Mia Curb

I attribute my success to the way I was raised and the people who shaped me early in life. I grew up in an environment where we had very little materially, yet I was surrounded by individuals—my mother, aunts, brothers, cousins, and members of my church community—who consistently demonstrated the value of hard work and perseverance. Despite limited resources, they worked tirelessly to ensure our needs were met.

At the time, I did not fully recognize or appreciate the sacrifices being made. It was only as an adult that I came to understand how powerful a strong work ethic can be and how much can be achieved through consistent effort and determination. Observing the resilience and commitment of those around me instilled in me a deep respect for hard work and personal accountability.

As I matured, their example inspired me not only to work hard, but to strive for excellence. I wanted to push beyond simply meeting expectations and instead focus on achieving at a higher level. My mother, in particular, exemplified this mindset—she worked relentlessly for many years, and her dedication motivated me to aim above average and pursue continuous improvement.

The foundation built by my family’s unwavering work ethic and perseverance ultimately enabled me to become who I am today. Their influence continues to guide my values, drive my ambition, and shape the standards I hold myself to both personally and professionally.

The best career advice I have ever received came from the Captain of the USS San Diego during my military service. At the time, I was working in a male‑dominated field and serving in an administrative role, yet I aspired to earn one of the Navy’s most demanding certifications—the Officer of the Deck qualification. Given my position, I had limited opportunities to gain experience on the bridge, which made the goal especially challenging.

I met with the Captain to seek guidance on how someone from an administrative background could achieve such an objective. His response was both simple and profound: “Mia, anything you put your mind to, you will achieve.” That statement stayed with me throughout my career and became a guiding principle in both my professional and personal life.

Those words influenced every step I took thereafter—whether pursuing a new role, preparing for promotion, stepping into greater responsibility, or navigating interviews. They reinforced the belief that success begins with mindset. When focus, determination, and confidence align, goals become attainable.

That advice continues to shape how I approach challenges today. If your mindset is strong and your commitment is unwavering, you can achieve the goal in front of you—no matter the obstacles.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to believe in your value, speak with confidence, and never underestimate the power of preparation and perseverance. You do not need to fit a predetermined mold to succeed—your perspective, work ethic, and integrity are your greatest strengths.

Be willing to work hard, ask questions, and take on opportunities that stretch you, even when they feel uncomfortable. Growth often comes from stepping into spaces where you may be the only one who looks or sounds like you. Use those moments to demonstrate capability, professionalism, and resilience.

Equally important, find mentors and allies who support your development, and do not be afraid to advocate for yourself. Know your worth, set high standards for your work, and remain committed to continuous learning. Success is built over time through consistency, confidence, and the courage to aim higher than what is expected.

One of the greatest challenges—and opportunities—in my field today is finding and using your voice. As Executive Assistants supporting C‑suite leadership, we are often positioned in roles where listening, observing, and executing are emphasized, while contributing perspectives or feedback is not always encouraged. That dynamic can make it difficult to step forward, even though we are deeply involved in the work and present in the rooms where key decisions are made.

I have found that it is critically important to recognize that our voices matter. Executive Assistants are uniquely positioned to understand priorities, risks, and opportunities because we are closely connected to leadership and the flow of information. The challenge lies in overcoming traditional expectations and building the confidence to speak up, share insights, and contribute meaningfully to discussions.

The opportunity is realizing that you already have a seat at the table. Being present in meetings provides a platform to offer thoughtful input, raise concerns, and support better decision‑making. Finding your voice—and ensuring it is heard—elevates not only your own role, but also the value of the profession as a whole.

The values most important to me—both professionally and personally—are integrity, accountability, hard work, and respect. Integrity is the foundation of everything I do; it guides my decisions, builds trust, and ensures that I show up authentically and ethically in every situation. I believe trust is earned through consistency, transparency, and doing the right thing, even when it is not the easiest option.

Accountability and hard work are equally important. I hold myself to a high standard and believe that results are achieved through preparation, discipline, and a strong work ethic. Whether supporting senior leadership or managing personal responsibilities, I take ownership of my role and remain committed to delivering excellence.

Respect is the value that ties everything together. I believe in treating people with professionalism, dignity, and empathy, regardless of title or circumstance. Respect fosters strong relationships, effective collaboration, and an environment where people feel valued and heard.

These values have guided me throughout my military career and continue to shape how I approach my work today. They influence how I lead, how I support others, and how I strive to make a positive impact both in my profession and in my personal life.