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BOOK REVIEWS Top titles to supercharge your personal and professional development
YOUR REVIEW
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Who are the best people to deem whether the latest business book will boost your professional and personal development as a high-level assistant? Fellow EAs, of course! Each issue, we’ ll feature a book or two, complete with an informative and insightful review by one of your peers. You’ ll also get a sneak peek of the newest titles available for review.
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Please note: Regrettably, we can only have one reviewer per title but we hugely appreciate your interest and will always keep you on file for further opportunities.
The Leadership Compass
by Michelle Redfern
The Leadership Compass is refreshingly different from typical leadership books. It’ s practical, straightforward and written for real people navigating real workplaces. What stood out most is that it’ s not about‘ fixing women.’ It’ s about helping us navigate systems that weren’ t designed with us in mind while challenging those systems to change.
From an EA perspective, much of our work involves understanding priorities, connecting dots, and keeping things moving – often without being included in strategic conversations. This book reminds us we do belong in those conversations and that the knowledge and perspective we bring are valuable.
The stories woven throughout make the advice feel grounded and relatable. They contextualise the practical tools Michelle shares, whether about leading yourself, supporting others or understanding how businesses work behind the scenes.
One thing I’ ve learned is that networking isn’ t about awkward events or swapping business cards. It’ s about building genuine relationships and connecting with the right people for the right reasons. Michelle frames it exactly this way, validating my approach while offering refinements.
I’ d recommend this book to any EA or operations professional wanting more confidence in how they show up- not just behind the scenes but as a strategic partner. It delivers clear, digestible real-world advice. It left me feeling more deliberate about using my voice and influence.
Amber Field is a virtual assistance consultant at Operation Support
60 Executive PA | Spring Issue 2025