In this episode of REACH, we sit down with Sarah Duncan, Executive Assistant to Maven Recruiting Group’s Founder & CEO, Jessica Vann. With over two years of partnership under their belt, Sarah has been instrumental in helping Jessica balance the demands of running a company with the realities of family life and personal pursuits. From managing client communications and high-stakes priorities to ensuring the home front runs smoothly, Sarah’s role extends far beyond the desk.

This conversation provides a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the EA–executive partnership, offering insights on how to build trust, navigate diverse working styles, and establish systems that empower both the assistant and the leader to thrive. For Executive Assistants curious about supporting a Founder/CEO, or leaders wondering how an EA can truly transform their capacity and impact, Sarah’s perspective provides both inspiration and practical insight.

In this episode of REACH, we’re joined by longtime friend of the Maven community and executive coach, Michael “Coop” Cooper. With over 20 years of experience coaching executives and teams, Coop specializes in helping organizations align, collaborate, and perform at their highest potential. His work spans leadership accelerators, team alignment workshops, and coaching on the Brain Types framework, a tool that helps individuals better understand how they think, communicate, and respond under pressure.

We dive into what makes a high-performing team, how leaders can foster clarity and cohesion, and the common blind spots that hold teams back. Coop also shares actionable insights for Executive Assistants supporting C-suite leaders, especially when navigating misalignment or communication breakdowns.

If you’re looking to deepen your influence, drive alignment across your organization, or better understand how to show up at your best under stress, this episode is a must-listen!

If your team or organization is ready to operate at a higher level of alignment, collaboration, and performance, you can explore Coop’s offerings at highperformanceorgs.com.

In this episode, we’re joined by longtime EA-turned-cofounder Michelle Czarnik, whose 17-year partnership with her executive led to the launch of BOXMEDIA.io, a mission-driven storytelling platform. Michelle shares what it takes to build a high-trust, long-term EA partnership, one that evolves from support to strategic collaboration, and how that trust ultimately opened the door to entrepreneurship.

We trace her incredible career journey, from working in Hollywood as Maria Bello’s assistant, to pivoting into tech, and now returning to her roots in estate management. Michelle also opens up about her passion for golf, the power of presence, and why she’s on a mission to get more women on the course.

Whether you’re in the early stages of your EA career or dreaming about what’s next, Michelle’s story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and leaning into the unknown.