From project coordination to the Chief of Staff seat, Kartia Giorgi has built her career around turning complexity into clarity and coordination into true business impact.
In this episode, Kartia walks us through her journey from her early days as a Team Coordinator, through senior operations and people leadership roles, to her current work as a Chief of Staff. Along the way, she shares the playbook moves, lessons, and templates that have defined her approach to strategic operations.
You’ll hear about:
🚀 The turning point where “coordination” became “influence”
🛠️ The project management tools she still relies on as a CoS
📊 How to shift from task velocity to business outcomes
🤝 Building alignment across cross-functional teams and stakeholders
🔑 Defining the Chief of Staff remit and what to prioritise in the first 90 days
💡 Common pitfalls for new CoS hires and how to avoid them
🎯 How EAs and project coordinators can build a credible pathway into operations and CoS roles
Kartia also opens up about lessons learned the hard way, how she protects focus time, and the underrated strengths that have carried her from coordination to executive influence.
Whether you’re an EA, project coordinator, or aspiring Chief of Staff, this conversation is packed with practical insights and career-defining advice.
✨ Tune in now to The Admin Avenues Podcast and learn how to elevate your operator’s toolkit into a seat at the strategic table.
In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, I sit down with Anu Lamba, Executive Assistant to Country Head of Operations at Amazon, to explore the purpose, growth, and recognition that come with a career in the admin profession.
Anu shares her inspiring journey - from moving to Australia, starting a family, and building a new career in a new country, to thriving in high-pressure executive support roles at global companies like Amazon and Microsoft. We talk about the challenges she faced, the resilience she built, and the mindset that has kept her confident in choosing the admin path, even when others didn’t understand it.
We also dive into what life is really like as an EA in a fast-paced corporate environment, the tools and strategies that keep her on top of competing priorities, and why she’s such a passionate advocate for the profession.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
This conversation is a powerful reminder that admin professionals are more than just support - they’re strategic, resilient, and capable of incredible impact.
Quick Links:
To connect with Anu, hit her up on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anu-lamba-210331b/
Gisele Karame-Kemp has served as Executive Assistant to Lachlan Murdoch (News Corp) and Scott Farquhar (Atlassian), later leading a global team of EAs/AAs at Atlassian. Most recently, she’s stepped into Workplace Experience - highlighting how EA skills translate into diverse leadership pathways.
In this episode, Gisele talks through her incredible career, the importance of mentoring, and why she left admin to work in her new Workplace Experience role at one of the largest tech companies in the world.
We explore what truly changes when you move from supporting Chairman and CEOs to taking a step back in the business. We talk through how to earn trust at the highest levels, and why a non-linear career can be your biggest advantage.
In this episode, you’ll learn
Easy Links:
To connect with Gisele - hit her up on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisele-karame-kemp
The book Gisele recommended was: https://www.oliverburkeman.com/meditationsformortals
The app Gisele recommended was: https://www.wakingup.com/
If this episode helped you, share it with an admin friend, subscribe, and leave a review.
Got questions or a topic you want us to cover? Drop us a DM or comment.
From early admin roles to senior strategic support and entrepreneurship, Kiara Filardi has built a career defined by initiative, influence, and impact. In this conversation, Kiara shares how adopting a business partner mindset elevates the EA role, why mentorship is a career multiplier, and the habits that keep you steady when priorities move at pace. We also explore her vision for AIOP NSW and how community accelerates professional growth.
In this episode, you’ll learn
Love the episode? Follow/subscribe, leave a quick rating, and share it with an admin who’d benefit.
Easy Links:
Tamara (TJ) shares how she turned recognition into real-world impact as AIOP’s Hunter Region Division President. From earning influence without authority to designing a career that works for family life, TJ unpacks the systems, boundaries and mindset that keep momentum going - especially when work gets busy. We also chat about the new AIOP Mentor Program (launching 2026), practical professional development strategies, and the future-ready skills every admin should practise now.
In this episode, you’ll learn
Love this conversation?
Join AIOP for community, PD and mentoring, and bring it into your professional development budget.
If this episode helped you, follow/subscribe, leave a quick rating, and share it with an admin who’d benefit.
Easy Links:
From fundraises and M&A to COVID, downturns and rapid pivots, Janice Parker has seen the full tech rollercoaster. Janice has worked for some of the largest tech firms globally both here in Australia and in London, UK. In this episode, Janice shares what it’s really like operating as a remote-first, strategic EA in high-growth environments, why community matters, and how she’s thinking about the road ahead as AIOP Victoria Division President (including a sneak peek at 2026).
What we cover in this episode:
Easy Links:
In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, I’m joined by Suzy Miller - CEO, AFR 100 Women of Influence, award-winning Leadership Specialist, Speaker, and Executive Coach - to talk about what it really takes for admin professionals to step into their leadership potential.
Ahead of her keynote Lead with Impact: From Admin to Leader at the Admin Avenues Conference, Suzy shares the mindset shifts, behaviours, and strategies that can help you evolve from a behind-the-scenes contributor to an influential leader - regardless of your job title.
We also dive into Suzy’s own career journey: from the experiences and choices that shaped her, to the lessons she’s learned working with leaders and teams across industries, and the work she does today helping professionals unlock their leadership strengths.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
If you’ve ever felt you’re capable of more but haven’t known how to step forward, this conversation is your permission slip to own your leadership journey.
In this episode, Candice chats with Alison Shamir as she explores the inner dialogue that holds high achievers back, and how to dismantle it for good. Alison is the Author of Conquer Your Imposter, Imposter Syndrome Expert, International Speaker & Coach.
What We Covered:
Memorable Quotes by Alison:
“Imposter syndrome isn’t your fault—but it is your responsibility to work through it.”
“You didn’t just land in that executive room by accident. Don’t talk yourself out of spaces you’ve earned.”
“Confidence thrives in motion. Fear thrives in hesitation.”
Special Highlight For Admins:
Pages 178–179 of Conquer Your Imposter specifically highlights the admin profession by Candice Burningham on how imposter syndrome shows up uniquely in our profession,
Get Alison’s book ‘Conquer Your Imposter: Dismantle the fear that undermines your success. Unlock your true potential. Free yourself from Imposter Syndrome for good’. here: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Conquer-Your-Imposter/Alison-Shamir/9781925452976
Alison’s website is: https://alisonshamir.com where you can learn about her program, coaching and how to book her for a speaking opportunity.
Connect with Alison on Linked here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-shamir-67440b17/ and on socials @alisonshamir
In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, I sit down with Samantha Cox, globally experienced executive support professional, Founder of Samantha Cox International, and former EA to Sir Richard Branson during her tenure on Necker Island.
Sam takes us inside the whirlwind world of supporting one of the most dynamic leaders on the planet, sharing the lessons she learned, the strategies she used to stay centred, and how those experiences shaped her career in high-stakes executive and VIP support.
We explore her transition from executive assistant to leading VIP guest experiences at global brands like Hard Rock Hotels and Seminole Gaming, her leap into entrepreneurship, and the exciting projects she’s working on now - including her upcoming book!
You’ll also get a sneak peek of her keynote for the Admin Avenues Conference, Calm in the Chaos: Thriving in High-Stakes Executive & VIP Support, and the mindset shifts she hopes every attendee will take away.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
This episode is packed with fascinating stories, career insights, and practical tips for thriving in the most demanding support roles - all delivered with Sam’s trademark warmth and candour.
Connect with Sam via LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthalcox
To find out more about Samantha Cox International or to connect with Sam for speaking, training or coaching click here: https://scinternational.com.au
In this episode, Candice sits down with Rachael Bonetti, a former C-suite EA turned coach, speaker, speaker, corporate trainer, mentor and advocate for admin professionals. Known for her honest, deep insights, and passion for changing the narrative, Rachael shares her journey from burnout to breakthrough, and why now is the moment for EAs to step up, stand out, and rewrite the rules.
With decades of experience supporting global CEOs, Rachael now helps admin professionals thrive with boundaries, confidence, and clarity. From her own experience walking away from burnout to building a purpose-led business, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck or striving for more.
In This Episode:
Rachael shares powerful messages for every admin professional wondering what’s next, and why your potential is bigger than your job title.
The Admin Avenues Conference:
Rachael gives us a taste of her upcoming keynote “The Next-Gen EA”, which she’ll be presenting at the Admin Avenues Conference on Monday 20 October in Sydney. She breaks down:
More details on the conference here:https://www.eventcreate.com/e/adminavenuesconference
AIOP Awards Gala:
We also chat about the return of the national AIOP Awards and why it’s time to celebrate admin excellence on a grand stage once again. If you haven’t nominated yet - get cracking here:https://www.cognitoforms.com/AustralianInstituteOfOfficeProfessionals/_2025AustralianInstituteOfOfficeProfessionalsAwards
Connect with Rachael Bonetti:
In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, I sit down with Heather Batchelor FAIOP, a true stalwart of the admin profession with an incredible 40-year career - to talk about leadership, legacy, and breathing new life into one of Australia’s oldest professional associations, the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP).
Heather opens up about her journey from her first admin role to becoming National President of AIOP during one of its most challenging chapters. She shares the bold decisions, difficult changes, and strategic partnerships that helped turn things around, and why collaboration across the admin profession is key to its future.
This conversation is full of insights, history, and inspiration for anyone passionate about elevating our profession.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
If you care about legacy, leadership, and making an impact in your profession, you’ll love this episode.
Listen now and be inspired to lead change in your own corner of the admin world.
To learn more about AIOP - click here: https://aiop.com.au
To find out more about the AIOP Awards - click here:https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2025-aiop-awards-gala-dinner
To nominate an Australian admin for the 2025 AIOP awards - click here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/AustralianInstituteOfOfficeProfessionals/_2025AustralianInstituteOfOfficeProfessionalsAwards
To see the AIOP video of the Brisbane event (proudly shot by our sponsors of this AIOP event Tempus Media) - click here: https://aiop.com.au/resources/AIOP-Website%20Members%20Video.mp4
You can connect with Heather on her LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-batchelor-faiop-77002b35/
In this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, we sit down with Ruth Kilah, Founder of Hoxton Hyde, Executive Coach, Consultant and Advocate for Admin Excellence. We sat down to talk about what it really takes to future-proof your admin career.
Ruth is a career coach and mentor who helps experienced Executive Assistants move into higher-level roles where they can grow their income, influence, and impact. Through her coaching, she empowers admin professionals to gain clarity, strengthen strategic thinking, and communicate their value with confidence.
Fun fact: We recorded this episode a few months ago, and during our chat, Ruth mentioned one of her dreams was to land a speaking gig in the USA. The very next day (not even kidding) she got an email from an American company inviting her to speak in the USA. Now that’s what we call fast manifesting!
Join us as we explore Ruth’s inspiring journey from EA to business founder, the mission behind Hoxton Hyde, and her top insights on building visibility, leadership, and resilience in today’s evolving world of work.
In This Episode:
Ruth shares her best piece of advice for any EA or admin professional feeling unsure about the next chapter in their career, and how to reconnect with your value and potential.
Ruth’s link to ‘3 Ways To Communicate Your Value For Career Growth: https://www.hoxtonhyde.com.au/3WaysToCommunicateYourValueForCareerGrowth
To connect with Ruth Kilah and explore coaching and resources at Hoxton Hyde: https://www.hoxtonhyde.com.au
Follow Ruth on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-kilah/
In this inspiring episode, Candice sits down with Kristine Niven, a purpose-driven Executive Assistant who’s making waves in the education sector. Kristine currently supports the Associate Principal at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar, one of Melbourne’s leading independent schools, and is also the visionary behind EAs in Education, a professional learning network designed to uplift and connect administrative professionals in schools across Australia.
From navigating the dynamic demands of a school environment to founding a thriving peer community, Kristine shares her journey with warmth, wisdom, and heart. You’ll hear how she transitioned from the legal and health sectors into education, why relationships are the cornerstone of her leadership style, and what makes tailored development so crucial for school-based EAs.
In this episode, we cover:
🔹 What it’s really like being an EA in a school setting
🔹 The story behind founding EAs in Education
🔹 The differences between corporate and education admin roles
🔹 The power of relationships in high-trust school communities
🔹 Kristine’s role as AIOP’s National Education Director
Connect with Kristine & EAs in Education:
💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristineniven
🌐 Website https://easineducation.com.au/about
Liked the episode?
Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and follow The Admin Avenues Podcast for more inspiring conversations with Australia’s leading admin professionals.
Meet Chelsea Lewis, Executive Assistant and Office Manager at Zimmermann, the global luxury fashion brand.
Ever wondered what happens when high-level executive support meets luxury fashion and entrepreneurial drive? Chelsea shares her inspiring journey, from receptionist to C-suite EA, founder of her own business, and now, a soon-to-be mum.
With experience across music, media, and fashion, supporting celebrity HNWIs and senior leaders, Chelsea has done the full admin career journey, and she’s here to share the lessons learned along the way.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
If you’re an admin professional ready to shake up your career, start something on the side, or simply hear a real and relatable success story - this episode is for you.
👉 Subscribe to The Admin Avenues Podcast for more inspiring stories from those shaping the admin profession in Australia
🔗 Share this episode with a fellow admin who’d love to hear Chelsea’s story
💼 Connect with Chelsea Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-lewis-b08672b9/
I get asked all the time: “What is GIFTA Benefits?” And honestly, it’s not something I can explain in just one sentence. So I sat down with our sponsor and GIFTA Benefits Co-Founder, Dion Bastian, to let him explain it in full.
Dion shares his journey from engineering in the mines to co-founding one of Australia’s leading rewards and benefits platforms. Along the way, he discovered what many of us already know, admin professionals are the real power players when it comes to workplace culture, loyalty, and wellbeing.
🎧 In this episode, we discuss:
Dion’s pivot from mining to tech, and how it sparked the idea for GIFTA Benefits
Why admin professionals are key decision-makers (and who opened Dion’s eyes to this!)
What sets GIFTA Benefits apart from traditional perks platforms
How companies are using GIFTA to drive engagement, morale, and retention
The power of meaningful recognition, from wellbeing rewards to “the gift of time”
Emerging trends in employee benefits, including green rewards and experience-based perks
How admins can easily champion and customise GIFTA Benefits in their own workplaces
✨ You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what GIFTA Benefits is all about, why they’re so passionate about recognising admin professionals, and why we love working with the GIFTA team!
👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Admin Avenues Podcast, share it with your team, and explore how GIFTA Benefits can support your people.
🔗 Learn more: https://www.giftabenefits.com
💼 Connect with Dion Bastian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dion-bastian-571011a4/
Welcome to The Admin Avenues Podcast!
In each episode, I’ll be chatting with inspiring Australian admin professionals, expert advisors, and a few surprise guests you won’t want to miss.
No matter where your admin career has taken you, this is your space to learn, grow, and connect with the people shaping the future of our profession.
Expect real stories, practical insights, and expert advice to help you thrive, whether you're just starting out or leading at the top.
We’re also here to celebrate the Australian admin community, because admins are at the heart of every successful business.
Let’s shape the future of admin in Australia, one conversation at a time.
🎧 Subscribe now and don’t miss a moment. New episodes coming soon!
Visit adminavenues.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @adminavenues
