People often imagine working as the Executive Assistant to a unicorn startup CEO feels glamorous—private flights, investor dinners, big boardroom energy. And yes, sometimes there’s a Michelin-star meal involved. But most days? I’m basically managing a hurricane wearing a blazer.
My day usually starts at 6:30 AM with a message—from my CEO. Time zone doesn’t exist for him. He wakes up thinking about valuations, market share, and a new idea that must be executed “before breakfast.” Which means my morning coffee is usually enjoyed while shifting six meetings, adding new ones, and politely rescheduling a minister from Dubai (true story).
A big part of my job is translating chaos into structured execution. Investor call at 11? Sure. But wait—Product wants a last-minute sprint meeting. HR needs approval on the new VP hire. Finance wants signature on a legal document. Add a speaking event request and suddenly my Google Calendar looks like a Rubik’s cube being solved in slow motion.
But here’s the real truth: I get a front-row seat to decisions that shape the company. I know things before the board knows them. I hear the candid feedback, the frustration, the breakthroughs—even the doubts. Being an EA at this level is almost like being a co-pilot—you’re not flying the plane, but you definitely help land it.
What I’ve learned? CEOs don’t need perfect assistants—they need predictable anchors. Someone who stays calm when everything is on fire (which happens around twice a week). Someone who remembers the tiny details everyone else forgets. Someone who makes sure the organization moves smoothly while the CEO focuses on vision.
Is it exhausting? Yes. Do I love it? Absolutely. Every day feels like being part of a much bigger story—something that eventually gets written into startup history. And honestly, that’s worth all the late-night Slack messages.