Embracing Your Power as an EA

Becky Kaapuni charts her progress from a support role mindset to strategic leader

The breaking point came in my tiny San Francisco apartment. Staring at my reflection, I barely recognized the person looking back at me. Like many Executive Assistants, I had spent years supporting others’ success while putting my own growth on hold. The voice in my head cut through years of self-doubt with a piercing question: “Is this really all you think you’re worth?” That moment became the catalyst for my transformation from a struggling EA to the founder of the EA Social Club. Through this journey, I’ve discovered that becoming unstoppable isn’t about achieving perfection – it’s about embracing your true potential, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Many of us in support roles fall into a common trap: waiting for permission to advance, for someone else to recognize our worth. I did this for years until I realized a fundamental truth – I was already the CEO of my own career trajectory. Every crisis averted, every project managed, every relationship cultivated wasn’t just a task checked off a list. These were opportunities to demonstrate strategic value and leadership. The doubts that whisper, “You’re just an Assistant” or “You’re not qualified to lead” are familiar companions to many EAs. But here’s what experience has taught me: these aren’t facts – they’re inherited narratives that hold us back. The truth is, we’re already leading. Every day, we make high-stakes decisions, manage complex relationships, and drive organizational success.

True strength isn’t about being unshakeable – it’s about adapting and growing through challenges. Each difficult conversation and project setback became an opportunity to showcase strategic thinking. This isn’t motivational fluff; it’s what happens when you start viewing yourself as a business partner rather than just a support function. One of the most critical lessons in my journey was understanding that excellence isn’t a solo achievement. Initially, I tried to prove my worth by handling everything independently, viewing collaboration as weakness. Now I recognize that building and leveraging a strong professional network is itself a leadership skill. When you approach relationships as partnerships rather than transactions, you create a community that elevates everyone’s success.

The transformation in how I viewed compensation was game-changing. Like many EAs, I initially hesitated to advocate for my true value. Everything shifted when I started approaching salary negotiations through the lens of business strategy – the same way I would handle any other organizational resource allocation. Learning to lead with empathy while maintaining strong professional boundaries revolutionized both my career and personal life. As EAs, we’re uniquely positioned to demonstrate that power and compassion aren’t mutually exclusive – they’re complementary forces that drive organizational success.

Your journey to becoming a strategic leader begins with one powerful shift: recognizing that you’re not just supporting success – you’re creating it. This transformation doesn’t wait for the perfect moment. It starts now, with how you view yourself and your role. I intimately understand the weight of imposter syndrome and the fear of stepping beyond traditional EA boundaries. But I’ve also witnessed the incredible impact that occurs when you decide that your EA experience isn’t limiting your future – it’s preparing you for even greater leadership opportunities.

The power to transform your career isn’t external. It’s already within you. I’ve watched countless EAs discover this truth and completely reimagine their professional trajectories. They weren’t exceptional – they just decided to embrace their exceptional potential. So, I’ll ask you what I asked myself that day in San Francisco: Is this really all you think you’re worth? Because I promise you – it’s not. You are capable of extraordinary leadership. You are worthy of recognition as a strategic partner. And you are ready to become unstoppable. The only question is: Are you ready to build your chair at the table? Because the moment you do, everything changes.