23h ago

The Connected, Valued and Future-Ready Admin with Trinity James and Alicia Fairclough

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice is joined by Trinity James and Alicia Fairclough from EA How To for an honest conversation about connection, visibility, confidence, salary and the future of the administrative profession. While Trinity and Alicia will be presenting different keynotes at the upcoming Admin Avenues Conferences, their messages share a powerful theme: building a successful administrative career requires intention. Working hard and hoping someone notices is no longer enough. Administrative professionals must understand their value, communicate their impact, build meaningful professional relationships and place themselves in the rooms where opportunities, insights and career-changing conversations happen. Trinity explores why community and connection are essential to career growth, particularly as administrative professionals navigate rapid technological change and increasing expectations. Alicia shares insights from the Australian Administrative Professionals Salary Report and discusses why benchmarking, evidence and confidence are critical when approaching salary and career conversations. In this episode, we discuss: Whether working hard is still enough to get noticedWhy administrative professionals often underestimate their valueWhat may be holding admins back from progressingHow visibility, community and professional relationships create opportunitiesWhether being in the right professional circles influences career growthWhy AI has made professional community more important than everWhat employers value as the administrative profession evolvesWhy salary conversations remain so uncomfortableHow data and benchmarking can support better salary negotiationsThe role community plays in building career confidenceThe career progression myths Trinity and Alicia would love to bust Meet Trinity James Trinity James is the APAC Community Manager at EA How To and will present The Connected EA: How the Right Room Changes Your Career at all three Admin Avenues Conferences. Her keynote explores how the right professional community can transform an administrative career - creating greater confidence, stronger connections, shared learning and access to opportunities that may never appear through traditional career pathways. See Trinity at: Adelaide - Monday 28 SeptemberAdelaide – Monday 28 September: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2026-admin-avenues-conf-adlMeet Alicia Fairclough Alicia Fairclough is the Founder of EA How To and Co-Founder of the Administrative Professionals Salary Report. At the Sydney Admin Avenues Conference, Alicia will officially launch the 2026 Australian Administrative Professionals Salary Report, giving attendees an early look at the latest Australian salary data and career trends. She will then present the national findings in Brisbane through her keynote Paid, Valued & Future-Ready. Alicia’s session will help administrative professionals better understand their market value, approach salary conversations with evidence and prepare for the future of the profession. See Alicia at: Sydney – Monday 12 October 2026https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2026-admin-avenues-conf-syd Brisbane – Monday 26 October 2026https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2026-admin-avenues-conf-brisbane Trinity will help you build the relationships, confidence and community that create opportunities. Alicia will help you understand your market value, navigate salary conversations and prepare for what comes next. Together, their insights offer an essential roadmap for becoming a more connected, visible, valued and future-ready administrative professional. Join us at the 2026 Admin Avenues Conferences to experience these important conversations live. All conference links on Admin Avenues website: www.adminavenues.com Connect with Alicia Fairclough on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciafairclough Connect with Trinity James on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinity-james Check out EA How To here: https://www.eahowto.com

Aug 14

Future-Proofing Your Most Valuable Asset - You! With Stephen Woods

Burnout isn't a weakness. It's not a lack of resilience. And it's certainly not just the result of working too hard. In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice Burningham sits down with workplace wellbeing expert Stephen Woods, Founder and Director of Employee Wellness Australia, to explore why administrative professionals are particularly vulnerable to burnout - and what we can actually do about it. As executive assistants, office managers and administrative professionals, we're often the calm in everyone else's chaos. We solve problems before they arise, absorb pressure from every direction and keep workplaces running smoothly. But who's looking after us? Stephen shares the science behind burnout, explains how our nervous system influences the way we think, perform and respond under pressure, and offers practical strategies that can help you protect your energy, improve focus and sustain high performance without sacrificing your wellbeing. Whether you're feeling stretched, overwhelmed or simply want to build healthier ways of working, this conversation will leave you with practical insights you can start applying immediately. In this episode you'll discover: Why burnout is about more than just workload.Why administrative professionals are particularly at risk.How your nervous system impacts focus, decision-making and productivity.The early warning signs of burnout you shouldn't ignore.Simple, science-backed techniques to regulate stress in under a minute.How to build sustainable habits that protect your wellbeing and career. See Stephen live at the 2026 Admin Avenues Conference Series This episode is just the beginning. Stephen Woods will be delivering his keynote, Future-Proofing Your Most Valuable Asset: You - Preventing Burnout in an Always-On World, at all three Admin Avenues Conferences in 2026. Join us: Adelaide – Monday 28 September: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2026-admin-avenues-conf-adlSydney – Monday 12 October: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2026-admin-avenues-conf-sydBrisbane – Monday 26 October: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2026-admin-avenues-conf-brisbane Connect with Stephen via LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-woods-93451650 Find out more about Employee Wellness Australia here: https://employeewellnessaustralia.com.au If you've ever felt like you're constantly "on," struggling to switch off or wondering how to keep performing at your best without burning out, this is one conversation (and one keynote) you won't want to miss.

Jun 18

Leading with Heart: Mentorship, Team Culture & Empowering Others with Sarah Ford

In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Ford, winner of the 2025 AIOP Awards Excellence in Mentorship & Team Leadership Award, for a conversation that goes beyond traditional leadership and into the real impact of supporting others to grow. Sarah shares how mentorship has shaped her career and the way she leads today, reflecting on the people who influenced her early on and how those experiences have carried through into her own leadership style. Throughout the conversation, Sarah offers a grounded and practical perspective on what it takes to build confidence in others, especially in high-pressure environments where self-doubt can creep in. Sarah speaks about the balance required to support people while managing the demands of a busy role. Candice and Sarah also explore the difference between managing and leading, and why admin professionals are uniquely positioned to influence culture, connection and collaboration across an organisation. Sarah shares how she approaches tough conversations, maintains trust within her team, and continues to evolve her leadership style as her responsibilities grow. At its core, this episode is a reminder that some of the most impactful leadership happens quietly - through mentorship, encouragement, and a genuine commitment to seeing others succeed. You can find Sarah on LinkedIn to learn more about her journey and leadership approach here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ford/ Enjoyed the episode? Follow The Admin Avenues Podcast and share it with a colleague who’s ready to step into their next level of leadership.

Jun 4

From EA to Global Community Builder with Alicia Fairclough

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice Burningham sits down with Alicia Fairclough, Founder of EA How To, one of the world's largest and most influential communities for Executive Assistants. After building a successful career supporting CEOs in the technology sector, Alicia transformed a passion project into a global platform dedicated to improving the working lives of Executive Assistants and administrative professionals. What started as sharing knowledge and practical advice online has grown into a thriving international community supporting thousands of admin professionals around the world. During the conversation, Alicia reflects on her journey into the profession, the lessons learned throughout her career as an Executive Assistant, and the unexpected path that led her into content creation and entrepreneurship. She shares the story behind EA How To, the challenges and opportunities that came with building a global brand, and how the needs of administrative professionals have evolved over time. Candice and Alicia also discuss the importance of salary transparency within the profession, the impact of the EA Salary Survey, and why data-driven conversations are helping to elevate the visibility and value of administrative careers. They explore the recent expansion of EA How To into the APAC region, the opportunities this presents for local professionals, and the growing demand for community, development, and connection across the industry. This episode is an inspiring conversation about career growth, leadership, community building, and the future of the administrative profession. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to take the next step in your professional journey, Alicia's insights offer valuable perspective on what is possible when passion and purpose come together. Connect with Alicia and check out EA How To via these links: LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciafairclough EA How To LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ea-how-to Website: https://www.eahowto.com

May 22

Redefining Longevity in the Admin Profession with Sharmayne Riseley

Redefining Longevity in the Admin Profession with Sharmayne Riseley In this episode, we sit down with Sharmayne Riseley to explore what a truly long and meaningful career in the admin profession can look like. Celebrating an incredible 28 years with the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), Sharmayne shares her journey from her early days in admin through to becoming a respected and experienced professional within the same organisation. Together, we unpack the reality of career longevity in a world that often prioritises constant movement, and why staying can sometimes be the most powerful choice. Sharmayne reflects on how the admin role has evolved over the past two decades, the mindset required to keep growing within the same environment, and the importance of finding fulfilment in the work you do. We also explore: How to build a long-term, sustainable career in adminThe role organisational culture plays in career satisfactionWhy admin should be seen as a career, not a stepping stoneThe biggest misconceptions about the professionHow community and connection contribute to confidence and growth As a proud member of Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP), Sharmayne also shares the value of being part of a professional network and how community can shape both career progression and personal confidence. This conversation is a powerful reminder that success in the admin profession doesn’t have to follow a linear or fast-moving path. Longevity, when built on purpose, growth, and connection, can be one of the most rewarding career choices of all. Key takeaways: Growth doesn’t always require leavingLongevity is built through continuous learning and curiosityCulture and environment matter more than job titlesAdmin professionals play a critical role in shaping organisations Whether you’re just starting out or reflecting on your next move, this episode will challenge how you think about career progression in the admin profession. Connect with Sharmayne:Find Sharmayne on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmayne-riseley-35693253/ IF you enjoyed this ep, subscribe, give us a 5 star rating and share with other admins who might learn from these stories. Be sure to stay up to date with upcoming events, podcast episodes, and opportunities to connect with the admin community by following Admin Avenues.

May 8

Emerging Leader, Evolving Impact: Stevie Weine on Stepping Up Early in Executive Support

In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice sits down with Stevie Weine, recipient of the 2025 AIOP Emerging Leader in Executive Support Award, to explore what it really means to step into leadership early in your career. Stevie shares her journey into executive support, the pivotal moments that shaped her growth, and how she began moving beyond traditional support into a more strategic, influential role. From developing business acumen to contributing to operational success, she offers a practical perspective on how emerging admins can think and act like leaders from day one. The conversation dives into the realities of leading without authority, balancing initiative with respect for senior stakeholders, and the importance of building trust, credibility, and strong working relationships. Stevie also reflects on the experiences that have shaped her leadership style, and how she actively supports and uplifts those around her. With a strong focus on continuous growth, Stevie shares the habits, mindset shifts, and learning curves that have accelerated her development, along with advice she would give to her earlier self. Looking ahead, she offers her perspective on the future of executive support and the skills emerging leaders need to thrive in an evolving profession. This episode is a compelling reminder that leadership isn’t defined by title or tenure, but by mindset, initiative, and the impact you choose to make.

Apr 17

Innovation in Action: Redefining Administrative Excellence with Lindsay Davies from Atlassian

Season 2 - Episode 2: Innovation in Action: Redefining Administrative Excellence with Lindsay Davies from Atlassian Innovation isn’t confined to product teams or technology departments, it’s happening every day in the admin profession. In this episode, Candice Burningham sits down with Lindsay Davies, recipient of the 2025 AIOP Innovation in Administrative Excellence Award, to explore how admin professionals can drive meaningful change inside their organisations. Lindsay has built a reputation for bringing clarity, structure, and calm to complex, fast-moving environments. Known for thinking several steps ahead and quietly making big things happen behind the scenes, she has spent the past four years at global tech giant Atlassian. In this conversation, Lindsay shares how curiosity, problem-solving, and a willingness to challenge existing processes can lead to powerful innovation - even in roles that aren’t traditionally associated with it. We explore how admin professionals can identify opportunities for improvement, introduce smarter systems, and elevate the strategic impact of the admin function. In this episode - we talk: The Spark of InnovationFrom Idea to ImplementationThe Mindset of an InnovatorCollaboration & Organisational ImpactThe Future of Administrative Excellence Key Takeaway Innovation in the admin profession isn’t about reinventing the wheel - it’s about seeing opportunities others miss, questioning inefficient processes, and having the confidence to build better ways of working. As Lindsay demonstrates, admin professionals are uniquely positioned to drive innovation because they sit at the centre of communication, workflow, and operational insight. To learn more about Lindsay and her work, connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydaviesea/ Lindsay’s book recommendations are: Break Out of Boredom: Low-Tech Solutions for Highly Engaging Zoom Events by Robbie Samuels - Packed with techniques and instructions you can pull straight into your next Zoom meeting.https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BW1YLZ87?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_au Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge by Melody Wilding - Practical conversation starters and useful questions that get you the interactions with your manager that matter.https://www.amazon.com.au/Managing-Up-What-People-Charge/dp/0593444655 KIND: The quiet power of kindness at work by Graham Allcott - Shares his 8 principles of kindness at work and how to develop them.https://www.amazon.com.au/KIND-quiet-power-kindness-work/dp/1399417401 Linday’s Podcast Recommendation - Squiggly Careers https://open.spotify.com/show/6t6vYEeYl3Kmdd0AE6v3xj?si=6ZjbAF_yTq6CEpXrv-Epgw&nd=1&dlsi=77c654193acf4a4d

Apr 2

The Admin’s Guide to Thoughtful Corporate Gifting with Samantha Finnegan

The Admin Avenues Podcast Season 2 | Episode 1 : The Admin’s Guide to Thoughtful Corporate Gifting with Samantha Finnegan Corporate gifting often lands squarely on the desk of an administrative professional — whether it’s organising client thank-yous, executive gifts, event welcome packs or end-of-year appreciation. But how do you choose gifts that feel thoughtful, memorable and aligned with your company’s values, without spending hours researching options? In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, Candice Burningham sits down with Samantha Finnegan, Founder of Madebox and the Season 2 sponsor of the podcast, to explore how admins can approach corporate gifting more strategically. Madebox connects businesses with meaningful gift boxes filled with products from Australian small businesses and makers, helping organisations give gifts that not only delight recipients but also support local communities. Together, Candice and Samantha discuss the role admins play in shaping how companies show appreciation, and share practical tips to make the gifting process easier, more thoughtful and more impactful In This Episode Why corporate gifting matters more than we realise in building business relationshipsThe important role admins play as the “gifting strategists” within organisationsHow to choose corporate gifts that actually resonate with recipientsPractical tips for busy admins managing gifting for events, clients and teamsHow supporting local makers can add meaning and impact to corporate gifting Key Takeaway Corporate gifting may seem like a small task - but it’s often admins who create the moments that make people feel valued, appreciated and remembered. With the right approach, gifting can become a powerful relationship-building tool rather than just another item on the to-do list. To learn more about Madebox and to connect with Sam click here: Madebox: https://madebox.coSamantha Finnegan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samfinnegan/ This Season of The Admin Avenues Podcast is proudly sponsored by Madebox.

The Admin Avenues Podcast

The Connected, Valued and Future-Ready Admin with Trinity James and Alicia Fairclough

Future-Proofing Your Most Valuable Asset - You! With Stephen Woods

Leading with Heart: Mentorship, Team Culture & Empowering Others with Sarah Ford

From EA to Global Community Builder with Alicia Fairclough

Redefining Longevity in the Admin Profession with Sharmayne Riseley

Emerging Leader, Evolving Impact: Stevie Weine on Stepping Up Early in Executive Support

Innovation in Action: Redefining Administrative Excellence with Lindsay Davies from Atlassian

The Admin’s Guide to Thoughtful Corporate Gifting with Samantha Finnegan

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The Admin Avenues Podcast

Episodes

The Connected, Valued and Future-Ready Admin with Trinity James and Alicia Fairclough

Future-Proofing Your Most Valuable Asset - You! With Stephen Woods

Leading with Heart: Mentorship, Team Culture & Empowering Others with Sarah Ford

From EA to Global Community Builder with Alicia Fairclough

Redefining Longevity in the Admin Profession with Sharmayne Riseley

Emerging Leader, Evolving Impact: Stevie Weine on Stepping Up Early in Executive Support

Innovation in Action: Redefining Administrative Excellence with Lindsay Davies from Atlassian

The Admin’s Guide to Thoughtful Corporate Gifting with Samantha Finnegan

Trailer

About

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