RESOURCES / EXTERNAL RESOURCES
External resources
Find books, courses, communities, events, and other places to learn or meet people in the field. Browse the full list or filter by your interests. Open a resource to see what it offers, who it’s for, and details about cost and access.
Some resources require payment, registration, or an application. Check the provider’s current details before signing up.
No resources match these filters. Clear a filter or .
That item is no longer available. You can browse the current list below.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS AccountingCoach FREE RESOURCES; PAID EXTRAS
AccountingCoach is an online accounting-learning resource with explanations, examples and practice material. It can help you understand the terms used in financial reports and discussions.
You need to understand financial statements or the language of a finance meeting.
Educational reference. Accounting decisions still belong with the appropriately qualified person.
Previously listed: Free explanations; paid PRO extras.
PODCASTS Acquired FREE LISTENING
Acquired is a podcast that examines how companies developed and competed through long-form company histories.
An executive wants business-model context rather than a short tactical lesson.
Long episodes and an investing perspective make this optional deeper listening.
Previously listed: Free main episodes; paid extras separate. For Chief of Staff, Executive.
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS Administrative Professionals Conference Sep 13 to 16, 2026 Nashville, TN · Paid passes
The Administrative Professionals Conference is a multi-day training and networking event for assistants and administrative professionals.
Get broad professional development and contact with peers across employers.
Choose sessions against your learning needs. Some workshops need separate registration. Confirm the full ticket, travel and accommodation cost.
Previously listed: Paid; pass types and add-ons vary. For EA, Executive Business Partner, Chief of Staff.
Sep 13 to 16, 2026. Nashville, TN.
This event has passed. Check the organizer’s website for future dates or recordings.
The organizer has not confirmed a time zone, so this may be in progress. Check the event schedule.
MENTORING AND COACHING ADPList FREE MENTORING
ADPList is a free mentoring platform with professionals across design, product, technology and leadership.
Get a focused conversation with someone who already does work you want to learn.
Particularly relevant to technology, product and design. Search for your actual problem rather than assuming specialist EA mentors are available. Check recording settings before discussing sensitive work.
Previously listed: Free mentoring; account required. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive, EA.
Create an account, select a mentor and request an available session.
NEWSLETTERS AND PUBLICATIONS Anthropic Economic Index FREE
Anthropic Economic Index is a series of reports examining how people use Claude and what those patterns may mean for work.
Question broad AI claims and find evidence to inform your own experiments.
Provider research based on its own products and methods. Does not describe all AI users or prove that a whole job can be replaced. Read the sample and limitations before quoting a number.
Previously listed: Free public reports. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Founder, Executive.
COURSES AND LEARNING Asana Academy CHECK ACCESS
Asana Academy provides lessons on organizing projects, tasks and workflows in Asana.
The team has Asana but has not agreed how work should be organized.
The official catalog was indexed, but direct automated access was blocked in the audit. Check the visitor link before publication.
Previously listed: Training account; product plans separate.
COMMUNITIES ASAP FREE & PAID OPTIONS
ASAP is a professional community for administrative practitioners, with learning resources and separate paid development options.
Finding role-specific peers and ongoing professional development.
Membership, courses, certification and conferences are separate offers. Check what your chosen registration includes.
Previously listed: Free and paid options. For EA, Executive Business Partner, Chief of Staff.
COMMUNITIES Ask a Chief of Staff PAID MEMBERSHIP
Ask a Chief of Staff offers community and learning for people working in, or moving into, a CoS role.
You want CoS-specific peer discussion and professional learning.
Trial access is not permanently free membership; private activity has not been inspected.
Previously listed: Paid community; trial terms apply. For Chief of Staff, Operator.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS Atlassian Team Playbook FREE
Atlassian Team Playbook is a collection of guided team exercises for problems such as unclear responsibilities, difficult decisions and ineffective meetings.
A team needs a structured discussion rather than another open-ended meeting.
Choose the individual play that fits the problem; using the method does not require adopting every Atlassian product.
Previously listed: Free.
COMMUNITIES BizOps Network PAID MEMBERSHIP Application; annual commitment
BizOps Network is a private community offering operations discussions, learning programs, peer groups and an advisor network.
Find structured support for a BizOps role or cross-functional program.
Different career stages are welcome, but applicants are screened and may be waitlisted. Some programs require regular participation. Confirm which mentoring or coaching is included.
Previously listed: Listed: $950/year; monthly payment option for annual membership. For Chief of Staff, Operator.
Apply with relevant BizOps, program-management or operations work.
NEWSLETTERS AND PUBLICATIONS Brain Food FREE RESOURCES; PAID EXTRAS
Brain Food is Farnam Street's newsletter of short reflections on judgment, habits and work.
You want regular prompts for better thinking and decision-making.
Reflective reading rather than a technical or procedural guide.
Previously listed: Free newsletter/archive; paid options separate.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS Carta Classroom FREE
Carta Classroom provides educational material about equity, ownership, fundraising and private-company finance.
Preparing for a conversation involving a cap table, equity or investors.
Use for understanding terminology, not individualized legal, investment or tax advice.
Previously listed: Free public education. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
NEWSLETTERS AND PUBLICATIONS Charter FREE; REGISTRATION MAY APPLY
Charter publishes reporting and analysis on management, AI adoption and workplace practices.
A leader is making decisions about how the team works.
Not every article is openly accessible. Distinguish reporting from a contributor's opinion.
Previously listed: Free newsletter; paid Pro; email gates. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
COMMUNITIES Chief PAID MEMBERSHIP Application & eligibility
Chief is a professional network for women who meet its leadership eligibility requirements.
An executive wants structured peer connection beyond her own company.
Admission depends on eligibility and program fit. Check the current entry requirements before applying.
Previously listed: Paid; eligibility/application. For Executive.
BOOKS Chief of Staff PAID BOOK
Chief of Staff is Tyler Parris's book about how the CoS role can be structured and used within an organization.
Clarifying remit, partnership and expectations before expanding a role.
Corporate CoS roles differ. Use the book to structure the discussion, not to assign a universal job description.
Previously listed: Paid; retailer and format vary. For Chief of Staff, Executive.
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS Chief of Staff Connect New York Oct 22 to 23, 2026 New York, NY · Paid tickets
Chief of Staff Connect New York is a Chief of Staff Network event with talks, working sessions and opportunities to meet peers.
Hear how other Chiefs of Staff turn priorities into coordinated company work.
Check workshop depth and attendee mix against your role. Same dates as COS26 in Washington, DC, so these are alternatives.
Previously listed: Paid; verify current ticket and member terms. For Chief of Staff, Senior operator.
Oct 22 to 23, 2026. New York, NY.
This event has passed. Check the organizer’s website for future dates or recordings.
The organizer has not confirmed a time zone, so this may be in progress. Check the event schedule.
COMMUNITIES Chief of Staff Network FREE COMMUNITY; PAID PRO
Chief of Staff Network connects people working in CoS and related operations roles. It offers a free Operators community and separate paid options.
Finding peers who understand cross-functional and executive-partnership work.
Check the free and PRO membership pages for the activities and support included in each.
Previously listed: Free community; paid PRO. For Chief of Staff, Operator.
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS Chief of Staff Summit: higher education Jul 15 to 16, 2027 Springfield, MA · Price not announced
The higher-education Chief of Staff Summit is a peer-led gathering for CoS professionals serving college presidents and chancellors.
Discuss cabinet dynamics, boards and institutional change with university executive-office peers.
This gathering is for higher-education executive offices. The 2027 edition is announced, but registration is not open.
Previously listed: 2027 registration not yet open; price not confirmed. For Chief of Staff, Higher-education executive.
Jul 15 to 16, 2027. Springfield, MA. Springfield College. Announced; registration not open.
This event has passed. Check the organizer’s website for future dates or recordings.
The organizer has not confirmed a time zone, so this may be in progress. Check the event schedule.
COURSES AND LEARNING Claude Academy: AI Fluency FREE; REGISTRATION MAY APPLY
Claude Academy's AI Fluency material teaches how to delegate to AI, provide useful context and evaluate the result.
Moving beyond occasional questions toward repeatable AI-assisted work.
Use the principles across tools, but check each product's actual capabilities.
Previously listed: Free learning; account requirements vary.
BOOKS Co-Intelligence PAID BOOK
Co-Intelligence is Ethan Mollick's book about collaborating with AI in work and learning.
An executive or operator wants a broader way to think about AI use.
Read alongside current product guidance because capabilities and access change.
Previously listed: Paid; retailer and format vary.
PODCASTS Coaching for Leaders FREE LISTENING
Coaching for Leaders is a podcast with interviews and discussions about practical management skills.
Working on feedback, delegation or leading a team.
Select a relevant topic rather than asking visitors to search a large catalog.
Previously listed: Free listening.
PODCASTS Coaching Real Leaders FREE LISTENING
Coaching Real Leaders is a podcast in which Muriel Wilkins works through leadership challenges in coaching conversations.
You want to hear how a management problem is examined before jumping to a solution.
These are individual coaching situations, not prescriptions for every workplace.
Previously listed: Public listening links; paid community separate. For Chief of Staff, Executive.
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS COS26: Global Chief of Staff Dialogue Oct 22 to 23, 2026 Washington, DC · Paid passes
COS26 is the Chief of Staff Association's conference on executive partnership, leadership and organizational change.
Explore how Chiefs of Staff work with principals under pressure.
Includes geopolitical and institutional leadership topics. May be broader than a small SaaS team's practical needs. Same dates as Chief of Staff Connect New York.
Previously listed: Listed: $1,195 members; $1,595 non-members. For Chief of Staff, Executive.
Oct 22 to 23, 2026. Washington, DC. Atlantic Council headquarters.
This event has passed. Check the organizer’s website for future dates or recordings.
The organizer has not confirmed a time zone, so this may be in progress. Check the event schedule.
BOOKS Crucial Conversations PAID BOOK
Crucial Conversations is a book about handling conversations where the stakes are high and people hold different views.
Preparing to address a difficult issue without avoiding it or escalating unnecessarily.
Identify the edition when linking; the book and paid training are different purchases.
Previously listed: Paid; retailer and format vary.
COMMUNITIES EA How To FREE RESOURCES; PAID PLUS
EA How To offers executive-support learning and peer connection. Its public resources and paid Plus offer provide different kinds of access.
You want practical role-specific learning and discussion.
Public resources and paid Plus membership offer different levels of access. Check which includes the community or support you want.
Previously listed: Free public resources; paid Plus. For EA, Executive Business Partner, Chief of Staff.
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS EA Ignite Nov 2 to 4, 2026 Nashville, TN · Paid passes
EA Ignite is a training event focused on senior assistant work and the executive-business partnership.
Explore executive context, communication, AI use and broader operational responsibility.
Some advanced workshops require a Premium pass or membership and pre-registration. Check which sessions your ticket includes.
Previously listed: Paid; verify the selected edition and pass. For EA, Executive Business Partner.
Nov 2 to 4, 2026. Nashville, TN. Spring edition also announced: April 19-21, 2027, National Harbor, Maryland.
This event has passed. Check the organizer’s website for future dates or recordings.
The organizer has not confirmed a time zone, so this may be in progress. Check the event schedule.
COMMUNITIES Entrepreneurs' Organization PAID MEMBERSHIP Revenue & chapter requirements
Entrepreneurs' Organization is a membership network for founders and entrepreneurs who meet its business qualifications and chapter requirements.
A founder wants a peer network and learning opportunities.
Check your chapter’s business qualifications, availability and dues before applying.
Previously listed: Paid; eligibility and chapter terms. For Founder, Executive.
COMMUNITIES EO Accelerator PAID; REQUEST A QUOTE $250k–$999,999 annual revenue
EO Accelerator is a structured learning and peer-accountability program for business owners growing toward full EO eligibility. It is separate from full EO membership.
Get founder learning and accountability while your business is below EO's usual revenue threshold.
The current main page lists gross annual revenue of $250,000-$999,999. This is a distinct program, not automatic full EO membership. Ask the local chapter about fees and any alternative qualification route.
Previously listed: Paid; local program quote required. For Founder, Executive.
Owner/founder application and financial qualification; local program availability.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS EOS Toolbox FREE
The EOS Toolbox contains official worksheets used within the Entrepreneurial Operating System. The worksheets support parts of EOS; downloading them does not implement the full system.
Supporting a company that uses EOS or learning its operating components.
The worksheets support an operating practice; they do not replace agreement about roles and implementation.
Previously listed: Free foundational downloads.
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS ES Tech Sep 10 to 11, 2026 Online · Paid passes
ES Tech is an online technology conference for executive and administrative support professionals.
Get role-specific technology and AI learning without travel costs.
The 2026 offer includes 24 hours of live content and 30 days of replay access. Check session times and the replay deadline; access is not permanent.
Previously listed: Paid; check current pass price. For EA, Executive Business Partner, Chief of Staff.
Sep 10 to 11, 2026 (time zone not confirmed). Online.
This event has passed. Check the organizer’s website for future dates or recordings.
The organizer has not confirmed a time zone, so this may be in progress. Check the event schedule.
PODCASTS Executive Office Insights FREE LISTENING
Executive Office Insights features conversations about the executive office and the people working within it.
Exploring how the role and its practices are changing.
The catalog includes English and German episodes. Show language for any featured episode.
Previously listed: Free listening.
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS Facilitation Week Feb 22 to 28, 2027 Online & local events · Free & low-cost events
Facilitation Week is an international program of locally hosted and online events about helping groups work and make decisions together.
Try facilitation learning before committing to a large conference or certification.
An event series, not one conference ticket. Choose individual sessions by time zone, topic and experience level.
Previously listed: Free or low-cost events; each host sets terms.
Feb 22 to 28, 2027 (time zone not confirmed). Online & local events.
This event has passed. Check the organizer’s website for future dates or recordings.
The organizer has not confirmed a time zone, so this may be in progress. Check the event schedule.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS Fellow meeting templates CHECK ACCESS
Fellow's meeting-template library provides agenda structures for recurring conversations, including leadership meetings and one-to-ones.
A meeting has a purpose but no useful structure.
The template library and Fellow software have different access conditions.
Previously listed: Public templates; product access varies.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS First Round Review FREE
First Round Review publishes detailed articles about company building, drawing on the experiences of founders and operators.
Looking for an operating example before designing a process.
The startup and venture-backed context matters; reported company experience is not a universal rule.
Previously listed: Free public articles.
BOOKS Getting to Yes PAID BOOK
Getting to Yes is Roger Fisher, William Ury and Bruce Patton's book about negotiating around interests and options.
Working through a disagreement where positions have become fixed.
Adapt the approach to power differences, constraints and the relationship.
Previously listed: Paid; retailer and format vary.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS GitLab communication handbook FREE
GitLab's communication handbook is a public account of the company's documented working practices. It offers a concrete example of how communication expectations can be written down.
Defining what belongs in a meeting, a written update or a shared record.
GitLab's remote-working context will not fit every organization unchanged.
Previously listed: Free.
BOOKS Good Strategy Bad Strategy PAID BOOK
Good Strategy Bad Strategy is Richard Rumelt's book about diagnosing a challenge and choosing a coherent set of actions to address it.
A strategy discussion is producing goals without meaningful choices.
Use it to improve thinking, not to claim that one framework guarantees the right strategy.
Previously listed: Paid; retailer and format vary. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
COURSES AND LEARNING Google AI Essentials PAID RESOURCE
Google AI Essentials is an introductory course about applying generative AI to common work tasks.
You prefer a guided beginner course over searching for individual tutorials.
Check the current enrollment price; an Enroll for free button does not mean the full certificate is free.
Previously listed: Paid subscription; preview/trial terms vary.
COURSES AND LEARNING Google Project Management Certificate PAID RESOURCE
The Google Project Management Certificate is a structured course program covering how to plan, coordinate and deliver projects.
Taking on more project responsibility and wanting a fuller foundation.
Total cost depends on completion time. It is a Google course certificate rather than a PMI credential.
Previously listed: Paid subscription; trial terms vary.
COURSES AND LEARNING Google Workspace Learning Center FREE
Google Workspace Learning Center provides product instructions and work examples for tools such as Gmail, Calendar, Drive and Gemini.
Improving a shared workflow in tools the team already uses.
Some features require a particular Workspace plan or administrator approval.
Previously listed: Free documentation.
MENTORING AND COACHING GrowthMentor PAID MEMBERSHIP
GrowthMentor is a paid membership for conversations with mentors in growth, marketing, product and startups.
Get experienced feedback on a specific pricing, acquisition or growth question.
Mainly for growth and business questions. The provider says most mentors are included, though some are extra. It is advice rather than a done-for-you service.
Previously listed: Listed: $255 quarterly or $600 annually; some mentors charge extra. For Founder, Executive, Operator.
Paid subscription, then select and request mentor sessions.
COMMUNITIES Hampton PAID; REQUEST DUES Founder / CEO qualifications
Hampton is a private founder and CEO network built around local facilitated peer groups and an online community.
An established founder wants a consistent group for decisions they cannot discuss openly with their team.
A high-bar option rather than an easier substitute for EO. Criteria reference roughly $3M in revenue or funding, or a prior exit above $10M, plus other screening and location requirements.
Previously listed: Paid; obtain current dues from the provider. For Founder, Executive.
Founder/CEO qualification, business threshold, chapter location and vetting.
BOOKS High Output Management PAID BOOK
High Output Management is Andrew S. Grove's book about management routines and team performance, including how managers direct their time and attention.
A leader wants to improve how management work is carried out.
Some examples reflect an older company context; the operating questions remain useful.
Previously listed: Paid; retailer and format vary. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
COURSES AND LEARNING HubSpot Academy FREE; REGISTRATION MAY APPLY
HubSpot Academy offers courses on CRM use, reporting, marketing and related business practices.
Supporting sales or marketing operations without guessing how the process works.
Some exercises or certification requirements depend on access to product features.
Previously listed: Free Academy account.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS Hyper Island Toolbox FREE; REGISTRATION MAY APPLY
Hyper Island Toolbox is a collection of exercises for teams and facilitators, covering collaboration, reflection, planning and development.
You need a purposeful team exercise with clear facilitation instructions.
The full toolbox requires registration. Avoid presenting a team exercise as a diagnosis.
Previously listed: Free registration; some open examples.
COMMUNITIES IAAP PAID MEMBERSHIP
IAAP is a professional association for administrative practitioners. Membership and a free website profile provide different levels of access.
You want association-based development and information about CAP certification.
A free website profile does not include paid membership. Check the current membership benefits before joining.
Previously listed: Paid membership; public information free. For EA, Executive Business Partner.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS Lara Hogan's one-on-one resources FREE
Lara Hogan's one-on-one resources include questions and worksheets for manager and teammate conversations, including the start of a working relationship.
Starting a management relationship or improving recurring one-to-ones.
Adapt the questions to the relationship rather than treating every conversation as an interview.
Previously listed: Free public resources.
COMMUNITIES Leader Assistant Community FREE COMMUNITY Open sign-up
Leader Assistant Community is Jeremy Burrows's peer community for executive assistants and administrative professionals. It is hosted on Circle and has separate paid learning offers.
Ask another assistant how they handle a real work problem or find peers beyond your office.
The free community, paid group coaching and paid Academy are separate offers. Joining the community does not include private coaching.
Previously listed: Free community; Premium and Academy cost extra. For EA, Executive Business Partner.
Create a community account; no founder revenue requirement listed.
COMMUNITIES Lean In Circles FREE Start a group or find one
Lean In Circles are small peer groups supported by discussion guides and leadership resources, centered on women's careers.
Find regular peer support without an executive title or a large membership budget.
Each group has its own members and meeting pattern. Check whether it is meeting and accepting people. Peer support differs from being assigned a professional coach.
Previously listed: Free to start or join.
Find a suitable Circle or start one; individual group fit and availability vary.
NEWSLETTERS AND PUBLICATIONS Lenny's Newsletter FREE RESOURCES; PAID EXTRAS
Lenny's Newsletter publishes practitioner writing about product, growth and operating a technology company.
Looking for a detailed approach to a product or growth problem.
Access differs from the free podcast. Some examples will not fit non-technology businesses.
Previously listed: Free posts; paid subscription. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
PODCASTS Lenny's Podcast FREE LISTENING
Lenny's Podcast features interviews with practitioners in product, growth and company building.
A startup leader or operator wants to understand how another team approaches a problem.
Strongest for product and technology-company contexts.
Previously listed: Free listening; other products may be paid. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS Liberating Structures FREE
Liberating Structures is a set of facilitated discussion formats designed to involve more people in group work.
A few people dominate meetings or useful ideas are staying unspoken.
Start with one format and explain the purpose; introducing the whole collection would be unnecessary.
Previously listed: Free.
COURSES AND LEARNING Make Academy FREE; REGISTRATION MAY APPLY
Make Academy teaches how to build automations in Make through structured lessons and practical exercises.
Learning how to connect work tools and build a repeatable process.
Running Make workflows and connected services has separate limits and costs.
Previously listed: Free Academy account.
PODCASTS Manager Tools FREE LISTENING
Manager Tools is a podcast library covering management practices such as feedback, delegation and career development.
Work on one management behavior and hear a concrete approach to trying it.
The archive is large. Start with Basics or a specific question. Treat the hosts' approach as something to adapt rather than a rule for every team.
Previously listed: Public podcasts free; some notes, licenses and training paid. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
PODCASTS Masters of Scale FREE LISTENING
Masters of Scale is a podcast featuring founders and leaders discussing company growth.
Exploring the choices and tradeoffs of building a company.
Company stories can be selective; they are useful perspectives, not guaranteed playbooks.
Previously listed: Free public listening. For Chief of Staff, Founder, Executive.
COURSES AND LEARNING Maven Lightning Lessons FREE; REGISTRATION MAY APPLY
Maven Lightning Lessons are short, practitioner-led sessions on specific subjects in business, product development and AI.
Sampling an instructor or learning one clearly defined technique.
Lessons can introduce paid courses. Evaluate the individual instructor and topic.
Previously listed: Free sessions; registration required. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
BOOKS Measure What Matters PAID BOOK
Measure What Matters is John Doerr's book about objectives and key results, with accounts of how organizations have used the approach.
Understanding the thinking behind an OKR practice.
Pair with practical examples from What Matters and avoid measuring activity simply because it is easy to count.
Previously listed: Paid; free related guidance available.
MENTORING AND COACHING Micromentor FREE MENTORING
Micromentor is a free platform that connects entrepreneurs with volunteer business mentors.
An early-stage owner needs business guidance without qualifying for a selective founder network.
Mentor response and fit vary. Guidance is offered, not loans or investment. Less tailored to an employed EA's day-to-day work.
Previously listed: Free volunteer mentoring; account required. For Founder, Executive, Independent operator.
Create a business profile and connect with volunteer mentors.
COURSES AND LEARNING Microsoft Copilot help and learning FREE
Microsoft's Copilot help and learning pages explain how to use Copilot with Microsoft work tools.
Your company uses Microsoft 365 and you want to understand useful AI features.
Workplace licensing and administrator settings determine which examples you can use.
Previously listed: Free learning pages.
COURSES AND LEARNING n8n Academy FREE; REGISTRATION MAY APPLY
n8n Academy provides hands-on instruction in building workflows, connecting applications and using AI steps in n8n.
You want more control over automation and are willing to learn the setup.
Some lessons are more technical. Hosting, connected applications and model use may cost money.
Previously listed: Free courses; account for progress.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS NFX: How to Run an Early-Stage Board Meeting FREE
This NFX guide explains an approach to early-stage board meetings from a founder-investor perspective.
Preparing a board meeting that needs discussion and decisions, not only slides.
Published in 2021; early-stage venture context. This is meeting guidance, not governance or legal advice.
Previously listed: Free. For Chief of Staff, Founder, Executive.
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS Office Dynamics Conference for Executive and Administrative Assistants Oct 20 to 23, 2026 Las Vegas + livestream · Paid passes
The Office Dynamics Conference is an assistant-development event with in-person and livestream attendance options.
Get concentrated training with an alternative to traveling for the whole event.
Livestream dates differ from full in-person dates. Check what is broadcast and replayed, and read cancellation terms before buying.
Previously listed: Paid in-person and livestream passes. For EA, Executive Business Partner.
Oct 20 to 23, 2026. Las Vegas + livestream. Livestream: October 21-23, 2026.
This event has passed. Check the organizer’s website for future dates or recordings.
The organizer has not confirmed a time zone, so this may be in progress. Check the event schedule.
COURSES AND LEARNING Office Dynamics webinars FREE RESOURCES; PAID EXTRAS
Office Dynamics offers webinars about executive support and workplace skills. Individual sessions and paid training programs have different access terms.
Looking for role-relevant continuing learning in a manageable session.
Registration, replay access and dates depend on the session.
Previously listed: Free webinar offers; paid training separate. For EA, Executive Business Partner, Chief of Staff.
NEWSLETTERS AND PUBLICATIONS One Useful Thing FREE
One Useful Thing is Ethan Mollick's publication about working and learning with AI.
Making sense of a new capability before deciding how to use it.
Analysis and experiments have a context; verify consequential product details before building a workflow.
Previously listed: Free public publication.
COURSES AND LEARNING OpenAI Academy FREE; REGISTRATION MAY APPLY
OpenAI Academy provides learning resources and sessions about using AI, including applications at work.
Building confidence with AI before designing more involved workflows.
Tool plans and available features are separate from access to learning.
Previously listed: Free learning; participation may require an account.
COMMUNITIES Operations Nation £19/MO OR £190/YR Application required
Operations Nation is a peer community for operations leaders, including fractional operators and consultants. It is UK-based and serves an international membership.
Get input from other operators when you are expected to solve cross-company problems.
Application required. UK-based and global, so check session time zones. Community-funded places are limited and are not an automatic free tier.
Previously listed: Listed contribution: £19/month or £190/year; adjustments and support available. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
Apply with relevant operations experience. Financial-support option available.
COMMUNITIES Operators Guild FEE NOT CONFIRMED Vetted membership
Operators Guild is a vetted network for senior operators whose work spans finance, business operations and company leadership.
Find peers handling broad operational tradeoffs in a growing company.
The site emphasizes senior operators at Series A-D companies. Ask about fit if you are a solo consultant or earlier in your career. This is operators-guild.com; the similarly named Shopify community is a different group.
Previously listed: Membership application; current fee not confirmed. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
Vetted application based on operational scope and experience.
COMMUNITIES Rands Leadership Slack FEE NOT LISTED Manual invitation
Rands Leadership Slack is a moderated discussion community for people learning and practicing leadership, with a strong technology-management context.
Compare approaches to management problems with people outside your company.
Strong technology-leadership context. A moderator invitation does not guarantee access to a particular expert or a confidential advisory relationship.
Previously listed: No membership fee listed; manual invitation. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
Email your name, occupation, reason for joining and acceptance of the code of conduct.
PODCASTS REACH FREE LISTENING
REACH is Maven Recruiting Group's podcast about executive-assistant careers and work.
Hearing how experienced practitioners approach the role.
The recruiting firm's perspective is useful, but not an independent labor-market study.
Previously listed: Free listening. For EA, Executive Business Partner, Chief of Staff.
BOOKS Reset PAID BOOK
Reset is Dan Heath's book about finding where an existing system is stuck and choosing changes that can improve it.
Fix a recurring operational problem without rebuilding the whole organization.
A process-improvement perspective to test against your own constraints. It does not supply a ready-made operating system for every company.
Previously listed: Paid book; format and retailer vary. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
BOOKS Scaling People PAID BOOK
Scaling People is Claire Hughes Johnson's guide to management structures and working practices in a growing organization.
Help a founder establish operating rhythms, hiring practices and clear management expectations.
Examples draw heavily on growing technology companies. Use the relevant practice rather than importing all of a larger company's structure.
Previously listed: Paid book; format and retailer vary. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Founder, Executive.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS Scaling Up growth tools FREE RESOURCES; PAID EXTRAS
Scaling Up's growth tools are planning worksheets organized around people, strategy, execution and cash. They accompany the broader Scaling Up approach.
A leadership team wants a more consistent planning and review routine.
Select the tool that fits the company's stage instead of importing the whole system at once.
Previously listed: Free tools; paid services separate. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
MENTORING AND COACHING SCORE mentoring FREE MENTORING
SCORE connects people starting and running small US businesses with volunteer business mentors.
Examine a business decision with an experienced outside person.
Choose a mentor with relevant experience. This is business guidance, not automatically specialist EA coaching, legal representation or implementation help.
Previously listed: Free mentoring; some separate workshops may charge. For Founder, Executive, Independent operator.
Request a match or browse mentors by location and expertise.
PODCASTS Second in Command FREE LISTENING
Second in Command is a podcast about the COO and second-in-command role, with leadership conversations and advice.
Understanding how a leader and operational counterpart divide responsibility.
The provider also sells services and membership. Keep those offers separate from podcast access.
Previously listed: Free listening. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS Sequoia's business-plan guide FREE
Sequoia's business-plan guide outlines the information a founder can use to explain a company and its opportunity to an investor.
Preparing a company narrative, fundraising discussion or strategic overview.
Investor-oriented guidance; it is neither a complete operating plan nor a promise of funding.
Previously listed: Free. For Chief of Staff, Founder, Executive.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS SessionLab facilitation library FREE RESOURCES; PAID EXTRAS
SessionLab's facilitation library collects workshop activities with instructions and suggested timings. It helps you choose an exercise for a particular group or session.
Planning an offsite, retrospective or working session.
Review group size, accessibility and time requirements before selecting an activity.
Previously listed: Free library; paid planning software separate.
COMMUNITIES Sidebar PAID MEMBERSHIP Application & group matching
Sidebar is a paid leadership network with facilitated peer groups and professional connections. Its programs have different membership terms.
Discuss management or founder challenges with a recurring group outside your reporting chain.
The lower-priced Connect offer differs from the facilitated-group experience and may be invite-only. Ask which program and commitment your quote covers.
Previously listed: Core experience lists $3,600/year; other plans have different terms. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive, Founder.
Application and matching; admission is not guaranteed.
BOOKS Smart Brevity PAID BOOK
Smart Brevity is Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen and Roy Schwartz's book about making written communication concise and easier to scan.
Making an executive update easier to read and act on.
Useful for structure and emphasis. Do not remove context that changes the decision just to shorten the message.
Previously listed: Paid; retailer and format vary.
NEWSLETTERS AND PUBLICATIONS Stratechery FREE RESOURCES; PAID EXTRAS
Stratechery is a publication analyzing technology businesses, competition and strategy.
An executive wants context on how a market or business model works.
An analyst's interpretation. It does not replace checking the facts behind a specific business decision.
Previously listed: Free selection; paid subscription. For Chief of Staff, Executive.
BOOKS Supercommunicators PAID BOOK
Supercommunicators is Charles Duhigg's book about why conversations succeed or fail and how people understand one another.
Handle conversations where people discuss the same topic but need different things from it.
A communication perspective. It does not replace clarifying authority, resolving a conflict or making a decision.
Previously listed: Paid book; format and retailer vary.
BOOKS The AI-Savvy Leader PAID BOOK
The AI-Savvy Leader is David De Cremer's book about the leadership work involved in adopting AI across an organization.
Understand what an executive needs to lead personally instead of leaving AI adoption entirely to technical teams.
Focuses on leadership and organizational adoption. Use current documentation for product features, security and integration choices.
Previously listed: Paid book; format and retailer vary. For Founder, Executive, Chief of Staff, Operator.
BOOKS The Art of Gathering PAID BOOK
The Art of Gathering is Priya Parker's book about how purpose, participant choices and facilitation shape an event or meeting.
Give an offsite, leadership session or company event a purpose beyond bringing people into the same room.
Covers gatherings beyond the workplace. Adapt relevant ideas rather than treating every routine meeting as a major event.
Previously listed: Paid book; format and retailer vary.
BOOKS The Checklist Manifesto PAID BOOK
The Checklist Manifesto is Atul Gawande's book about the use of checklists in complex work.
Designing a handoff or repeatable process where important steps are missed.
Many examples come from high-stakes settings. A checklist still needs an owner and a sensible exception process.
Previously listed: Paid; retailer and format vary.
BOOKS The Coaching Habit PAID BOOK
The Coaching Habit is Michael Bungay Stanier's book about asking useful questions in everyday management conversations.
You keep taking over other people's problems instead of helping them work through them.
Coaching questions do not replace giving a clear instruction when one is needed.
Previously listed: Paid; retailer and format vary.
BOOKS The Effective Executive PAID BOOK
The Effective Executive is Peter Drucker's book about using time well, making a useful contribution and taking decisions.
An executive wants to examine where attention and responsibility are going.
A conceptual foundation rather than a current software or AI guide.
Previously listed: Paid; retailer and format vary. For Chief of Staff, Executive.
BOOKS The First 90 Days PAID BOOK
The First 90 Days is Michael D. Watkins's book about moving into a new role and establishing an effective working approach.
Starting with a new executive or inheriting a broader operating remit.
Adapt the transition approach to actual authority, company stage and available time.
Previously listed: Paid; retailer and format vary.
BOOKS The Founder & The Force Multiplier PAID BOOK
The Founder & The Force Multiplier is Adam Hergenrother and Hallie Warner's book about the working relationship between a founder and executive-support partner.
Defining how the executive and the person working alongside them can operate together.
Use the book's partnership perspective without assuming every business needs the same role design.
Previously listed: Paid; retailer and format vary.
BOOKS The Friction Project PAID BOOK
The Friction Project is Robert I. Sutton and Huggy Rao's book about obstacles that make organizational work harder, and the situations where deliberate friction can help.
Challenge pointless approvals, meetings and administrative burdens without removing useful controls.
Useful for examining a process before automating it. Faster is not always the goal when a check prevents a costly mistake.
Previously listed: Paid book; format and retailer vary.
BOOKS The Leader Assistant PAID BOOK
The Leader Assistant is Jeremy Burrows's book about executive-support practice and professional development.
Developing a stronger executive-support role and working relationship.
Keep the book distinct from the author's paid academy and community options.
Previously listed: Paid; sample available. For EA, Executive Business Partner, Chief of Staff.
PODCASTS The Leader Assistant Podcast FREE LISTENING
The Leader Assistant Podcast features conversations about executive support, working relationships and professional development.
Looking for practitioner perspectives on a specific support challenge.
Recommend episodes by topic; an interview is a person's experience rather than universal evidence.
Previously listed: Free listening. For EA, Executive Business Partner, Chief of Staff.
PODCASTS The Look & Sound of Leadership FREE LISTENING
The Look & Sound of Leadership is Tom Henschel's coaching podcast about communication, leadership behavior and professional relationships.
Understand a difficult conversation or improve how you communicate with senior colleagues.
Use a specific episode and its associated resources. Coaching stories illustrate an approach; they do not establish that it will suit every situation.
Previously listed: Free podcast; paid coaching separate. For EA, Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS The Management Center resources FREE RESOURCES; PAID EXTRAS
The Management Center publishes management templates and guidance on delegation, check-ins, responsibilities and managing up.
Find a starting document for assigning work or making a management conversation clearer.
Written primarily for mission-driven organizations. Many practices transfer, but understand the context of the examples.
Previously listed: Free public resources; separate training may be paid.
BOOKS The Minto Pyramid Principle PAID BOOK
The Minto Pyramid Principle is Barbara Minto's book about structuring reasoning in business writing and presentations.
A recommendation contains good information but its logic is hard to follow.
The official textbook differs from older editions titled The Pyramid Principle. Avoid confusing the book with a paid course.
Previously listed: Paid; edition and seller matter.
MENTORING AND COACHING The Officials: one-to-one mentorship PAID SESSIONS
The Officials offers individual mentorship sessions for administrative professionals, covering career, technology and executive-partnership questions.
Get advice on your own situation from someone familiar with assistant work.
Drop-in sessions are offered without a long program commitment. Agree on a question and useful outcome before booking; testimonials do not establish results for everyone.
Previously listed: Paid; check current session price. For EA, Executive Business Partner.
Book a session; availability and cancellation terms apply.
NEWSLETTERS AND PUBLICATIONS The Rundown AI FREE RESOURCES; PAID EXTRAS
The Rundown AI is a digest of AI developments and practical examples.
Keeping up with AI without following every launch separately.
Treat announcements and demonstrations as leads to check, not proof that a tool will work in your setting.
Previously listed: Free newsletter; paid learning separate.
BOOKS The Unaccountability Machine PAID BOOK
The Unaccountability Machine is Dan Davies's examination of how large systems make decisions and how responsibility can become difficult to locate.
Understand why responsibility disappears between policies, software and layers of management.
The most conceptual book in this batch. Useful background for designing accountability, rather than a step-by-step implementation guide.
Previously listed: Paid book; format and retailer vary. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
BOOKS The Unspoken Rules PAID BOOK
The Unspoken Rules is Gorick Ng's book about workplace expectations that are often assumed rather than taught.
Enter a new role with a better understanding of how to ask for context, communicate progress and work with senior people.
Particularly useful early in a role. Read the advice in light of your organization's culture; not every unwritten expectation should be accepted unchanged.
Previously listed: Paid book; some sample material requires email registration. For EA, Executive Business Partner, Chief of Staff, Operator.
BOOKS Turn the Ship Around! PAID BOOK
Turn the Ship Around! is L. David Marquet's account of distributing decision responsibility while commanding a submarine.
An executive is becoming the approval point for too much work.
The original setting is a submarine. Adapt the leadership ideas to your company's authority and risk boundaries.
Previously listed: Paid; retailer and format vary. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
MENTORING AND COACHING Upnotch FREE MENTORING
Upnotch is a professional mentoring network that connects people with peers and more experienced professionals.
Speak with someone who has handled a role transition or leadership problem like yours.
Check a potential mentor's actual experience and availability. Matching is a starting point rather than a guarantee of a suitable long-term relationship.
Previously listed: Free individual membership; mentors do not charge, according to provider.
Create a profile and seek relevant introductions.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS Vertex42 templates FREE RESOURCES; PAID EXTRAS
Vertex42 publishes spreadsheet templates for tasks such as budgeting, scheduling and tracking work.
You need a working spreadsheet rather than a new application.
Check each file's license and software compatibility. Link the original instead of rehosting it.
Previously listed: Many free templates; paid options.
COMMUNITIES Vistage PAID MEMBERSHIP Program eligibility
Vistage offers peer advisory and coaching programs for business leaders. The experience depends on the program and local group.
A leader wants recurring outside perspective and accountability.
Local group, facilitator and program fit matter. The public offer cannot establish the quality of a specific group.
Previously listed: Paid; program eligibility. For Founder, Executive.
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS Voltage Control Facilitation Lab RECURRING Dates vary Online & US locations · Many sessions free
Voltage Control Facilitation Labs are recurring sessions where participants practice facilitation methods with other people.
Practice leading offsites and difficult meetings rather than only reading about them.
Select a practice lab rather than assuming every calendar item is free training. Provider also sells certification and services.
Previously listed: Many lab sessions have free registration; paid courses separate. For EA, Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
Dates vary (time zone not confirmed). Online & US locations. Live calendar includes September 2026 US sessions and online events; dates vary.
This event has passed. Check the organizer’s website for future dates or recordings.
The organizer has not confirmed a time zone, so this may be in progress. Check the event schedule.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS Wharton Generative AI Labs prompt library FREE
Wharton Generative AI Labs publishes reusable prompts and guidance for testing and adapting AI instructions.
You want to try an AI approach with a clear purpose and review its results.
Prompts need testing with your task. Follow the page's attribution terms if adapting prompts for publication.
Previously listed: Free.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS What Matters FREE
What Matters is an educational resource about objectives and key results, or OKRs. It provides explanations and examples of how goals and measurable results fit together.
Turning a broad priority into an outcome the team can review.
An example is a starting point. Measures still need to reflect the team's real work.
Previously listed: Free public guides; book separate.
PODCASTS WorkLife with Adam Grant FREE LISTENING
WorkLife with Adam Grant is a podcast about workplace behavior and team dynamics, told through stories and discussions.
Exploring motivation, disagreement or collaboration.
The TED page includes an older season archive. Do not promise a current weekly release schedule.
Previously listed: Free public episodes.
GUIDES AND TOOLKITS Write a V2MOM FREE; REGISTRATION MAY APPLY
Write a V2MOM is a guided lesson on a planning format that links vision, values, methods, obstacles and measures.
The team agrees on a direction but not what it means in practice.
The planning method can be used outside Salesforce.
Previously listed: Free lesson; account for tracked learning. For Chief of Staff, Operator, Executive.
COURSES AND LEARNING Y Combinator Startup School FREE; REGISTRATION MAY APPLY
Y Combinator's Startup School is a self-paced learning resource for people starting and developing a startup.
An early-stage founder wants a structured starting point, or an operator wants that context.
Most relevant to early-stage startup work, not every established company.
Previously listed: Free account. For Chief of Staff, Founder.
COURSES AND LEARNING Zapier guides FREE
Zapier's guides explain app-to-app automation and provide examples of how workflows can be assembled.
Learning the trigger, action and review logic of a workflow.
The software plans and connected applications may be paid.
Previously listed: Free guides.