Beyond the Desk: Admin Advocates

The Partnership Playbook was built on a simple but powerful belief: that the executive-admin relationship is one of the most underinvested partnerships in any organization. In this episode, Melissa Mahoney and her Executive Administrative Partner, Chris Cason, don't just talk about that belief — they live it. Together, they open up about the final three sections of the books and what it meant...

What if the biggest barrier to stepping into your leadership potential isn't skill — it's identity? In this episode of Beyond the Desk: Admin Advocates, hosts Rachel Suman and Melissa Mahoney welcome Danielle Adams-Wiltshire, PCC — certified professional coach, TED fellows coach, facilitator, and the trainer behind IAAP's Aspire: Next Level leadership conference — for a conversation...

Administrative professionals have always been the ones keeping everything on track — the timelines, the priorities, the people, the moving parts. But what happens when you pair that instinct with real project management strategy and the right tech tools to back it up? That's exactly what the Innovation Lab at Summit 2026 is designed to find out. In this episode of Beyond the Desk: Admin Advoc...

What if the most powerful thing you bring to work every day isn't your skills or your systems — but your capacity for genuine human connection? That's the question at the heart of Beyond the Desk: Admin Advocates hosts Rachel Suman and Melissa Mahoney's conversation with Shola Richards, the kindness champion, bestselling author, and returning favorite of the IAAP community. Shola is...

What would it mean to have someone fully in your corner — asking the right questions, holding space for your growth, and helping you see what you can't always see in yourself? In this episode of Beyond the Desk: Admin Advocates, hosts Rachel Suman and Melissa Mahoney get personal. No guests, no agenda — just an honest conversation about their own experiences with coaching and what it's o...

What does it really mean to earn the Certified Administrative Professional credential — and what does it take to get there? In this season premiere of Beyond the Desk: Admin Advocates , hosts Rachel Suman and Melissa Mahoney sit down with IAAP's credentialing manager Katie Mercier, CAP, for a conversation that's equal parts personal and practical. Katie brings a rare perspective: she&apo...

Have you ever noticed how one person can completely change the energy of a room? As an admin, you have that power every single day – and it's one of the most underestimated superpowers in the workplace. In this heartfelt episode, Melissa and Rachel explore something beautiful: how admins naturally sit at the crossroads of people's lives at work, perfectly positioned to be the person who...

Picture this: You've just settled in to tackle that important project when three "urgent" requests hit your desk simultaneously. Sound familiar? In this episode, Melissa and Rachel dive into the daily whirlwind that every admin knows – when everything feels like a fire that needs putting out right now. Here's the thing: not all urgent requests are created equal, and some of you...

Do you ever feel like your contributions go unnoticed, or wonder why a simple "thank you" sometimes falls flat? In this episode, Melissa and Rachel break down the crucial differences between recognition, value, acknowledgment, and praise – and why understanding these distinctions can transform how you experience appreciation at work. They dive into the foundational truth that recognizing...

We've all been there – frustrated with our executive and needing to vent. But what happens when our private frustrations become public complaints? In this episode, Melissa and Rachel tackle the balance between feeling heard and accidentally sabotaging the partnerships we're trying to build. They explore how airing grievances publicly can breed resentment and undermine trust essential for...

What if the admin-executive relationship could be transformed from basic support to true partnership? In this episode, Melissa and Rachel introduce an exciting new resource that's set to change how admins and executives work together: the Partnership Playbook. This comprehensive companion guidebook set tackles the real challenges that prevent meaningful collaboration – from outdated perceptio...

Ever feel that flutter of nerves when an unexpected leadership opportunity lands on your desk? You're not alone. In this episode, Melissa and Rachel dive into the art of comfort zone "stretchiness" – that sweet spot between playing it safe and pushing yourself too far. They explore why those scary, icky feelings that come with stretch assignments are actually signs you're growi...

Almost every admin professional has encountered them—executives who expect excellence but provide minimal guidance, feedback, or communication. In this episode of Beyond the Desk: Admin Advocates, we dive deep into one of the most challenging workplace dynamics: how to deliver optimal results when working with non-communicative execs. Join us as we explore practical strategies for bridging communi...

In this episode, we explore what sets nonprofit professional organizations apart and why IAAP and the IAAP Foundation are uniquely positioned to advance our profession.  While training and skill-building opportunities exist everywhere, we'll discuss the fundamental difference between mission-first and profit-first approaches—how nonprofits prioritize impact and community advancement over fina...

In this thought-provoking episode of Beyond the Desk: Admin Advocates, Melissa and Rachel explore the vital importance of diversifying the "feed" of your life.  They dive into how intentionally expanding your sources of information—from news and social media to professional connections and industry insights—can transform your perspective and effectiveness.  Through engaging conversation,...

In this episode of Beyond the Desk: Admin Advocates, we dive into the powerful concept of relational currency and how it transforms workplace dynamics.  Just like a savvy banker, we explore how you can't spend what you haven't deposited, the art of making meaningful withdrawals without depleting your reserves, and why genuine human connection removes the transactional nature of professio...

Ready for a heart-to-heart about the professional event we count down to every year? Join us as Melissa and Rachel spill all the tea about our favorite IAAP Summit memories and why this gathering is so much more than just another conference on your calendar. We're diving into those special moments that transformed our careers and perspectives – from spontaneous hallway conversations that turn...

Ready to bust through that invisible ceiling? Join us for "What Does Career Growth Even Look Like for Administrative Professionals?" where we're getting real about the structural barriers that can hold admins back.  We'll dig into why it sometimes feels like your career path hits a dead end and share practical ways to create growth opportunities right where you are. Ever feel l...

In this episode, we navigate the nuanced world of AI for administrative professionals—moving beyond right/wrong debates to explore responsible usage within organizational policies. We discuss when your human judgment is irreplaceable and when AI can boost your efficiency, while examining platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot. Learn why AI prompting is becoming an essential professional skill...

Ever wonder why we're constantly talking about leadership?  In the first episode of Season 2, we chat about how leadership practices transform admin work from "just paying the bills" to a career you're genuinely excited about.  We'll dive into why taking yourself seriously as a professional (even when others don't yet) opens doors you might not have seen before. You&a...

In this powerful season finale, we are joined by the remarkable Shola Richards—keynote speaker, author, and self-proclaimed "kindness extremist." Shola’s mission is to transform how we treat each other at work, at home, and everywhere in between. In this deeply engaging conversation, we explore his new book, "Civil Unity: The Radical Path to Transform Our Discourse, Our Lives, and O...

In episode 10 of the podcast, Rachel and Melissa celebrate a milestone—double digits! As they near the end of season one, the co-hosts reflect on how far they’ve come and what’s in store for the future. With only one more episode before they take a break until April, they tease an exciting season two, which may even include recording in a brand-new space. The anticipation is building for what’s ne...

Welcome back! In this Episode, the podcast takes a unique turn as Melissa is joined by her day-to-day partner, Chris Cason. This episode is all about giving you an inside look at how a successful remote partnership works, especially when distance and time zones are in the mix. You’ll hear Melissa and Chris dive deep into the dynamics of their remote working relationship, sharing how they’ve manage...

Welcome back to Beyond the Desk Admin Advocates! In this episode, Melissa Mahoney, CEO of the International Association of Administrative Professionals, and Rachel Suman, CXO of IAAP, recap the unforgettable highlights of Summit 2024. Transitioning from theory to real experiences, they share their personal favorite moments, including the emotional Parade of Nations and the inspiring performance by...

Welcome to Beyond the Desk Admin Advocates! Join Melissa Mahoney, CEO of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), and Rachel Suman, CXO of IAAP, as they continue their exploration into the top barriers admins face in achieving true partnership with executives. In this second part of their two-part series, they delve deep into barriers 6 through 10, providing listeners...