Celebrating Executive Assistants with Connection and Conversation
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.
Learn More and Register for Annual Meeting
Become a member today
We need your voice at the table to make Greater Washington a place where everyone can succeed
