Office Dynamics International

There’s something incredibly special about signing these CEAP certificates—because I know firsthand the growth, dedication, and transformation that happens throughout the Star Achievement Series journey. Each name represents a professional who didn’t just show up—they committed to becoming more strategic, more confident, and more influential in their role. They leaned into the process, embraced new mindsets, and walked away with a deeper understanding of their value and voice in the workplace. When I created Star, I never imagined the ripple effect it would have across the administrative profession. And today, seeing these graduates step into their power reminds me exactly why I do this work. If you're ready to elevate your mindset, communication, confidence, and leadership presence, I’d love to invite you to learn more about the Star Achievement Series: https://bit.ly/4hIDUNf

Soft skills have been at the heart of everything I’ve taught for over three decades—and today, in a world of AI and constant change, they matter more than ever. That’s why I’m inviting you to take just 10 minutes to complete our new survey on soft skills. I want to know: Do you feel future-ready? How are communication, strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem solving shaping your role right now? Your voice truly matters—and by sharing your insights, you’ll help shape the future of professional development for administrative professionals around the world. As a thank you, everyone who completes the survey by April 2, 2025, will be entered to win a FREE seat in our 4-week course, The Significant Power Skills Series, launching this November (a $995 value!). Let’s raise the bar together—and make sure our development keeps pace with the evolving world of work: https://bit.ly/4hM6TQf.

If you’ve ever felt this way, you are not alone. I remember reaching a similar turning point in my career as a secretary. It wasn’t that I didn’t love the work—I had built an incredible career—but I could feel that my heart was shifting. I had grown, I had changed, and I started asking, “What’s next for me?” It’s okay to outgrow a role. It’s okay to admit when your path is pulling you in a new direction. What matters is how you respond. In this video, I’m sharing a few thoughts on how to navigate that crossroads—how to assess your strengths, explore new possibilities, and take those first brave steps toward something new. Your journey doesn’t end here—it evolves. Keep listening to your inner voice. It’s there to guide you. #AdministrativeProfessionals #CareerGrowth

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched administrative professionals waste precious minutes—sometimes hours—going back and forth trying to find a time to meet with their executive. I get it… schedules are packed, and the back-and-forth can feel never-ending. That’s why I’m so excited to share this quick tech tip from Mike Song, one of my favorite productivity experts. In this short demo, he shows how to use the Send Availability feature in the Outlook mobile app—something so simple, but such a game-changer. Imagine replying to a meeting request in seconds, with your available times neatly summarized and ready to go. It’s one of those little tricks that can save you time and reduce email clutter. This is just a taste of what you’ll learn in our Digital Efficiency for Administrative Excellence course. It’s not about learning more tech—it’s about using the tools you already have in smarter ways to save time, reduce stress, and boost your productivity. The last day to register is April 1st, but if you sign up by this Friday, March 28th, you can use code DIGITAL100 for $100 off your registration: https://bit.ly/4kSdxYh.

I’m honored to feature Deanna Danger, CWCA, CESP in our Shining Star series, celebrating administrative professionals who go above and beyond in their careers. Deanna has built an incredible journey in the profession, now being Community Relations Manager at the American Society of Administrative Professionals. What makes her story remarkable is her unwavering dedication to growth—both in herself and in those around her. She has spent years mentoring and uplifting other administrative professionals, helping them build confidence, develop leadership skills, and step into their full potential. She’s a passionate advocate for professional development, and her work has made a lasting impact on the industry. Her journey is filled with powerful lessons about strategic partnership, adaptability, and embracing challenges—qualities that define a true leader in this profession. If you’re looking for inspiration and real-world insights on how to thrive as an administrative professional, I highly encourage you to read Deanna’s full Q&A. She shares incredible advice on navigating career growth, building influence, and making a meaningful impact in your organization: https://bit.ly/4hyC0ir. If you're seeing one of my posts for the first time, hello! I am Joan Burge, Founder and CEO of Office Dynamics International. Follow me for more inspiring stories and insights that empower administrative professionals to thrive.

Two Powerful Women Having Lunch. The other day, I had the privilege of sitting down with my dear friend Patricia Fripp Presentation Skills Expert, a true legend in the speaking industry, for an afternoon of wisdom, laughter, and reflection. Conversations with Patricia are never just conversations—they are masterclasses in storytelling, strategy, and success. We celebrated our recent milestones—Patricia rocked the stage at THRIVE, the National Speakers Association Winter Workshop, where she once again proved why she is one of the most influential voices in the speaking world. And for me, being named a Vegas Inc. C-Suite Honoree after nearly 35 years of championing the administrative profession is a humbling and deeply meaningful moment. But beyond the accolades and the achievements, what stands out most to me is the power of strong, driven women lifting each other up. Patricia has been an incredible mentor and friend, someone who challenges me to think bigger and push boundaries. Our lunch was a reminder that true success isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about bringing others with you, sharing knowledge, and continuing to grow. Grateful for moments like these, for friendships that inspire, and for the opportunity to keep making an impact. Here’s to women who lead boldly, speak with confidence, and never stop learning!

As assistants, we know that time is our most valuable asset—and mastering scheduling is an art form. Now, I want to see your best strategies in action! Office Dynamics International is hosting a #SchedulingChallenge exclusively for members of our Assistant Exchange Facebook group, where administrative professionals share insights, best practices, and career-boosting advice. HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Drop your most effective scheduling tip, template, or process in the comments of our challenge post. Got a foolproof way to manage executive calendars? A prioritization trick that never fails? A scheduling hack that keeps everything running seamlessly? Share it with us! Bonus points for visuals! PRIZES: Grand Prize: A free E-Learning course of your choice: https://bit.ly/4c3IuEz Runner-Up Prize: A free eBook written by me! Choose from nine insightful titles: https://bit.ly/4iDw9cA DEADLINE: Submit your entry by Wednesday, March 26 to be considered. This challenge is EXCLUSIVELY for members of our free Assistant Exchange Facebook group! This is a space for administrative professionals to connect, share expertise, and learn from one another. If you're not a member yet, join here: https://bit.ly/3RkzWj8. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your scheduling skills, inspire others, and win some fantastic prizes!

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of delivering onsite training to countless administrative professionals, and every time, I’m reminded of the power of in-person connection. It’s not just about the content—it’s about the energy in the room, the shared experiences, and the moments of real transformation that happen when people come together to learn. I’ve seen assistants walk into a session feeling unsure, hesitant to speak up—and leave more confident, more capable, and more empowered than they ever thought possible. I’ve watched teams strengthen their communication, build trust, and discover new ways to collaborate that make a lasting impact on their organizations. That’s the power of learning in person. And that’s why I will always believe in the value of onsite training. If your organization is ready to invest in your administrative team and elevate their skills, let’s bring this experience to you. Learn more about our onsite training programs: https://bit.ly/4l16pIR.

Administrative professionals are the driving force behind successful teams, and staying ahead requires more than just keeping up—it’s about leading with confidence, adaptability, and vision. That’s why having quick, powerful reminders can make all the difference in how you approach your career. ? Rising to the Top: Success begins with how you see yourself. Envision the professional you want to be, reinforce that mindset daily, and take action that aligns with your highest potential. Growth isn’t about where you’ve been—it’s about where you’re going. ? Preparing for the Future: The workplace is constantly evolving, and the most successful assistants evolve with it. Set clear goals, invest in your development, and be the person who takes initiative, adapts quickly, and leads with confidence. ? Managing Attitudes: Your mindset shapes your success. Focus on the positives, manage challenges with resilience, and keep your perspective in check. When you lead with a strong, solution-focused attitude, you elevate both yourself and those around you. The best assistants don’t just support—they inspire, influence, and make an impact. Keep reaching higher, refining your skills, and pushing yourself to new levels of excellence. For more career-boosting insights, download the full set of 100 Star Savers for Administrative Assistants: https://bit.ly/4iKgl7F #AdministrativeProfessionals #ExecutiveAssistants #CareerExcellence

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned—and one I see assistants struggle with—is how to handle conflict with professionalism and confidence. At the 31st Conference for Administrative Excellence, Kayla Hutchens, CESP, CWCA, ACEA, CEAP shared a powerful insight: You can’t win an argument with emotions—you need facts and collaboration. It’s easy to get caught up in the frustration of working with a toxic or misaligned manager, but you don’t have to let that define your experience. The key is knowing how to communicate effectively, set boundaries, and protect your own well-being—without getting pulled into the negativity. If you’ve ever struggled with a difficult leader or workplace dynamics, Kayla’s guide, "Strategies for Dealing with Toxic or Misaligned Managers," is a must-read. It’s packed with real-world strategies to help you navigate tough conversations, build influence, and take control of your career: https://bit.ly/4hBn56V.