This article is part of a series published on our LinkedIn account by guest writers. Today's article was written by Andrea Kömöcz, IMA Norway  on 8th October 2024.

As an Executive Assistant, I’ve had the chance to work closely with Senior Vice Presidents (SVPs) and other top executives. These opportunities have brought me into meetings where key decisions are made, strategies are discussed, and leadership happens. Yet, despite these opportunities, I often find myself facing a challenge—speaking up. 

In many of these meetings, I feel like I don’t belong. Even though I know my role is important, I often question whether my voice matters as much as those around me. I find myself thinking, “Do I really deserve to be here?” 

This feeling is something many Executive Assistants experience. We often work behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly. But when it comes to sharing our ideas in rooms full of senior leaders, it can be hard to feel confident. We might think our contributions are less important because we’re not in the same "power position." 

Why do I feel this way? 

When I look back, I realize that a lot of my insecurity comes from a mix of cultural and personal experiences. Growing up, I was taught to be respectful and not challenge authority. While these values are good, they’ve made it harder for me to speak up when I feel out of place. 

Past experiences at work have also shaped this feeling. Early in my career, I thought executives “knew better,” and my role was just to support them quietly. Over time, this led me to underestimate the value I bring and to place others on a pedestal. 

The EA Paradox 

Here’s the irony: as Executive Assistants, we are in a unique position. We see the inner workings of leadership, and we understand how decisions are made and what makes the organization tick. We know the details that others might miss and often have insights that could really help. 

But despite this, we sometimes struggle to feel like we have the right to speak up. It’s like a paradox—we have valuable knowledge, but we feel too small to share it. 

This is something many EAs experience, and it’s often linked to imposter syndrome—the feeling that we’re not good enough, even when we clearly are. It’s easy to look at the executives we support and think they know so much more or that they deserve their spot at the table, while we don’t. 

Overcoming the fear of speaking up 

So how do we, as Executive Assistants, overcome this fear? Here are a few things I’ve been working on: 

· Recognize your value: First, we have to remind ourselves that our insights matter. We’re not just there to support—we’re there to contribute to the bigger picture. Our knowledge of the organization is key, and we have a voice that needs to be heard. 

· Build confidence step by step: Confidence doesn’t come all at once. Start small—by speaking up in team meetings or asking questions. Every time you do, you’ll get a little more comfortable with sharing your voice. 

· Change your mindset: Instead of thinking of yourself as “less than” others, remind yourself that everyone is working toward the same goals. Leaders value collaboration, and your ideas can help move things forward. 

· Support from fellow EAs: Talking to other Executive Assistants who feel the same way can help a lot. When we share our struggles and successes, it builds a sense of community and support that makes speaking up feel less daunting. 

Moving Forward 

I’m still working on this, and it’s a process. But with each chance I get to speak up, I remind myself that I belong in those rooms. I have something important to offer. Sometimes, it’s incredibly frustrating—I get so angry at myself, and it feels awkward and weird. I doubt every word that comes out of my mouth. But I’m learning to push through that discomfort, and each time, it gets a little bit easier. 

The discomfort doesn’t mean I’m out of place—it means I’m growing. 

For those of you who’ve felt this way, you’re not alone. The role of the Executive Assistant is changing, and we have more opportunities than ever to make an impact. It’s about taking that step and trusting that our voices are worth hearing. 

Final thoughts 

As Executive Assistants, we’re more than just support—we’re strategic partners. Speaking up is not about proving your worth; it’s about recognizing that you already have value. Whether it’s in meetings, 1:1 discussions, or day-to-day work, your perspective matters. 

How do you handle these feelings of doubt in front of leadership? I’d love to hear your experiences and tips. 

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This article is penned by Andrea Kömöcz, Management Support at Equinor and member of IMA Norway. 

The Guest Writer series features contributions from IMA members worldwide, showcasing the diverse experiences and expertise of management assistants within our network. Each piece offers unique perspectives, practical advice, and personal reflections from professionals in the field. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author. 

 

 

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