Ep83: What Entrepreneurs Really Need from Their EA

What do entrepreneurs actually want from their Executive Assistants? In this episode, Nicky speaks with Andrew Chesnutt, CEO of The Authority Forge and a serial entrepreneur who’s built multiple seven-figure businesses, about what separates a good EA from a great one.

Andrew shares a candid look at the realities of working with founders—many of whom are fast-moving, neurodivergent, and juggling multiple priorities. Together, they unpack:

• The real difference between a Virtual Assistant and an Executive Assistant
• Why EAs who move from order taker to consultant quickly become indispensable
• How to build trust and anticipation with entrepreneurs who find it hard to let go
• Why clear communication and understanding neurodiversity are key to a strong partnership
• How EAs can use AI tools and SOPs to translate an entrepreneur’s “brain dump” into structured, actionable workflows

Andrew references the “Radar” character from MASH* as the perfect example of an Assistant who anticipates every need before it’s even voiced—and he’s right. This episode will help you see what it takes to become that kind of strategic partner.

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