administrative professional

Karlena Rannals Talks Career and IAAP

March 13, 2015 by Stacy

Most everyone has met someone throughout life they admire. One of the individuals I admire is a career-minded administrative professional, who has made a difference in so many different ways. Meet Karlena Rannals, CAP-OM.

I recently had the opportunity to connect with Karlena and asked her a few questions about her career and IAAP.

Tell us about your career as an administrative professional. Like many in our profession, working in an office environment was not something that I set out to do. I started out (very young) working the back office at a bank. I then went to Japan on an accompanied tour with my spouse and ended up working as a secretary. I was the only American in the office as all others were Japanese nationals. The Major that I worked for gave me a lot of latitude to make the job meaningful. When I returned to the U.S., I moved to California. I went to a temporary agency and landed the assignment at the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District. That was 33 years ago. [Read more…] about Karlena Rannals Talks Career and IAAP

Meet The Audacious Admin Debbi Shaffer

February 23, 2015 by Stacy

Meet Senior Executive Assistant and Founder of Audacious Admin Debbi Shaffer.

This month I reached out to Debbi and asked if she would share her administrative professional career journey with you. She agreed.

Debbi and I both share a passion for sharing educational resources with administrative professionals. I am convinced that you will find value in connecting with Debbi. She’s a committed leader within the administrative professional profession. What Debbi has accomplished is impressive!

Tell us about your administrative professional career journey.

I stumbled upon my career as an executive assistant. I was a concierge until the recession in the early 90s when my job was cut from the hotel where I was based. For the next several years, I was a waitress/bartender until I moved to California in the late 90s. When I arrived in San Diego, I accepted a temporary job offer as a receptionist at an asset management firm just to bring in some money while I looked for a job. One month later I was supporting the Vice President of the firm. A short time later he left to start his own firm and took me with him. I supported him for the next eight years until my return to the Washington, DC area. I’ve held some fascinating positions supporting senior executives at executive search, architecture, marketing, and government consulting firms. [Read more…] about Meet The Audacious Admin Debbi Shaffer

Why I Choose a Career in Government

February 9, 2015 by Stacy

With each passing day, I become more and more aware of how short our stay on earth can be. My time on earth is unknown, and the same is true for you. Life can change unexpectedly at any given moment.

There are many well-intended individuals who enjoy sharing their advice and views about my career choice. Some people question why I chose to be “an admin.” Some people question why I went to graduate school and graduated with honors to be “an admin.” I always enjoy listening to their thoughts as it broadens my thinking and causes me to reflect on why I do what I do.

The career possibilities in front of each and every one of us are endless. There are many good choices, and often times there are no easy answers. [Read more…] about Why I Choose a Career in Government

Meet Not, “Just an Admin” Author Peggy Vasquez

January 8, 2015 by Stacy

Have you ever been so inspired by someone that you just believe everyone should get to know that person? If so, I’d like you to meet Peggy Vasquez.

Peggy and I met many years ago serving on an advisory council. Over the years, we have stayed connected through phone calls, email, social media, and seeing one another at various administrative professional conferences. Through our conversations, we have shared our professional goals with one another and have supported one another in those goals.

I’m a huge fan of Peggy because not only does she work full time as an executive assistant, she recently published the book, Not, “Just an Admin!”, while juggling her role as wife, mother, grandmother, and so much more. She’s an extraordinary professional. I’m excited to share our interview with you.

1. Tell us about your career as an administrative professional and why you have chosen this career. As long as I can remember, I had the desire to connect with others and encourage them to become all they could be. My three areas of interests have been constant: empowerment, writing, and teaching. The reason I chose to be an administrative professional is directly tied to these areas of interest and desires. [Read more…] about Meet Not, “Just an Admin” Author Peggy Vasquez

Meet RoseMarie, Former Assistant to John F. Kennedy, Jr.

August 11, 2014 by Stacy

Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity and privilege to work and visit with RoseMarie Terenzio, John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s executive assistant from 1994 to 1999. RoseMarie is now the founder of RMT PR Management, a public relations and talent management firm in New York City.

It was a pleasure to connect with RoseMarie again this past weekend at Behind Every Leader in the Silicon Valley. She’s absolutely delightful to talk with in person.

In a recent interview, I asked RoseMarie to share some highlights of her career working with John.

1. You worked as the executive assistant to John F. Kennedy, Jr. Wow! Tell us what it was like to support John? Being John’s EA was an amazing experience. Every day was different, and I learned so much about media, publishing, and most of all integrity. [Read more…] about Meet RoseMarie, Former Assistant to John F. Kennedy, Jr.

O, The Oprah Magazine—Are You a Subscriber?

June 20, 2014 by Stacy

I’m a HUGE fan of O, The Oprah Magazine and have been for years! Have you read it? Do you subscribe?

Magazines are one great source of information. Although, the subject of magazines can vary, I have found that O, The Oprah Magazine offers tips on health, personal and professional development, fashion, finances, travel, and so much more.

I enjoy reading this valuable resource founded by Oprah Winfrey for a variety of reasons:

O, The Oprah Magazine is packed with articles and quotes that are educational, inspirational, fun, and positive.
Oprah knows how to connect with people. Why not learn from one of the world’s most successful philanthropists? Oprah also knows how to effectively communicate with people—a skill we need to develop and improve upon to be successful in the workplace.
Oprah is a successful business woman and has worked hard to become the billionaire she is today.
I like the fact that each month I can read articles from Suze Orman, Dr. Oz, Martha Beck, Dr. Phil, and others to gain knowledge on financial, physical, and emotional wellness so that I can be better informed on topics related to overall health. The information in these articles absolutely improves my personal wellness, which in return allows me to offer my employer “A Great Day’s Work!”
It is fun to learn fashion tips and styles that can be used to dress more appropriately and professionally in today’s workplace.

Keyboarding Speed Increases Productivity

June 5, 2014 by Stacy

Why would an employer care about keyboarding speed and accuracy? Time is money! You get more done the faster you can type on a keyboard.

More than two decades ago, I took my first typing class on a typewriter in high school. This experience paved the way for me to take several computer keyboarding classes in college. My mission—increase my speed and accuracy so that my keyboarding speed would be one of my greatest assets to an employer! [Read more…] about Keyboarding Speed Increases Productivity

Technology Devices—Are They Making You More Productive or Making You More Distracted?

June 2, 2014 by Stacy

In today’s world of technology gadgets, there are more technology devices available to us than ever before. These devices can be both helpful and make us more efficient, but on the other hand, they can also create many distractions if we don’t manage them properly. Are you managing your technology or is your technology managing you?

Technology devices (smartphones, tablets, iPods, laptops, and so forth) can be extremely valuable tools if managed properly. Here are some tips for managing your technology: [Read more…] about Technology Devices—Are They Making You More Productive or Making You More Distracted?

Don’t Miss IAAP’s Education Forum and Annual Meeting (EFAM) July 26-30

May 27, 2014 by Stacy

Have you had the opportunity to attend the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Education Forum and Annual Meeting (EFAM)? This extraordinary conference offers administrative professionals worldwide the opportunity to learn, network, and to be inspired. This year IAAP will be holding their international conference July 26-30 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Learn more about EFAM by visiting EFAM 2014.

This year I have the privilege to speak at EFAM 2014 during three sessions. It’s going to be great fun to co-present with my former boss retired CEO and City Manager Ted Gaebler on Monday, July 28 as we share a presentation on the topic of Effective Admin-Manager Relationships: Tips from a Time-Tested Partnership. On Tuesday, July 29, I have the privilege [Read more…] about Don’t Miss IAAP’s Education Forum and Annual Meeting (EFAM) July 26-30

Take Your Work Partnership to the Next Level!

May 7, 2014 by Stacy

I’m delighted to have been asked by OfficeTeam, the leading staffing agency specializing in placing highly skilled administrative professionals, to be a contributor on their corporate blog site. Specifically, I was asked to write about my 10-year work partnership with Ted Gaebler, retired CEO/City Manager for the City of Rancho Cordova, California. The article is titled “My Advice from an Admin: How You Can Improve Collaboration With Your Boss.”

Work partnerships are critical to today’s workplace. It’s my belief that the CEO/Manager and administrative professional work partnership is one of the most important work partnerships that exist in business today. Today’s most effective work partnerships are team-oriented and collaborative as compared to the older more traditional model of an unbalanced work relationship.

If you haven’t already read Building A Partnership With Your Boss by Jerry Wisinski, I would definitely recommend reading this informative book filled with great advice and ideas on how to build and strengthen your work partnerships. I have loaned this book to more executives, managers, and administrative professionals than any other book I own. [Read more…] about Take Your Work Partnership to the Next Level!