Best Future Focused Admin Podcasts (2025)

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Untangling the Monday Morning Mess 6:34

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1d ago6:34

6:34

Send us a text Ever find yourself dreading Monday mornings? That overwhelming feeling of playing catch-up instead of moving forward isn't just frustrating – it's a symptom of a deeper problem in how your business operates. We dive into why so many entrepreneurs start their week in "damage control" mode, cleaning up weekend backlogs, chasing cold le…

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High Performance HR - Talent Development 28:32

1d ago28:32

28:32

Lucinda examines talent retention and development, building on the previous discussion about attracting talent, and emphasising the importance of creating a high-performance culture that not only draws in great people but also keeps them engaged and motivated. Lucinda explores the evolving definition of talent, highlighting the need for inclusivity…

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TGIF: The Great Integration Fix 11:50

3d ago11:50

11:50

Send us a text Every business owner knows that Friday afternoon feeling. The clock ticks toward the weekend as you face a critical choice: push through to finish strong or coast into Saturday hoping everything resets somehow. This seemingly small decision carries enormous weight, affecting not just your peace of mind but your entire business operat…

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Your Fridays don't have to be a fire drill 12:55

4d ago12:55

12:55

Send us a text The dreaded Friday scramble is a silent killer of business potential. What should be the satisfying close to a productive week instead becomes a frantic race against the clock—chasing missed follow-ups, hunting down overdue invoices, and piecing together scattered customer interactions. This isn't just exhausting; it's fundamentally …

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Inbox Zero or Hero? The Real Cost of Thursday Night Hustle 13:14

7d ago13:14

13:14

Send us a text Have you ever found yourself staring at your screen late on a Thursday night, frantically catching up on business tasks before the weekend? That "Thursday night problem" is more than just a personal inconvenience—it's a signal of deeper operational challenges that could be limiting your business growth. This eye-opening exploration r…

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Why Thursday Afternoons Are Killing Your Team's Momentum and How to Fix It 10:30

5d ago10:30

10:30

Send us a text Ever glance at the clock on Thursday afternoon and feel your stomach drop? That moment when the week's remaining tasks suddenly gang up on you, Friday feels impossibly far away, and overwhelm threatens to derail everything? You're not alone. This episode dives deep into the psychology behind the infamous "Thursday Afternoon Syndrome"…

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What If Every Thursday Could Be a Growth Day? 14:46

5d ago14:46

14:46

Send us a text Ever feel that Thursday heaviness? That midweek mountain where everything seems overwhelming, leads are slipping through cracks, customer messages go unanswered, and you're just trying to hold on until Friday? You're experiencing decision fatigue – the mental exhaustion that comes from managing too many disconnected business tools. M…

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The Midweek Wall 12:42

6d ago12:42

12:42

Send us a text Ever hit that Wednesday wall? You're not alone. After powering through Monday and Tuesday, clearing your inbox and feeling productive, many business owners suddenly find themselves overwhelmed by midweek. Tasks pile up, momentum vanishes, and the week spirals into chaos. We're calling this phenomenon the "midweek crunch" - a real ope…

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Reclaiming Your Afternoons 8:00

6d ago8:00

8:00

Send us a text Ever notice how your productive mornings suddenly dissolve into reactive afternoons? That post-lunch energy crash isn't just fatigue—it's a strategic problem costing your business real growth opportunities. We dive deep into that familiar feeling when Tuesday afternoon hits and you slip from proactive work into mere maintenance mode.…

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From Post-Holiday Chaos to Business Momentum: Reclaiming Your Productivity 12:28

7d ago12:28

12:28

Send us a text Ever returned from a holiday weekend only to face a digital avalanche that instantly destroys your hard-earned peace of mind? That post-vacation chaos isn't just annoying—it's costing your business real money and momentum. We dive deep into what we call "the post-holiday pileup" and explore how this common pain point affects small bu…

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Beyond the Evening Crunch 10:13

7d ago10:13

10:13

Send us a text Ever watched the sun setting on a holiday weekend, knowing your evening will be consumed by work anxiety instead of relaxation? That mental list starts running: unanswered emails, missed calls, tomorrow's meetings—stealing what should be your quiet time. This "evening crunch" represents more than occasional stress. For countless busi…

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Escape the Monday Tab Maze 15:52

8d ago15:52

15:52

Send us a text The dreaded Monday morning scenario hits too close to home for most business leaders – coffee barely kicking in as you click through endless tabs managing email campaigns, customer records, invoicing, and more. Before you know it, you're no longer running your business; your disconnected software stack is running you. This fragmentat…

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Your Online Reputation Is Speaking, Even When You're Not 11:23

10d ago11:23

11:23

Send us a text Online reviews have become the new currency of trust, with Harvard Business School research showing a one-star Yelp rating increase can boost revenue by 5-9%. This direct impact on the bottom line makes reputation management essential for business survival and growth in today's digital marketplace. • Reviews significantly impact both…

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Unifying the Chaos 6:38

11d ago6:38

6:38

Send us a text The small business workday is a chaotic juggle of emails, texts, calls, and social media messages creating mental exhaustion and lost opportunities. Research shows responding to leads within five minutes makes them 21 times more likely to qualify than waiting 30 minutes, highlighting how fragmented communication directly impacts busi…

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Breaking Free from the 24/7 Grind 12:23

11d ago12:23

12:23

Send us a text The constant digital demands of running a business create a silent burden for entrepreneurs, leaving them perpetually tethered to work long after hours. Smart automation systems offer a sustainable solution by handling lead capture, nurturing, and closing processes automatically, allowing business owners to reclaim their personal tim…

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Streamline Your Cash Flow 14:13

12d ago14:13

14:13

Send us a text We explore how waiting for client payments creates unnecessary stress and how a unified payment system can transform this frustrating experience into a seamless process that benefits both businesses and clients. • Delayed payments create ripple effects throughout a business, tying up capital and making planning difficult • Businesses…

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Recruiting and Onboarding Talent 30:48

2M ago30:48

30:48

Lucinda examines the critical topic of recruiting and onboarding talent as part of the high-performance series, stressing the fact that attracting and retaining the right people is not merely an HR task but a strategic business priority that requires clarity and collaboration KEY TAKEAWAYS Before starting the recruitment process, it's essential to …

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High Performance - Building A Learning Culture 28:58

2M ago28:58

28:58

Lucinda discusses the importance of cultivating a learning culture within organisations, emphasising that learning should be embedded in every aspect of organisational life rather than limited to traditional training courses. Drawing on insights from industry experts, the episode explores the concept of psychological safety and its role in fosterin…

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High Performance - How Non-Financial Rewards Drive Employee Engagement and Performance 33:41

2M ago33:41

33:41

Lucinda studies the topic of "Reward for Performance: What Really Works?" as part of our high-performance series. She explores the multifaceted nature of rewards, emphasising that while monetary compensation is often the first thought, it is not the only—or necessarily the most effective—motivator for high performance. The discussion covers the imp…

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Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health Challenges in HR with Dr. Jo Burrell 32:10

3M ago32:10

32:10

Lucinda welcomes returning guest Dr. Jo Burrell, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Ultimate Resilience. They delve into the alarming findings of the latest HR Wellbeing Report, which reveals that nearly half of HR professionals are experiencing clinical levels of depression, significantly higher than the general population. With over 1,400 …

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Ep. 9 | Mastering Boundaries Like a Pro: The key to sustainable success in high-pressure roles with Annie Croner 48:12

4M ago48:12

48:12

In episode 9 of Season 3, we chat with Annie Croner, Founder of Whole Assistant & Host of The Whole Assistant Podcast on the topic of Mastering Boundaries Like a Pro: The Key to Sustainable Success in High-Pressure Roles. Annie Croner is an executive assistant coach, boundary-setting expert, and Founder of Whole Assistant. With over two decades of …

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High Performance HR - How To Make Continuous Performance Management A Reality 37:43

4M ago37:43

37:43

Lucinda continues the High Performance HR series by focussing on the critical elements of performance management that drive high performance within organisations. She talks about the importance of clear goals, regular feedback, ongoing development, and a supportive culture in fostering employee engagement and performance. Lucinda also outlines prac…

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Season 3 - Ep. 8 I From EA to Admin Community Trailblazer to Leading the Virtual Stage With Nicky Christmas 50:07

4M ago50:07

50:07

In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing the lovely Nicky Christmas from The EA Campus about her journey that began back in 2011. She launched a little blog called ‘Practically Perfect PA’ as a passion project while working full-time as an Executive Assistant to the COO and CFO of a global insurance organization. At the time, there were…

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Leadership and Management - High Performance HR 29:28

4M ago29:28

29:28

Lucinda continues the High Performance HR series by delving into the critical roles of leadership and management in fostering a high-performance culture within organisations. It begins with a clear distinction between leadership and management, emphasising that while both roles are essential, they serve different functions—management focuses on pla…

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Practical Organisational Development 28:59

5M ago28:59

28:59

Lucinda discusses Practical Organisational Development (OD) and its connection to high performance. She focusses upon the definition of OD, emphasising its role in enabling sustained organisational performance through the involvement of people. Lucinda also outlines key topics related to OD, such as organisational structure, talent management, and …

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Season 3 - Ep. 7 | Goal-Setting: Creating Intentional Plans for Success with Sabrina Whittaker 39:14

5M ago39:14

39:14

In this episode on The Future Focused Admin, you co-hosts Jessica McBride and Candice Burningham welcome our guest Sabrina Whittaker to talk about "Goal-Setting That Sticks: Creating Intentional Plans for Success". Sabrina is a web designer, developer, and technical writer with expertise in business analytics, digital marketing, and crafting equita…

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Season 3 - Ep. 6 | Managing Up: Are Executives Open To It? Chat with Jodie Mears 33:21

5M ago33:21

33:21

In Episode 6 of Season 3, we’re diving into one of the most nuanced and essential skills for admin professionals today: “Managing Up: Are Executives Open To It?”. Jodie joins us to unpack what managing up really means, how to approach it strategically (and respectfully), and why it’s a must-have skill for every modern admin. Jodie Mears is a strate…

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Season 3 - Ep. 5 | Own Your Evolution: Taking Charge of Your Career with Tara M. Sims 56:57

5M ago56:57

56:57

In Episode 5 of Season 3, we sit down with Tara M. Sims on the topic of “Own Your Evolution: Taking Charge of Your Admin Career”, In this inspiring episode we sit down with powerhouse admin leader and author Tara M. Sims to explore how admin professionals can take ownership of their careers, redefine their roles, and evolve with intention. From bea…

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Season 3 - Ep. 4 | Building Your Brand & Advocating for Admins: A Conversation with Kristina Willis 44:12

5M ago44:12

44:12

In Episode 4 of Season 3, we sit down with Kristina Willis to discuss the topic of “Building Your Brand & Advocating for Admins: A Conversation”. Kristina is a versatile leadership partner with proven expertise in managing operational, administrative, and people-centered strategies on behalf of C-Suite Leaders. At the time of this recording, she wa…

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Data-driven HR Using The Balanced Scorecard 36:46

5M ago36:46

36:46

In this second part of High Performance HR, Lucinda talks about how to target and measure success within HR functions. She discusses the importance of utilising data to demonstrate HR's impact on business value, emphasising the balanced scorecard framework as a strategic tool for aligning HR activities with organisational goals. Lucinda also talks …

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Maximise Your Impact - High Performance HR 35:09

6M ago35:09

35:09

Lucinda presents the first instalment of the High Performance HR series, focusing on maximising personal impact as HR professionals, emphasising the importance of self-awareness, encouraging listeners to identify their unique strengths, values, and areas for development. Lucinda talks about five key areas: knowing oneself, setting personal career g…

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High Performance HR 18:18

6M ago18:18

18:18

Lucinda introduces an exciting new series titled "High Performance HR," aimed at providing practical insights and tools for HR professionals looking to drive strategic impact within their organisations. She discusses how each episode will be focusing on key aspects of high-performance HR, including individual purpose, strategic alignment, organisat…

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CPO Career Journeys - Jeannette Crisp - Duke of Edinburgh 31:28

6M ago31:28

31:28

Lucinda welcomes Jeannette Crisp, the Director of People and Culture at the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Jeanette shares her journey into HR, highlighting her diverse experiences in the public sector and the importance of strategic thinking in people management. She discusses the development of the organisation's people strategy, the significance of …

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Ruth Cornish - Amelore - HR Career Journeys 31:15

7M ago31:15

31:15

Lucinda welcomes Ruth Cornish, an independent Chief People Officer with a diverse background in HR across various industries, including financial services, retail, and public sector. Ruth shares her journey from temping at American Express to founding her own HR consultancy, discussing the challenges and successes she encountered along the way, inc…

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Season 3 - Ep. 3 I Seamless & Strategic: Elevating Event Planning for Admins with Darcy Bennet 42:27

7M ago42:27

42:27

In this episode of The Future Focused Admin podcast, co-hosts Jessica McBride and Candice Burningham are joined by Darcy Bennet, an accomplished Executive Assistant and Founder of DB Executive Services. Darcy shares her extensive experience in event planning, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences, offering valuable insights into balan…

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Jen Scherler - Cisco - HR Career journeys 35:52

7M ago35:52

35:52

Lucinda talks to Jen Scherler, the Global Head of Country Consultants at Cisco, to discuss her career journey and the evolution of her role within the organisation. Jen shares insights into managing HR activities across 95 countries, emphasising the importance of compliance and the challenges of navigating different cultural landscapes. She reflect…

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Season 3 - Ep. 2 I Money Matters: Tackling Debt & Building Financial Confidence for Admins 52:06

7M ago52:06

52:06

Season 3 - Ep 2: Money Matters: Tackling Debt & Building Financial Confidence for Admins with Khadiza Ali from Changed In this episode, Khadiza Ali, Community Manager at Changed, a leading financial wellness platform, joins us to discuss how administrative professionals can take control of their finances. Learn about practical strategies to manage …

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Helen Ketteringham - NCFE - CPO Career Journeys 35:25

7M ago35:25

35:25

Lucinda is joined by Helen Ketteringham, the Chief People Officer at NCFE, an education charity based in the North East of England. Helen shares her journey in HR, detailing her 20 years of experience across various sectors, including retail and financial services, before stepping into her current role. She discusses the importance of navigating un…

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Season 3 - Ep 1 I The Unveiling of The Future Focused Admin Community 27:43

7M ago27:43

27:43

Welcome to Season 3 of The Future Focused Admin Podcast Show! We’re kicking off 2025 with an exciting announcement: the official launch of The Future Focused Admin Community! In this episode, co-founders Candice Burningham and Jessica McBride take you behind the scenes of this brand-new global network designed by admins, for admins. Whether you're …

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HR Career Journeys - Andrew Webster - Eversheds Sutherland 36:55

7M ago36:55

36:55

Lucinda is joined by Andrew Webster, a Senior People Analytics Manager at Evershed Sutherland, to discuss the evolving field of HR analytics and its significance in modern organisations. Andrew shares insights from his career journey, highlighting his transition from a mathematics teacher to a key player in HR analytics, where he focuses on transfo…

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RSPCA- with Caroline McCague 34:45

7M ago34:45

34:45

Lucinda is joined by Caroline McCague, the Director of People and Culture at the RSPCA, to discuss her inspiring journey and the unique challenges of working within a 200-year-old charity. Caroline shares insights into the RSPCA's broad mission of animal welfare, including their rescue operations, advocacy work, and the importance of governance in …

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CPO Careers - with Kate Hughes 32:08

8M ago32:08

32:08

Lucinda is joined by Kate Hughes, the Chief People Officer at Seven Investment Management (7IM). Kate shares her journey over the past decade at 7IM, detailing the company's significant growth from 170 to over 600 employees and the evolution of its culture. She discusses the importance of establishing a strong organisational culture, engaging with …

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Celebrating 250 Episodes - with Steve Browne 47:58

8M ago47:58

47:58

To mark the very special 250th episode milestone, Lucinda welcomes Steve Browne, Chief People Officer at LaRosa's, who shares his remarkable career journey and the evolution of his role within the organisation. Steve examines the importance of strategic thinking in HR, the value of collaboration, and the need for HR professionals to engage with the…

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Season 2 - Ep 10 - Season Finale | Farewell 2024 The Year of “Lessons” 31:44

9M ago31:44

31:44

In this final episode, Candice and Jessica reflect on the challenges of 2024. A year that tested resilience and revealed the hard work so many admins put in. Burnout was a common theme, and we opened up about our own journey through a year of deep reflection, learning to embrace setbacks, and growing stronger through the lessons they brought. Looki…

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Season 2 - Ep 9 - Hanging Up Your Admin Boots 25:00

9M ago25:00

25:00

In this episode, Candice and Jessica open up about the pivotal moments when they realized it was time to transition from their roles as Executive Assistants and explore new career paths. These decisions came after deep reflection and, in Candice's case, seeking outside counsel to confirm that her journey as an EA had come to an end. Jessica shares …

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Season 2 - Ep 8 - Ageless Expertise and Challenging Ageism in the Admin World 51:29

9M ago51:29

51:29

In this latest episode of The Future Focused Admin Podcast, we’re diving into the world of Ageless Expertise and tackling Ageism in the Admin Profession. We sit down with Rita Gunning, Career Admin Professional, Executive Assistant, YouTuber, Founder of Executive Assistant Oasis and Author of ‘The Executive Assistant Tool Box” from Sydney, Australi…

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Making Hybrid Working Work with Gary Cookson 30:32

9M ago30:32

30:32

Lucinda welcomes back Gary Cookson from Epic HR to discuss his upcoming book, "Making Hybrid Working Work." They delve into the current landscape of hybrid working, exploring why some organisations are pushing for a return to the office while others successfully embrace hybrid models. Gary also highlights the demographic factors influencing leaders…

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Season 2 - Ep 7 - Breaking Barriers In Inclusion with special guests Melissa Peoples and from Admin Gurus and Haefa Mansour Founder & CEO at ShareCal 46:54

10M ago46:54

46:54

In this episode of The Future Focused Admin Podcast, we’re chatting with special guests Melissa Peoples from Admin Gurus and Haefa Mansour Founder & CEO at ShareCal on the topic of “Breaking Barriers In Inclusion”. We discuss how admin professionals can lead the charge in creating more inclusive workplaces, events and communities. Don’t miss this c…

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Revolutionize Client Management: Unlocking the Power of Mobile CRM Apps for Seamless Connectivity and Growth 11:40

10M ago11:40

11:40

Send us a text Have you ever found yourself scrambling for client details in the middle of a bustling train journey? I once did, and that moment spurred a deep dive into the world of mobile CRM apps. Let's explore how these powerful tools can revolutionize client management, offering instant access to crucial data like contact history, project upda…

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Mastering Motivation with Rob Lion 34:39

10M ago34:39

34:39

Lucinda is joined by Rob Lion, from Black River Performance Management to discuss the critical elements of fostering intrinsic motivation and performance in the workplace. Rob, a full-time professor and expert in human resource development, emphasises the importance of understanding human behaviour, the psychological factors that influence motivati…