
9 episodes

The Crodie Files Craig Bryson & Jodie Mears
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- Society & Culture
The Crodie Files is a podcast hosted by two career Executive Assistants currently in the role, supporting C-Suite Corporate Executives. With over 40 years of combined industry experience, we came together to share the knowledge! We unite Administrative Professionals, Assistants, and all Business Support Professionals globally with our honest, realistic approach to common questions and problem-solving. Our show provides a space for listeners to learn about the challenges and triumphs of the Assistant Profession and to gain insights into the strategies and approaches that make these professionals successful. Our episodes are kept to under 30 minutes as we appreciate how precious your time is and never use a typical interview format. Instead, our voice note approach makes each episode easy to listen to and relatable. Our "Hi Crodie..." initiative is where we invite you to send in your questions, bugbears, and comments that relate to the role and your learning & development. To be featured on the show visit our website www.craigandjodie.com and send in yours today.If you enjoy listening to our podcast, please support us to help keep the Crodie Files going https://www.buzzsprout.com/2227725 Supporters will get a shout-out on social media and in future episodes.
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The Administrative Assistant's guide to using new tech.
This episode is sponsored by Autograph Events - THE experts in providing a complete event management solution – from free global venue finding through to full onsite event management. https://www.autograph-events.co.uk Connect today and ask more about the collaborative promotion for our listeners!
Ready to supercharge your administrative skills with the latest tech? You're in the right place! We're taking you through the dynamic world of new technology and how it applies to administrative professionals like us.
We're talking about the value of lifelong learning and continuous professional development, and how it aids in navigating the ever-changing tech landscape.
From our personal experiences with CPD (continuous professional development), we've seen it boost career growth and help us utilize a range of communication tools and apps for improved productivity and collaboration. Stay tuned as we discuss embracing advancements and nurturing an attitude of relentless curiosity.
We're also sharing some real-world wisdom on how to handle the inevitable difficult interactions with prickly clients or colleagues - it's all about kindness, understanding, and patience.
Listen to our engaging listener question about fostering a positive relationship with a challenging executive assistant; we've got some insightful advice up our sleeves. And we're not shying away from the tough stuff - initiating those hard conversations and setting those much-needed boundaries.
It's all part of reaching that desired work-life balance. So lean in, soak up the knowledge, and let's tackle these challenges together! If you have a question for us, send it in via email starting with "Hi Crodie..." to be featured on the show. You can also do this anonymously.
Value Bombs
Jodie Mears - ‘Network with a VA, ask them the difference between an employed corporate EA and VA’.
Craig Bryson – ‘Champion of change, you can be the Champion of change by learning new software, being one step ahead.
Support the showPlease support us
Help us stay visible to you by sharing this episode with someone in your circle as well as following and subscribing so you never miss an episode.
Supporters will get a shout-out on social media and in future episodes.
Got questions? Don't hesitate to submit them via our website. Buckle up and join us on this journey of discovery and personal growth.
Follow and contact us on our socials
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TikTok -
Is it time to move on? The Administrative Assistant's Guide to Job Searching
This episode is sponsored by Autograph Events - THE experts in providing a complete event management solution – from free global venue finding through to full onsite event management. https://www.autograph-events.co.uk Connect today and ask more about the collaborative promotion for our listeners!
Ever wondered when the right time might be to call it a day and explore fresh opportunities beyond your current job? You're not alone. We're diving headfirst into a robust discussion on recognizing the right moment to move on and the art of navigating the choppy waters of job searching. We tackle harsh realities like toxic work environments and the importance of empathy and loyalty in the ever-evolving job market. Take a walk with us as we explore the outside world and its opportunities that may seem like a distant horizon to you right now, but could soon be your reality.
Our guest for this episode is Flo Hancox, director of Autograph Events who expertly answers our listener question on arranging internal office events.
We leave no stone unturned, providing you with tangible tips on researching salaries, and job opportunities. Brave the discomfort of discussing earnings and salaries and learn the importance of feeling at ease with your income.
Finally, we share our mantra of 'network, learn, grow’ and how it can set you on a path to career success and provide a glimpse of our next episode discussing administrative assistance and tech.
Support the showPlease support us
Help us stay visible to you by sharing this episode with someone in your circle as well as following and subscribing so you never miss an episode.
Supporters will get a shout-out on social media and in future episodes.
Got questions? Don't hesitate to submit them via our website. Buckle up and join us on this journey of discovery and personal growth.
Follow and contact us on our socials
Website
LinkedIn
Pinterest
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TikTok -
What are the typical tasks of an Administrative Assistant?
This episode is sponsored by Autograph Events - THE experts in providing a complete event management solution – from free global venue finding through to full onsite event management. https://www.autograph-events.co.uk Connect today and ask more about the collaborative promotion for our listeners!
In this episode of The Crodie Files, Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears discuss the typical tasks of an administrative assistant, emphasising the need to go beyond these tasks and take initiative to add value to the role. They cover good communication skills, proactive work and effective email communication, as well as delving into how different learning styles impact how teams work.
Thank you to our listener who sent in a "Hi Crodie..." question:
"How can I manage files and folders in a cloud-based system? What I am doing now is old-fashioned and I would like something new and innovative. Any suggestions?"
If you would like to get involved, send in your "Hi Crodie..." question via our website
Guest contributor- Shelley Fishel, the MS Office Maestro -world-renowned trainer and speaker shares expert insights on using Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft 365 applications for increasing efficiencies, including the new MS Loop app!
Check out Shelley's website for many masterclasses and training options.
Value Bombs
“Be proactive and anticipate needs is my tip"- Craig Bryson
"Really get to grips on timezones!" - Jodie Mears
“Generalised tasks are a thing of the past, that kind of rhymes, but I really feel we are on that edge.” - Jodie Mears
Support the showPlease support us
Help us stay visible to you by sharing this episode with someone in your circle as well as following and subscribing so you never miss an episode.
Supporters will get a shout-out on social media and in future episodes.
Got questions? Don't hesitate to submit them via our website. Buckle up and join us on this journey of discovery and personal growth.
Follow and contact us on our socials
Website
LinkedIn
Pinterest
X
TikTok -
The Future of Administrative Assistants Role: AI The Buzz Word Discussion
This episode is sponsored by Autograph Events - THE experts in providing a complete event management solution – from free global venue finding through to full onsite event management. https://www.autograph-events.co.uk Connect today and ask more about the collaborative promotion for our listeners!
In this episode, hosts Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears discuss the evolving role of Executive Assistants in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), including Chat GPT.
They address the concerns around potential job redundancy, the future of the Assistant's role and stress the importance of staying curious, learning about AI, and using it to enhance efficiencies.
Listener Lauren Foster asks an important question which expert guest David Philp, Chief Value Officer at Cohesive Group, shares his insights on AI's opportunities and challenges for Executive Assistants.
Value Bombs
"One of the things I believe is the role of the Executive PA/EA is incredibly important to well-performing organisations" - David Philp CVO Cohesive Group
"Be curious, ask questions, stay on top of the technology, don't shy away from it"- Jodie Mears
"Download an AI app and then just give it a go- try it, don't fear it" - Craig Bryson
Support the showPlease support us
Help us stay visible to you by sharing this episode with someone in your circle as well as following and subscribing so you never miss an episode.
Supporters will get a shout-out on social media and in future episodes.
Got questions? Don't hesitate to submit them via our website. Buckle up and join us on this journey of discovery and personal growth.
Follow and contact us on our socials
Website
LinkedIn
Pinterest
X
TikTok -
What to ask when working with an Executive?
This episode is sponsored by Autograph Events - THE experts in providing a complete event management solution – from free global venue finding through to full onsite event management. https://www.autograph-events.co.uk Connect today and ask more about the collaborative promotion for our listeners!
In this episode of The Crodie Files, hosts Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears delve into the complexities of building effective relationships with executives. They discuss key questions to ask, share personal experiences, and offer valuable insights on how to establish trust and understand an executive's priorities.
The listener question on improving collaboration with executives is addressed as well as a VA-related question answered by guest contributor Suzy Sanders, founder of Alchemy Virtual Assistants, who sheds light on the differences between Executive Assistants and Virtual Assistants.
Value Bombs
"What does a virtual assistant do compared to an executive assistant?" - Lauren Foster
"Real-life listener questions from you, our audience who are live in the roles of EAs, PAs, VAs, and all business office support roles." - Jodie Mears
Support the showPlease support us
Help us stay visible to you by sharing this episode with someone in your circle as well as following and subscribing so you never miss an episode.
Supporters will get a shout-out on social media and in future episodes.
Got questions? Don't hesitate to submit them via our website. Buckle up and join us on this journey of discovery and personal growth.
Follow and contact us on our socials
Website
LinkedIn
Pinterest
X
TikTok -
What Does an Executive Assistant Do on the First Day?
This episode is sponsored by Autograph Events - THE experts in providing a complete event management solution – from free global venue finding through to full onsite event management. https://www.autograph-events.co.uk Connect today and ask more about the collaborative promotion for our listeners!
In this episode, hosts Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears provide essential tips for Administrative Assistants starting a new job. They emphasize preparation, authentic networking, and self-confidence. Seasoned Executive Assistant Erica Picton shares her insights in response to our listener question, and Laura Smith- The Energy Coach offers advice on managing burnout and self-improvement. Also, discover the importance of company intranets and name memorization techniques.
Value Bombs
"Make it your own because you know that you are good at what you do, but you are in a new environment, so you need to know the processes and the platforms." - Craig Bryson
"My tips for you are to give yourself as much time before you start to read as much info as you can on the company; for example, find out what systems they use and brush up if need be, If you feel you are a little bit rusty on some of your skills." - Erica Picton
Laura Smith- Energy & Wellbeing Coach:
https://linktr.ee/LauraSmithlifestyle
Support the showPlease support us
Help us stay visible to you by sharing this episode with someone in your circle as well as following and subscribing so you never miss an episode.
Supporters will get a shout-out on social media and in future episodes.
Got questions? Don't hesitate to submit them via our website. Buckle up and join us on this journey of discovery and personal growth.
Follow and contact us on our socials
Website
LinkedIn
Pinterest
X
TikTok