When an executive looks at their EA as a business partner, it doesn’t mean that you should sell half of your company and divide up the assets with them – instead, you should look at your EA as a partner who shares your concerns, knows how you think, and is loyal to representing your vision.
When you look at your assistant through that lens, you’ll discover a variety of ways you can team with them and have them take on some of the responsibilities a business partner would handle. You can empower your executive assistant in this role by equipping them with the background and information necessary so that they can sit in for you at the board meetings, fundraising functions, and even the occasional team meeting.