The Admin Spotlight: Behind the Front Desk

Molly Denham
  • 5.0 (4)
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It is all about admin professionals connecting with other admin professionals. Hear stories from fellow EAs and learn about their journey. Connect with one another and create a close knit community dedicated to the advancement and advocacy of the administrative professional field.

  1. Oct 5

    Ep. 35 Behind the Front Desk w/ Kelly Munoz

    Kelly Munoz is the founder of EAs to the Rescue, a global networking community for Executive Assistants, Chiefs of Staff, and Administrative Business Support professionals. They connect and support the people who keep companies running through networking, vetted job opportunities, and vendor partnerships that open doors for growth. Beyond community, EAs to the Rescue partners with organizations on recruitment, placement, and fractional executive support, matching exceptional talent with teams who value it.   With 15+ years supporting C-suite leaders and founders across SaaS startups, marketing, manufacturing, healthcare, and higher education, Kelly brings deep operational insight, business instincts, and an eye for people–process fit.

  2. Sep 21

    Ep. 34 Behind the Front Desk w/ Rhonda Augustus

    Rhonda Augustus is a seasoned Executive Assistant , confidence communication coach, and keynote speaker with more than 20 years of experience supporting C-suite and senior executive leaders across fast-paced corporate environments. Her background includes partnering with top leaders in industries such as technology, cybersecurity, insurance, risk management, and corporate services, with experience at companies including Bank of America, Ernst & Young, and Willis Towers Watson.   In addition to her corporate leadership experience, Rhonda is the founder of The Confident Communicator at Rhonda Augustus, Confidence Communication Coac , where she helps professionals strengthen their communication, confidence, executive presence, and personal brand so they can speak with clarity, authority, and impact. She is also the co-founder of The BEA Network, a professional community created to support and elevate minority administrative professionals through community and learning and development.   Rhonda is the author of digital resources including The Repositioning, The Confidence Reset Guide, The Language Shift Guide, and The Power Question Guide. She is currently developing her upcoming book, I Am That Girl, a confidence-centered project focused on identity, voice, resilience, and the journey of becoming the woman God has called you to be. Through coaching, speaking, and digital content, Rhonda equips professionals to find their voice, own their value, and show up powerfully in every room.

  3. Sep 8

    Ep. 33 Behind the Front Desk w/ Melissa Bennett

    Melissa Bennett is a Strategic Project Manager at Cummins Inc., where she leads enterprise initiatives within the Right Environment program, translating complex, cross-functional work into clear, actionable outcomes. With over 15 years of experience spanning Fortune 150 companies and high-growth startups, she brings a rare blend of project management rigor, executive judgment, and people-centered leadership. Before moving into project management, Melissa spent more than a decade as a trusted Executive Assistant and strategic business partner to CEOs and senior executives, supporting board-level governance, organizational effectiveness, and large-scale initiatives. Her background gives her a unique perspective on how decisions are made, risks are managed, and culture is shaped at the highest levels of an organization. Melissa is known for bringing clarity to ambiguity, building strong stakeholder alignment, and driving work that strengthens ethical culture and operational excellence.

  4. Aug 17

    Ep. 32 Behind the Front Desk w/ Rikki Hurt

    Rikki Hurt is an Executive Assistant with a diverse background in operations, project management, HR, finance, and small business ownership. Although she had begun transitioning away from the EA field, an opportunity with Surge Staffing brought her back to a company that truly understands and values the profession. Outside of work, Rikki is a wife, mom, and leads social media for her church, combining her love of creativity with her faith and passion for sharing the Gospel.

  5. Aug 3

    Ep. 31 Behind the Front Desk w/ Annie Croner

    Annie Croner is an executive assistant coach, trainer, and strategic thinker. She loves to help her clients unlock their badassery, and revolutionize their careers. Over her 20 year career as an executive assistant, Annie worked for boutique companies across multiple industries including accounting, marketing, nonprofit, and private wealth management. Working in a variety of settings has led to a diverse understanding of the assistant role and the many challenges that often come with it.   Annie is passionate about helping those in support roles show up more strategically and garner the respect of their executives, colleagues, and key stakeholders without sacrificing their mental health and well-being.

  6. Jul 20

    Ep. 30 Behind the Front Desk / Ruth Kilah

    Ruth Kilah is a career coach and international keynote speaker. She specializes in helping experienced Executive Assistants accelerate into higher-level roles, amplify their earning potential, and expand their professional impact. As Founder & CEO of Ruth Kilah, EA Career Coaching & Mentoring, she has coached hundreds of Executive Assistants globally to secure promotions, transition into dream roles, and create career paths that once felt out of reach. Her work and insights have also been featured in The CEO Magazine and HR Leader. Whether looking to step into a more strategic role, increase earning potential, strengthen professional brand, or create a clear progression plan, her mission is simple: to help Executive Assistants stop being overlooked and start being recognized for the value they bring.   For our listeners, Ruth has provided a free resource: "How to Sell Your Impact as an Executive Assistant".  Check it out at https://www.ruthkilah.com/offers/PwbgwDPr/checkout

  7. Jul 7

    Ep. 29 Behind the Front Desk w/ Kim Madrid

    Kim Madrid, CAP, is an experienced administrative professional and currently serves as Associate Managing Director of the Executive Office and Administrative Team at the University of New Mexico Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting higher education through philanthropic investment. In this role, Kim supports the CEO and manages a team of administrative professionals, ensuring seamless executive operations and fostering collaboration across the organization. Kim also contributes to the Foundation’s leadership group, helping shape internal strategy and team development. She is deeply committed to advancing the administrative profession through mentorship, visibility, and professional development. Since earning her CAP credential through the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), Kim has focused on empowering others to recognize their value and pursue meaningful growth in their administrative careers.

  8. Jun 22

    Ep. 28 Behind the Front Desk w/ Jodie Mears

    Jodie Mears is a C-Suite Executive Assistant, speaker, and career coach with over 23 years of experience supporting senior global leadership across tech, infrastructure, and aviation. Currently based at Bentley Systems, she partners directly with executive leadership on governance, operations, and strategic alignment. Recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice and Digital Woman to Watch 2025, Jodie helps assistants turn quiet work into visible impact through her mentoring programme, Aspire & Achieve, bespoke training for corporate teams, keynotes and panel discussions at events, workshops, and roundtable facilitation on visibility, personal branding, and leadership for assistants. She’s a Fellow of the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM), a Mental Health First Aider, and Advisory Board Member for The PA Show UK. Her frameworks and strategies are used by assistants worldwide to transition from reactive support to recognised partnership.

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It is all about admin professionals connecting with other admin professionals. Hear stories from fellow EAs and learn about their journey. Connect with one another and create a close knit community dedicated to the advancement and advocacy of the administrative professional field.

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