Presence Is Power: Why Being in the Room Still Matters

It’s wild to think I’ve been supporting teams and mentoring others for over 25 years. I’ve seen a lot of change in the administrative world.

I still remember being excited when Xerox came out with the Memorywriter, moving from mainframe systems like TSO/ISPF to WordPerfect (with my beloved Reveal Codes—if you know, you know!), and learning how to use a mouse for the first time. Yep… I’ve been around a while. 😄

And wow, have we come a long way. I love seeing the strides we’ve made and the wide variety of roles now available in this field.

Over the last few years, I’ve been helping match administrative professionals with companies and executives. Many are aiming for Executive Assistant roles—or even Chief of Staff positions.

What surprises me, though, is how many are looking for 100% remote roles.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I love the flexibility remote work brings. It’s been a game-changer in so many ways.

But let’s have some real talk: for Executive Assistants who are ready to move from “support staff” to “strategic partner,” working behind a screen can only take you so far.

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years: trust is built in the in-between moments. And most of those don’t happen on Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet.

Think about it—the quick hallway check-in before a meeting. The look your exec gives when something’s off. The impromptu coffee chat that turns into a brainstorm, a solution, or a brilliant idea.

Those little moments? They stack up. They build connection. They build confidence. They build trust.

And that’s the foundation of a true partnership.

Now, I’m not saying ditch remote work altogether. There are definitely times it makes sense—when your exec’s traveling, when it’s a quiet week, when you need a little breathing room. But if your goal is to become that go-to person—trusted not just for scheduling, but for insight and leadership—you need to be in the room.

Physically present. Tuned in. Anticipating needs before they’re even spoken.

I had a wonderful boss who jokingly called me Radar (yep, a MAS*H reference) and said I fix things before they’re even broken. That only happens because I was there. I could read the room, spot gaps in a process, and sense when something needed a tweak—often before anyone else noticed.

That’s when the shift happens. That’s when you go from being “the assistant” to someone your exec doesn’t want to make a move without.

This isn’t about going back to the old way—it’s about moving forward with intention.

Presence isn’t just about showing up. It’s about showing you care. It’s about showing you’re all in.

And it might just be your most powerful tool.