Kimberly Bowie

If I had to attribute my success to one thing, I would say it started with being willing to embrace change, even when it felt uncomfortable. Transitioning from Human Resources into an Executive Assistant role was one of the biggest shifts in my career. Like many people, stepping outside of my comfort zone was intimidating, especially during a time when the world was already dealing with so much change. But growth rarely happens when we stay comfortable.

What I’ve learned is that success often comes from being willing to put yourself out there, even when you’re unsure. I was always someone who felt comfortable working behind the scenes, quietly making things happen. But as an Executive Assistant, you’re no longer just in the background. You have to be confident in your knowledge, speak up when needed, and trust that your voice and contributions matter.

My background also shaped a lot of who I am today. My father served in the Army for 31 years and growing up in a military family taught me resilience and how to navigate constant change. Moving frequently wasn’t always easy, but it gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures, meet different people, and learn how to adjust in unfamiliar environments. Those experiences taught me lessons that continue to help me professionally and personally.

I also believe success comes from hard work, continuous learning, and staying committed even when the journey feels challenging. There were long hours, moments of self-doubt, and times when I had to work harder to prove myself—but every experience helped me grow. I want people to understand that success doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from consistently showing up, being willing to learn, and having the courage to take opportunities that may seem impossible. Hard work truly does pay off.

One piece of career advice that has stayed with me is: “Stay focused on creating value, not chasing titles or recognition.” Success often happens quietly. You’re busy learning the business, supporting leadership, building trust, and managing challenges behind the scenes. What I’ve learned is that it tends to find the people who are deeply focused on making an impact rather than constantly looking for the next opportunity. When you consistently do the work and do it well, doors open.

My advice to young women entering the Executive Assistant field would be to never underestimate the value of your role and to always remember to stay calm under pressure. Some days will challenge you but know that your work matters. Stay organized, stay prepared, and remember that success in this role comes from consistency, trust, and building strong relationships.

One of the biggest challenges is balancing constantly changing priorities and being able to manage making quick decisions. An EA role requires you to be accurate and discrete, always working with a s sense of urgency.

The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are integrity, hard work, resilience, and how I treat others. I strongly believe that the way you show up for people and handle challenges says far more than words ever could. In both my career and personal life, I try to lead by example and stay focused on making a positive impact.

As a mother, one of my biggest priorities is showing my daughter that success is about much more than achievements or titles. I want her to understand that character matters just as much. It's about how you treat people, how you persevere through difficult moments, and how you continue showing up even when things are hard. Success is not always about being the loudest person in the room or constantly being seen; it’s about being effective, creating value, and making a difference.

My upbringing also shaped many of these values and showed me the importance of staying open-minded, continuing to learn, and never letting my circumstances define my future. At the end of the day, I believe purpose and impact matter most. No matter where someone starts or what challenges they’ve faced, the willingness to put yourself out there can create opportunities. I want people—especially my daughter—to see that growth is always possible and that perseverance truly pays off.