In this episode, Rachael delves into the critical issue of "toxic loyalty" in the Executive Assistant (EA) profession, using the recent news about Matthew Perry’s assistant as a catalyst for the discussion. Rachael highlights the complexities and ethical dilemmas that EAs often face, shedding light on the hidden challenges that come with the role.

Being an EA is not just about supporting someone else’s success; it’s also about safeguarding your own wellbeing, ethics, and career trajectory. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of setting boundaries and staying true to yourself in a role that demands so much loyalty and discretion.

This episode is a must-listen for Executive Assistants who want to understand the risks associated with toxic loyalty and how to navigate them.

You'll hear insights and support on:

• The Concept of Toxic Loyalty: Rachael introduces the term "toxic loyalty," describing how the dedication and commitment required in the EA role can sometimes become harmful.

• Real-World Relevance: The episode draws parallels between the news of Matthew Perry’s assistant being involved in a fatal incident and the everyday realities of EAs. Rachael emphasises that while the situation is extreme, the underlying issues of blurred boundaries, responsibility creep, and manipulation are familiar to many in the profession.

• Red Flags to Watch Out For: Rachael outlines key warning signs that an executive might be exploiting their assistant’s loyalty, including manipulative language and requests that push ethical boundaries.

• Practical Advice for EAs: The episode offers actionable advice for EAs on how to protect themselves, including setting boundaries early, documenting questionable requests, and maintaining a strong sense of self that is not overly tied to the person they support.

About Rachael

Rachael Bonetti ia a thought leader in the EA space, someone who is unafraid to tackle the tough issues and provide the meaningful guidance that's often lacking for those in the profession. She is a highly regarded international trainer, speaker, corporate consultant, private mentor and Forbes Australia contributor.

Additional Resources:

• Explore Rachael’s full team training and The Elite EA Academy for in-depth development on navigating the complexities of the EA role.
• Access limited edition masterclasses, free training, and other resources to empower your career, wellbeing, and longevity in the profession.

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Your work isn't who you are it's what you do ,and that's what we dive into in this bite size episode on the concept of labels and how they shape our professional identities.

Too often, we define ourselves by our roles—entrepreneur, trainer, project manager, designer, CEO, executive assistant—without realising the limitations these labels impose.

Inspired by recent observations in her business and reflecting on her own corporate career experience, Rachael explores how these labels can box us in, restrict our growth, and prevent us from exploring new opportunities.

You'll hear insights and actionable advice on:

1. Labels and Identity: Understanding the difference between what we do and who we are.
2. Breaking the Box: How labels can limit our growth and exploration of new opportunities.
3. Mindset Shift: The importance of maintaining an open mind and being willing to step out of comfort zones.
4. Potential Over Labels: Recognising and unlocking potential beyond the labels assigned to us.
5. Career Satisfaction and Burnout: How detaching from labels can lead to greater career satisfaction and prevent burnout.
6. Talent mapping and succession planning behind closed doors: what it takes to progress at work and be regarded as talent.

Join us as we challenge the labels, embrace our true potential, and unlock new possibilities in our careers and lives. What might unfold for you if you thought about your potential a little differently?

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Explore the website to partner, explore her courses, corporate training and consulting and private mentoring.

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In this bite size episode recoded from her hotel room during a Sydney visit, Rachael shares a very personal insight on the rollercoaster of body image as a late 40's woman, and the shift in mindset it takes to move through the changes with grace and acceptance.

In this raw and honest, but uplifting and empowering episode you'll hear:

• How perimenopause and the seasons of life impact our body image
• Why being focused on what's transient robs us of the joy of life
• How our personal growth peaks at a time when our outside shifts the most
• How the current wave of weight loss drugs triggers memories of the early 2000s obsession with celebrity skinny
• Why loving the skin we're in is the antidote to societal pressure and norms

Episode notes:

Episode 4 of What It Means To Be Well is where you'll find special guest, Casey Rose

If you're looking to discover a healthier perspective of high performance, one that prioritises self care, find Rachael's workplace wellbeing offerings here

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