Beyond “Just be more strategic”: why most executive assistant career development training misses the point
Executive assistant career development has been stuck in the ‘strategic partnership’ narrative for decades. Discover why this model fails EAs.
hi I'm Adrie
As a former PA to the Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and office manager in the City of London, I coach, train, write and speak about workplace trends, technology and career development for Executive Assistants.
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Who Am I?
I was a top EA and office manager myself. Now I empower other EAs to future-proof their career.
About me
I’m Adrie van der Luijt. At Workplace Insights, I bring over 35 years of experience at the intersection of journalism, digital technology, and workplace trends to help management support professionals thrive in a rapidly evolving world. I call this The Future-Proof EA.
My work as a coach, trainer, writer, and speaker is shaped by my first-hand experience in executive support, leadership, and communication – giving me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s assistants, office managers, and administrative leaders.
My background
I started my career as an editor for local newspapers and business magazines, broadcast and digital media before rising to the top of management support in the Netherlands and the UK.
I was Executive Assistant to the chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and worked as an office manager for legal and financial services firms in the City of London.
As a thought leader, I have contributed to leading executive support publications and spearheaded strategic initiatives for International Management Assistants (IMA).
Since 1997, I have been a keynote speaker and trainer at EA events across Europe.
In 2000, I became editor of executive support portal DeskDemon.com in 2000, helping to make it the UK and US market leader at the time.
As editor of Director of Finance Online, SME Web and SmartLandlord, my work was quoted by the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Bloomberg, Property Week, Investor Chronicle and many other national and international media outlets.
In 2012 I moved into UX content design and content strategy, spearheading major digital transformation projects for Cancer Research UK, the Cabinet Office, Universal Credit, PwC and other clients.
I recently wrote the national drink and needle spiking advice and information service for Police.UK, the online portal used by 82% of police forces in England and Wales.
My diverse career has given me a solid set of skills that I apply to my writing, training and keynote speaking: asking the right questions, really understanding complex issues and turning them into practical, intuitive content that makes life better for everyone.
The Future-Proof EA
The role of the Executive Assistant is evolving. No longer confined to administrative tasks, today’s EAs are strategic partners who drive business success.
The Future-Proof EA is more than a mindset – it’s a career transformation. Whereas much EA training focuses on using AI tools and other task-based challenges, I identify essential skills and attitudes to help EAs to position themselves as indispensable enablers in the modern workplace.
explore my work
I have worked at the highest levels of executive support myself – including as PA to the Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and as office manager in the City of London. I understand, from experience, the complexities of the Executive Assistant role in the face of shifting workplace dynamics.
More to explore
on my blog
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AI in the workplace promises revolutionary transformation, yet management support professionals are caught in a reality gap, simultaneously told AI mastery is essential whilst facing substantial organisational barriers that prevent actual adoption.
Workplace Insights is the independent coaching and training business of Adrie van der Luijt, specialising in executive career strategy and Executive Assistant training. Not affiliated with any other organisation using the name Workplace Insights.