Interview with Candice Burningham

I recently had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Candice Burningham. For those in the admin world, you likely know she's a powerhouse and the driving force behind Admin Avenues and the co-founder of The Future Focused Admin with Jessica McBride . With two decades of experience supporting top-tier executives and now championing our profession globally, Candice brings a wealth of knowledge and a refreshingly honest perspective. Trust me, you're going to want to hear what she has to say! Let's dive in...

What are the most crucial skills for an EA operating at the C-Suite level?

For me, especially in the era of AI, it’s Emotional intelligence. At the C-Suite level I was operating at, it’s wasn’t just about being organized or managing diaries (although yes, you need to do that brilliantly too). You’re dealing with high-pressure situations, sensitive information, and the need to read a room before anyone even walks into it. You need to be a strategic thinker, someone who sees around corners and anticipates problems before they happen. Discretion, resilience, and the ability to influence and communicate across all levels of the business - those are dealbreakers, not nice-to-haves at that level.

What advice would you give to other admins looking to build a strong professional network and advance their careers?

Network. Show up, even when you’re nervous. Whether it’s online or in person, connect with other admins, ask questions, and share your experiences. People want to support others who are genuine and open. And don’t just network sideways. You have to invest in building relationships with recruiters, HR professionals, mentors, and even people outside the admin profession. I also think you should never underestimate the power of LinkedIn. Share your wins. Comment on things. Be visible. You never know who’s watching. That’s why I ended up being a speaker at the largest admin conference in America - a LinkedIn post that went viral.

You’re a strong advocate for the administrative profession. What changes would you like to see in how admins are perceived and supported?

It’s no secret that I think we need to drop the outdated language around the profession. I think the title “assistant” needs to go. Admin professionals are admin and business partners, strategic operators who drive outcomes and impact culture in the workplace. I want to see more companies invest in their admins the same way they do for other roles - through leadership development, proper career pathways, fair compensation, and visibility at the leadership table. It’s not about recognition for ego’s sake, it’s about respect and career opportunity.

What are some things you look for when deciding whether or not to attend an industry event?

I look at who’s behind it. I do my homework. Do they walk the talk when it comes to supporting our profession? Do the event organizers fairly compensate the speaker for their time and skill as a speaker or facilitator. I look for events that foster connection, offer practical takeaways, and give space for real conversations (not just surface-level chit-chat and Instagram moments). And yes, if I’m giving up my time, it better be worth it. That means quality over quantity. I don’t go to every admin event. It has to be worth my time as that the most important commodity to me. There has to be real ROI for me.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their admin career?

Don’t wait for permission to lead. Be curious, ask the questions no one else is asking, and back yourself, even when you’re still figuring it out. Also, find your people - whether it’s a mentor, a community, or a colleague you admire. Admin work can be isolating if you let it, so build your village early. And finally, document your wins! Keep a record of your achievements because trust me, they’ll come in handy when it’s time to negotiate or apply for your next big role. Oh and keep your resume up to date as well. It’s powerful to know you have this ready to go at anytime. Also it’s good for you to keep adding to your “personal business case” to see where you might need growth in your career to get to the next job you want.

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With a 20-year journey in the administrative field, starting as an ‘Office Junior’ in Australia and advancing to a C-Suite Executive Assistant supporting leading Founders, Presidents, and CEOs, Candice Burningham founded Admin Avenues in 2021. Admin Avenues is Australia’s premier events, marketplace, and support network for admin professionals. In 2023, Candice expanded the brand by acquiring The Admin Collective. Candice is also a podcast co-host on The Future Focused Admin with Jessica McBride. In 2025, Jessica and Candice merged The Tech Savvy Assistant and The Admin Collective communities under a new parent company, The Future Focused Admin. This forward-thinking venture is dedicated to empowering and educating administrative professionals globally, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in the evolving landscape of the profession.

As a global speaker and recognized industry advocate, Candice is passionate about championing fair pay, respect, and the advancement of the admin profession. Known for her bold, honest approach, she tirelessly works to elevate the profession’s recognition and future. Her unfiltered dedication pushes boundaries and ensures the recognition this profession truly deserves.

Candice's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candiceburningham

Admin Avenues: https://www.adminavenues.com

The Future Focused Admin: https://www.thefuturefocusedadmin.com