Star Achievement Series
This Isn’t Training. It’s Career Elevation.
You already know how to do your job well.
Star Achievement is for when you’re ready to change how you think, how you show up, and how you’re seen—by your executive, your peers, and your organization.
The Star Achievement Series® is a live, facilitator-led career-elevation system designed for high-potential administrative professionals who are ready to move beyond task excellence into trusted partnership, leadership presence, and long-term professional influence.
Thousands of assistants have completed Star over the past three decades, in person and virtually, and many describe it as the program that changes how they work and how they’re seen.
And for leaders and organizations, Star Achievement delivers something just as important:
measurable performance improvement, stronger executive elevation, and higher retention of top talent.
Who Star is For
Star Achievement is not a basic skills course, and it’s not motivational fluff.
It’s a proven, performance-based development program that builds the mindset, skillset, and strategic awareness that today’s assistants need to thrive in complex, fast-moving workplaces.
In Star Achievement, you don’t just learn what to do. You discover how to think, how to prioritize, and how to partner at a higher level.
If you’re looking for transformation, you’re in the right place.
The Star Achievement Series is ideal if you:
- Are ready to increase your confidence, credibility, and career momentum
- Want to be viewed as a strategic partner, not just a support role
- Seek tools, language, and frameworks, not quick tips and fluff
- Value live learning, accountability, and real-world application
Star benefits any organization that:
- Wants assistants who strategically think ahead, communicate effectively, and manage complexity
- Value leadership, partnership, and consistent professional standards
- Seek development that improves performance and retention without ongoing CEU maintenance
- Need ROI that HR and leadership can clearly defend
What Makes STAR Different
There are many training programs. There is only one Star Achievement, the flagship program from Office Dynamics International.
Star Achievement doesn’t focus on isolated skills or checklists.
It develops the whole professional through four integrated pillars.
This is why graduates don’t just work differently, they’re trusted differently.
ATTITUDE
How you manage pressure, conflict, change, and mindset, especially when things are hard.
SKILL
How you communicate, prioritize, influence, and execute in today’s complex workplace.
TEAMWORK
How you partner with leaders, navigate dynamics, and collaborate across teams.
STRATEGY
How you think ahead, manage your professional brand, and align your work with business goals.
About Star Achievement
But don't just take our word for it
While transitioning to a new executive last year, I told him about the Star Achievement classes I had taken, and he exclaimed, “That’s why you’re so good!”
The principles, mindset, and confidence I gained through your training have shaped how I show up, lead from behind, and partner at a higher level. I often catch myself applying your teaching in moments that matter, and they continue to make a real difference.
Astrid Karl, Frankfurt, Germany – December 2025
LIVE VIRTUAL LEARNING - REAL ACCOUNTABILITY
This live virtual program brings together assistants from across industries for guided learning, discussion, and real-world application.
You’ll experience:
- Live sessions led by expert facilitators who have been administrative professionals themselves (not recorded modules)
- Comprehensive workbooks you’ll use long after the program ends
- Practical tools you can apply immediately at work
- Thought-provoking discussion with peers who “get it”
- Philosophy + practice that changes how you show up–not just what you do
- Visible ROI leaders can see in how you work, communicate, and lead
- Eligibility to earn your CEAP designation (Certified Executive Administrative Professional)
You don’t complete Star Achievement and go back to business as usual.
You complete Star Achievement and work differently.
“Since completing the Star program, Jessica has taken the lead on complex projects and approaches problem-solving with initiative and clarity. Her growth has been truly inspiring.” – VP, Xcel Energy
A Tool To Make Approval Easier
Star-Performing Competencies Assessment
This self-assessment helps you identify strengths and growth opportunities, and it provides helpful context for discussing professional development with your leader.
How the STAR Achievement Series® Works
The Star Achievement Series is a live, virtual career elevation system, designed to create lasting behavioral change, not just short-term learning. It is delivered through eight progressive modules that intentionally build your capabilities—from foundational professional behaviors to advanced leadership partnership.
Level I: Building the Foundation
You begin by strengthening the core behaviors that shape how you show up at work every day. You build confidence, resilience, and strategic awareness while sharpening communication and conflict-resolution skills. With practical tools and guided practice, you learn how to navigate office politics, manage stress and uncertainty, and replace hesitation with purposeful action—laying the groundwork for long-term professional growth.
Level II: Advancing Into Strategic Partnership
As the program progresses, you deepen and apply those foundations at a higher level. You strengthen self-management, discipline, and follow-through while expanding your leadership mindset. You learn how to think ahead, anticipate needs, and operate as a trusted right hand—someone leaders rely on for sound judgment, professionalism, and proactive support that elevates both performance and reputation.
You’ll participate in:
1 live 1-hour orientation session
8 weekly live modules (4 hours each)
THE 8 Star Achievement Modules
Level I: Building the Foundation
Be A Star Achiever™ (Attitude)
More Info
Attitude plays a critical role in our success at work and in life, but it can be easily influenced by internal and external factors. A negative attitude can inhibit performance, while a positive attitude can enhance it. In today's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, managing our attitudes and emotions is more important than ever. By choosing the right words, displaying courage, leveraging criticism, and maintaining an exploration mindset, we can maintain a star attitude and continue to grow both personally and professionally.
A Holistic View
- Performance Inhibitors
- Performance Enhancers
- Today’s Temperature Reading
- My Beliefs About Attitude
Working In A World Of Uncertainty
- Every Day, We Experience VUCA
- VUCA Case Study
- Skills To Manage Working In VUCA
Attitude Is A Choice
- Eggs And Attitudes
- Attitude by Charles Swindoll
Fighting Office Dragons
- Three Awesome Dragons
- Typical Ineffective Fighting Tactics
- Weapons To Win
- Choosing The Right Words
Performance Enhancing Strategies
- Feeling Intimidated
- Strategies For Overcoming Intimidation
- Recognizing, Clarifying, And Facing Fear
- Steps To Conquering Fear
- Displaying Courage At Work
- Leveraging Criticism
- Looking For The Lesson
- Exploration Mindset
Maintaining A Star Attitude: Action Steps For Continued Growth
- Believe In Yourself
- Commit To Goals
- Stay Motivated
- Stay Positive
- Be Professional
Star-Achieving Techniques™ (Skill)
More Info
Today’s office environment is busier than ever before, so knowing your strengths and areas for growth, along with upgrading core skills, is paramount in today’s fast-paced office. To be successful in the administrative profession and become a rising Star, you must embrace the idea that your core competencies are vital and all the core competencies must be brilliantly performed! Core business skills, such as communication and managing workflow, are keys to developing Star-Performing employees whose advanced skills add more value to the workplace.
Star Achievement: A Mindset For Stellar Performance
- A Way Of Thinking . . . Being . . . & Performing
- It’s About Evolving
- Why Be A Star Achiever?
Core Skills: The Platform To Success
- What Is A Competency?
- Identifying Foundational CORE Career Competencies
- Star-Performing Executive
- Administrative Professional Competency Model
- Star-Performing Administrative Competencies
- Cognitive-Being Territory
The Partnership Of Soft Skills And Technical Skills
- The Balanced Partnership of Soft Skills and Technical Skills
Amplifying Communication Skills
- The Dynamics of Communications
- Your Personal Communication Style
- Choose The Right Mode For The Greatest Impact
- Effective Digital Communication
- Why Is Turning On Video So Important?
- Digital Communications Checklist
- Social Media Communications
- Keep Technology In Its Place
Managing Time, Attention, And Energy
- Be An Information Flow Manager
- Be Results-Driven
- Energy Management
- Forget Multitasking And Focus
- Balancing Conflicting Priorities
Building A Star Partnership™ (Teamwork)
More Info
A successful leader-assistant partnership requires commitment, open communication, and the desire to work in tandem. Leaders rely on their administrative partner for everything from project follow-through to client satisfaction, from travel itineraries to budget meetings. Leaders know their effectiveness improves based on the assistant’s skill, knowledge, and ability. Administrative and executive assistants depend on leaders to provide clear direction so they can meet objectives and expectations. By approaching the leader/support relationship as a business partnership, you will gain more satisfaction from work.
Creating A Strategic Partnership
- Striving To Create A Strategic Partnership
- Partnership Building Blocks
- Do You Work For A Manager Or A Leader?
Leveraging Perceptions And Expectations
- The Foundation For A Successful Partnership
- Clarifying Role Perceptions And The Professional Partnership
- Shape Your Leader’s Perception
- Communication Enhancement Assessment Tools
- Understanding An Executive’s World
- Six Styles Of Leadership
The Keys To Powerful Communication With Your Leader
- Information Flow Manager
- Establishing “Rapport” Through Communication
- Importance Of Daily Huddles
- Executive Speak
- Communicating During Chaotic Or Turbulent Times
- Providing Upward Feedback
Working Together In A Virtual/Remote World
- Working Together ... While Apart
Enabling Your Leader’s Success
- Helping Your Leader Maintain A Competitive Edge
- Managing Multiple Managers
Interpersonal Skills Give You The Edge
- Interpersonal Skills Give You The Edge
Resolving Team Challenges
- Six Steps To Resolving Partnership Challenges
Reaching Stardom™ (Strategy)
More Info
To become a Star Achiever, it is essential to possess great skills, a positive attitude, and strong team relationships. However, there is a fourth key component that plays a critical role in reaching professional stardom - actualizing your professional self. This requires taking responsibility for setting career goals, building networks, and reflecting a professional image. In today's highly competitive marketplace, standing out and being different from "the pack" can be challenging. Therefore, it is crucial to have a winning strategy.
Actualizing Your Professional Goals
- Uncommon And Unique
- Consider Your Values
- Believe In Yourself
- Setting Goals
- Write A Plan
- Tracking Your Progress
- Capitalize On Resources
- Reward Yourself
- Staying On Your Journey
- Recognize Opportunities For Growth
Design The Career You Want
- What’s Your Career Blueprint?
- Career Success Strategies
- The Disadvantages Of Job Hopping
A Winning Strategy For Business Relationships
- A Winning Strategy
- Cultivating Contacts
- Create A Network Map
- Nurture Internal And External Networks
- Expand Your Network
- Are You Memorable?
- Showcasing Your Skills In A Virtual World
Perception And Brand Management
- Perception Management
- Crafting And Building Your Professional Brand In The Workplace
- Establishing Your Professional Brand
- Presenting You, Wearing Your Powerful Brand
Level II: Advancing Into Strategic Partnership
Be A Shining Star™ (Attitude)
More Info
The administrative professional’s role has become complex and increasingly demanding. Assistants are being asked to do more work, fulfill broader organizational roles, support multiple managers, and still maintain high levels of quality. By improving self-management, conflict resolution, boundary setting, and self-esteem, assistants can foster healthier working relationships, maintain well-being, and prevent burnout.
Learning Self-Management
- Exploring Work Stressors
- Evaluating Work Stress
- Top Nine Physical Stressors
- Categories Of Stress Indicators
- De-stress Yourself
Letting Off Steam Without Burning Others
- Transforming Conflict To Cooperative Solutions
- Defining Conflict
- Building Consensus
Setting Boundaries
- Setting Boundaries In The Workplace
- How To Tactfully Set Boundaries
Creating Positive Self-Esteem
- Defining Self-Esteem
- Why Is Self-Esteem Important?
- Applying The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Three Ingredients Of A Healthy Work Spirit
- 1st Ingredient: Change Your Mental Outlook
- 2nd Ingredient: Become A Risk-Taker
- 3rd Ingredient: Keep Yourself Competitive
The 5 Pillars: Lead Boldly And Live BIG
- Lead Boldly In The 5 Pillars Of Life
- Leading Boldly: Start With Your Mindset
- Live BIG
- The Foundation Competencies
- Joanisms: BIG Thoughts For A BIG Life
Give A Stellar Performance™ (Skill)
More Info
You present yourself to others constantly. You make connections via e-mail, text, video, and social media. You send visual messages to individuals you approach. Every day you come in contact with many people: co-workers, customers, vendors, and other professionals. Your personal presentation style and speaking ability will either enhance or detract from your message. Equally important is the ability to communicate your needs assertively. Your ability to communicate clearly with others can be one of your best business assets.
Developing Personal Presentation Skills
- Personal Presentation
- The Presentation Puzzle
- Questions To Ask Yourself
- Gathering Information
- Make Your Writing Flow
- Making It Happen
- Materials, Impactful Props & Models
- Audio/Visual Equipment, Platforms
- The Rehearsal
- Managing Stage Jitters
- Delivering Your Presentation
Communicate Assertively
- Defining Assertiveness
- Choosing When To Assert Yourself
The Power Of Persuasion
- Principles Of Persuasion
- Persuading Your Leader
Be Solution-Driven
- The Solution-Driven Process
- Exercising Your Creative Muscle
- Methods: Step, Brainstorm,
- Mind Map
- Developing A Solution-Oriented Mindset
Stellar Collaborator™ (Teamwork)
More Info
Collaboration brings holistic energy. Instead of working in silos, which seems to be the case for many assistants, seek to work with your administrative peers and colleagues. Doing so will make you well-rounded, full, universal, complete, all-inclusive, and whole. Instead of you trying to figure everything out on your own, wasting precious time and energy, you could be increasing your productivity and experiencing better outcomes. That should motivate you to increase your “hope quotient” by respecting the diversity of your teammates and leveraging the power of teaming together.
Beyond A Team Of Two
- Teamwork And Collaboration
- Creating A Cohesive Team
- Peer Power: Finding Strength In Unity
- 5 Powerhouse Strategies For Creating Peer Power
- Leadership: The Spirit Behind the Strength Of Every Team
- Motivating Non-Team Members
The Power Of Collaboration
- Collaboration Vs. Teamwork
- Disagreeing With Tact And Diplomacy
- Value Diversity
- Fear And Collaboration
- Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindsets
- Collaborative Problem Solving and Strategic Thinking
- Be A Person Of Influence
- Conceptualizing Social Capital
- Creativity And Collaboration
Future-Focused Star Performer™ (Strategy)
More Info
Adapting to change is essential for both personal and professional growth. Top-performing professionals today closely monitor new work and cultural developments to ensure their success and maintain relevance. Factors such as advancements in office technology, diverse workforces, increased job stress, remote work, and the demand for high-quality output all influence productivity, efficacy, and the organization's overall performance. As companies undergo constant change, they require administrative professionals who are committed to delivering exceptional performance and finding ways to optimize work processes.
Driving Forces Shaping Tomorrow
- Driving Forces Shaping Tomorrow
- Preparing For The Future
Harness The Power of Change
- The Challenge Of Change
- Why People Resist Change
- Related Aspects Of Change
- Optimizing Change
- It’s Just Business
- Be A Champion Of Change
Keeping Yourself on the Road to Success
- Here Comes the 60-Year Career
- Own Your Career
- 11 Success Tips
Living Through Leadership
- Developing Leadership Skills
- Demonstrating Leadership In The Workplace
- Staying On The Cutting Edge
Your Facilitator

Julie Reed
OFFICE DYNAMICS CERTIFIED TRAINER | C-SUITE EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
A champion of continuous learning and development, Julie Reed is an elite corporate trainer, eloquent speaker, and inspirational coach for administrative professionals. Both a Certified Star Achievement Series® Trainer and World Class Assistant™ Trainer with Office Dynamics International (ODI), Julie aligns with the vision and mission of ODI Founder/CEO Joan Burge. Alongside Joan Burge, she hosts ODI webinars and coaches administrative professionals and executive assistants through ODI classroom, online training, and speaking engagements.
Julie Reed brings with her more than 20 years of administrative professional experience, including 9 years of providing C-Suite support. Prior to joining ODI, she made her ascent to becoming an impactful Office Manager and Executive Administrative Assistant to the Chairman, President & CEO at Huntington National Bank in Columbus, Ohio. Here, Julie expanded her role into positions of increasing responsibilities starting as a Senior Administrative Assistant, growing into a Staffing Assistant and then an Executive Administrative Assistant in Human Resources in a span of only four short years. Subsequently, she revolutionized the company’s culture by spearheading a corporate training program for administrative professionals and entry-level managers, acting as a Continuous Improvement Delivery Specialist and eventually, Corporate Trainer, Facilitator, and Program Manager for the organization.
By demonstrating her skills in building strategic partnerships and showing her ardent support of those in the administrative field, Julie fortified her value in her position. More than that, Julie caught the attention of Joan Burge who later enlisted her as an ODI trainer and coach. Julie provides the ideal complement to ODI, bringing her own personal style and creativity to illuminate and inspire administrative professionals. Julie Reed proudly shares her guiding mantra: “Keeping Yourself in the Equation,” which encourages professionals to constantly transform into their next best selves, continue to take an active role in their team, and give themselves permission to succeed in all their endeavors.
EARN YOUR CEAP DESIGNATION
Participants who attend at least 6 of the 8 live modules and complete all required assignments are eligible to earn the
Certified Executive Administrative Professional (CEAP) designation is a curriculum-based credential that demonstrates professional excellence and leadership readiness.
What past attendees said
Live Online Training Program For
Executive and Administrative Assistants
2026 Dates
| Class Times For All Sessions | Pacific | Mountain | Central | Eastern |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00am – 1:00pm | 10:00am – 2:00pm | 11:00am – 3:00pm | 12:00 – 4:00pm |
| STAR Introductions/Orientation | Date | Time | March 26, 2026 | 9:00am – 10:00am PT |
|---|
| LEVEL I | Be a Star Achiever | Star-Achieving Techniques | Building a Star Partnership | Reaching Stardom | Date | April 2, 2026 | April 9, 2026 | April 16, 2026 | April 23, 2026 |
|---|
| LEVEL II | Be a Shining Star | Give a Stellar Performance | Stellar Collaborator | Future-Focused Star Performer | Date | April 30, 2026 | May 7, 2026 | May 14, 2026 | May 21, 2026 |
|---|
READY TO STEP INTO YOUR STAR POTENTIAL?
Enrollment is now open for the 2026 STAR Achievement Series.
Spots are limited – Reserve your seat today and invest in the professional you’re becoming.
$1,995.00
Need Help Getting Approval?
Download our ready-to-use template that clearly outlines organizational benefits, ROI, and outcomes for leadership.
Course Materials
The Star Achievement Series virtual training includes eight interactive workbooks filled with activities, assessments, and assignments that support the in-depth knowledge and expertise shared in each module.
Important Note: Register as early as possible to ensure you receive your workbooks in time to complete your pre-class assignments!
USA Registrants: Your workbooks will be mailed three weeks before the first session, along with instructions for pre-class assignments.
DEADLINE to Register-US: March 18, 2026
International Registrants: Your workbooks will be mailed four weeks before the first session, along with instructions for pre-class assignments.
DEADLINE to Register-International: 4-March-2026
Registrations that occur after that date are subject to shipping costs. The course workbook will be sent through the USPS via a Priority Mail Express International™ Padded Flat Rate Envelope. Postage calculations can provide you with the cost of shipping for your specific location. A member of our team will reach out after you’ve made your purchase and communicate the cost of shipping your workbook, your tracking number, and timeline details.
Bring STAR Onsite
Proven Impact - For Individuals and Organizations
Star Achievement participants consistently demonstrate:
- Stronger executive support and anticipation
- Improved communication and decision-making
- Higher professionalism and accountability
- Increased adaptability during change
- Greater retention and engagement
This is why Star Achievement is trusted by organizations globally, and why it’s been taken by thousands of assistants worldwide.
Star Achievement can also be delivered on-site or virtually for corporate teams, creating a shared language of excellence, accountability, and strategic partnership.
On-Site
Bring the Star Achievement Series® to your organization. One of our highly-qualified trainers will train your administrative team on-site at your office.
Virtual
Train your administrative staff together, no matter where they are in the world. One of our master Star Achievement Series® trainers, will guide your team through the program virtually.
Train The Trainer
Joan Burge, creator of the Star Achievement Series will train your in-house trainer virtually or in-person. You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and tools to conduct dynamic administrative training sessions for your organization.
STAR clients
These are a few of the companies that have experienced years of success with the Star Achievement Series. Call 800-STAR-139 and see what STAR can do for your company.
What past attendees said
FAQ & Help
Cancellation Policy: Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for any registration fees. However, attendees may transfer their registration to another person within the same company if they are unable to attend. Unfortunately, we are also unable to transfer registration fees to future events. We appreciate your understanding and hope to see you at a future event.
Intellectual Property Rights: Video or audio recording of the scheduled event is strictly prohibited. All intellectual property rights in all materials produced or distributed by Office Dynamics International in connection with the event are expressly reserved, and any unauthorized duplication, publication, or distribution of any such recordings is prohibited. Office Dynamics International reserves the right, without penalty, to confiscate any recording device used in violation of this Agreement, and any improperly recorded or copied intellectual property.
The Star Achievement Series® workbooks and the information or other materials furnished for/during this course will not be used for purposes not related to training. Any other duplication, dissemination, use, sale or resale of said information or writings is prohibited and subject to prosecution.
Individual Use: Anyone wishing to attend the Star Achievement Series Virtual course must purchase their own registration. If an organization is interested group attendance, please call Melia Amira at Office Dynamics at 800-STAR-139.
Governing Law: In the event of any litigation arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, including, but not limited to, its enforcement, validity, interpretation, performance, termination, or breach thereof, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover against the other party, in addition to any available remedies at law or in equity, all costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees, and collection costs incurred thereby. The parties agree that the laws of the State of Nevada shall govern this Agreement and that the Circuit Court of Clark County shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the adjudication of this Agreement. If any term, condition or provision of this Agreement shall be declared invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, other than such term, condition or provision, shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect and shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Acknowledgment: Each registrant acknowledges that she/he has read and understands all terms of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the cancellation and substitution provision.
Photos/Video: By attending Office Dynamics International educational programs, you agree to photos, audio, and video taken for educational and/or marketing purposes.
This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements between the parties and represents the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
If an attendee misses a live class, they need to watch the recorded video of the class. Attendees who want to achieve their CEAP designation cannot miss more than two (2) live sessions. Recordings will be available within 24 hours after the live session ends.
Please call 800-STAR-139 for group pricing and details.
One registration gives you single access for one person.
Each attendee will need to register separately.
Anyone caught sharing the course or information will be removed with no refunds. And you will not be able to obtain your CEAP designation. No exceptions.
All registered attendees will receive a Zoom link for each session via email.
*PLEASE NOTE: If you do not receive an email, your company may be blocking it or it may be in your spam folder. Please ask your IT person for assistance in retrieving the email. Call Melia at 800-STAR-139 if you have any issues.
Yes! Contact us today for more information about bringing this powerful series to your company. 800-STAR-139