Beyond the Calendar
How an Executive Assistant Shapes Leadership and Lifts Others Along the Way
Débora Gittens
I didn’t always see the executive assistant role as an influential one. Early on, I thought success meant staying organized, being responsive, and keeping things running smoothly. Over time, I realized the job is much deeper than that. I’m not just managing a calendar — I’m helping shape how a leader shows up every day. I’ve learned to anticipate needs before they’re spoken, read the room, and protect time and energy as though they are limited resources. That shift in perspective changed how I approach my work and how I see my value.
There’s a balance I’ve had to grow into — being confident enough to speak up, yet grounded enough to know when to listen. I’ve had moments where I needed to challenge a decision or redirect a conversation, and those situations are not always easy. But trust is built in those moments. Being consistent, following through, and remaining solutions-focused has opened doors for me that I never expected. I’ve learned that influence doesn’t always come with a title; it comes from how you show up, day after day.
One of the most meaningful aspects of this role has been the opportunity to support other women. Because of where I sit, I often see things others don’t — who is being overlooked, whose ideas are not being heard, or where someone simply needs encouragement. I try to be intentional about using my voice to lift others up, whether that means advocating for someone in a meeting or simply checking in and sharing what I’ve learned along the way. It’s not always big or visible, but it matters.
At this point in my career, I see being an executive assistant as more than a job; it’s a position of influence. I take pride in being someone others can rely on, but also someone who creates space for others to grow. When we begin to recognize the impact we have — not just on the leaders we support, but on the people around us — the role becomes something greater.
For me, success isn’t just about what I accomplish; it’s about how many others I bring along with me.
