The Whole Assistant Podcast

Hosted by Annie Croner

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Episodes

210

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Whole Assistant Podcast! I’m your host Annie Croner. I’m a former assistant who is passionate about the profession, and a certified coach who is invested in your success. You’ve come to the right place if you want to know what it looks like to stand in your power, and achieve success free from overwhelm & burnout.

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60 recent

October 22, 202615 min

E211 - What Actually Builds Confidence - #4 The Strategic Business Partner Series

The Strategic Business Partner is coming November 5. Pre-order your signed book, and check out other pre-launch bundles here: https://www.wholeassistant.com/book-bundles RSVP for the in-person launch party on November 5 here: https://www.wholeassistant.com/rsvp Register for the November 5 training here . Register for the online launch party/webinar with Jeremy Burrows: https://bit.ly/3WeRDpX t ---------------------------------------------- In this episode, I break down what really builds unshakeable self-confidence. From unraveling the myth that confidence appears before action to sharing my own stories of risk, recovery, and growth, I reveal how true self-trust—and strategic partnership—emerges from your willingness to show up, speak out, and stand tall in any room. In this episode, you will discover: Why your willingness to feel and process challenging emotions is the real foundation of lasting confidence How taking calculated, aligned risks (even if you stumble) leads to growth, resilience, and greater self-trust The reason using your voice in high-stakes rooms not only reinforces your value but drives powerful strategic results Practical steps to transform discomfort into empowerment, so you can show up fully ---------------------------------------------- Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here. ---------------------------------------------- Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Snag your free strategic planning session guide. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send me an email: annie@wholeassistant.com

October 15, 202613 min

The Power of Tiny Systems - #3 The Strategic Business Partner Series

The Strategic Business Partner is coming November 5. Pre-order your signed book, and check out other pre-launch bundles here: https://www.wholeassistant.com/book-bundles RSVP for the in-person launch party on November 5 here: https://www.wholeassistant.com/rsvp Register for the November 5 training here . Register for the online launch party/webinar with Jeremy Burrows: https://bit.ly/3WeRDpX t ---------------------------------------------- Welcome to Episode 3 of the Strategic Business Partner series. In this episode, I dig into the transformative power of "tiny systems" and how small, strategic tweaks can eliminate daily stressors for both you and your executive. I share relatable stories from my own career and coaching, showing how anticipating needs and creating simple routines paves the way for more connection, trust, and impact. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by details or struggled to keep the small stuff from slipping through the cracks, this episode is your blueprint for real change. In this episode, you will discover: How to spot and address recurring headaches in your workflow instead of simply adapting to them The secret to starting earlier—why anticipating tasks and building in extra time relieves stress and builds stronger relationships Practical ways to create "tiny systems" and "boring magic." Why consistency in small actions builds lasting trust with your executive, and how to implement it even when big projects demand your attention ---------------------------------------------- Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here. ---------------------------------------------- Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Snag your free strategic planning session guide. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send me an email: annie@wholeassistant.com

October 8, 202612 min

3 Simple Tactics to Keep You In Strategic Alignment - #2 The Strategic Business Partner Series

The Strategic Business Partner is coming November 5. Pre-order your signed book, and check out other pre-launch bundles here: https://www.wholeassistant.com/book-bundles RSVP for the in-person launch party on November 5 here: https://www.wholeassistant.com/rsvp Register for the online launch party/webinar with Jeremy Burrows here: https://bit.ly/3WeRDpX ---------------------------------------------- On this episode of the Whole Assistant Podcast, I dive into three simple yet powerful tactics that will keep you in strategic alignment, not just with your executive, but also with the work that truly matters. Whether you’re overwhelmed by the whirlwind or just craving a more intentional approach to your role, this episode is your roadmap back to purposeful, strategic impact. In this episode, you will discover: How to start each day with a single question that can completely re-focus your energy and productivity The essential value of giving yourself the first 15 minutes for planning Why pausing before saying “yes” to requests is vital to maintaining strategic alignment ---------------------------------------------- Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here. ---------------------------------------------- Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Snag your free strategic planning session guide. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send me an email: annie@wholeassistant.com

October 1, 202610 min

Leveraging Examples of What’s Possible - #1 of The Strategic Business Partner Series

The Strategic Business Partner is coming November 5. Pre-order your signed book, and check out other pre-launch bundles here: https://www.wholeassistant.com/book-bundles RSVP for the in-person launch party on November 5 here: https://www.wholeassistant.com/rsvp ---------------------------------------------- In this episode, I dive into the concept of “borrowing identity” as a powerful strategy for professional growth. I share personal stories about how modeling my mindset and actions after mentors early in my career, like my rockstar boss Marianne, helped me make bold choices that shaped my trajectory. From learning to stand my ground to integrating lessons from inspiring executives, I explore how leveraging examples of what’s possible can be a game-changer, whether you’re just starting out or aiming to inspire the next generation of administrative professionals. In this episode, you will discover: How borrowing elements of a mentor’s identity can shape your self-concept and fast-track your professional growth The importance of identifying and connecting with role models in your industry Why seasoned professionals should remain mindful of their influence and intentionally uplift those coming up behind them Practical steps (whether you’re new or experienced) for leveraging others’ examples to build a mindset for long-term career success ---------------------------------------------- Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here. ---------------------------------------------- Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Snag your free strategic planning session guide. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send me an email: annie@wholeassistant.com

September 3, 20269 min

E207 - One Habit That Changes Everything

You’re invited to Empowered Seat, my membership designed to help you grow, lead, and rise alongside other powerhouse assistants. Join Here → https://www.wholeassistant.com/empoweredseat ---------------------------------------------- This episode is all about the one habit that transforms your entire experience as an executive assistant. I share insights from a recent panel discussion where my answer to “what’s the one habit no EA should live without?” sparked lively conversation and left a lasting impression. We dive deep into why sharing your value isn’t just about visibility; it’s about transforming how you see yourself and the role you play in your organization. In this episode, you will discover: Why even the most well-meaning executives have no idea what you actually keep off their plate unless you tell them Concrete strategies to articulate your value How this one habit can radically level up your self-concept, earn you promotions, and increase your influence Ready to stop discounting your strengths and start owning your badassery? Let’s go. ---------------------------------------------- Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here. ---------------------------------------------- Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Snag your free strategic planning session guide. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send me an email: annie@wholeassistant.com

August 27, 202630 min

How AI Is Shaping the EA Position with Fiona Young

You’re invited to Empowered Seat, my membership designed to help you grow, lead, and rise alongside other powerhouse assistants. Join Here → https://www.wholeassistant.com/empoweredseat ---------------------------------------------- Connect with Fiona LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmlyoung/ Website: https://joincarve.com/ ---------------------------------------------- In this episode, I sit down with Fiona Young, founder of Carve and an absolute trailblazer in bringing AI superpowers to EAs. We dive deep into the evolution of the EA role and how AI is fundamentally reshaping not just the tasks we do, but the very possibilities for what our careers can become. Whether you’re just getting curious about AI or you’re eager to elevate your workflow (and your impact), this conversation is packed with real-life examples, practical frameworks, and inspiring stories to help you leverage AI intentionally and strategically. In this episode, you will discover: A powerful 3-level adoption framework for how EAs can integrate AI into their roles, from first steps to total transformation. How using AI can shift your day-to-day from repetitive tasks to high-impact, strategic work Real-world stories of EAs using AI to save time, add greater value to their executives, and create bandwidth for both professional growth and personal balance. ---------------------------------------------- Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here. ---------------------------------------------- Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Snag your free strategic planning session guide. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send me an email: annie@wholeassistant.com

August 20, 202616 min

3 Tiny Moments That Will Cost You

You’re invited to Empowered Seat, my membership designed to help you grow, lead, and rise alongside other powerhouse assistants. Join Here → https://www.wholeassistant.com/empoweredseat ---------------------------------------------- In this episode, I dive into three tiny moments that can end up costing you emotionally, mentally, and professionally if you’re not paying attention. I draw on real-life coaching experiences and the everyday realities of executive assistants to uncover the tiny moments that may be costing you. Let’s shine a light on what’s holding you back and how to reclaim your power. In this episode, you will discover: How owning what isn't yours can quietly undermine your effectiveness How to sidestep one of the biggest pitfalls for executive assistants The hidden cost of outsourcing your validation How resentment serves as a powerful indicator that you may be falling into these tiny but costly compromises ---------------------------------------------- Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here. ---------------------------------------------- Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Snag your free strategic planning session guide. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send me an email: annie@wholeassistant.com

August 13, 202624 min

The Hidden Reason You Feel Stuck

You’re invited to Empowered Seat, my membership designed to help you grow, lead, and rise alongside other powerhouse assistants. Join Here → https://www.wholeassistant.com/empoweredseat ---------------------------------------------- Ever feel stuck? In this episode, I open up about my personal year of expansion, the hidden internal barriers that keep us stuck, and why more training or certifications aren’t always the answer. Drawing on insights from "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks, I unpack the three critical elements that secretly govern how much success, abundance, and joy we allow ourselves to experience. I share relatable stories, ask some tough questions, and give you practical ways to break through your own invisible ceiling and fully step into your worth. In this episode, you will discover: Why your self-concept matters more than your technical skills, and how to recognize when your capability has outgrown your current identity How feelings of worthiness (or lack thereof) quietly sabotage your ability to receive recognition, promotions, or compensation What it means to build capacity for success, joy, and discomfort, and why it's crucial for growth in your career and personal life ---------------------------------------------- Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here. ---------------------------------------------- Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Snag your free strategic planning session guide. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send me an email: annie@wholeassistant.com

August 6, 202613 min

5 Mindset Shifts That Separate Strategic Partners from Great Assistants

You’re invited to Empowered Seat, my membership designed to help you grow, lead, and rise alongside other powerhouse assistants. Join Here → https://www.wholeassistant.com/empoweredseat ---------------------------------------------- This episode digs deep into the five essential mindset shifts that distinguish strategic partners from high-performing assistants. Drawing on insights from my own journey, including the challenges of burnout and the transformative process of writing my new book, I unpack how thinking differently about your role is the hidden lever that can move you from reactive to truly impactful. If you've ever felt stuck, overlooked, or you’re hungry for that next level of professional contribution and satisfaction, this episode is for you. ---------------------------------------------- Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here. ---------------------------------------------- Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Snag your free strategic planning session guide. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send me an email: annie@wholeassistant.com

June 4, 20269 min

3 Ways to Turbocharge Your Influence

You’re invited to Empowered Seat, my membership designed to help you grow, lead, and rise alongside other powerhouse assistants. Join Here → https://www.wholeassistant.com/empoweredseat ---------------------------------------------- In today’s episode, I break down the three most effective ways you can turbocharge your influence in the workplace. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the field, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and actionable steps to boost your impact starting today. In this episode, you will discover: How showing up with integrity and honesty builds the foundation for real influence How embracing visibility (without feeling like your overstepping) is crucial to your effectiveness and career growth What it means to fully step into your unique role as the bridge between executives and the wider organization ---------------------------------------------- Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here. ---------------------------------------------- Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Snag your free strategic planning session guide. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send me an email: annie@wholeassistant.com