Unlocking Your Value

We talk a lot about "adding value" in the Administrative profession.

But let’s be honest, how often do we really define what that value is?

I tackled this question on a live panel discussion in London with my CVO (Chief Value Officer), whom I work with, our session was entitled: EA & C-Suite Partnership Fireside Chat: Unlocking Value and Driving Impact. And one key theme kept surfacing? Executive Assistants are not just “support.” We are strategic partners!

But here’s the catch, because it can't be that simple, can it....if you can’t articulate your value, you can’t expect others to see it.

If your executive can clearly define their Unique Value Proposition (UVP), why can’t you?

The Visibility Gap: Why Assistants Struggle to Define Their Value

Picture this: Someone asks your executive, “What do you do?”They likely have a polished, confident response that rolls off the tongue.But if someone asks YOU, “What do you do as an EA?” … do you hesitate?

I did.

For years, I gave answers like:

“Oh, a bit of everything.”

“I make things run smoothly behind the scenes.”

“I keep my Exec organised.”

And that was my first mistake. I was undermining my own expertise before I even got the chance to showcase it.

On the live panel discussion, we discussed how Assistants need a Unique Value Proposition (UVP) just like executives and companies do. Because if you can’t clearly define the value you bring, how can you expect to be recognised as a strategic partner?

The Assistant UVP Formula: Define Your Impact in One Sentence

Here’s a simple framework that transformed how I communicate my value:

?? I help [WHO] achieve [WHAT] by [HOW].

For example:

“I help senior leaders drive strategic efficiency by optimising workflows and unlocking time for high-impact decisions.”

It’s clear. It’s compelling. And most importantly, it positions you as an expert, not a helper.

Try creating your own UVP and watch how differently people react when you introduce yourself at meetings, events, or even in your next performance review.

Beyond the Job Title: Reframing Your Role as a Strategic Partner

At the event, we discussed another common roadblock for Assistants: Job titles!

So many of us tie our progression to a change of title like: Administrative Assistant → Executive Assistant → Strategic Business Partner → Chief of Staff and so on... I get it, there is some argument that job titles DO matter, as the rest of the world is obsessed with hierarchy but it was interesting to hear from my Executive that they still see your value even if you are not happy with your current job title. As long as they know about your value, and for me, as long as the pay and opportunities to progress reflect the value and effort you are putting in, I am on the fence with this one

But a job title alone won’t change how you are perceived.

What does?

? Visibility: Speaking up, being present, and making your expertise known.

? Communication: Articulating your UVP with confidence.

? Mindset Shift: Stepping out of the "assistant" box and into a strategic leadership mindset.

Executives value impact first, not a quick job title change. So start by demonstrating impact before waiting for that title change - with every change there must be a process, right?

The Takeaway: Own Your Value & Speak Up

1. Stop saying “I do a bit of everything.”
2. Start defining your unique value proposition.
3. Step into your strategic role with confidence.

?? Your voice matters.

Your impact is measurable. Your role is evolving. Make sure you’re driving that change, not waiting for permission.

So, tell me...what’s YOUR Unique Value Proposition? Drop it in the comments below! ??

P.S. If this resonated, let’s stay connected. Follow me for more insights on how EAs can elevate their careers. Hit the ?? on my profile to get notified when I post next!

Jodie