Inclusion isn’t just a policy - it’s a feeling. And in this episode of The Admin Avenues Podcast, we’re joined by someone who embodies that truth every day.

Meet Liisa Partanen, winner of the 2025 AIOP Workplace Inclusion Advocate Award, recognised for her commitment to creating workplaces where people feel valued, respected, and truly seen. From intentional daily actions to subtle cultural shifts, Liisa’s impact proves that inclusion begins with the choices we make not the titles we hold.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Liisa’s journey and what shaped her passion for equity and inclusion
• How everyday behaviour can create meaningful cultural change
• Practical ways to approach conversations about bias, belonging and advocacy
• What “quiet leadership” looks like, and why it’s so powerful
• Real examples of initiatives and moments that strengthened inclusion in her workplace
• How inclusion has transformed the way she leads and supports others
• What workplaces must prioritise next to build inclusive cultures that last

Liisa’s insights are a powerful reminder that inclusion starts with intention — and that every one of us has a role to play in creating a culture of belonging.

Tune in to hear Liisa’s story, her lessons, and her vision for the future of inclusive workplaces.

Here is the link to the book ‘Quiet’ by Susan Cain that Liisa referenced: https://susancain.net/book/quiet/

To connect with Liisa on LinkedIn, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liisa-partanen-46527399/

Behind every seamless event, trip, or operational process is someone who makes the impossible look effortless, and in this episode, that someone is Yuki Park, winner of the 2025 AIOP Excellence in Travel, Event & Operational Coordination Award.

Yuki shares how she brings structure to complexity and calm to chaos, turning detailed logistics into impactful business outcomes. From orchestrating major events to managing high-stakes travel, her approach blends foresight, empathy, and precision - proving that operational excellence is both an art and a strategy.

In this conversation, we explore:

✅ Yuki’s career path to award-winning Executive Assistant
✅ Some of the projects that pushed her skills to new heights
✅ How she aligns logistics with strategy (and keeps everyone calm in a crisis)
✅ The systems and tools that help her stay ahead
✅ The people side of operations - building trust with teams, vendors, and executives
✅ Her biggest lessons learned and advice for aspiring admins

🎧 Tune in to hear how Yuki turns every moving part into harmony, and why excellence in execution is what truly powers business success.

👉 Connect with Yuki on LinkedIn and follow The Admin Avenues Podcast for more stories celebrating the impact and innovation of admin professionals across Australia.

Connect with Yuki on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yinouep/

In this episode, Candice chats with Yvette Simpson, Founder of The Y Principle and winner of the 2025 AIOP Virtual Business Support Professional of the Year Award.

Yvette shares the story behind The Y Principle, how she built a virtual business founded on clarity, communication, and consistency, and what it takes to deliver exceptional results from anywhere in the world.

We explore:

• How the virtual support landscape has evolved

• The foundations of trust in remote client relationships

• The biggest challenges virtual professionals underestimate

• Advice on pricing, boundaries, and defining your value

• What operational excellence looks like in the virtual space

• The future of the VA/OBM profession as tech and AI evolve

• What’s next for The Y Principle

A must-listen for Virtual Assistants, OBMs, and anyone thinking about building a business in the online support space.

Learn more about Yvette at https://the-y-principle.com and connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvette-simpson-b9795a4a.