The Board of Trade had the pleasure of convening a group of executive assistants for an appreciation lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill in downtown Washington, D.C., on August 20. The gathering offered a rare opportunity for EAs — so often working diligently behind the scenes — to step out from behind the computer, connect with peers, and share experiences in a supportive and energizing setting. 

As part of our professional development roundtable series, the event was designed not only to celebrate executive assistants but also to equip them with tools that support their work. Our featured speaker, Ernie Davis, Personal & Executive L&B Coach, led a thoughtful session on Myers-Briggs Strategy for Managing, Influencing, & Understanding Difficult People. With over 60 million people worldwide having taken the Myers-Briggs personality test, the discussion highlighted how understanding personality preferences can strengthen communication and relationships in both professional and personal contexts. 

Many in the group were surprised to see their personality type shift from when they last took the test, which sparked an engaging conversation about how we evolve over time. The group also reflected on the qualities they share — being organized, effective communicators, and highly observant — while noting that individuals who don’t fit the “traditional” mold of extroverted or fact-driven can bring equally valuable strengths. 

Ernie encouraged participants to lean into their natural preferences and show up authentically. “If you show up to work every day outside of who you are, that’s a fast track to burnout,” he reminded the group. His message resonated deeply, reinforcing the importance of authenticity not just in leadership, but in every role that helps an organization thrive. 

The energy in the room was infectious. Attendees lingered after the session, continuing conversations and sharing stories—leaving the lunch both appreciated and better equipped as they head into a busy fall season. Beyond the camaraderie, the session offered a practical reminder of how professional development can directly support executive assistants in their critical roles: stronger communication, sharper self-awareness, and strategies to reduce burnout while amplifying their impact on the teams they support. 

We are grateful to every executive assistant for the hard work, resilience, and dedication they bring to their roles each day. We look forward to reconvening this group soon and continuing to build this community through future gatherings in our professional development roundtable series. 

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In a time of rapid transformation, the Greater Washington Board of Trade has continued to bring together executive leaders across sectors to explore what it will take to shape a more resilient, competitive, and connected regional economy. 

Through a series of executive lunches this spring, we’ve heard directly from those leading the charge—on the ground, in the boardroom, and across our communities. From energy and transportation infrastructure to education, capital access, and wellness, the discussions have revealed a shared urgency and a growing consensus: Greater Washington is at a defining moment, and the path forward depends on bold collaboration across business, academia, and government. 

A Region Ready for Reinvention

Whether we’re talking about reshaping our education system or rethinking how we power the future, the message from leaders has been consistent: incremental change is no longer enough. 

Anne Khademian, Executive Director of the Universities at Shady Grove, highlighted how public trust in higher education has declined even as workforce expectations have risen. She emphasized the need for new models that align institutional goals with learner outcomes and employer needs that bring business, government, and academia together around a shared vision for talent development. 

That same spirit of shared responsibility came through in our workforce-focused conversation with Selvon Waldron, Executive Director of Genesys Works. He underscored the importance of early exposure to opportunity and the role that employers can play in building more inclusive pipelines for the next generation of talent. 

Creating the Conditions for Inclusive Growth

As we navigate rising costs, new technologies, and evolving labor dynamics, the conditions that support business success are shifting. 

At our session focused on capital access, we heard from market presidents of banks across the region who stressed the importance of flexible financing tools, local partnerships, and intentional strategies to direct capital where it can make the biggest impact, especially in underserved communities. 

And in our lunch exploring health and wellness as a strategic business asset, Shannan Herbert, CEO of WACIF, made a powerful case for viewing wellness as a long-term investment. Not just in productivity, but in culture, retention, and community well-being. 

Catalyzing Regional Momentum

Across these conversations, the role of infrastructure—physical and institutional—has been front and center. At our session on the economic impact of sports, JJ Rivers of Gensler shared how thoughtful sports development projects can revitalize neighborhoods, generate new business activity, and help rebrand DC as a premier destination for both fans and investors. Projects like the Capital One Arena redevelopment are not just entertainment upgrades—they are economic engines. 

And in our session on regional mobility, hosted in partnership with United Airlines, we explored how connectivity—from airports to data systems—drives business growth, talent movement, and broader economic sustainability. 

Leading Through Change

We’ve also heard directly from executives navigating change in real time. Conversations on leadership, innovation, and economic resilience made clear that today’s environment demands more than strategic planning, which calls for adaptability, transparency, and the ability to unify teams and stakeholders around a shared purpose. 

What’s Next

Greater Washington has the talent, institutions, and access to lead on the national and global stage but doing so will require us to align more deeply, act more boldly, and collaborate more consistently. These executive lunches aren’t just about sharing insights; they’re about catalyzing action. 

We’ll continue bringing leaders together to shape what’s next for our region, our economy, and our shared future. 

To learn more about how your organization can be involved in our business growth initiatives, reach out to [email protected].   

Insights from the Table is a membership-driven series of takeaways from our Executive Lunches, where local and regional leaders help inform the Board of Trade’s thinking and shape the work we do in a rapidly evolving environment. These conversations help surface the practical challenges, emerging priorities, and regional opportunities that matter most to Greater Washington’s future.