Courageous Help Base HQ

On this episode, we listened back on all of the wisdom our guests have shared this year and chose some of our favorite moments for a Best Of Courageous Help 2023 episode. If you hear a clip that really strikes you, we’ve linked the full episodes below so you can go listen to the whole thing.

Themes with timestamps and full episodes linked:


Shaping the perception of EAs - [1:58]



Rachel Bonetti


Lauren Bradley


Melissa Peoples





The impact and influence of EAs - [13:53]



Jenna Miller


Elle Tyra


Sarah Wright


Mary Ryan





Intentionally shaping your EA career - [24:25]



Mary Ryan


Jessica McBride


Maggie Olson


Ebony Belhumeur





Assistants as culture keepers - [41:21]



Rachel Bonetti


Jenna Miller


Annie Croner





Creating your personal brand & showcasing your strengths - [48:36]



Nick Ginsburg


Lauren Bradley


Laura Johnston





Building your relationship with your leader, including being a strategic partner - [58:59]



Hallie Warner


Victoria Leech


Ebony Belhumeur





The importance of community for EAs and learning from each other - [1:10:34]



Nick Ginsburg


Elle Tyra


Debra Coleman





Technology and AI in the assistant role - [1:18:52]



Anna Read


Naomi White


Jessica McBride





How assistants can set boundaries - [1:25:52]



Annie Croner


Laura Johnston


Melissa Peoples




We really appreciate you listening this year, and look forward to what we’ll be sharing with you next!

On this episode, we’re joined by Debra Coleman, Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Learning & Employment Records at Western Governors University and host of the "Have a Seat...Conversations with Women in the Workplace" podcast.

Debra joins us today to share about who might thrive being an EA in academia, how assistants across generations can learn from one another, and a reminder of how great you’re doing and how supported you are in this role.

Connect with Debra on LinkedIn.

Resources mentioned in the episode:


Debra’s podcast episode: From Typewriters to TikTok: Thriving in a Multi-Generational Office

On this episode, we’re joined by Ebony Belhumeur, former Silicon Valley Executive Assistant, now Head of Operations at Subspace Labs and Curator at The Assistant’s List - A Guide for Assistants in the New Era.

Ebony joins us today to share about exactly how to challenge pre-existing assumptions about assistants, getting clear on your career goals and working backward with tenacity, and developing valuable skills beyond the surface level to establish yourself as a truly strategic partner.

Connect with Ebony on LinkedIn.

Resources mentioned in the episode:


The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter - by Michael D. Watkins


Ebony’s blog post on Becoming a Trusted Partner


The Ultimate Critical Thinking Cheat Sheet

On this episode, we’re joined by Maggie Olson, former Chief of Staff to a President at T-Mobile, and owner of Maggie Olson Consulting, a fractional Chief of Staff consulting firm. Maggie is also the creator and instructor of the Chief of Staff Certification Course.

Maggie joins us today to share about delineating between the EA and Chief of Staff role, why an assistant might choose one role over the other, and how getting really practical with tools and hands-on practice is what results in confidence.

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn.

Resources mentioned in the episode:


Maggie’s Chief of Staff Certification


The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance---What Women Should Know - by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

On this episode, we’re joined by Mary Ryan, Executive Business Partner to the CEO of Stitch, and a 2nd generation, seasoned Executive Assistant with 20 years total experience as an administrative professional.

Mary joins us today to share how assistants are uniquely positioned to bring a human element to business, how to be trusted with more responsibility no matter where you’re starting, and why satisfying career growth as an EA can be a ladder OR a lattice.

Connect with Mary on LinkedIn.

Resources mentioned in the episode:


“Grit” by Angela Duckworth 


Hear more of Mary’s wisdom on Planning Engaging Offsites

On this episode, we’re joined by Melissa Peoples, the CEO and Founder of Admin Gurus, a company dedicated to equipping, empowering, and enabling Administrative Professionals to take their seat at the table. 

Melissa joins us today to share practical self-inquiry and steps for building confidence in the role, spicy insights into the profession still being 98% women, and what to ask your leader instead of “how can I help?”.

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn.

Resources mentioned in the episode:


Other folks to follow:



Meg Steinschauer


Ebony Belhumeur


Debra Coleman



Melissa’s top rated Youtube Channel