Not all Bosses have the Title

The show Suits debuted in 2011, but I didn’t discover it until after its ninth and final season was being added to Netflix.  If I were to tell you I’m finished with the series, you’d immediately do the math and likely judge me a little bit, which is fine.  Guilty as charged, I binge watch shows with my wife.  We have five kids, we need the escape after wrestling them all to bed.

The reason I was late to the fandom of this show isn’t something I know, but I distinctly remember why I ended up watching one to begin with.  I was in a meeting with a new Executive Assistant in an organization where I served on its board of directors, and she made some kind of comment about being “a Donna.”  At the time I had no idea if that was good, if that was bad, or if it was just some kind of pop culture phrase I wasn’t aware of.  Fast forward a few years, and not only do I know what it means, I know that she really does channel the character of Donna.

Meet Carissa Burgett, an Architect of Joy

It’s difficult to follow a legend, and when Carissa was hired she did just that – following a long term, highly respected, and deeply committed professional who had trained most members of the c-suite and the board.  Cindy was excited to retire, and was equally excited to have the time crossover with her successor.  The handoff was seamless, and shortly thereafter the ideas for optimization began.

Many people have approached the EA role differently across my career, from the executives who depended on personal assistant tasks to those who delegated important tasks and coordination roles.  My approach has been one to invite them to the table, literally.  I find that it reduces the time it takes to translate or delegate, and even more important it adds another dimension and voice to dialogue about the work being completed.  I’ve been really fortunate to have amazing people in this role on the different teams I’ve led, but Carissa was the first one I worked with as a Board Chair – so I too, was learning.

Carissa has always been keen to educate others on the role she plays, how it fits into the work of the organization, and she prides herself on being ahead of anything that’s coming up.  This gave us a lot in common, and set us up for good partnership in agendas, venues, and general board organization.  Since we were going through a CEO Search Process, it was even more complex than normal times, which meant this was especially helpful.

So what is a “Donna?”

Back to Suits, what is a Donna?  The character Donna Paulson was the assistant to the lead character, Harvey.  But she was actually the epicenter of the entire office, having a gravity because she anticipated needs, was always ahead of everyone, confident and charismatic, and could manage complex problems better than most.  She would walk into any situation or office, regardless of how tense it was or the rank of who she engaged with – and would be bold, with loyalty.

So Donna was a boss, she just didn’t have the title.  I want to write more, but would hate to spoil the show for new fans.

More than the Perfect Coffee

I’m a sparkling water guy, especially in situations where I’m talking a lot.  Imagine my happy surprise when I went to a meeting and saw the brand I like there for me when I’d not even asked for it.  This was the result of something I didn’t truly appreciate years ago, the networking of Executive Assistants akin to a Mycelial Network … an unspoken code of sorts, cutting across department barriers or even company/organizations when done well. 

It wasn’t an accident, and it also wasn’t the most impressive contribution that she made.  But it was a visible reminder that when given the opportunity, EA’s make the most of an executive team’s very constrained calendars, thus impacting the performance of many.

Here are a few other things you should know about Carissa Burgett, CAP, PM, Notary:

1. She is a great team leader, especially at massive events.  While not always taking the limelight or commanding the moment, she deftly ensures that everyone has a role and delivers their part in the event; and seems to have contingency plans at the ready.  

2. She’s quite resourceful, shrewdly negotiating prices for anything from software to venues; but also finding ways to bring more elements into any situation than the average person could dream up.  As a state-wide organization, this shows up in small towns and big cities, but always shows up.

3. She’s an awesome mom.  We’ve all got to meet and hear about her daughter, who I know she and her husband are quite proud of.  From awards shows to conferences, she’s role modeling success to the next generation in a really powerful way.

4. Her ambition is one of her superpowers.  There is a beauty in wanting to be at the top of your craft, and not just having the next title.  So many people are focused on achieving more instead of focusing on delivering more … That nuance of words is often the difference between being wildly successful and easily forgotten.

5. She’s very creative, which I learned recently from my wife Jennifer – who is about to do a group art class under her instruction.  Who knew?!

Following the Architect's Design

Each of us has the opportunity to be more than our station in work or life calls for, truly raising the bar for those around us.

• Be humble and own your role at the time, doing so with joy and in a way that leaves no room for anyone around you to doubt that you care about what you do, who you’re serving, and how that impacts their work.

• Strive to lift others up in your profession, seeing them less as competition and more as torch bearers for what you’ve decided to do in life.  Intentionally encourage them to grow, even when it has no impact on you, your work, or your organization’s success.

• Find ways to surprise people in their daily walks, with small but important actions that prove you see them, value them, and want them to be successful.

• Never stop growing, however good you may be today there is a way you could be better tomorrow; go for it.

Know someone like Carissa? Give them your gratitude today, and never stop learning from them. The world needs more joy, and it can start with you.