Kahla Krog

I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, a willingness to step outside my comfort zone, and the relationships I’ve built throughout my career. I’ve always believed in putting myself out there—connecting with colleagues at all levels of an organization, offering support whenever I can, and building genuine relationships. You never know where an opportunity, mentorship, or partnership may come from.

I also believe in starting where you are and consistently working toward the next opportunity. I began my career in an entry-level role and have continuously sought ways to learn, grow, and add value. That commitment to growth has allowed me to advance across multiple industries and exceed personal career goals, including reaching a six-figure income by age 36—four years earlier than I had originally planned.

Most importantly, I focus on being someone people can trust and rely on. Whether it’s solving a problem, supporting a leader, or helping a colleague, I’ve found that strong relationships and a reputation for getting things done create opportunities that hard work alone cannot.

The best career advice I’ve received is to never undervalue yourself. Early in my career, I was hard on myself for not finishing college and earning a degree. It would have been easy to let that define my future, but instead, I chose to focus on what I could control—my work ethic, attitude, and willingness to learn.

I set ambitious goals for myself and trusted that I could achieve them through hard work and perseverance.

That experience taught me that your career is not defined by a single decision, setback, or credential. Don’t put limits on yourself based on what you think you’re supposed to have. Know your value, advocate for yourself, and don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities that may feel just beyond your reach. Often, you’re more capable than you give yourself credit for.

Never think a task is too small or “someone else’s job.” Some of the most valuable skills I’ve gained came from taking on responsibilities that weren’t listed in my job description. Every opportunity to help, learn, or contribute prepares you for your next role—even if you don’t realize it at the time.

Early in my career, I focused on being the person who would step up, figure things out, and support the team wherever needed. Going above and beyond not only helped me develop new skills, but it also built trust and opened doors to future opportunities.

Don’t limit yourself to the responsibilities you’re hired to do. Be curious, ask questions, volunteer for projects, and look for ways to add value. The work you’re doing today is often preparing you for a role you haven’t even considered yet.

One of the biggest challenges for executive assistants today is setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. With technology allowing us to stay connected 24/7, it can be very easy to become consumed by your laptop, email, and cell phone. Many executive assistants are naturally driven to be available and responsive, but that can quickly lead to burnout if boundaries aren’t established early.

I’ve learned that being successful doesn’t mean being available every minute of every day. It means setting clear expectations, communicating openly with your executives, and building trust through transparency and reliability. When those relationships are strong, it’s okay to put your phone on Do Not Disturb, step away for the evening, or unplug for the weekend.

At the same time, this presents a great opportunity for executive assistants to evolve into more strategic partners. By focusing on priorities, communication, and proactive support rather than constant availability, we can create a healthier and more sustainable approach to executive support while continuing to deliver exceptional results.

Communication is one of the most important values in both my professional and personal life. I believe strong communication is the foundation of every successful relationship. Whether it’s working with executives, collaborating with colleagues, or connecting with family and friends, open, honest, and respectful communication builds trust and helps people navigate challenges together.

Another value that is incredibly important to me is simply being a good human. We all come from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and it’s important to treat people with kindness, respect, and empathy—even when we don’t agree. I believe you can have different opinions while still valuing and respecting one another.

At the end of the day, relationships matter. Leading with communication, respect, and kindness has helped me build meaningful connections both personally and professionally.