Paid to be you! Discovering Your Authentic Strengths as a Personal or Executive Assistant in the Age of AI

We are rapidly moving away from being paid to do a job and moving faster and faster to a world in which we are paid to be the only thing we can be—ourselves. Paid to be you! What does this mean in the context of work as Personal or Executive Assistant? A lot!

As a personal or executive assistant, you operate at the crossroads of efficiency, adaptability, and human connection. You’re the lifeline that keeps businesses, leaders, and sometimes entire teams moving forward. But in an era where artificial intelligence can schedule meetings, draft emails, and organize workflows, it’s natural to wonder: What does the future hold for human assistants?

The answer lies not in competing with technology but in amplifying your authentic strengths—those uniquely human qualities that no machine can replicate. Discovering and leaning into these strengths will not only secure your place in the evolving workplace but will also help you thrive personally and professionally. Here are some actionable ideas to help you embark on that journey.

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Why Authentic Strengths Matter More Than Ever

AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not a replacement for emotional intelligence, creativity, or the ability to connect deeply with others. Your strengths as a personal or executive assistant extend beyond task execution. They encompass intuition, empathy, problem-solving, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. These are the superpowers that make you irreplaceable.

So here’s the work: To leverage these qualities, you must first identify and cultivate them. Many assistants operate in reactive mode, focusing so much on meeting immediate demands that they don’t take the time to reflect on their deeper skills and gifts. Today is your opportunity to change that. This is the most important and urgent task on your to-do list!

Step 1: Reflect on Your Unique Gift

Start by carving out some time for self-reflection. Ask yourself:

  • What am I consistently praised for in my role? Maybe you have a knack for staying calm under pressure or diffusing tense situations.
  • What tasks bring me the most satisfaction? This can indicate areas where your natural strengths shine.
  • When do I feel most energized at work? Consider the moments that make you feel truly engaged and alive.
  • What feedback have I received from colleagues, clients, or bosses? Look for recurring themes that highlight your unique contributions.

Write your answers in a journal or a digital document. Patterns will start to emerge, revealing the qualities that set you apart.

Step 2: Understand Your Spiritual Strengths

Beyond practical skills, you have spiritual gifts—those intangibles that influence how you show up in the world (and a computer cannot replace!). Some examples include:

  • Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
  • Discernment: A strong intuitive sense of what’s right or necessary in a given situation.
  • Service: A deep-seated drive to support and uplift others.

If you’re unsure about your spiritual strengths, consider taking a strengths-based assessment like CliftonStrengths or journaling about moments when you felt spiritually aligned at work. You might also seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors who can help you see what you might overlook in yourself.

Step 3: Align Your Strengths with the Needs of the Future Workplace

AI will take over repetitive, data-driven tasks, but it will also create opportunities for assistants who excel in areas requiring a human touch. Here’s how you can align your authentic strengths with the demands of tomorrow:

  1. Double Down on Emotional Intelligence: Develop your ability to read the room, anticipate needs, and build trust. Leaders crave assistants who can “see around corners” and proactively address challenges before they arise.
  2. Master Relationship Building: Whether you’re working with your boss, clients, or team members, strong interpersonal relationships will set you apart. Take time to foster genuine connections and be the glue that holds people together. Look people in the eye. Listen well. Remember and celebrate milestones and achievements of others.
  3. Embrace Creativity: AI can execute plans, but it can’t think outside the box like you can. Use your creativity to solve problems, improve processes, and generate innovative ideas.
  4. Leverage Your Humanity: AI is a tool; you are a trusted partner. Build a reputation for being reliable, compassionate, and irreplaceable as a source of wisdom and guidance. Never gossiping, never bragging, rather, always rising above and praising others.

Step 4: Take Action to Strengthen Your Skills

Once you’ve identified your strengths, it’s time to sharpen them. Here are actionable steps:

  • Seek Continuous Learning: Invest in professional development courses or workshops that align with your strengths. For example, if empathy is a core strength, consider training in conflict resolution or active listening. I recommend training in NVC (nonviolent communication).
  • Ask for Stretch Assignments: Volunteer for projects that challenge you to use and grow your strengths in new ways. This might include leading an initiative, mentoring a junior colleague, or optimizing a key workflow.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Regular meditation or mindfulness practices can help you stay present and attuned to your intuition, enhancing your ability to make decisions rooted in authenticity.
  • Build a Strengths-Based Network: Surround yourself with people who value and encourage your unique qualities. Join professional groups, attend networking events, or connect with like-minded peers online.

Step 5: Balance Practicality with Purpose

Authenticity isn’t just about what you do; it’s about how you do it. Incorporate your spiritual and practical strengths into your daily work in ways that feel meaningful. For instance:

  • Start each day with a prayer or an intention, focusing on how you want to show up for yourself and others.
  • Use your strengths to transform mundane tasks into opportunities for connection or creativity. For example, if empathy is your strength, take a moment to check in personally with the colleague whose calendar you’re managing.
  • Reflect regularly on how your work aligns with your deeper purpose. Journaling or even a quick weekly review can help you stay grounded.

Step 6: Let Go of Perfectionism

Many assistants struggle with perfectionism, which can mask authentic strengths. Remember, your worth isn’t tied to flawless execution. Embrace vulnerability and give yourself permission to grow through mistakes. This shift will not only make you more resilient but will also enhance your ability to connect authentically with others. Deep down we all love when someone says “Actually, I don’t know. Let me look into that.” Or “I don’t think that landed. Let me try again.”

The Future Is Human

AI will change the workplace, but it won’t replace the uniquely human qualities that make personal and executive assistants indispensable. By discovering and amplifying your authentic strengths, you’re not just future-proofing your career; you’re creating a path to greater fulfillment and purpose.

The world doesn’t need assistants who can do everything; it needs assistants who bring their whole selves to the table. So take the time to uncover your gifts, align them with your work, and step into the future with confidence. Your authenticity is your superpower, and no algorithm can replicate that. Be paid to be you!

By Ash Ruddy

Ash Ruddy is a certified and EMCC-accredited Business and Executive Coach and consultant who helps founders, executives, and mid-senior level professionals with strategic business planning, leadership, talent acquisition and team building. Her diverse background includes experience in mass-market consumer product sales, strategic sales creation, and team building in the CPG and hospitality sectors in the US and UK. She has a passion for supporting female founders and women in business. Ash is a mother of two, SEND advocate and Governor of a highly specialist school in Surrey for children with special educational needs.

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