Optimized EA, LLC | Virtual Executive Assistance

Running a business is a wild ride—full of wins, faceplants, and lessons in between. This recognition means so much because it comes from the small business community itself - the same business I work with every day! And, of course, a huge shoutout to @Alignable for creating a space where small business owners can connect, collaborate, and grow together. If you’ve been part of my journey—thank you. If we haven’t connected yet—let’s change that. #Alignable #BusinessPersonOfTheYear #SmallBusinessSuccess #Entrepreneurship #Grateful

Let’s Build Something Great—Together! Running a business comes with a lot of unknowns—but what if you had a network that actually shared the real stuff? The strategies that work, the mistakes to avoid, and the tools to make running your business easier. That’s exactly why I created the OEA Network—a space where I share insights from working behind the scenes of businesses across industries, lessons learned (the good, the bad, and the “Oh, sh!t!” moments), and resources you can actually use. ? Now, get the Non-Negotiable Playbook when you join, a favorite among clients. ?? Join for free: buff.ly/4hXQ2v0 Let’s grow, learn, and maybe even laugh a little along the way. Who’s in? ?? #SmallBusinessSupport #EntrepreneurLife #WorkSmarter

The list of corporations turning their backs on DEI includes some of the biggest names in the world and it just keeps growing: -> Google – Cutting back DEI programming and staff. -> Accenture – Major rollbacks in DEI hiring and support programs. -> Meta – Quietly scaling back diversity initiatives. -> Target – Reduced DEI-focused roles. -> Walmart – Deprioritizing diversity hiring programs. -> McDonald's – Ending several DEI commitments. -> Microsoft – Cut DEI roles in mass layoffs. -> Zoom – Rolled back public commitments to DEI. -> Winston & Strawn (Law Firm) – Facing lawsuits around affirmative action. -> Deloitte US – Instructed staff to remove pronouns from email signatures and scaled back DEI initiatives. -> Amazon – Scaling back DEI commitments. -> Ford – Walking back DEI policies. -> Lowe's – Reducing DEI-related sponsorships and events. -> Harley-Davidson – Pulling back on DEI initiatives. -> John Deere – Halting certain diversity practices. -> Boeing – Dismantling DEI team. -> Disney – Revising content warnings and retreating from DEI efforts. The wave of corporate retreat from DEI follows Donald Trump’s executive order dismantling diversity initiatives in federal agencies, which placed all DEI staffers on leave while their departments were disbanded. The same companies that ?? profited ?? from DEI marketing and diversity initiatives are now caving to political pressure. These programs fostered inclusive workplaces, improved business outcomes, and ensured historically marginalized groups had a fair shot at success. And yet, despite this retreat, the majority of Americans—61%—support DEI efforts. (Reuters) So why are companies so quick to abandon these values? ?? Because a vocal minority is louder than the silent majority. ?? So, what can you do? ????Support businesses that prioritize DEI and other social initiatives. Costco has maintained their diversity commitments and are trending on social media for their courage. ????Speak out. Social media campaigns pressured these corporations into abandoning DEI; we can just as easily pressure them into reinstating it. Corporate America is at a crossroads. What are we okay with allowing to happen? What future do we want for ourselves and future generations?

Check out this insightful post by our owner, Khris!

Why Do Women Undervalue Themselves? Have you ever hesitated to charge your worth? I have—more times than I’d like to admit. In fact, just today, I was ready to throw in a hefty discount because I worried the value in my work wasn't apparent. This wasn't the first time, and I'm sure it won't be the last. (Thankfully, I work with amazing folks. My reaction was unnecessary—which led to this post.) No matter how much experience I gain, how superior my skills are, or how great the outcomes are, there’s a quiet voice whispering, “Am I really worth that?” I’m not alone, and I’m betting you’ve heard that pesky voice too. I work largely with women, and I see the same struggle play out over and over: ?? A brilliant business consultant who gets visibly anxious when it’s time to talk numbers in her pitch deck. ?? An ingenious educational coach who’s fully aware that other consultants charge significantly more but can’t bring herself to ask for the same. ?? An accomplished surgeon/medical consultant who wasn’t comfortable advocating for herself or negotiating a raise. (Spoiler: I took over negotiations and easily secured a $500/hr increase —which, in turn, gave her the confidence to continue negotiating increases herself. ??) ?? A gifted author, speaker, & consultant who grapples with pricing and keeps templates to respond to people who question her fees. Not because she needs to lower her rates, but because that doubt still creeps in. ?? Meanwhile, I rarely witness men question their baseline worth. ?? This isn’t just a “me” problem. And it’s not just anecdotal: ?? Women-owned businesses earn 58% less than those owned by men, even when controlling for similar industries. (Amex State Businesses Report) ?? In salary negotiations, men are four times more likely to negotiate their starting salary than women, leading to higher starting pay. (Glassdoor Economic Research) ?? Even in entrepreneurship, only 2% of venture capital funding goes to women-led startups. (Harvard Business Review) So, why do women undervalue themselves? It’s rooted in systemic biases, cultural conditioning, and the fear of being labeled as “too much.” We’re taught to be agreeable, grateful, and accommodating—traits that don’t align with negotiating or self-advocacy. So, what can we do differently? ?? Share pricing openly with peers to set realistic benchmarks. ?? Practice self-advocacy like any other skill—because it *is* a skill. ?? Anchor your value in outcomes. Your worth isn’t tied to how long something takes but the impact it creates. (This one remains the most difficult for me.) ?? When that voice says, “You’re charging too much,” ask, “Says who?” Have you ever struggled to charge your worth? What helped you push past it—or what’s still holding you back? Your story might be exactly what someone needs to hear. #KnowYourWorth #ChargeYourWorth #ValueYourWorth #WomenInBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #FemaleLeadership #WomenEmpowerment #WomenWhoLead

Check out these 50 Witty and Fun Email Sign Offs curated just for professionals and get a giggle every time you send an email (and probably some smiles from your co-workers, too!)

As Half of America Celebrates and the Other Half Holds Its Breath, We Choose to Honor MLK As the nation watches the transition of leadership, we've focused on putting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the forefront of the day. Dr. King's unwavering belief in the power of service, equity, and creating opportunities for all serves as a powerful reminder that progress is built on unity, perseverance, and justice. We’re inspired by Dr. King’s vision every day—supporting businesses with integrity, empowering entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams, and striving to create a better, more inclusive world through the work we do. Let’s take this day to reflect on the values that unite us and the steps we can take to continue Dr. King’s legacy of positive change. #MLKDay #EquityAndOpportunity #LeadWithPurpose #OptimizedEA

Embrace the power of taking small steps to propel yourself forward! Progress is made by consistently moving in the right direction. Remember, success is a journey, not a destination. Stay focused and keep pushing forward. Embracing small steps is key to progress and success. Each small step you take, no matter how seemingly insignificant, propels you forward toward your goals. Remember, it's the cumulative effect of these small actions that truly make a difference. Keep moving forward with determination and focus, knowing that every step counts. #Progress #Success #Persistence #GoalSetting #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset Remember, every little step forward, no matter how small, is progress toward your goals. Stay positive and resilient, and you will get there. Take advantage of our virtual executive assistant services to ensure your business growth progresses smoothly. #StayConnectedWithUs #VirtualExecutiveAssistant #OptimizedEA

Welcome to the team of Executive Assistant Support Specialists. Your expertise and dedication are the keys to our collective success. We are thrilled to welcome you to the team of Executive Assistant Support Specialists. Your expertise and unwavering dedication are vital components in driving our collective success forward. Your valuable skills and commitment will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. It is through the collaborative efforts of individuals like yourself that we can achieve our goals and surpass expectations. Together, we will navigate challenges, celebrate victories, and continuously strive for excellence in all that we do. Thank you for being an integral part of our team. #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork #SuccessInUnity #EA-SupportSpecialist #VirtualExecutiveAssistant #OEA

Together we can make a difference! Let's work together towards a brighter future with our collective efforts and dedication. By joining forces, we can achieve remarkable outcomes that will benefit us all. Together, we are stronger and more capable of making a positive impact on the world around us. Success is not just about business - it is about making the world a better place. Embracing a socially responsible approach can lead to long-term positive impacts on both society and the bottom line. By integrating sustainability practices into our operations, we can contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come. Let's strive for success that goes beyond profits and encompasses positive change for the world. #Teamwork #Collaboration #PositiveImpact #StrongerTogether #BrighterFuture #CollectiveEffort #RemarkableOutcomes #SocialResponsibility #Sustainability #PositiveImpact #SustainableFuture #BeyondProfits #ChangeForGood #BusinessForGood #VirtualExecutiveAssistant #OptimizedEA #OEA