In today’s fast-moving business environment, time is the most constrained resource for any executive. Yet many leaders unknowingly underuse one of their most powerful assets: executive support.
At Professional Executive Associates (PEAS), we see this every day. Executives are capable, driven, and deeply committed to their organizations. But unclear roles, misaligned expectations, and reactive ways of working often prevent Executive Assistants (EAs) from delivering their full value.
That’s exactly why we created The Executive Leverage Framework.
What Is the Executive Leverage Framework?
The Executive Leverage Framework is a PEAS-led approach designed to transform how executive support operates, whether leaders currently have an Executive Assistant or are considering one in the future.
Rather than focusing solely on tasks, the framework helps executives intentionally structure, align, and leverage support so it truly enhances effectiveness at the top. The outcome is greater clarity, reduced friction, and measurable gains in time, focus, and decision-making capacity.
“Too often, executive support is treated as transactional rather than strategic. The Executive Leverage Framework helps leaders’ step back, get clear, and unlock capacity they didn’t realize they already had.”
— Vicki Bates, CEO, Professional Executive Associates
The Hidden Cost of Under-Leveraged Support
Many executives assume that simply having an Executive Assistant automatically creates leverage. In reality, without the right structure, the opposite often occurs.
When roles are unclear and expectations are unstated:
• Executives remain involved in work they should have delegated
• EAs operate reactively instead of proactively
• Communication gaps create friction, rework, and frustration
• Strategic thinking time is crowded out by operational noise
The cost isn’t just inefficiency, it’s lost momentum, slower decisions, and unnecessary pressure at the top of the organization.
How the Executive Leverage Framework Works
The framework focuses on three core pillars:
- Role Clarity
We define what executive leverage truly looks like for your role, your business, and your stage of growth. This includes decision ownership, priorities, and where executive attention delivers the greatest value. - Communication & Ways of Working
We establish practical, repeatable communication rhythms — meetings, updates, and decision flows — so both executive and EA operate with confidence, consistency, and shared understanding. - Unlocking Full Value
With clarity and trust in place, Executive Assistants are empowered to anticipate needs, prioritize effectively, and operate at a higher level of impact.
Benefits for Executives with an Executive Assistant
For leaders already working with an Executive Assistant, the benefits are immediate and tangible:
• More time for strategy, leadership, and decision-making
• Fewer interruptions and less rework
• Clearer delegation and accountability
• A calmer, more focused operating rhythm
Just as importantly, the framework creates meaningful benefits for the Executive Assistant as well:
• Clear expectations and defined authority
• Increased trust and empowerment to act proactively
• Greater confidence in decision-making and prioritization
• A stronger sense of purpose and professional value
When both roles are aligned, EAs are no longer guessing what “good” looks like. They are enabled to operate at their highest level — and executives feel the difference quickly.
Benefits for Executives Without an Executive Assistant
For leaders considering executive support, the Executive Leverage Framework provides a strong foundation before headcount is added:
• Clarity on what should be delegated — and what should remain with the executive
• Confidence that support will be effective from day one
• Faster onboarding with fewer false starts
• A scalable model that evolves as the organization grows
Instead of hiring and hoping for the best, executives start with intention, structure, and clarity.
From Support to Leverage
The Executive Leverage Framework is not about doing more, it’s about doing the right work, at the right level, with the right support structure in place.
Many executives already have the leverage they need. They just haven’t unlocked it yet.
If you’re ready to unlock your executive leverage, now is the time.
Explore the Executive Leverage Framework. Connect with the PEAS team to see how intentional executive support can change how you lead, decide, and move forward.
