The role of an Executive Assistant (EA) has transformed beyond calendar management and administrative tasks. Today’s top EAs act as strategic partners, problem-solvers, and key advisors to executives. Naturally, many ambitious EAs are setting their sights on a bigger role—the Chief of Staff (CoS).
If you're ready to level up, transition into a leadership-driven role, and have a bigger impact on your organisation, this guide will help you navigate the journey from EA to Chief of Staff with confidence.
Why Make the Move?
Shifting from EA to CoS isn’t just a step up—it’s a whole new ballgame. Here’s why this transition is worth considering:
- More Strategic Influence – Instead of supporting leadership, you’ll be shaping it. A CoS works closely with executives on high-impact decisions.
- Career Acceleration – Becoming a Chief of Staff is a natural stepping stone to future leadership roles, even including CEO positions.
- Expanded Responsibilities – Move from managing tasks to driving business strategy, overseeing cross-functional projects, and influencing company-wide initiatives.
What Skills Do You Need to Become a Chief of Staff?
Making the leap from EA to Chief of Staff requires a shift in mindset and skill set. Here’s what you need to master:
1. Strategic Thinking
You’ll need to think big picture—analysing business challenges, identifying opportunities, and advising executives on critical decisions.
2. Project & Operations Management
CoS roles involve overseeing key projects and ensuring teams align with company goals.
3. Leadership & Influence
Unlike an EA, a CoS leads teams, drives change, and serves as the CEO’s right hand. Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills are essential.
4. Financial & Business Acumen
Understanding budgets, forecasting, and high-level business strategy will make you a valuable advisor in the boardroom. Consider learning financial modelling or business analytics.
5. Communication & Executive Presence
As a CoS, you’ll interact with senior leaders, board members, and key stakeholders—your ability to communicate with confidence and clarity is critical.
Your Roadmap: How to Transition from EA to Chief of Staff
Step 1: Develop a Strategic Mindset
- Shift from executing tasks to proactively solving business challenges
- Stay informed on industry trends, company strategy, and competitor insights
- Join high-level discussions with executives whenever possible
Step 2: Expand Your Skill Set
- Take courses on business strategy, finance, and leadership (Check out Harvard Business Review, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning)
- Learn data analysis and budgeting—essential skills for decision-making
- Seek mentorship from Chiefs of Staff and senior executives
Step 3: Gain Leadership Experience in Your Current Role
- Offer to lead cross-functional projects beyond administrative work
- Take on strategic planning responsibilities within your company
- Shadow executives to understand decision-making at a high level
Step 4: Build a Strong Professional Network
- Attend industry events, leadership summits, and CoS networking groups
- Join Chief of Staff associations (e.g., Chief of Staff Association, Base HQ)
- Connect with professionals who have successfully made the EA-to-CoS transition
Step 5: Position Yourself for the Promotion
- Clearly communicate your career aspirations to your boss
- Showcase leadership, initiative, and a strategic mindset
- Go beyond administrative support—demonstrate your ability to drive business impact
Contact Us
Overcoming Challenges in the Transition
Imposter Syndrome?
Confidence comes with preparation—keep learning, seek mentorship, and trust your capabilities.
Lack of Strategic Experience?
Start small—volunteer for strategic initiatives and work closely with leadership.
Leadership Resistance?
Proactively demonstrate your readiness by taking on more responsibilities and driving impact.
Can EAs Become CEOs? It’s Happened Before!
While the Chief of Staff role is a natural next step, some ambitious EAs have climbed even higher—to the CEO seat.
- Ursula Burns – Former CEO of Xerox
Burns started at Xerox as an intern before becoming Executive Assistant to the CEO. Her time as an EA gave her deep insight into the company’s strategy, eventually leading her to become the first African-American woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. - Victoria Darragh – CEO, Executive & Personal Assistants Association (EPAA)
Darragh’s experience as an EA helped her build a strong leadership foundation, ultimately allowing her to lead an entire professional organisation dedicated to Executive Assistants.
Your Future as a Chief of Staff Could Start Now
Making the transition from Executive Assistant to Chief of Staff isn’t just about getting a new title—it’s about elevating your career, expanding your influence, and shaping the future of your organisation.
By upskilling, gaining leadership experience, and strategically positioning yourself, you can successfully step into the CoS role—and beyond.
The future of your career is in your hands—take the first step today!
Knightsbridge Recruitment is a boutique consultancy which has been placing stand-out candidates in the most sought after permanent, temporary and part-time Chief of Staff, Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, Private PA and executive office support jobs in London, for over 35 years. If you would like advice on hiring and retaining exceptional staff, or would like to discuss your next career move, we would love to help - please call us.
Contact Us
Search Jobs
This may also interest you
Behind Every Great Boss Is A Great Hire: Why Specialist Recruitment Agencies Deliver
Behind every thriving leader, there is often an unsung hero – a Personal Assistant (PA), Executive Assistant (EA), or Chief of Staff who ensures the...
Read on
New year, new talent
10 Resolutions for Recruitment Success We’ve all been guilty of setting those over-ambitious New Year’s resolutions. You know the ones: running a half-marathon even though...
Read on
This article is written by Evie Stylianou
Evie is a freelance Creative Director working across music videos and commercials, and a passionate writer of everything from blogs to articles to screenplays. She holds a Liberal Arts degree from the University of Nottingham.
In collaboration with Belinda Lighton
With over 30 years at the helm of Knightsbridge Recruitment, Belinda Lighton brings unusual depth of experience in placing high-performing and talented PAs and EAs across a wide range of industries. Her understanding of the evolving demands of executive support roles allows her to offer strategic insight and practical guidance, drawn from decades of hands-on leadership at one of London’s most respected and longstanding boutique recruitment consultancies specialising in PAs, EAs and office support staff.
Recent Posts
The Digital Tightrope: From Slack Slang to Emoji Overload – What EAs and PAs should avoid doing at Work
Why Tone Matters – Especially for PAs and EAs Most people have experienced a moment at work, where someone sends …
Read More
...From Shoreditch to Mayfair: Dressing for PA and EA job interviews in London
When style meets strategy. In the world of Personal and Executive Assistants, how you present yourself can say just as …
Read More
...Why AI Interviews Can’t Replace Human Judgement in Hiring PAs and EAs
When The Shoe Doesn’t Fit: The True Cost of Rushed Recruitment Every year, without fail, summer seems to catch people …
Read More
...Looking for a job ?
Travelling Personal Assistant to UHNWI – Global Travel
£70,000 - £100,000+ doe
Global
08/08/2025
Are you an experienced Personal Assistant with a sense of adventure, ready to embark on a truly unique career journey? This is not your typical PA role – it’s an all-access pass to a global lifestyle ...
Private PA - Family Office - Strategic and Administrative Coordination
up to £80,000 DOE
London
11/08/2025
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a highly capable, intellectually sharp individual to join a prestigious private office in a broad-ranging support role. This position sits at the intersection...
EA to C-Suite - Fast Paced, Forward Thinking, People-First Culture
£55,000 - £65,000 DOE
London
11/08/2025
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for a proactive and highly capable Executive Assistant to join a prestigious boutique firm. In this key role, you’ll provide dedicated support to a dynamic a...
Graduate Opportunity – Front of House & Business Admin at Top-Tier Finance Company
Up to £45,000 DOE
London
11/08/2025
Are you ready to elevate your career with one of the most prestigious names in global finance? A renowned firm based in the heart of London is seeking an exceptional graduate to join their high-perfor...
Outstanding Senior EA – Dynamic Boutique Exec Search Firm
£60,000 to £70,000 DOE
Central London
07/08/2025
Rare opportunity for an exceptional EA to support the Founder of a highly successful, exciting, boutique executive search firm. Hybrid working, great benefits!
This varied and fast-paced role combin...