, it’s about going deeper – you can’t expect your leader to always take the lead in building the relationship. I make a point to ask questions, create dialogue, and understand both their biggest struggles and what success looks like for them. The more you know, the better you can anticipate needs and proactively support them.
Honesty is also huge. No one likes messing up, but owning your mistakes and taking responsibility shows integrity and builds even more trust. At the end of the day, being real, reliable, and proactive is what makes the partnership strong.
Q: What are your best practices for managing communication between your executive and their stakeholders, both internal and external?
First, I always stay on top of what is priority for my leader, and that can change day to day. If something urgent comes up, I pivot to make sure the right people get in front of him while also keeping track of deliverables he’s expecting.
I also make an effort to understand his team’s priorities—keeping an eye on their agendas, staying in the loop on what they’re working on, and try and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
When scheduling conflicts pop up, I try to provide some context if it helps smooth things over, while always using discretion. If a stakeholder is frustrated that I can’t get them a meeting in their ideal timeframe, I might give them a little insight. I’ve found that a little transparency (without oversharing) can go a long way in keeping people understanding and on the same page.
For external stakeholders, I try to strike a balance between being professional and keeping things personable. I make an effort to build rapport with sales reps, partners, and other contacts.
At the end of the day, keeping communication smooth is all about staying proactive, setting expectations, and making sure everyone feels heard.
Q: How do you prioritize your tasks when everything seems urgent and important?
I rely on a solid morning routine to help me sort through the chaos. First thing, I check my inbox, my leader’s inbox, and both of our calendars. That gives me a quick pulse on the day and helps me figure out what my top priorities are.
Having a checklist keeps me on track and helps me stay focused when things start piling up.
I also make sure I know what’s actually urgent for my boss—just because something feels urgent doesn’t always mean it is. I stay in the loop on business developments that might shift priorities so I can adjust if needed.
Being up front is key. When I’m juggling multiple requests, I don’t hesitate to ask about deadlines and communicate where I’m at. Sometimes it’s as simple as saying, “I’m working on something for [Leader X]—can I get this to you by [specific time]?” That way, I can make sure to prioritize what really matters instead of just reacting to everything at once.
I try to keep a balance between structure and flexibility.
Q: How do you balance the demands of your role while maintaining your own well-being and avoiding burnout?
Balancing the demands of my role while keeping my well-being in check has been a learning process. I try to focus on all aspects of my life.
For physical health, I’m big on staying active—I’m part of a running club and have a solid workout routine.
For my mental health, I make time for creative outlets like video games, reading, and writing, and I also prioritize things like therapy and meditation.
It’s easy to get caught up in work, but I remind myself to step away and actually enjoy life. Whether it’s planning a trip, going hiking, or just having a chill day doing nothing but relaxing by the pool with my girlfriend, making time with the people I care about helps keep me balanced.
The inbox will always be there, but prioritizing experiences and the people who matter makes all the difference.
It’s not always easy, but taking time off and setting boundaries is crucial. I want to be in this career for the long haul, and the only way to do that is by making sure I don’t burn out.
Q: How do you approach conflict resolution, either with your executive or with colleagues, in a way that preserves relationships and achieves results?
I think there are a few key things to keep in mind for conflict resolution. First, I try and check my ego. It can get easy to get caught up in wanting things your way, so I ask myself if it’s really worth the battle.
When it comes to external interactions, I always consider how my responses reflect on my leader. I don’t want to be known as the assistant who comes off as abrasive or harsh. It’s about maintaining that balance of professionalism and empathy.
I also have a trusted colleague and friend to bounce things off of. Getting an outside perspective can really help clear things up.
And when I get one of those frustrating emails, I’ve learned that I should not respond in an emotional state. Giving it a bit of time can make all the difference.
With my executive, it’s all about the solid relationship we’ve built. We can talk things through, even when it’s tough.
Q: What resources—books, courses, or mentors, have had the greatest impact on your career development?
One of the biggest game-changers for me was attending my first Office Dynamics conference back in 2013 or 2014. It was eye-opening to be in a room with so many executive assistants and to see how legitimate and impactful our profession is.
I’ve also found inspiration from authors on our profession like Peggy Vasquez, who wrote ‘Not Just an Admin.’
Pursuing certifications has been another huge part of my development. One that really stands out is the strategic partnership certification I got from Office Dynamics. It helped me define what kind of admin I wanted to be and was incredibly impactful.
My leaders have also been a huge influence. Seeing what it takes for them to reach their level of leadership has pushed me to keep growing and wanting more in my career.
I’m a big believer in constant learning and soaking up as much as I can, but these moments and resources really stand out.
Q: What do you love most about being an executive assistant, and why does it resonate with you?
What I love most about being an executive assistant is the chance to truly be a strategic partner and helping my leader focus on what matters while making their job just a little bit easier. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them thrive and make an impact, knowing I had a hand in making things run smoothly.
I also love that no two days are ever the same and having a mix of strategy, problem-solving, and support that keeps me engaged.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about handling logistics; it’s about being part of something bigger, contributing to a shared mission, and knowing the work I do actually makes a difference.
Q: What do you think will be the most important skill or mindset for future administrative professionals to cultivate?
I think the most important skill or mindset for administrative professionals is to know your worth. Our roles aren’t just about ‘being an admin.’ They’re about having a seat at the table and making an impact.
It’s crucial to understand that our job isn’t just a stepping stone. You can have a fulfilling, rewarding career as an executive assistant, and it’s an honor to be in this role. We’re key players in making sure things get done.
It’s key to know that your job is about supporting and growing your leader and understanding their goals. It’s not about you; it’s about seeing how your work serves the bigger picture. While you grow, you’re there to help your leader and the organization succeed.
Be confident, know your value, and be a true partner.
Deanna Danger, CWCA, CESP
Executive Assistant to the CIO of VUIT
Vanderbilt University
Deanna Danger isn’t your average Executive Assistant—she’s a strategic partner,
problem-solver, and force for change in the EA profession. With over 20 years of
experience supporting C-suite leaders in higher education, healthcare, and manufacturing, she’s built a reputation for driving efficiency, fostering strong partnerships, and making things happen.
Currently, Deanna supports the Chief Information Officer at Vanderbilt University, where she does more than manage calendars and logistics—she optimizes workflows, leads
key initiatives, and ensures leadership can operate at their highest level. Previously, she played a pivotal role supporting senior executives at Direct Supply in Milwaukee.
Beyond the office, Deanna is passionate about elevating the EA profession. She co-leads Vanderbilt’s Administrative Group, supporting 100+ administrative professionals through training, networking, and career development initiatives. She honed her leadership, operations, and coaching skills as a roller derby coach and league board member, builds community, connection, and movement by co-running an LGBTQ+ running.
Deanna is a Certified Executive Strategic Partner and World Class Assistant, plus holds Microsoft certifications in Outlook and Word. She’s on a mission to shift perceptions of the EA profession—proving it’s not just a job, but a career that demands skill, strategy, and impact.
