Being the Executive Assistant (EA) to the CEO of a unicorn company is not just a job — it’s an experience that transforms how you see leadership, decision-making, and human behavior. From managing schedules that shift every minute to being the bridge between the CEO and the entire organization, every day brings a new challenge and a new lesson.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that time is the most valuable currency at the top. The CEO’s day is a battlefield of meetings, investor calls, strategic discussions, and fires that need to be put out before they spread. My role isn’t just to manage the calendar — it’s to protect it. Every request for the CEO’s time must be filtered with precision: Does this move the company forward? Does it align with our priorities? That clarity becomes second nature over time.
Working so closely with a leader also teaches you how vision and execution work hand in hand. I’ve seen ideas go from a 10-minute conversation to multi-million-dollar projects — but only because the CEO surrounds themselves with people who take ownership. The energy in a unicorn startup moves fast, and as an EA, you must move faster. Anticipating needs before they arise, staying two steps ahead, and being the calm in chaos is what separates a good assistant from a great one.
But beyond logistics and leadership lies something deeper — empathy. Behind every strategic decision are people, and understanding how the CEO manages relationships with empathy and clarity has been my biggest takeaway. Whether it’s a tough investor negotiation or a conversation with a worried employee, emotional intelligence matters more than authority.
Being an EA to a unicorn CEO is like sitting in the front row of a masterclass on leadership, resilience, and growth. It’s demanding, intense, and sometimes overwhelming — but it’s also deeply rewarding. You don’t just assist the CEO; you evolve with them.
In the end, the best EAs don’t just manage their CEOs’ days — they help shape their legacy.