From Assistant to Advisor: The Rise of the Strategic EA
The Executive Assistant role has evolved more in the last five years than in the previous fifty. Once defined by diary management, travel coordination and gatekeeping, today’s top EAs are strategic advisors - trusted partners shaping decisions, culture and performance at the highest levels.
At C&C Search, we’ve seen this transformation first-hand. The assistants we place across London’s leading organisations are not just operational anchors; they are catalysts for growth, communication and change.
The Evolution of the EA Role
The pandemic, digital transformation and hybrid work have all redefined how executives operate. With more leaders working across time zones and platforms, EAs have stepped up as critical connectors, ensuring clarity, alignment and execution across dispersed teams.
According to research by HBR, 82% of executives say their EA has direct influence on productivity and decision-making. In our own placements, we’ve seen the best EAs become essential sounding boards, bringing insights, emotional intelligence and foresight that drive smarter leadership.
What Makes a Strategic EA?
The modern EA blends operational excellence with commercial awareness. They understand the business model, anticipate needs and create systems that enhance strategic flow. They’re often the first to identify gaps, spot opportunities and flag risks.
Their influence doesn’t stop there. Strategic EAs act as ambassadors for culture and values, ensuring that leadership messages translate authentically through every layer of the business. They’re skilled communicators, data interpreters and, crucially, trusted confidantes.
The Skills Behind the Shift
Strategic EAs combine hard and soft skills in rare measure.
Data literacy: understanding KPIs, dashboards and project metrics.
Emotional intelligence: navigating complex personalities and pressures with calm authority.
Tech fluency: mastering AI tools, CRM systems and workflow automation.
Business acumen: aligning their work with the organisation’s commercial priorities.
At C&C Search, we’re seeing a rising demand for EAs who can manage projects, prepare board materials, and even lead small teams. These are not ‘support roles’—they are partnership positions.
C&C Search Insight: What We’re Seeing in the Market
As a boutique London recruitment firm specialising in EA, PA and business support recruitment, we’ve watched clients redefine what “great” looks like. Many now view their EAs as internal consultants, professionals who bring structure to chaos and clarity to complex strategies.
We’ve placed EAs who lead digital transformation projects, coordinate global leadership summits, and mentor junior team members. Increasingly, companies are creating hybrid “Chief of Staff–EA” roles, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between executives and their assistants.
How Businesses Can Support This Evolution
To harness the full potential of their assistants, organisations must evolve their recognition and development frameworks.
Give EAs access to leadership meetings and context.
Invest in continuous professional development and coaching.
Provide mentorship and peer learning opportunities across departments.
When leaders treat their EA as an equal stakeholder in success, performance and retention skyrocket.
The Takeaway
The best EAs are no longer behind the scenes, they’re in the room where it happens. They drive progress, protect priorities and elevate leadership impact every day.
At C&C Search, we’re proud to champion and represent this new era of strategic assistants - the advisors, connectors and culture carriers behind every great leader.
Are you looking for your next exceptional EA, or are you an assistant ready to elevate your career?
Connect with the C&C Search team today to discover London’s top EA, PA and business support opportunities hello@candcsearch.co.uk
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