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The Invisible Ceiling You Didn’t Know You Were Hitting (Until Now)

The Invisible Ceiling You Didn’t Know You Were Hitting (Until Now)

The Strategic Assistant Revolution Continues

Joshua Washington
June 26, 2025

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou

Hey EA-Pros Community,

There’s something no one talks about enough at the senior EA level:

You can be at the top of your performance… and still feel invisible.

Because strategy isn’t just in your output, it’s in how you’re perceived.

This week’s edition isn’t about a tool or a certification. It’s about power positioning:

how to subtly, consistently elevate the perception of your role, without ever needing to “prove” yourself.

Let’s get into the good stuff.

Joshua

🧠 Feature Insight

Emotional Presence = Power Presence

When executives think of “strategic,” they often don’t realize it’s emotional intelligence driving their best moves:

✅ Reading a room and diffusing tension before it escalates,

✅ Reframing decisions in a way that gets buy-in,

✅ Staying calm when chaos is knocking.

But most assistants don’t realize this is a strategic asset, and they don’t claim it.

🔑 Here’s your reframe:

Emotional regulation isn’t “support”, it’s silent executive leadership.

And the moment you name it, own it, and reflect it in your language with execs.

You shift from “extra pair of hands” to unspoken force behind the clarity.

🛠️ Strategic Skill Drop

The Power Mirror Method

A simple 5-minute reflection practice for EAs leveling up their leadership presence

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: The Trigger Tracker

Each time you’re emotionally triggered during the workday (overlooked, dismissed, interrupted), jot down the event in a “Trigger Log.”

Step 2: The Mirror Flip

For each trigger, ask:

What was I actually seeking in that moment? (Validation? Clarity? Control?)
How could I reframe or lead from that need next time, strategically?

Step 3: Redirect the Narrative

In your next 1:1, use what you’ve learned to proactively shape perception.

📌 Example: “One area I’m being intentional about is staying outcomes-focused when tension runs high, especially when projects get compressed.”

This small shift builds emotional authority and gets noticed.

🧠 Executive Coaching Corner

Language That Commands Respect

Here are 3 subtle language upgrades that change how you’re seen, starting today:

❌ Instead of saying…

✅ Say this instead…

“I just wanted to check…”

“Here’s what we’re tracking.”

“Let me know if that’s okay.”

“This aligns with the goal. Let’s confirm next steps.”

“I’m happy to do whatever you need.”

“Here’s where I can add the most value.”

Words are currency, and you’re undercharging.

🚨 BREAKING THE LADDER: A Free Career Transformation Event for Senior-Level Assistants

📅 Wednesday, July 9 | 🕚 11:00 AM EST

The truth? Most career ladders weren’t built for you.

You’ve mastered the unspoken skills. You’ve carried teams. You’ve done the invisible work that keeps entire organizations running. But you’re still waiting for permission to advance.

It’s time to stop waiting.

In this no-fluff, power-packed free training built only for senior-level assistants, you’ll learn how to:

Redefine what advancement looks like for you
Leverage your strategic gift to create your path
Walk away with an action plan that makes your value undeniable

If the traditional ladder doesn’t fit, you break it.

🔥 Seats are limited and filling fast.

📌 P.S.

If this newsletter made you pause, reflect, or rethink your power, forward it to another assistant who deserves more.

We rise faster when we rise together.

With respect and belief in you,

Joshua