Her Story
About Lynette
Lynette Saunders Alexander is a Senior Executive Assistant specializing in high-level executive support and organizational coordination, based in Castro Valley, California. She provides C-level administrative support with a strong focus on calendar management, travel coordination, meeting logistics, expense reporting, and event planning. Known for her professionalism, discretion, and ability to perform under pressure, she has built a reputation for maintaining structure and efficiency in fast-paced, high-volume corporate environments while handling sensitive and confidential information with care. Throughout her career, Lynette has supported senior executives across major industries including entertainment, advertising, and media. She has worked with organizations such as SiriusXM, Gracenote, Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, House of Blues Corporation, McCann Erickson, and AAA, contributing to executive operations, large-scale meetings, global town halls, and corporate retreats. Her career has been shaped by industry shifts, acquisitions, and restructuring, experiences that strengthened her adaptability and resilience while reinforcing her expertise in executive partnership and operational coordination. Alongside her executive career, Lynette +-is also a writer and creative storyteller. She is the author of the suspense drama "The Icing on the Cake," inspired by her passion for psychological thrillers and authors like Alfred Hitchcock, Jackie Collins, Michael Crichton, Robin Cook, and John Grisham. She is currently working on its sequel. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, dining experiences, and dance, including modern, tap, ballet, and African styles. She is also an avid sports fan, supporting the San Francisco 49ers and the Golden State Warriors, and is committed to giving back through support for Food for the Hungry and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lynette
01What do you attribute your success to?
Hard work, asking the "dumb" question that's never dumb. Raising my own bar regularly. I do not compete with others, just myself. I always try to learn what's important in the job and learn the person I'm supporting. I always try to be there for that person and adjust to what the moment is, be accommodating, and also be an advisor. You know, I've had a boss say, how do you think that team meeting went? And I said, well, you know, it was fine, but I think this could make it better. That is one of the things that I've learned as an assistant - just be an advisor. As a writer, I don't have to do any of that. I just push myself, especially if there's a "writer's block" moment. But as an EA, I had to be an advisor to my bosses and to other EAs, but without being condescending.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I'm typically the one that gives advice. It's not so much that people haven't given me advice, they have, but in my career, I have given a lot of advice. I've been asked to write a "best practices" book. The advice that I've given to people is to be humble but aware. Know your strengths and tap into them. Don't worry about all the outside noise but focus on getting your job done. I truly believe in being surrounded by strength, and I also truly believe that the people I work for and support have to believe that too. You don't have to have all the answers. Surround yourself with people who could have answers.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Know your strengths and tap into them. Don't worry about all the outside noise but focus on getting your job done.
Ask the "dumb" question that's never dumb.
Raise your own bar regularly.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As a writer, getting an agent is next to impossible. And it's not that I don't have a good script or a good book. It's just getting read - getting someone who'll take the time to read your material. I know I'm not the only one out there. There's a whole bunch of us trying to do the same thing. And some of it's who you know, and I don't know a lot of people in the entertainment industry, nor do I live in LA so that makes it more difficult. Even when you think there's a crack in the door, it can close very quickly.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I've had very senior roles, and in those senior roles I never felt that I had to be that person who overshadows and tells somebody what to do. I never felt that. I always felt that my responsibility was to help someone who needed help, and I expect that it will be reciprocated. People respected my role in that capacity. If someone oversteps the bounds, then a different version of me would come into play. However, I still feel like you have to be humble. You cannot just take control. Assume people know what they're doing until you see that they do not. I've seen it happen, and I've stepped in when I had to. I expect you to respect my job, I will respect your job and help in any way I can. If I have to step in, I will.
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