Zoe McDonald

I attribute much of my success to being willing to start at the bottom and embrace opportunities as they came. When I graduated, I didn’t have a clear roadmap for my career, but I knew I was interested in fashion and had some experience in the field. I began my first full-time role at Allison Olivia at an entry-level position, supporting the executive assistants. Unexpectedly, two EAs left in the same week, and I was asked to step in and take on additional responsibilities. That experience taught me the value of adaptability and having an open mind—being willing to take on challenges outside my original scope allowed me to grow quickly.

I realized early on that working closely with leaders at the top of an organization accelerates learning and growth in ways that few other experiences can. Within a short time, I found myself collaborating directly with the C-suite, gaining insights and responsibilities far beyond my years. Even though I was only 22 or 23, I was contributing meaningfully at a senior level, which gave me the confidence and perspective to navigate my career strategically.

For anyone looking to advance, I would emphasize the importance of proximity to leadership. Whether at a smaller company or in a larger organization, finding ways to work directly with senior executives exposes you to decision-making, strategy, and mentorship opportunities that are invaluable. I truly believe that those early experiences—stepping up, staying flexible, and learning from leaders—set the foundation for where I am today.

For young women entering the executive assistant field, my best advice is to recognize that this is a career path with tremendous opportunity and stability. EA roles are always in high demand, regardless of the economy, and starting here can be an incredible foundation. If you stick with it and develop your skills, there’s a clear path to more strategic roles, such as chief of staff, where you can have even greater impact.

On a broader level, I would encourage women to trust themselves and their expertise. In professional settings, it’s common to see men speak with authority even when they may not fully know the topic, while women are often conditioned to second-guess themselves or feel imposter syndrome. My advice is to cultivate confidence, take constructive feedback in stride, and develop a thick skin for criticism—both the helpful and the less helpful kind. Believe in your abilities and don’t let societal expectations of “self-doubt” hold you back.

Finally, maintain a balance with self-care outside of work to stay resilient and focused. Professionally, stay proactive, adaptable, and assertive—seek out opportunities to learn directly from leaders, take on challenging projects, and continue growing. Confidence, persistence, and a willingness to step into high-responsibility roles early on will take you far in this field.