Ep98: Trusted or Relied Upon? Why the Difference Matters for EAs

In Ep98 of The EA Campus Podcast we discuss the question trusted or relied upon? Why the difference matters for EAs. As Executive Assistants, many of us become the person everybody depends on. We manage the details, keep things moving, solve problems quickly, and often hold together far more than people realise.

But there’s an important difference between being relied upon and being trusted.

In ep98 of The EA Campus Podcast, Nicky Christmas explores how trust develops in the EA role, why being operationally dependable can sometimes keep us stuck in reactive working patterns, and how stronger Executive partnerships are built through communication, consistency, visibility, and confidence in our thinking.

In Ep98 we look at: 

• Why trust and reliance are not the same thing
• How EAs become operationally central in organisations
• The shift from task support into strategic partnership
• The small behaviours that build Executive confidence over time
• Why many experienced EAs already have more influence than they realise

If you’ve ever felt like your Executive depends on you for everything, but you still want more autonomy, visibility, or strategic involvement, this episode is for you.

Show Notes for Ep98

Resources and links:

• The article discussed in this episode

Read more from The EA Campus:

• 10 Micro-Behaviours That Build Executive Trust 
• From Task Manager to Trusted Partner: Building a Strategic Relationship with Your Executive
• Inspiring Trust in Your EA Work
• Strategic Business Partner Online Course
• Upcoming EA Campus Events