How Sona Movsesian Became Conan O'Brien's Assistant

196: You think assistants just "support" leaders? Think again; they're the reason everything works.

We are doing something special! I have partnered with my friend Jeremy Burrows, host of The Leader Assistant Podcast, to exchange some of your favorite episodes. Together, we are bringing you conversations with incredible guests who share insights, stories, and strategies to empower assistants and leaders alike.

Tune in, enjoy the lineup, and don't forget to connect with both Jeremy and our featured guests, you will find inspiration and practical takeaways to elevate your work and leadership journey.

In this episode of the Leader Assistant Podcast, Jeremy Burrows talks with Sona Movsesian, longtime executive assistant to Conan O'Brien and co-host on Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, about what it really takes to thrive in high-trust support roles. They dig into setting boundaries (yes, including weekends), why work-life balance isn't optional, and how to stop tying your identity to your job—so you're still okay if a role or project ends.

Sona shares how she landed the job, how their dynamic became part of the show organically, and what it's like sitting in rooms with famous people while battling imposter syndrome. They also discuss her book, The World's Worst Assistant, and why it's time to highlight healthier, more fulfilling assistant careers.

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Today's episode is with Sona Movsesian from 2022.
Sona is an executive assistant, author and media personality. She has been the personal and executive assistant of talk show host Conan O'Brien since 2009 and was featured in many of the show's segments. She currently cohosts the Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend podcast.

CONNECT WITH SONA

- Order Sona's book, The World's Worst Assistant: https://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Worst-Assistant-Sona-Movsesian/dp/059318551X?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&linkCode=ll1&tag=leaderassista-20&linkId=b62dc17cfc183123ee92985000842799&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

- Follow Sona on X (https://x.com/sonamov) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sonamov/)

- Listen to Sona cohost the Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conan-obrien-needs-a-friend/id1438054347

Watch a couple of my favorite clips of Sona on Conan's show:
- Conan and Sona meet with HR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-CzwR9bDA4
- Conan helps Sona buy a new car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiaDblUd-lw

More about Jeremy's work: https://goburrows.com/