Client EA Network Event

One of the many perks of working as an Executive Assistant at Baringa is the network that we have built internally and externally - our Client EA Network. This is an important community for us to continuously nurture, as investing in our client relationships plays a significant part in our day-to-day role, and most importantly our Baringa Partners’ roles. Understanding our Partners’ clients gives us greater perspective on where we can help create impact – this is where our network flourishes.

We launched the network in June 2022, and we are so excited to share with you the highlights from our 7th event this year, which we held at Frameless Immersive Art Experience. This truly was our most impactful session to date, with an incredible 50 client EAs across 30+ industries joining us. The room really was full of energy!

Each year we theme our events based on what our business’s focus is and this year quite naturally it was Digital & AI. We explored how smart digital workflows can protect the things that matter most – time, energy and focus, reframing AI as an enabler rather than a threat and highlighting how it can amplify us - not replace us.

We were lucky enough to hear from Liz Hardwick, a Digital Productivity Specialist, as our keynote speaker. Liz really challenged us to start with a simple but powerful question: What do you want AI to do? Only once the outcome is clear will the solution follow.

Liz shared tangible examples of how AI can streamline and integrate workflows, from creating consistent templates and structured communications to transforming voice notes into actionable to-do lists. Liz also highlighted that many organisations only utilise a small percentage of the functionality within their existing software, reminding us that AI adoption is as much about optimisation as it is innovation.

A particularly interesting theme was the opportunity for EAs to design their own customised bots/GPTs, embedding preferred formatting, tone and structure to create systems that work seamlessly alongside us. Trust us, it’s easier than it sounds!

As the session ended, three key messages stood out:

1. Find what's new and relevant - Stay curious and informed about emerging AI trends but focus on what genuinely supports your role.
2. Isolate what matters to you - Not every tool is necessary. Identify what will truly improve your workflow, reduce friction and enhance the value you bring.
3. Take action - intentionally. Awareness isn't enough, choose one practical change and implement it thoughtfully. Small, deliberate steps create a meaningful impact.

AI empowerment isn't about doing everything differently, it's about making smart, purposeful improvements that elevate the way we work.

We left the session feeling inspired by the openness and collaboration in the room. The conversations were honest, forward-thinking and grounded in a shared desire to evolve with confidence. As a network of EAs we are collectively exploring how to adapt, innovate and grow in a rapidly changing world.

We ended the session being able to explore the immersive galleries Frameless had to offer, and what an experience that was! The energy that carried from the main event into these rooms was empowering, EAs from different companies were collaborating, talking excitedly about the immersive galleries and what they had taken away from the morning. We all couldn’t wait to start implementing these exciting new tools and ways of working into our day-to-day roles.

Above all, we left with a renewed appreciation for the strength of our community and a shared commitment to shaping the future of our role with intention and purpose.