Assist With Impact
196 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★ - 26 ratingsIf you're ready to be more proactive and be the "little hinge that can swing big doors" then Assist With Impact is a must-listen podcast.
Join your host Liz Van Vliet and learn practical tips, strategies and insights that will help you move beyond being simply an order-taker.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
#96 Presenting The Best Virtual You: Interview with Kaye Ure
March 31, 2020 03:09 - 31 minutes - 43.8 MBFor many of us the Covid-19 pandemic will mean the first time we're working from home. Presenting your best self online in whatever virtual setting you find yourself is important to managing the perception of your boss and co workers as well as other key stakeholders. This weeks episode is an interview with Kaye Ure from Styling Individuals. We cover Kaye's tops for setting up a physical environment to ensure you look professional on screen and she also shares tips for how to adjust your c...
#95 Interview with Tech Coach Michelle Bowditch from Door20A
March 23, 2020 01:51 - 30 minutes - 42.4 MBToday's episode is an interview with Michelle Bowditch from Door20A. Michelle is a Sydney based tech lover, tech educator and advocate for the EA profession and is the perfect person to interview to understand how you can leverage technology and set yourself up for success working remotely. Michelle's top tips discussed in this episode: 1. App - Tom the Grizzly Bear (search for Bear Focus Timer in app store) 2. Take a photo of your OFFICE environment and replicate it at home as best...
#94 What We Can Control In Uncontrollable Times
March 16, 2020 03:11 - 6 minutes - 9.37 MBIn these times of volatility and uncertainty it can feel like we can't control anything. In this short episode I just wanted to encourage you that your mindset matters SO much right now. We can't control what is happening but we can control how we react to it. Remember, you are the boss of your own mind and looking after your own mental and physical health is something you can and should do. Sending you love and support during these trying times.
#93 Three Ways To Show Up As Indispensable In 2020
February 04, 2020 02:55 - 26 minutes - 37.1 MBA solo episode where I share three techniques/tips that I find invaluable. I've chosen these three specifically because I use them all the time in my coaching They are techniques I use personally (really important because I believe in walking the talk and not recommending something that I haven’t used myself) All three of them will help you be more effective and show up differently in your interpersonal relationships at work and with your manager/s. Find out more about my coaching and ...
92. Road Rambling: Roaring Into 2020 In Your Own Unique Way
January 14, 2020 04:34 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MBWelcome to 2020. In this road rambling* episode Liz explores how social media can leave us feeling overwhelmed amidst the onslaught of posts telling us that we need to have big plans and big ideas and if not, there's courses we can sign up for and people to show us how to get ourselves sorted.....but we don't need to jump on this bandwagon. Instead, we can set realistic expectations for how we might proceed in 2020 without setting ourselves up for any FOMO or letting comparison be the thie...
#91 Looking Back On 2019
December 23, 2019 01:09 - 29 minutes - 40.6 MBWishing all my listeners a safe and happy Christmas. This episode is a wrap up of my year. I hope you enjoy listening to it and look forward to bringing you more episodes of Being Indispensable in 2020.
#90 Knowing Your Manager's Communication Style
November 27, 2019 03:55 - 21 minutes - 30.1 MBToday's episode is all about why it’s essential to understand your manager’s preferred communication style. How to think about and evaluate this and some tools and resources to help you explore this area of knowledge for yourself. Resources discussed in this episode: Being Indispensable Ep 32: Building A strategic partnership with your exec Being Indispensable Ep 48: How to interview your boss to clarify expectations Being Indispensable Ep 57: Five tips to help EA’s manage up ...
#89 POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants - Curiosity
November 14, 2019 03:20 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBThe sixth in a series on POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants. These are often called 'soft' skills but they are anything but soft. I believe that you can be functionally competent and you can even be strategically competent and know who’s who in the zoo and understand the intangible power dynamics that operate in all organisations (both competencies are essential in my experience to being truly on your way to being perceived as indispensable). But if you soft skills are lacking or y...
#88 POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants - Leadership Skills
October 29, 2019 04:33 - 19 minutes - 27.3 MBThe fifth episode in a series about the essential POWER skills for Indispensable Assistants. Recorded from my hotel room in Freemantle Western Australia where I've been presenting and sponsoring the 2019 Australian Institute of Office Professionals Conference. Resources discussed today: Jonas Altman https://qz.com/work/1270483/management-today-requires-these-four-types-of-leadership/ Adam Grant TED talk: Are You A Giver Or A Taker https://www.tonyrobbins.com/career-business/are-...
#87 POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants - Assertiveness Skills
October 15, 2019 07:34 - 32 minutes - 44.5 MBAIOP 2019 National Conference - Liz has two tickets to giveaway. If you have the ability to get yourself to Freemantle, Western Australia then email [email protected]. Giveaway is for conference and workshop entry only it doesn't include travel and accomodation! Resources mentioned in this episode: http://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/first-look-oprah-and-dr-edith-eva-eger https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-7470943/The-apologetic-phrase-women-stop-using-work-ba...
#86 POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants: Influencing Skills
October 02, 2019 05:46 - 32 minutes - 44.6 MBWelcome to the third episode in my mini-series focused on POWER skills for indispensable assistants. This week the topic is Influencing Skills. Being able to get things done needs cannot be reliant on de facto positional authority that comes via who you support. Instead I coach and train EA's and Office Professionals to build their personal and professional reputation capital and develop strategies that allow them to effectively influence. Resources discussed in this episode: https:/...
#85 POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants: Communication Skills
September 19, 2019 08:29 - 26 minutes - 36.4 MBThe first episode in a series of episodes I'm doing on what I call Essential POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants. Otherwise (and inadequately) described as 'soft' skills, these are the skills that differentiate you from the pack. You can be functionally competent and great at the bread and butter aspects of your role (essential in my opinion). You can be totally across the strategic implications of things going on in the sphere of your manager and business unit. But if you are not d...
#84 POWER Skills for Assistants: Introduction
September 19, 2019 01:02 - 13 minutes - 18.6 MBThis weeks episode is the first in a series of episodes that will focus on what Liz describes as POWER skills for Assistants. In this episode she outlines what are your POWER skills and why are they essential to being perceived as an indispensable assistant. Join her in the coming weeks as she brings out episodes focused on the POWER skills that you need to develop in order to differentiate yourself and be seen as relevant, effective and irreplaceable. Connect with Liz on Instagram, Face...
#83 Indispensable Skills: Above & Below The Line Thinking & Behaviour
July 31, 2019 10:07 - 11 minutes - 16 MBMy philosophy is 'progress over perfection' and remembering to be kind to ourselves. But I'm also all about being self-aware and I came across this way of thinking about our mindset and how we 'show up' and I use it extensively in the face to face corporate training I deliver...so I wanted to share it with you my lovely podcast listener! Tools mentioned in this episode: https://youtu.be/fLqzYDZAqCI https://discoveryinaction.com.au/above-or-below-the-line-where-are-you/
#82 Road Rambling: The Festival of 50
July 17, 2019 18:44 - 10 minutes - 14.6 MBRoad rambling including audio of me narrowly avoiding random elderly driver in a Suffolk country lane!
#81 Interview with Lucy Brazier (Part Two)
July 03, 2019 06:23 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MBHot on the heels of Part One, here is Part Two of my interview with Lucy Brazier, CEO of Marcham Publishing, specialist publishers of Executive Secretary Magazine – a global training magazine dedicated to the professional development needs of senior and aspiring administrative professionals - Lucy works with the best trainers of Executive Assistants from around the world to deliver the most up to date and current training in the market. Lucy just also happens to be a thoug...
#80 Interview with Lucy Brazier (Part One)
July 01, 2019 11:29 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MBThrilled to bring you Part One of my interview with Lucy Brazier, CEO of Marcham Publishing, specialist publishers of Executive Secretary Magazine – a global training magazine dedicated to the professional development needs of senior and aspiring administrative professionals - Lucy works with the best trainers of Executive Assistants from around the world to deliver the most up to date and current training in the market. Lucy just also happens to be a thought leader and subj...
#79 Indispensable Skills - Interview with Andrea Clarke, author of 'Future Fit' (Part 2)
June 19, 2019 09:21 - 24 minutes - 33.3 MBPart Two of my interview with Andrea Clarke, author of Future Fit, How to Stay Relevant and Competitive in the Future of Work. Find out more about Andrea and her company CareerCEO here: https://www.careerceo.com.au/ Download the first chapter of 'Future Fit' and order the book here: https://majorstreet.com.au/products/future-fit-br-i-small-by-andrea-clarke-i-small Connect with Andrea here: https://www.instagram.com/careerceo/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/careerceo/ http...
#78 Interview With Andrea Clarke, author of Future Fit (Part 1)
June 19, 2019 09:08 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MBPart One of my interview with Andrea Clarke, author of Future Fit, How to Stay Relevant and Competitive in the Future of Work. Find out more about Andrea and her company CareerCEO here: https://www.careerceo.com.au/ Download the first chapter of 'Future Fit' and order the book here: https://majorstreet.com.au/products/future-fit-br-i-small-by-andrea-clarke-i-small Connect with Andrea here: https://www.instagram.com/careerceo/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/careerceo/ http...
#77 On Being: Road Ramble
June 12, 2019 01:30 - 8 minutes - 11.3 MBA reflection on an instance of what can only be described as male entitlement. Enjoy! Back to normal programming next week with Part 1 of my interview with Andrea Clarke, author of Future Fit and founder of CareerCEO.
#76 Indispensable Skills: Future Fit by Andrea Clarke
May 29, 2019 12:10 - 22 minutes - 30.6 MBThis episode is a book review focusing on Chapter 4 of Future Fit by Andrea Clarke. I think this is a must-read for you because I believe that what will allow you to adapt and navigate the change that is going to continue to come at you as Executive Assistants is your 'power skills' or the human skills that Andrea outlines in the book. Functional competence (the stuff you can get done)and even strategic competence (your awareness of what and why stuff is happening in your team and the bro...
#75 You Are More Than "Just An Executive Assistant"
May 23, 2019 05:23 - 14 minutes - 19.6 MBIn this weeks "Being" episode Liz reflects on a comment that was made by a participant in a workshop she ran last week. The workshop was about equipping you with the words that describe the value you bring to your role as an Office Professional...in other words, your brand attributes. An audience member admitted that she found this challenging because it felt like self-promotion. In this episode Liz shares why self-promotion is something that you shouldn't fear and getting over your discom...
#74 Indispensable Skills: Four Steps To Unhooking Your Emotions At Work
May 08, 2019 05:19 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MBIn this episode Liz shares the four step approach outlined by Kathi Elster and Katherine Crowley in their brilliant book "Working With You Is Killing Me" to disconnect yourself from the emotions of difficult situations and confrontations. This technique highlights why Emotional Intelligence as a blanket term actually consists of four parts and self awareness and self management are two that are bought into play in this technique and topic. Resources mentioned in the episode are: https:/...
#73 Being Human: Tips On Believing You're Good Enough
April 17, 2019 02:12 - 19 minutes - 27 MBIn last week's episode I mentioned Amy Morin and her books on mental strength. This week I'm riffing on an Instagram post where she mentioned five tips for believing that you're good enough and how I've applied these in my own life. If you want to be the first to know when I'm opening the doors to my first online course to be delivered via Zoom then head on over to this link: http://bit.ly/indispensableme Follow Amy Morin: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amymorinauthor/ Previous...
#72 Indispensable Behaviours: My Recommended Reading List
April 03, 2019 04:29 - 22 minutes - 31 MBI've created a new reading list on the 'resources' page of my website of books that I have read and found incredibly useful. Go to www.beingindispensable.com/resources to find the list. I'd love to know what your favourite books for self development are...drop me an email or say hi on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter!
#71 Being A Practically Perfect PA Virtual Summit Speaker
March 27, 2019 05:40 - 9 minutes - 12.6 MBReceive a 10% discount on the ticket price by entering the code vspeaker10 at checkout Follow this link to reach the website: http://bit.ly/virtualliz
#70 Indispensable Skills: What is a Personal SWOT Analysis & Why You Should Do One
March 21, 2019 02:01 - 16 minutes - 23.1 MBListen to this episode to get the lowdown on what a SWOT analysis is and how it can be one more tool in your self development kitbag. Stephen Covey was a huge proponent of self reflection and the simple two by two matrix of a SWOT analysis makes it perfect for getting a handle on your personal Strengths and Weaknesses and the Opportunities and Threats as they currently stand. In my soon to be released course I will be taking students through a step by step guide to conducting your own ...
#69 On Being Human: How Life Can Change In An Instant
March 05, 2019 23:47 - 17 minutes - 24 MBA special episode dedicated to Kelly Exeter. If you would like to read Anthony Exeter's six rules of life go to this link: https://www.mamamia.com.au/anthony-exeter-rules-for-life/ Kelly has subsequently expanded on the original six and written this blog post also: https://kellyexeter.com.au/12-rules-for-life Kiss your loved ones and tell them you love them.
#68 How To Influence Without Authority
February 27, 2019 01:26 - 25 minutes - 35.6 MBThe day to day reality for Executive Assistants is that they are required to get stuff done with no formal authority to give them clout with the people that they need to engage in order to get that stuff done. Influencing without authority is what this is called. In this episode Liz outlines the six principles of influence that Dr. Robert Cialdini outlined in his ground breaking book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. Understanding how to adapt all or some of these principles is some...
#67 On Being Human: Melting Moments
February 20, 2019 05:48 - 8 minutes - 11.2 MBA short and sweet episode this week recounting my experience at a coffee meeting yesterday to give you some insight into what it's like trying to look professional whilst doing a fair imitation of the melting Wicked Witch of the West "I'm melting"!
#66 Indispensable Skills - How To Develop A Shadow Organisation Diagram
February 11, 2019 04:52 - 23 minutes - 31.8 MBThis weeks Being Indispensable episode is a tutorial on how to create a shadow organizational diagram as outlined by Jo Miller, an executive coach and trainer based in the USA. Executive Assistants who invest the time to improve their awareness and appreciation of the apparent and hidden power dynamics that operate within their organisation will be able to show up more effectively because of this strategic awareness. Knowledge is the first step to developing a plan for how to manage and ...
#65 On Being: Getting Up To Speed In 2019
February 06, 2019 05:19 - 13 minutes - 18.4 MBLook I made a rhyme...'getting up to speed in 2019'. Today's episode is a long time coming. I've been on a hiatus from the podcast due to family 'stuff'. I'm excited to be back though and hope at least some listeners have hung around long enough to see this episode drop into their podcatcher! Yes, it might be February but in our house January was all about being present and available over the school holidays so although my happy new year might be a bit late the sentiment is still there. ...
#64 Indispensable Skills - Managing Your Manager
October 08, 2018 11:33 - 22 minutes - 31.5 MBIn this episode Liz takes you through a play by play from one of her recent coaching engagements. In this situation the Executive Assistant was literally days away from resigning from her role. The communication with her manager was in such a bad state and her morale was so low that she felt quite hopeless. As a result of implementing the advice Liz gave her in their coaching sessions she was able to turn around the situation and establish a new framework for communication that has allowed...
#63 On Being - An Update On 2018
September 12, 2018 02:09 - 11 minutes - 15.3 MBA check in episode sharing how 2018 is tracking for Liz on the family front. Hope your 2018 is going swimmingly! I'd love to meet you...please connect with me Instagram, Linked In or Facebook
#62 Being Indispensable - What Is It That Makes You Indispensable As An Executive Assistant
July 31, 2018 04:37 - 15 minutes - 20.6 MBMelba Duncan says the value of an EA or Administrative Assistant is managing things your boss doesn't even know you're doing. But if they don't know you're doing these things then how can you be valued for them and how can you be paid and promoted for doing them. My advice is to get clear on what those things are, those things that make up the part of your iceberg that is below the surface and use this knowledge to create your brand value statement and build out your case for making sure you...
#61 Road Ramblings - Opening Doors I Didn't Even Know Were There
July 11, 2018 04:50 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBA 'road rambling' episode ruminating on how much it means to have the support of listeners like Susan J and how I thank the universe that starting my podcast has meant meeting people like her. I share the lesson from overcoming inferiority and reaching out to Lucy Brazier has brought such unexpected generosity and how excited I am to be attending this weekends Executive Secretary Live in Sydney. Finally I share an anecdote that demonstrates that by treating others as you would like to be...
#60 Two Years Of Being Indispensable & Executive Secretary LIVE Comes To Sydney
June 27, 2018 09:29 - 22 minutes - 31.4 MBBeing Indispensable is celebrating its two year anniversary and to help plan ahead I've created a listener survey. If you could spare a few minutes I'd love to have you complete it. http://bit.ly/twoyearsurvey Executive Secretary LIVE is coming to Sydney for the first time in July and I've negotiated a 10% discount off the conference price for listeners of Being Indispensable. Get all the details and use the code INDISPENSABLE18 to claim your discount http://bit.ly/lizatlive Finally,...
#59 Saying Yes In Order To Say No - Indispensable tips for Executive Assistants
May 28, 2018 00:51 - 18 minutes - 25.1 MBToday's episode is sharing two tips from a recent keynote presentation I did in Sydney for Office Professionals Day. Firstly, how thinking like a Sales Person can help you shift your minset... - It’s not their responsibility to buy, it’s your responsibility to sell - You may not want to sell but you that’s what you’re doing - You need to to sell your ideas, your requests, your issues, yourself! How if you can adopt this mindset and channel your inner sales person you will be more ...
#58 About Being: I've Written A Book!
May 01, 2018 00:32 - 13 minutes - 18.7 MBSuper excited to announce that I have a book coming out later this year. Yes, I will be able to officially call myself an author!!! With a working title 'Getting Home From Breast Cancerville (is the hardest bit)' my book is about the complexity and uncertainty of recovering from treatment and accepting that life will never be as it was before Breast Cancer. In writing my own story I have tried to convey the way everyone thinks that when your treatment ends, the worst is behind you. The t...
#57 Five Tips To Help Executive Assistants Manage Up
April 17, 2018 01:00 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBThis week’s episode is my five starter tips for approaching the topic of Managing Up. Managing Up can also be described as managing by influence. It’s a topic that goes right to the heart of what it means to be effective as an Exec Assistant and it’s one of the biggest challenges that assistants grapple with when they’re building a relationship with their manager. It begins with coming at your manager with a sense of curiosity. I love the quote “Seek first to understand”, it’s the head...
#56 About Being - Showing Compassion To Yourself
April 09, 2018 23:31 - 14 minutes - 19.7 MBContinuing on the theme of 'being' in this episode Liz shares how in pursuit of her 2018 word 'Strengthen' she has engaged a personal trainer and has noticed her internal flight reflex kicking in! Instead of coming down hard on herself, Liz shares how being kind to yourself is the order of the day. Progress over perfection people, that's what we want to focus on!
#55 How To Approach Difficult Conversations - Steps for Executive Assistants
March 12, 2018 23:45 - 27 minutes - 37.5 MBIn this episode Liz outlines techniques that she teaches in her workshops that focus on taking a step by step approach to preparing for and engaging in difficult conversations. A bonus download is available here. Connect with Liz on Instagram, Linked In or Facebook
#54 About Being - Building My Strength In 2018
February 26, 2018 23:22 - 18 minutes - 26 MBThe first episode about the 'being' part of Being Indispensable for 2018. Recorded on one of my walks it's all about how I've turned a corner in the injury department and am on the road to more strength and stamina after a challenging year on the health front in 2017.
#53 Being Indispensable - The 10 Skills You'll Need By 2020 (And Beyond)
February 13, 2018 03:12 - 9 minutes - 13.6 MBAccording to the World Economic Forum there are 10 skills that will be vital for us to possess from 2020 and beyond. Funnily enough these are 10 skills that happen to be fundamental to your success as an Executive Assistant today and if you master them will help you stay at the front of the pack going forward. I first read about these skills in a great article by Vivien Luu. You can find the article here. I've also created a one-page downloadable PDF of the ten skills identified in th...
#52 Changing It Up For 2018
February 06, 2018 06:45 - 9 minutes - 12.9 MBAs some wise person once said, a change is as good as a holiday. Well I've had a holiday and am finally getting back to work so it's now time for some changes. I'm starting a new format for the show commencing with my next episode #53. I'm a strong believer that you can't 'show up' at work or in life if you're not taking care of your wellBEING. I'm also a huge exponent of the thinking that we are 'human beings not human doings' as Wayne Dyer so eloquently put it. This has been an area of ...
#51 Wrapping Up 2017 & Tying A Bow On It (Solo)
January 18, 2018 08:17 - 28 minutes - 39.3 MBA belated wrap-up of 2017 focusing on my words for the year - Move, Consider & Consistency and how I score myself against delivering on their promise. I'm also including a bonus for this episode which is my 2017 reading list. Business books I consumed plus a list of those I 'dipped' into but didn't get quite through. Click here to download the booklist and get reading. I love your feedback so please connect with me and let me know what books you read in 2017 that were of use professio...
#50 Celebrating An Important Milestone - A Road Rambling Episode
November 29, 2017 08:26 - 12 minutes - 17.2 MBFifty episodes is a momentous milestone in the world of podcasting. Most podcasts don't make it to double digits let alone a half century. This episode is a road rambling celebrating the special people that have made Being Indispensable something that has been worth continuing with. From my husband and daughters to the many Executive Assistants that have kindly expressed their appreciation for my efforts in bringing this podcast to the world. 25,000 plus episodes have been downloaded and I...
#49 - Why Negotiating Is A Process Not Just A Conversation
November 15, 2017 04:30 - 19 minutes - 27.3 MBToday's episode is a road rambling sharing some of the points I presented to an audience of Executive Assistants at a conference in Sydney run by Intrepid Minds. The topic was negotiating skills and strategies. It's common for people to think about negotiation as it applies to the job hunt process. Negotiating salary and benefits or alternatively negotiating salary increases or role changes with your employer. We also negotiate with co workers and peers about the distribution of tasks,...
#48 - How To Interview Your Boss To Clarify Expectations & Perceptions
November 08, 2017 09:36 - 22 minutes - 30.3 MBA key area for festering mistrust and misunderstanding between Executive Assistants and their manager is around expectations and perceptions. Failing to communicate on these topics leads to frustration on the part of both of you. It may be hard for you to broach this subject and it may be equally hard for your boss to give you honest feedback but it is something both of you need to approach with a growth mindset. This initiative falls under the broader topic of 'Know Your Boss' which Liz...
#47 - How Hallie Warner is the definition of ‘Lead & Assist’ (Interview)
October 31, 2017 07:32 - 49 minutes - 68.6 MBHallie Warner is the Chief of Staff for Adam Hergenrother. For the last seven years Hallie has been Adams right hand person. She epitomises the word linchpin and definitely fits the image of an indispensable assistant. Hallie has cultivated a true partnership with Adam and in this episode she shares what it has taken to reach this point and some of her learnings along the way. We discuss how she is currently looking for opportunities to stretch herself in order to develop and how she is ...