In this episode, Rachael delves into the critical issue of "toxic loyalty" in the Executive Assistant (EA) profession, using the recent news about Matthew Perry’s assistant as a catalyst for the discussion. Rachael highlights the complexities and ethical dilemmas that EAs often face, shedding light on the hidden challenges that come with the role.

Being an EA is not just about supporting someone else’s success; it’s also about safeguarding your own wellbeing, ethics, and career trajectory. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of setting boundaries and staying true to yourself in a role that demands so much loyalty and discretion.

This episode is a must-listen for Executive Assistants who want to understand the risks associated with toxic loyalty and how to navigate them.

You'll hear insights and support on:

• The Concept of Toxic Loyalty: Rachael introduces the term "toxic loyalty," describing how the dedication and commitment required in the EA role can sometimes become harmful.

• Real-World Relevance: The episode draws parallels between the news of Matthew Perry’s assistant being involved in a fatal incident and the everyday realities of EAs. Rachael emphasises that while the situation is extreme, the underlying issues of blurred boundaries, responsibility creep, and manipulation are familiar to many in the profession.

• Red Flags to Watch Out For: Rachael outlines key warning signs that an executive might be exploiting their assistant’s loyalty, including manipulative language and requests that push ethical boundaries.

• Practical Advice for EAs: The episode offers actionable advice for EAs on how to protect themselves, including setting boundaries early, documenting questionable requests, and maintaining a strong sense of self that is not overly tied to the person they support.

About Rachael

Rachael Bonetti ia a thought leader in the EA space, someone who is unafraid to tackle the tough issues and provide the meaningful guidance that's often lacking for those in the profession. She is a highly regarded international trainer, speaker, corporate consultant, private mentor and Forbes Australia contributor.

Additional Resources:

• Explore Rachael’s full team training and The Elite EA Academy for in-depth development on navigating the complexities of the EA role.
• Access limited edition masterclasses, free training, and other resources to empower your career, wellbeing, and longevity in the profession.

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Your work isn't who you are it's what you do ,and that's what we dive into in this bite size episode on the concept of labels and how they shape our professional identities.

Too often, we define ourselves by our roles—entrepreneur, trainer, project manager, designer, CEO, executive assistant—without realising the limitations these labels impose.

Inspired by recent observations in her business and reflecting on her own corporate career experience, Rachael explores how these labels can box us in, restrict our growth, and prevent us from exploring new opportunities.

You'll hear insights and actionable advice on:

1. Labels and Identity: Understanding the difference between what we do and who we are.
2. Breaking the Box: How labels can limit our growth and exploration of new opportunities.
3. Mindset Shift: The importance of maintaining an open mind and being willing to step out of comfort zones.
4. Potential Over Labels: Recognising and unlocking potential beyond the labels assigned to us.
5. Career Satisfaction and Burnout: How detaching from labels can lead to greater career satisfaction and prevent burnout.
6. Talent mapping and succession planning behind closed doors: what it takes to progress at work and be regarded as talent.

Join us as we challenge the labels, embrace our true potential, and unlock new possibilities in our careers and lives. What might unfold for you if you thought about your potential a little differently?

Connect with Rachael

Explore the website to partner, explore her courses, corporate training and consulting and private mentoring.

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Follow along on IG and LinkedIn

Read her articles in Forbes Australia

Read her insights on her website

Book Rachael for keynotes and talks

In this bite size episode recoded from her hotel room during a Sydney visit, Rachael shares a very personal insight on the rollercoaster of body image as a late 40's woman, and the shift in mindset it takes to move through the changes with grace and acceptance.

In this raw and honest, but uplifting and empowering episode you'll hear:

• How perimenopause and the seasons of life impact our body image
• Why being focused on what's transient robs us of the joy of life
• How our personal growth peaks at a time when our outside shifts the most
• How the current wave of weight loss drugs triggers memories of the early 2000s obsession with celebrity skinny
• Why loving the skin we're in is the antidote to societal pressure and norms

Episode notes:

Episode 4 of What It Means To Be Well is where you'll find special guest, Casey Rose

If you're looking to discover a healthier perspective of high performance, one that prioritises self care, find Rachael's workplace wellbeing offerings here

Contact Rachael

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In this bite-sized solo episode, we delve into a story about a pivotal moment on TikTok and the reflections it spurred. From celebrating admin professionals to facing unexpected backlash with a post that was on the cusp of going viral, this episode navigates authenticity, social media dynamics, and the cost of online engagement. Tune in for insights on staying true to yourself amidst the noise of the digital world.

We explore

• Authenticity vs. Algorithm: The clash between authenticity and the allure of social media growth
• Navigating Trolls: The effects of online negativity and the surprising insights it can bring about societal biases.
• Online Well-being: The impact of social media on mental health and the importance of curating a digital space that supports authenticity and positivity.
• Empowerment in Admin Work: Explore the significance of admin/executive assistant roles and the power of lived experience in understanding their value.
• Takeaways and Action Steps: Hear practical tips for enhancing your online experience, from muting negativity to mindful engagement.

Recommended Resource:

• Book Recommendation: Stolen Focus by Johann Harri
• Free Meditation: Enjoy a meditation to help you block out the noise, be in the present moment and allow your body, mind and nervous system to soften. You can access this in the Secret Freebie Vault, a space that's usually reserved exclusively for newsletter subscribers. Want in on the newsletter so you never miss the good stuff? Sign up here

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In this captivating episode, we sit down with a multifaceted talent, Dean Head ACS, an award winning cinematographer, producer and director who has contributed to some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters. His impressive career portfolio includes Hollywood hits such as Tomb Raider, Rush Hour 2, Enemy at the Gate, Double Impact, and Transformers 4. He is also a TED Talk speaker and a published author and he is known for his insightful perspectives on the film industry and beyond.

Tune in to hear his incredible career journey, the surprising truths he discovered in the realm of blockbuster creation, and how stepping out of his comfort zone of being a behind the scenes talent, allowed him to achieve unimaginable success.

We get into:

• The fascinating path Dean took to become a leading talent in film making,
• The pivotal moments that shaped his career and the lessons he learned along the way.
• Insight into the obstacles he faced in the competitive film industry.
• Strategies and mindset shifts that helped him navigate and overcome these challenges.
• Practical tips on resilience and staying motivated.
• Behind-the-scenes anecdotes and experiences from sets of major films.
• What the public doesn’t see about the filmmaking process and celebrity life.
• Reflecting on the challenges and stigma associated with behind-the-scenes roles.
• The journey to delivering a TED Talk and its impact.
• The transition from filmmaker to author.
• Exploring the themes and inspirations behind his book, Earth Movers and how the book aims to inspire and educate the next generation of custodians of the earth.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and valuable insights from industry leaders and people doing cool things.

Connect with Dean and learn more about his work

Dean's TEDx Talk:

Earth Movers book

See Dean’s work:

HSR with Brian Johnson of AC/DC

Filming a scene of Transformers 4

Contact Dean

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IMDB profile

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In the first episode of season four I'm joined by the incredible and inspiring Lou Kelle for a soulful conversation on all things self discovery, authetic living and the liberation of living our truth.

Lou has dedicated the last nine years to teaching yoga full-time in Melbourne, Australia, while also co-facilitating international yoga teacher training programs in Thailand and hosting transformative retreats in Bali, Thailand, and Australia.

As a certified life coach, Lou's passion lies in combining yoga and self-development to create healing spaces where participants can shift limiting beliefs and create inspired lives.

Conversation Highlights:

• The path to courage and willingness to follow the heart and pursue a life of freedom.
• Lou's journey and the experiences that have shaped her into a beacon of hope and freedom for others.
• Lou shares what excites her the most in her business and life, highlighting the fulfillment she finds in helping others transform and thrive.
• Lou discusses her journey of discovering high sensitivity and how it has influenced her life and work.
• And we talk about the importance of holding space for oneself AND others, particularly in roles like Executive Assistants and other in-service professions, to prevent burnout.

If you like what you hear, please get in touch to let us know, or even better, rate, review, follow or subscribe so conversations like these get into as many ears as possible.

Please share this episode if someone you know might benefit from it.

Show Notes:

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In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, we delve into the personal journey of becoming a caregiver for an elderly family member who is living with Parkinson's disease.

We explore the challenges and emotions that come with this responsibility, emphasising the need for open conversations about health and care before reaching this juncture.

You'll hear insights on supporting elderly individuals through medical appointments, the importance of self-care for caregivers, and practical tips for seeking local resources and aids.

Join me to understand the complexities of adult caregiving and how we can foster an inclusive work environment for those with caring responsibilities.

Your compassionate support can make a world of difference.

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If you found value in this episode, please consider leaving a review or rating. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and spread awareness about the vital role of caregivers. 

In a world where answers seem just a click away, it's easy to feel off balance when faced with uncertainty. In this bite sized episode, we explore the power of leaning into the unknown.

Discover how great leaders navigate change with grace, and why embracing ambiguity can lead to powerful self-discovery.

Learn why radical self-trust and self-compassion can revolutionise your approach to life and work.

Find out how letting go of the need for all the answers can lead to surprising and fulfilling outcomes.

You’ll hear tips and insights on:

• The lessons leaders can teach us about navigating ambiguity
• How tuning in to our instincts helps us to move forward
• Why paralysis by analysis is hurting our creativity, productivity and growth
• The common problems executive assistant clients face in their careers relating to ambiguity
• The advice that created ultimate freedom for Rachael in her  career and life

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review or rating. Your feedback means the world to us! See you in a fortnight for more inspiring insights.

Connect with Rachael

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Instagram 

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If you're an assistant and you'd love to step into a growth mindset, feel empowered or do things differently, join us inside The Elite EA Academy. Offered as public intakes or on-demand for full teams, this course has supported assistants all over the world unlock their full potential.