Executive Office Insights – Details, episodes & analysis

191: What if the key to growth isn't working harder — but working together?
In this inspiring long-form conversation, Working Out Loud founder John Stepper reveals how peer-to-peer development, shared learning, and authentic human connection can transform not only careers but entire organizational cultures.

John shares the origin story of Working Out Loud (WOL), now used in more than 100 global organizations, and explains why meaningful relationships, psychological safety, and generosity are at the heart of effective personal development. We explore how WOL circles spark confidence, belonging, and purpose — and why people stay connected for years after the program ends.

The episode dives deep into purposeful discovery, John's approach to finding direction through intention, openness, and small steps. You'll hear remarkable real-life stories, including how individuals leveraged WOL to change careers, publish books, start companies, and reimagine what's possible in their professional lives.

John also shares exclusive insights into his upcoming projects — from a new CliftonStrengths-based peer program to the Good Men Collective, a decentralized, non-commercial initiative designed to support men's well-being, resilience, and healthy connection.

With wisdom, warmth, and refreshing honesty, John opens up about work, family, meaning, and how connection can help us shape a better future for ourselves and our communities.

Whether you're in HR, leadership, coaching, organizational development, or simply searching for more purpose, this episode is packed with practical insights that will inspire you to grow — and maybe even start your own circle.

Top 5 Takeaways From This Episode:

- Why small, consistent steps can open doors you didn't even know existed.
- How authentic human connection can transform not just work — but your sense of possibility.
- Why generosity and visibility often matter more than ambition for long-term growth.
- What can happen when people begin to trust themselves — and each other — inside a safe, structured space.
- How purpose emerges not from certainty, but from curiosity, courage, and community.

About John Stepper:

John Stepper designs peer-to-peer development methods that build skills and relationships, that strengthen self-efficacy while fostering feelings of belonging. The Working Out Loud programs produce deeper engagement and a sense of self-determination in individuals—and more connected, collaborative cultures across organizations.

The original method, described in Working Out Loud (Now in German and Chinese as well as English) is used by HR Managers in 100+ organizations for tens of thousands of employees worldwide. There is now a family of WOL methods: for leadership and team development, for wellness and female empowerment, and for operational workers in manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.

John lives with his family in New York City.

LINKS

🔴 Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vfXBSLHkNlA

- Website: https://www.workingoutloud.com/

- Book (Deutsch): https://www.amazon.de/Working-Out-Loud-Verbundenheit-Gemeinschaft/dp/3800662817

- TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpjNl3Z10uc

- Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/
- Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter
- Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS
- Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

John's song: "The Raiders March" - John Williams
🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd

190: What does Formula One teach us about being an exceptional executive assistant and strategic partner at the top level? In this inspiring episode, Nicole Bearne shares her journey from supporting one of Formula One's most respected leaders to becoming a communications expert and business founder.

She takes us behind the paddock doors to reveal what it's really like to work alongside Ross Brawn, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton—where every second counts and preparation is everything. You'll discover how executive support plays a crucial role in leadership success, team communication, and resilience under pressure.

Nicole also talks about reinventing herself, building The Comms Exchange, and empowering others to grow from EA to leadership roles. Plus, she discusses her mission to inspire more women to join motorsport through programs like Girls on Track and the F1 Academy.

This episode is a masterclass in confidence, communication, and career evolution—for anyone ready to bring Formula One focus into their executive support role.

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About the Guest:

Nicole Bearne has been at the forefront of Formula 1 motor racing for over 25 years, winning 9 World Championships with the Brawn Grand Prix and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 teams.

Her extensive motorsport experience includes executive and technical operations, Internal Communications, Employee Experience and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). She is also an Independent Non-Executive Director of Motorsport UK, the governing body of four-wheel motorsport in the UK.

Nicole now leads The Comms Exchange, leveraging her F1 business experience and academic knowledge to help organisations build high-performing, people-centric cultures.

She also runs 1-day workshops on Internal & Leadership Communication for EAs, PAs and Business Support professionals.

Nicole holds a Master's degree in Organisational Behaviour and a CIPR Diploma in Internal Communication. She is a member of the Institute of Internal Communication, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (MCIPR) and an Accredited PR Practitioner. Nicole is frequently invited to speak at Internal Communications, Employee Experience, Leadership and HR conferences in the UK, USA and Europe.

Links:

🔴 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h_7dhABSjQY

https://comms-exchange.com/
www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-bearne
https://www.motorsportuk.org

Nicole's song: We Are the Champions by Queen
🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd

Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/

Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter

Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS

Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

181/135: Donata Boston is a premier lifestyle support specialist for ultra-high net worth individuals who offers unparalleled, personalized service through meticulous matchmaking, onboarding, and ongoing coaching.

Unlike traditional staffing agencies, she creates cohesive, high-performing teams that align with her clients' unique needs and lifestyles. She advocates for her candidates, coaching them on their holistic career trajectories.

Her career started working as an assistant to prominent figures like Madonna across various industries. Donata transitioned into entrepreneurship and now sets a new standard in lifestyle support, empowering clients to achieve their goals and enjoy greater freedom.

🔴 Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h9-zLfUJGhY

Connect with Donata:

Website: https://donataboston.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donata-boston-322003170/

For nanny jobs in the US: https://www.thenannies.com/

For Lacy's manifestation program and guided meditations: https://tobemagnetic.com/

Book "Range" by David Epstein: https://a.co/d/7DFQXXP

Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/

Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter

Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS

Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

192: Wayde Walker works as Business and Office Manager for a million dollar turnover company where he is responsible for all office and accounting, procurement, works planning and scheduling, software integration and brining the company into the 21st century.

His role at Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP): Managing the direction, corporate requirements and membership of the Profit for Purpose organisation. They provide advice, guidance, education and professional development for Office Professionals across Australia.
A partner member of the World Administrators Alliance.
His responsibility it to manage, guide and ensure the corporate and strategic directions of the organisation are met, along with the expectations of our members and our partners.

Shownotes:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/waydewalker/

https://www.aiop.com.au/

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091: Zwei Ausbildungen, ein Studium, mehrere spannende Anstellungen und zwei Unternehmensgründungen: Neugier und Begeisterung treiben Nina Mülhens von jeher an und eröffnen immer wieder neue Möglichkeiten. Mit nina mülhens. Kommunikation klipp & klar. baut sie wertschöpfende Beziehungen auf. Als Co-Founderin und Geschäftsführerin des gemeinnützigen Bildungs-Start-ups DigitalSchoolStory gUG (http://www.digitalschoolstory.de/) (haftungsbeschränkt) hat Nina zum Ziel, junge Menschen aus einer konsumorientierten Haltung zu holen und sie zu aktiven Gestalter:innen zu machen. Der Ansatz ist: Schüler:innen der Klassen 5 bis 13 übersetzen Lerninhalte in kreative Videos. Dabei erwerben sie persönliche, soziale und methodische Zukunftskompetenzen wie digitale Medienproduktion und agiles Arbeiten im Team. Mittlerweile wird die Methode auch an Berufsschulen, Universitäten und in Unternehmen eingesetzt, um Wissenstransfer und -vernetzung zu unterstützen.

Links

http://www.muelhens-kommunikation.de/

Allgemeine Informationen über DigitalSchoolStory: http://www.digitalschoolstory.de/

Zum Einlesen:

- Unsere Organisation

https://www.jdb.de/dub/202202/epaper-DUP\_Kiosk\_2.22/#72

- Warum wir für Unternehmen interessant sind

https://persoblogger.de/2022/04/11/digitales-storytelling-staerkt-macherqualitaeten-raus-aus-der-konsumhaltung

- Erlebe uns in der Klasse

https://www.butenunbinnen.de/videos/schule-projekt-mathe-tiktok-videos-100.html

Infos über DigitalSchoolStory für Unternehmen/ Organisationen:
https://copetri.digitalschoolstory.de/

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Socials

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-m%C3%BClhens-pr-positionierung-professional/

https://twitter.com/nmuelhens

https://www.instagram.com/nmuelhens/

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090: Born in Guatemala, raised in the United States and now a Dutch citizen, Giovanna has been very lucky to experience different cultures and learn a lot from them. Her love of cultures led her to study International Relations. She loves to travel and also enjoys reading history books and watching documentaries. She tries to stay healthy and loves good food!

She is an experienced strategic business partner to C-Suite executives with a demonstrated history of working across various industries. She is skilled in coaching, communications, fluent in English, Spanish and Dutch.

And you will find out even so much more about here and her career. Enjoy the talk with Giovanna.

Diana xoxo

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Shownotes:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gdb-aa34141/

https://officedynamics.com/

https://goburrows.com/

https://executivesupportmagazine.com/

https://www.ft.com/podcasts

https://globalskillsmatrix.com/

089: Die Women in events D.A.C.H. ist das erste branchenübergreifende Netzwerk für weibliche Eventprofessionals im deutschsprachigen Raum und wurde 2017 ins Leben gerufen. Es richtet sich an Frauen, die hauptberuflich mit der Organisation, Planung und Durchführung von Veranstaltungen betraut sind.

Hierzu zählen Angestellte und Führungskräfte aus Unternehmen, Verbänden, Institutionen und Dienstleistungsunternehmen. Sowie darüber hinaus Unternehmerinnen, Solo-Selbstständige, Freelancerinnen und Studentinnen/Auszubildende.

Ich durfte mit der Gründerin Kerstin sowie Co-Creatorin Sandra über ihre Arbeit sprechen. Aber lernt sie selbst schon etwas kennen:

Kerstin Hoffmann-Wagner

Gründerin des seit 2017 bestehenden Netzwerks „Women in events D.A.CH." für deutschsprachige weibliche Eventprofessionals.

2000 begann Kerstin Hoffmann-Wagner im Eventbereich zu arbeiten – seit 2012 ist sie selbstständig als Eventberaterin, zertifizierte Trainerin, Autorin und Dozentin. Ihre Tätigkeitsbereiche: Zeitgemäße Eventkommunikation sowie Nachhaltigkeit, Inklusion und Barrierefreiheit für Events und Messen.

Sandra Helmstädter

Seit Sommer 2020 gestaltet sie als Co-Creatorin an der Seite von Kerstin Hoffmann-Wagner die Women in events D.A.CH.

Sandra bezeichnet sich gerne als freies Radikal und ist seit über 20 Jahren in der Hotel- und Eventbranche tätig mit Fokus auf B2B Events in unterschiedlichsten Bereichen. Als Wirkungsmensch ist es ihr wichtig, Projekte und Themen voran zu treiben, die ihr die Möglichkeit geben zu gestalten und nicht nur ihr Wissen, sondern auch ihr Wollen einzubringen.

Links:

https://women-in-events.de/

LinkedIn Seite

https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-events-d-a-ch/?viewAsMember=true

LinkedIn Gruppe

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12475225/

GCB: https://www.gcb.de/de/

088: Andrea Kaden studierte BWL, Rechtswissenschaften, Sozial- und Gesundheitsmanagement an der Universität Hamburg. Ihr Interesse an IT, Prozessoptimierung, neuen Technologien und Change Management begleiten sie ihr gesamtes Berufsleben. Kontinuierliche Verbesserung und lebenslanges Lernen sind prägende Elemente ihrer Lebens- und Arbeitsphilosophie.

Seit 12 Jahren arbeitet sie selbstständig als Digital Change Agent, hält Vorträge und berät Unternehmen. Sie hinterfragt und analysiert bestehende Prozesse und motiviert Mitarbeitende, sich an deren Verbesserung und Digitalisierung zu beteiligen. Dabei stehen pragmatische Methoden und wirklich machbare, individuelle und nachhaltige (digitale) Lösungsansätze im Vordergrund.

Letzteres ist auch Basis eines weiteren Schwerpunktes ihrer Arbeit, dem Einsatz für Nachhaltigkeit im Arbeitsalltag. Mit Workshops und Vorträgen inspiriert sie Unternehmen und Mitarbeitende den Arbeitsalltag green, lean und digital zu gestalten.

Links:

https://zeitgewinn-hamburg.de/unsere-expertise/
https://zeitgewinn-hamburg.de/publikationen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreakaden/

Tools, die Andrea genannt hat:

MS ToDo, Trello, Notion, Evernote, TickTick, Zoho und LastPass

087: Shayanne Wright is the Co-Founder and CEO of Office Otter, a productivity platform designed specifically for administrative professionals. As a graduate of TechStars and Women's Startup Lab, she is a globally sought-after speaker and mentor to female founders in the tech industry. Office Otter (https://www.officeotter.com/futureassistant) is her second successful software startup, emerging out of hundreds of hours spent interviewing administrative professionals and researching their pain points. 

Shayanne is passionate about elevating women in the workforce, and creating technology for historically under resourced positions. An enthusiastic researcher, her real-life experience with user-driven product development and her training in startup best practices come together to form her unique perspective.

When she is not developing software to empower admins, Wright is involved in her local government and enjoys political advocacy. You can find out more about her political work at http://shayannewright.com.

Learn more about Office Otter at http://officeotter.com/futureassistant.

086: Lisette Sutherland is a remote-working, German-born, Dutch-American, living in the Netherlands – who is totally jazzed by the fact that it's possible to work from anywhere. She authored the Work Together Anywhere Handbook, hosts a regular podcast featuring interviews with remote-working experts, and facilitates workshops on a variety of remote working topics like hybrid working, better online meetings, and virtual leadership.

She has given presentations at a wide range of events, from conferences and events all over the world, to podcasts, online meetups, telepresence events, virtual reality, and then back to earth for a TEDx talk in Kaunas, Lithuania. For 7 years (2013-2020), Lisette served as the Remote Office Manager for the 100% remote company, Management 3.0, focused on helping organisations implement modern leadership strategies.

She is currently serving as a member of the EU/US Transatlantic Expert Group on the future of work brought together by Bruegel and the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Her company, Collaboration Superpowers, provides individuals, teams, and managers with a roadmap of how to work together anywhere – successfully through online, interactive workshops given by professional licensed facilitators all over the world.

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Website: https://www.collaborationsuperpowers.com/

Book:https://www.amazon.com/Work-Together-Anywhere-Successfully-Individuals/dp/1119745225/

https://www.amazon.com/Work-Together-Anywhere-Successfully-Individuals/dp/1119745225/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-collaboration-superpowers-podcast/id931999061

TEDx talk: https://lisettesutherland.com/tedx/ 

Super kit: https://www.collaborationsuperpowers.com/superkit/

Tools for remote workers: https://www.collaborationsuperpowers.com/tools/

Toogl: https://toggl.com/