Flicks Featuring Kickass Executive Assistants
As executive assistants, we know that our role goes far beyond just answering phones and scheduling meetings. We are strategic partners to our executives, helping them achieve their goals through organization, foresight, and resourcefulness. It’s a demanding yet rewarding job. And every now and then, it’s fun to see our profession represented on the big screen. Here are four films that feature some seriously badass EAs and what we can take away from them:
Tess McGill is an ambitious secretary from Staten Island who dreams of moving up the corporate ladder. When she gets a job at a mergers and acquisitions firm, she realizes she’s underestimated and decides to pretend to be an Ivy League graduate to get ahead. Not only does Tess prove herself extremely competent in high-pressure environments, but she also shows creativity and guts in achieving her aims.
As executive assistants, we know that sometimes you have to be assertive and find unorthodox solutions to be recognized. Tess reminds us to have confidence in our abilities and not let unfair assumptions limit how far we can climb. She sees a path to success and goes for it through an ingenious alter ego.
Frustrated with their demanding, sexist boss, three secretaries turn the tables by kidnapping their boss and running the company themselves. Judy, Violet, and Doralee create a more equitable workplace and spark a revolution.
This comedy highlights workplace issues still relevant today — harassment, unequal pay, and difficult managers. More importantly, it shows the power that lies within us to challenge the status quo. Though we may feel powerless, as a unified group we can stand up for better working conditions and recognition. The movie also demonstrates the value of executive assistants — without them, companies would literally grind to a halt!
Andy Sachs landed her dream job working for powerful fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly. She soon realizes the difficulty of pleasing the demanding Miranda and trying to maintain a personal life. With the help of fellow assistant Emily, Andy gains confidence and begins to thrive in the fast-paced fashion world.
This film depicts the pressure assistants can face to match the intensity and standards of high-powered executives. Andy shows perseverance and level-headedness while coping with Miranda’s rapid-fire demands. Emily also demonstrates company knowledge and connections that aid Andy. We support each other and see that forming bonds with fellow assistants makes our roles more bearable and our careers more enjoyable.
Mad Men (TV series from 2007–2015)
Young Peggy Olson goes from being a secretary to a star copywriter, overcoming gender discrimination along the way. She repeatedly proves herself indispensable to the advertising firm through dedication and creativity.
Peggy is the ultimate example of an executive assistant who transitions into an executive role. Her story arc demonstrates how we gain essential communication and organizational skills from EA roles. With talent and determination, we can achieve our career goals just like Peggy. Even when not directly acknowledged, our contributions determine our growth.
What We Can Learn
Whether helping our executives by conventional or unconventional means, supporting each other through high-pressure situations, or climbing up the ranks through hard work, executive assistants in movies prove vital to their firms’ success. They use courage, resilience, and ambition to make their marks.
These films showcase the barriers EAs face but also the power we have to achieve. So while answering phones pays the bills, never doubt that you have the skills and savvy to accomplish your boldest professional goals. You are the real brains behind every business!
