On 24th November 2025, we hosted our EA Series Finale which brought together 200 public sector professionals for a warm and uplifting celebration of the people who help make leadership possible. 

With humour, candour and rich insight, Senior Executive Assistant Laura Florance and Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to support one of the country’s most demanding offices. 

Laura shared her journey from the private sector to Parliament House and eventually into the heart of the Australian Public Service. She spoke about the twists and turns that shape a career, the importance of adapting to different leadership styles, and the surprising moments that have defined her work, including helping facilitate the transition to the governor-general role. 

A central theme ran through her reflections: great leadership is never a solo effort. It grows from the quiet but powerful partnership between an executive and their EA, where trust, collaboration and shared values form the foundation. Laura highlighted how discretion, good judgement and alignment of intent elevate an EA from a support role to a genuine strategic partner. 

Her Excellency built on this idea by describing how these qualities, sustained over time, create a sympatico, an intuitive way of working that allows leaders to move with confidence. Together, she and Laura reminded the room that the most effective teams are those who lift each other up, anticipate challenges before they arise and remain steady when the stakes are high. For EAs, who often operate as an extension of their executive’s leadership, this depth of partnership is what enables better decisions and a more grounded, cohesive workplace. 

Laura’s stories also underscored the influence EAs can have, the responsibility that comes with representing an executive, and the role they play in shaping an office’s culture. She spoke about the power of creating calm in complexity and the importance of showing up with humility, humour and consistency. 

Throughout the evening, Laura emphasised the collective strength of networks. Strong relationships across offices, departments and agencies act as safety nets, sources of knowledge and engines of collaboration. When EAs work together, silos shrink, communication aligns and opportunities expand, not just for executives but for entire teams. 

Growth and development were another recurring theme. Laura encouraged EAs to give themselves time, often two years in a role, to build capability and confidence, to stay curious and to embrace change, technology and modern ways of working. Importantly, she reminded the room that EAs must invest in their own growth and avoid being completely subsumed into the world of the leaders they support. 

At its core, the event celebrated human connection and authenticity. From early conversations at interview to the daily rhythms of office life, genuine relationships shape culture and make purposeful work possible. Care, kindness and respect are not soft skills; they are essential ingredients of high-performing public sector teams. 

Ultimately, it was a celebratory evening honouring the leaders behind the leaders and recognising the vital contribution executive assistants make across the APS.  

Please see below for our list of key takeaways from the evening: 

Key Takeaways 

• Trust is the foundation of every strong Executive–EA partnership
  Trust grows through consistency, discretion, honesty and alignment with values. Because EAs often act as an extension of their executive’s leadership, these foundations matter deeply. Over time, strong partnerships can develop into a sympatico, an intuitive and shared way of thinking that supports better decisions and builds confidence.
• The EA role has evolved, and modern EAs contribute strategically
  The work of an EA now extends well beyond logistics. Strategic thinking, anticipation and clear communication are central to the role. EAs bring steadiness in complex moments, hold the human side of relationships, and help shape the environment their leaders operate in. They balance care with professionalism, maintaining strong boundaries while being attuned to influence, timing and the dynamics of a room. Modern EAs are part of a strategic partnership with the leaders they work with.
• Networks matter: Strong networks act as safety nets and sources of shared knowledge. Building relationships across levels and departments reduces silos, strengthens collaboration and creates opportunities for others to shine. Working closely with program offices, agencies and broader teams’ helps ensure alignment and clear communication. The more you contribute positively to your network, the more support you will receive in return.
• Career growth takes time: There is no need to rush. Ask questions, stay curious, embrace change and invest in your own development. Give yourself the time and space to build capability and confidence.
• Embrace humour and humanity on the busiest days, and do not fear the career surprises that often lead you exactly where you are meant to be.