Interview with Mary Curry

This week, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Mary Curry, a powerhouse Executive Assistant and Business Operations professional. With over 15 years of experience, Mary has supported C-suite leaders across diverse industries like technology, finance, and aerospace. She's known for bringing order and structure to fast-paced environments, optimizing workflows, and anticipating executive needs. Mary brings a strategic edge to her work, managing complex calendars, high-profile events, and confidential communications with precision. She's also a tech whiz, leveraging her Master Certified Microsoft Office skills and early adoption of AI tools. Beyond her impressive career, Mary is a certified sommelier, avid reader, and fitness enthusiast, proving her holistic approach fuels her success in empowering leaders.

Mary, with 15+ years of experience spanning technology, finance, construction, and aerospace, you've supported leadership teams in diverse, high-growth environments. How do you adapt your executive support style and priorities when transitioning between such different industries?

The industries may be different, but the core of executive support stays the same: understand the business, anticipate needs, and clear the path so leaders can focus on what matters most.

What changes is the language, the pace, and sometimes the problem sets. In finance, precision and timing are everything. In construction or aerospace, it’s all about coordination, compliance, and long timelines. Tech tends to move fast and favors flexibility and innovation. So I listen closely early on, learn the rhythm of the business, and adjust my approach to match the leadership style and the culture around it.

What stays constant is my focus on clarity, trust, and being that steady, strategic partner behind the scenes.

You're currently building the EA function from the ground up at Distributor Wire & Cable. Can you share a specific example of a system you've implemented or a communication process you've streamlined in this new role, and the impact it's had on operational efficiency?

Absolutely. One of the first things I focused on was creating structure where there really wasn’t any. The CEO had never had a dedicated EA before, so I built out a weekly meeting cadence that helps us stay aligned: a Monday check-in to set priorities, a midweek touchpoint to adjust as needed, and a Friday wrap-up to prep for the next executive meeting. It has created clarity and momentum, not just for him but across the leadership team.

I also streamlined his inbox by setting up filters, applying labels, and removing the daily clutter so he is only seeing what is truly important. That alone has made a noticeable difference in how he is able to focus and respond.

Beyond that, I’ve built out SOPs to bring consistency and efficiency to a number of recurring projects. That includes distributing sports tickets, managing logistics for our quarterly leadership summits, and coordinating company swag mailings. These used to be handled informally or last minute, so having clear processes in place has taken a lot of pressure off the team and made everything run more smoothly.

Given your proficiency with a wide range of tech tools, from Microsoft Office Suite (Master Certified) to Trello and Concur, how do you approach integrating new technologies or AI-driven tools into your workflow to further enhance efficiency for your executive and the broader team?

For me, integrating new tech is about being curious, staying flexible, and always asking how I can make things simpler and more effective for the people I support. I love finding the right tools to make work smoother and more efficient. Whenever I step into a new role, I take time to assess what’s already in place, where the gaps are, and what tools can make the biggest impact quickly.

In this role, I’m using Google Workspace for the first time, and while I do miss the Microsoft applications I’m Master Certified in, I genuinely enjoy learning new platforms. It’s been a good stretch, and I’m always looking for ways to bridge any gaps with smart tools.

For presentations, Gamma has been a go-to. It helps me create polished, modern slide decks quickly, which saves a lot of time. When I’m drafting emails or communications, I use ChatGPT to refine the language and make sure the tone fits the audience. I’ve also streamlined PowerPoint presentations to create more impact, using AI tools to elevate the design and delivery.

On the travel side, I lean into AI for research. I’ve used ChatGPT to compare direct flight options from Charlotte to Tampa, and to find hotels and restaurants near our office locations, which has been especially helpful since I’m still getting to know the area. I also organize flight options and pricing into clear, executive-ready summaries that make decisions easy.

When it comes to research, I’ve used GPT to gather insights and create side-by-side comparisons for things like data rooms and vendor evaluations. It’s been a time-saver and has helped me deliver well-organized information to my executive team.

Since I support four VPs and the CEO, I started using Trello to track and prioritize tasks across the board. It helps me stay organized and ensures nothing falls through the cracks. I’m also building structure on the fly, so I use Scribe to document workflows and create SOPs as I go. It’s been incredibly helpful in bringing consistency to tasks that were previously handled in different ways.

And for expenses, I’ve started using Ramp. Processing expense reports has never been my favorite task, but Ramp makes it fast and painless. That alone has been a game-changer.

All of these pieces add up to smoother operations and a leadership team that feels more supported and less in the weeds.

High-profile event planning is a key part of your expertise. Can you describe a particularly challenging or complex event you've planned, detailing how you managed the logistics, navigated unexpected issues, and ensured its successful execution to meet high expectations?

One of the more challenging events I’ve managed came just a few weeks into my role at Distributor Wire & Cable. I was asked to handle all the logistics for our quarterly leadership summit, which was being held in our Dallas-area office. The twist? The office wasn’t set up for hosting. It didn’t even have a coffee machine.

I got to work! I purchased a full coffee setup, stocked up on snacks, drinks, tissue, hand sanitizer, mints, gum, and everything else I could think of to make the space feel ready. I even bought baskets and bowls to display the snacks and mints nicely instead of just tossing them on the conference table. I coordinated all the deliveries with the warehouse manager onsite and made sure everything arrived on time.

At the same time, I arranged catered lunches, booked a team-building activity that included dinner, and made a group dinner reservation without knowing the area. I used AI tools to research food and activity options near the office, which helped me move quickly and make solid choices.

To add to the challenge, I had just returned from a long weekend in Costa Rica for a wedding. I flew to Dallas the next morning, went straight to the office, unpacked everything, and ran out to fill in the gaps with last-minute purchases.

The next day was the summit and also the first time I met the full leadership team in person. We’re a remote company, so this was a big moment. Everything ran smoothly, and the feedback I received from the team was overwhelmingly positive.

It was the kind of project that required fast thinking, clear communication, and a lot of hustle. And I was proud to deliver an experience that made the team feel taken care of.

In a role that involves supporting leadership in fast-paced, high-growth environments, self-care is crucial. As an avid reader, fitness enthusiast, and certified sommelier, how do you intentionally incorporate these passions into your lifestyle to recharge and maintain your energy and drive?

Self-care is essential in a role like this. Supporting fast-paced, high-growth leadership teams requires energy, focus, and presence, so I approach my time outside of work with just as much intention.

Reading helps me reset. Whether it’s nonfiction that sharpens my perspective or a novel that gives my mind a break, it helps me recharge. Fitness is a daily anchor. I lift, I move, I sweat, and it keeps me grounded while building the stamina I need to be at my best.

Wine, as a certified sommelier, is about curiosity and connection. I enjoy learning the story behind each bottle and sharing it with others. It’s a way to slow down and be present.

I never compromise on spending quality time with my friends and family. I have an incredibly supportive and wonderful network.

I also prioritize nervous system regulation. I use a vagus nerve stimulation device called a Pulsetto and practice physiological sigh breathing to stay calm and centered. I aim to get at least 10 minutes of morning sunlight to support my circadian rhythm and start the day with intention.

All of these habits help me stay clear-headed, creative, and energized. They allow me to bring my full self to the people and teams I support.

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Mary Curry is a seasoned Executive Assistant and Business Operations professional with over 15 years of experience supporting C-suite leaders across technology, finance, construction, and aerospace. Known for her adaptability, sharp judgment, and proactive mindset, she excels at creating structure, optimizing workflows, and anticipating needs in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

Mary brings a strategic edge to executive support, managing complex calendars, high-profile events, and confidential communications with precision. Her work has driven cost savings, streamlined operations, and enhanced executive impact. She is a Master Certified Microsoft Office Specialist, fluent in Google Workspace, and an early adopter of AI tools to enhance productivity and decision-making.

Beyond her professional life, Mary is a certified sommelier, avid reader, and fitness enthusiast who believes that wellness, curiosity, and clarity are essential to showing up as a strong partner and leader. She’s passionate about building trusted relationships and helping leadership teams thrive from behind the scenes.

Mary's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryecurry/