From Scroll to Success: EA Coach and Author, Leslie Martinez Shares How to Land Your Ideal Job

Debra Coleman [00:00:11]:
Well, hello, and welcome back to another episode of Have A Seat, conversations with women in the workplace podcast. I am your host, Deb Coleman. Listen. Listen, my beautiful listener. Have you ever found yourself scrolling through endless job listings, feeling a bit overwhelmed and unsure of where to start, especially if you are in the neighborhood of what I do, which is an administrative support professional. I am an executive assistant, but if you fall into that category in any way, this episode is for you. You are in for a treat because today, we're diving head first into the world of intentional job searching with none other than the incredible Leslie Martinez. Leslie and I met on LinkedIn, I believe through my podcast, through my Have A Seat podcast page.

Debra Coleman [00:01:05]:
She we connected and I, she introduced herself and I learned a bit more about what she's about. And immediately, I was just, hey, you need to come on my show, Flip Pretty Please, and talk about your insight into what it means to search for your our next AA or EA role with intention. Leslie's got some valuable invaluable, I should say, insights to share about finding the perfect fit as an AA or an EA. Trust me, you won't wanna miss it. Who of us have not been in that same situation? Especially for our roles when there seems to be so many job listings out there. How do we go about finding our next opportunity with more intention? And just really niche down and really find that role that speaks to us both professionally and personally, to be frank. So grab your favorite beverage and get cozy. Or if you're running errands while you're listening to this, be careful while you drive.

Debra Coleman [00:02:11]:
Pay attention where you're walking if you're running around and multitasking, and let's unlock the secrets to a successful job search journey together with Leslie Martinez. Well, I am so excited. We were chatting a little bit before I hit that big red record button, but I can't tell you how excited I am to have a seat this week with miss Leslie. Miss Leslie Martinez, you know what? I don't even remember how we met, honestly. What it was was it on LinkedIn? I can't remember. But

leslie martinez [00:02:46]:
You know what? I think yeah.

Debra Coleman [00:02:50]:
It was a bit of yeah.

leslie martinez [00:02:52]:
Well, I reached out. I reached out. I I did see you on LinkedIn. You're you're you may have some visibility there, and I reached out, about your podcast.

Debra Coleman [00:03:00]:
That's right. That's right. I knew it was through LinkedIn, but I wasn't sure who reached out to who. But that I'm so excited, though, to have a seat with you. I love when a conversation goes from that to us sitting down and and getting to know each other better and learning about each other's journeys. So this is going to be good. Friends, miss miss Leslie is an coach, an executive assistant, an author, and, of course, the most important job in the world, a mom. And she is here today to talk to, fellow EAs and AAs.

Debra Coleman [00:03:33]:
Just, I guess, really, to be fair, you know, the whole administrative support professionals. She is she has a lot to say about many aspects of our role, but today we're gonna focus more specifically on job search and job hunting and finding that ideal role. So thank you, miss Leslie, for joining me this afternoon.

leslie martinez [00:03:51]:
It is my pleasure to be here, and you can just call me Leslie if if you're comfortable with that. And, yeah, it is my absolute pleasure to be here talking to your audience and talking about finding work. I know many people are struggling with that right now, feeling discouraged. And I think I can, you know, provide some of my own insights, not only job searching for myself, but also helping others, land land goals that are significant for them.

Debra Coleman [00:04:20]:
So true. And so you're right. It is an incredibly important topic. I, myself, I know several executive assistants I can count on one hand who are actually, you know, either facing a potential job pivot or exploring other opportunities. So this is very real real very relevant. And so I really appreciate some some of your insight that you're gonna be sharing today. I especially though in in our pre prerecording talks, and learning a bit more about you, I really love that one of the angles you take in regards to our job search is being more intentional and purposeful in our pursuit of our next opportunity or just being that way, maybe generally speaking, in our overall career path. For those who weren't, you know, privy to our conversation, can you maybe share with us what it means to be more intentional and purposeful in our career.

leslie martinez [00:05:15]:
Yeah. Sure. So, you know, to me, what that intentionality means is just having clarity around what it is that we're after. So, you know, clarity, I think, is a big piece, and I remember being stuck in that not being clear about what I wanted for so long, and that kept me stuck for so long because I would say, you know, I'm super satisfied where I am. I'm super you know, I'm satisfied that, you know, my team is wonderful. I like the company, but I want more. And I didn't know what that more looked like. And what I realized is that I just wasn't being intentional or or allowing myself to dream beyond what I thought was possible.

leslie martinez [00:05:54]:
You know? I didn't you know, I was not allowing myself to expand my view. So being being intentional intentional requires you take a step back from taking action and actually, like, explore what do you actually want. A lot of people are uncomfortable with that because we're, you know, it's it's feels selfish. We're not used to that, especially us females, especially us executive assistants that are so used to taking care of others. We're so used to putting other people first and thinking about the needs of others that just taking a step back and say, what do I want is extremely uncomfortable. That is the beginning step of being intentional about your career. And then if we wanna take it a little further, really, when it comes to the job itself, once you start playing around with those desires, when it comes to the job itself, you wanna think about, you know, being intentional about, like, who do I wanna work with? What kind of people do I wanna be around? What type of companies do I wanna work for? Do I wanna be in a small company or in a big company? Do I want to be remote, or do I want to be, to be in the office 5 days a week because I can't stand you know, I can't focus while I'm while I'm at home. You know, that's being intentional.

leslie martinez [00:07:09]:
It's actually sitting down with yourself and acknowledging those desires without thinking about what might or might not be possible.

Debra Coleman [00:07:18]:
So well said. So well said. And I don't think enough of us do that. I mean, I don't think we do that enough, I should say. So being intentional, when you when you first are are thinking about that in terms of your job search, for example, It does it look like that that like, step 1, I guess. I'm very, like, compartmentalized thinker. So with step 1, what I equate to step 1 be, like, have a self talk. Maybe take a little self inventory.

Debra Coleman [00:07:45]:
Does it look like asking yourself those questions like you just touched on? What are you looking for? What is going to align with your life right now? What are you looking for in your job role? Is is that, like, when you mentioned being intentional, is that what you're you're you're suggesting first is just to do a little, like, inventory of yourself and what you're after?

leslie martinez [00:08:05]:
Exactly. That is the beginning step. We cannot move forward before we define what it is that you're looking for. So in my program, that is the first thing that we do. We do an assessment of, like, where have you been And one exercise that, you know, that your listeners can do, and this goes for anyone whether you're an executive assistant or any anyone else looking for work, is do an assessment of, like, what have you done and pay attention to those activities that actually light you up. Those activities that, like, when you're working on them, you don't wanna stop because you're having so much fun and you're enjoying it. Pay attention to those little clues because those are the things that are pointing to things that, you know, are gonna give you joy when you're at work. Now at the end of the day, work is work.

leslie martinez [00:08:46]:
Right? Like, we have different reasons as to why something might be ideal for us. Like, a job might be ideal for us. It could be a a job could be ideal because it provides the financial security that I need to, you know, pay for certain things, you know, that that give me joy. For me, I I'll give I'll I'll I can use myself as an example, but, like, it gives me joy that I could afford to send my son to a quality, you know, after school program and summer camp. And just today, I was exploring, like, maybe he should take guitar. And these desires are not just coming from what I want for him, but just me listening to my son and seeing that he loves music. You know, he loves swim. So we do swim on Saturdays.

leslie martinez [00:09:27]:
It's quite expensive. It adds up when, you know, I was adding the budget today. And I was like, it adds up, you know, and I'm glad that I could afford it. So your desires, sometimes, you know, we start with us and what what what do we want from me? It's like that idea of providing to my children certain experiences that drives me. And so that's a big motivator for me. So, you know but, you know, I think at the core, we first wanna begin with where have I been? What are some of the things that I really enjoy? And what are some things that I just absolutely could do without? And we, you know, we could take that from actual tasks to actual, you know, to then also, like, people and environment and, location and all those other, aspects of it. In my program, I do have a very concise you know, I have a I have a lot of shortcuts, people things that help people process these things because it's not easy to sit down with yourself and try to think of all these things at at once. So I do break it down, and I make it easy for people to sort of go through checklist or different things that that they can do to uncover those desires.

leslie martinez [00:10:35]:
But something as simple as writing down a list of 10 things that you desire in this very moment will be a good starting point. And it could be career related or not because as I mentioned, this idea of, like, being able to provide for my children gives me so much satisfaction. So if I have a desire to send my son to summer school, that could be a driver for finding that ideal job that's gonna support that. You know? I'm using that as an example, but it could also be I really wanna engage in more projects, or I have this desire to learn how to I mean, I don't know what are some things. I wanna be more in touch with clients. I wanna be more, you know, you know, more involved with the team. Those little desires. Just make a list of things that you have been desiring, but you have not been allowing yourself to actually dream about because you may or may not think you may, you know, you may think that it's not possible for you at this moment or they, you know, those roles don't exist or that you don't have enough qualifications, all the kinds of stuff that, you know, basically come to haunt us the moment we declare that we want something.

leslie martinez [00:11:44]:
You know? I don't know if you know what I mean, but sometimes when we say we have a desire, then all the little monsters come in and tell to tell you exactly, like, why you can't have it or why it's not possible or, you know, why you're not good enough or all these other things. So

Debra Coleman [00:11:59]:
Oh, no. So true. Abs I'm just shaking my head here on the other side. It's like, yes. Absolutely. I that I can speak to that as well. Absolutely. I always told myself if I were to look for another EA role or explore another opportunity, what I would specifically be looking for this time around, you know, based off of the things that you just so you just said so perfectly, what I enjoyed, you know, or what I'm enjoying doing currently, what I want to maybe, skill up and learn more so then I can look for a role that maybe is a little bit more heavier in this skill set.

Debra Coleman [00:12:32]:
So you're right. I mean, it's it's important to pay attention to those things even though they may seem minor at the time. Like, I know many EAs who love event coordination. They love when they have to do events, anything having to do with events. I myself run screaming from the room whenever the word event is whispered. But, you know, I I understand that that's just me, but there are a lot of administrative support professionals who really thrive in that, and I applaud that. I am so excited for them. But that is not something that I would intentionally look for in a role, but maybe to somebody else, they would.

Debra Coleman [00:13:04]:
So that all matters. You know what? Really quickly, you mentioned it several times. Please tell us more about your platform, Intentions Manifested.

leslie martinez [00:13:13]:
Yeah. So Intentions Manifested. Well, first, I wanna say I I also get a rush out of events and that I actually enjoy events. But I totally get that that's not for everyone, and, oh my gosh, I also feel like I'm already kinda getting to the other side of, of wanting that that that rush and excitement and, you know, stress. Because honestly, at the end of the day, there's, like, a little bit of stress involved in that. Just a little. But I do love the idea that you have to put some of the pieces together and, you know, make sure things are flawless. So I, my program intentions manifest.

leslie martinez [00:13:52]:
It started during COVID, and, you know, it came about out of, you know, just me joining a program called, create work you love, and it was in this me being this desire of, like, I want more. I want to do more, but I don't know what I wanna do. I don't know if I wanted to continue. I don't know if I wanna continue being an EA. What are my skills? What are my talents? What what do I wanna explore? And I've always been kinda like a coach and a friend, who listens a lot and people come to for advice. So I was like, you know, it it you know, I wasn't you know, at first, I was thinking coaching, but I would always turn it down. Like, no. What am I gonna coach people about? Like, I don't know anything about this.

leslie martinez [00:14:33]:
But as I I went through that program, just the, I would say, the the whole skeleton or the whole foundation of intentions manifested came by so beautifully just by me taking action on something I really wanted to manifest and I I think I really want it. So I, you know, basically, you know, wrote down the process that I had gone through and it was completely spiritual and, like, incredible and, so many great changes came for me after that that I I I thought, you know and, of course, this is not just me. I take inspiration from other from other people and books and, you know, kinds of things. But I created my process and, at first I called the space, I started coaching women, and at first I called the space the nurturing space because it was like a space to, like, nurture ideas and take care of yourself and self care and all that. And, like, come self care was, like, the the theme. But as they you know, within 2 months, I immediately knew, like, oh, this is what it is. It's not we're manifesting our intentions. We're creating the ideal life that we wanna create.

leslie martinez [00:15:40]:
We're not holding back. We're designing our life. We're not just saying, you know, this is what it is. We're saying, hey, we're allowed to to dream. We're allowed to, to have desires and act on those desires. Now I always say with intentions manifested and just setting intentions is you have to leave a lot of room for flexibility. There's no controlling. Right? Because the moment you try to super be super controlling of an outcome is the moment that you're gonna it's gonna slip through your grip.

leslie martinez [00:16:10]:
Right? So but we do set the vision. We set we we put our intentions out out there, and we take little tiny steps. This is something from the program. We take tiny little steps, tiny little actions that are gonna connect us more to those things that we desire. So an example of that is if you're just searching, how you would apply intentions manifested as, you know, you start with that dreaming stage of what do I want? You know? And then you take little tiny steps, that can look like reaching out to an EA that's working in the type of space that you wanna work in. You know, let's say you wanna go into tech, reaching out to a few EAs and see who answers and who see who's willing to give you 15 minutes, 20 minutes to chat with you about what it's like to be in their seat. So that's how that works. And then by taking those little actions, you're actually creating energy around this desire that you have.

leslie martinez [00:17:05]:
And, you know, you you're learning, you're collecting information, you're more in the weeds with it, and you kinda get into a rhythm of it and, you know, that desire kinda becomes, as you continue, like, a manifestation because now when you go into interviews, you're gonna have a lot more knowledge than the person next to you. You not only not only do you have the desire, and that's great because company do wanna hire people that actually want to be doing the work, but now you have information about the role that can help you in your interview process. And, yeah, you're creating momentum by being in touch with other people. So that's sort of, like, how that would would work. So intentions manifested is sort of, like, on hold right now. I did coach a lot of women through the program, And there were not EAs, let me put that out there because at first I was like, what am I gonna coach executive assistants on? Like, there are so many amazing executive assistants out there and, you know, I'm not you know what I mean? Like, they they can teach me I I love learnings. I'm like, if they could teach me a thing or 2. So, you know, what I what do I have to you know, I I couldn't really understand how I could be of service to other EAs.

leslie martinez [00:18:16]:
So that's why it was more, like, open to anyone. So I had people that were directors in the roles, ADPs. I had a doctor. I had, trying to think, like, the variety. There was a woman that was, like, in in, she was like, gosh. I don't remember her exact title, but it was in the medical field, and I think she was some sort of, like, operations manager within well, you know, within that, I help her negotiate, an open, like, an offer that she had on the table. So somehow through intentions manifested, there was a lot of, like, career related, inquiries that would come in. And that's how, like, I guess, it it evolved into what it is now.

leslie martinez [00:19:12]:
So I I'll share a little bit more about, like, how it evolved. Right? So I was doing Interventions Manifesting and Coaching Women. And somewhere along the lines, I ran into a friend who was an amazing EA. When I met her, we were both working at Morgan Stanley, and she's incredible. And I I remember that I was more junior than her when I started, and I remember being like, wow. She is an incredible executive assistant. Like, I actually she sat in a different floor, completely different area, supporting somebody more senior than I was. And I saw her in the lobby.

leslie martinez [00:19:44]:
Sorry. We joined one of those, you know, programs that they have for, you know, for employees to go running or walking or something like that along the the pier. And so I joined the the meeting and, you know, we met in the lobby, like, we all conglomerate in the in the lobby and then go for a walk. And then I intentionally wanted to be her friend just because I wanted to I I felt very lonely where I was. I was, like, the only EA. There was another EA there as well, but she was a little more, like, gossipy and chatty. So, you know, I chatted and and and enjoy her presence, but I also wanted to get to know this other yay. And, my intention really just said hello, and and we became really good friends.

leslie martinez [00:20:31]:
Well, the year has passed. Many years passed since then, and, we connected. And, you know, she knew that I had been working on intentions manifested, And I asked her about what's going on in her career, and I found out that she kinda had been on a demotion, position or a demotive position or, like, descending a little bit from where she was. She felt that she needed to take a pay cut in order to be with her family, to be closer to her family. I look. I get it. Yes. If you leave the city, sometimes you may have to do a pay cut, but sometimes it's all in our minds.

leslie martinez [00:21:08]:
Sometimes we think we have to do those things, and that's not necessarily true. If you come in and you have the strong desire to work for this company, you speak their language, you can connect, you can co create the role, You could be doing work you love. It is not always necessary to take a pay cut. You know? And so I sat with her and inspired by her story, I kind of took a a step back and I said, hey, listen. I can help you, but, unfortunately, it doesn't take one session. Like, there's a lot of mindset work that needs to be done that I need to understand before I can help you. You know, we would have to sit down and, like, really untangle this idea of, like, you know, if I move to Long Island, I have to take a pay cut. Like, there's just many things, many layers, right, that we have to peel.

leslie martinez [00:21:55]:
And I understand that I understand that she didn't have the funds at the time. So I was inspired by that, though, and I said I'm gonna create this pilot program. And the goal here is not to sell it to my friend, but rather be inspired by her and then hopefully put it out into the world. This program I created in 2,020 months. So sorry. 2,020 2? Don't call me on the on the date, but anywhere between 2021 and 2022. I I wanna say it was, like, 2021. And, you know, I had her go through the first I have to, like, go back in time.

leslie martinez [00:22:32]:
But, you know, I have to basically, I had her go through the first module, and she couldn't go through it because she just didn't have the time. So modules did not work for her. So, thankfully, I didn't record the whole program even though I had everything you needed, all the supporting materials and everything, the curriculum. Thankfully, I had not recorded all the videos because then that would have been a huge waste of time. But the idea was that as she needed help. She needed it right away. But modules were not for her. So she didn't have the time to sit down and, like, do this alone.

leslie martinez [00:23:10]:
So I kinda got a little bit upset, Not at her, but I was like, oh my gosh. So much effort. I wanna help her. This is you know, I'm discouraged. No one's gonna wanna do this. You know. And I was like, and I'm also busy. And I was in the middle of also, like, making changes at work and getting a new job and all that.

leslie martinez [00:23:29]:
So I put it to this side and, and kinda, like, left it dormant there. And, but, you know, I knew at some point I wanted to revive it. And so that's what when, basically, when, Jeremy and I connected last year, in December, so it hasn't been that long. It's been about 3 months. Basically, just going on that podcast, like, reignited that desire to put this program back into the world. This time around, though, it's different because I was like, well, let me think about all the things that like, do people really wanna sit through modules and do that work? I don't think so. They want somebody live. They wanna be able to, you know, go through the program with live with other people.

leslie martinez [00:24:14]:
So I rearranged the program now so that we actually get to do it in one weekend. That's what I'm working on right now. It's not live yet. The goal is to have it ready by the fall. Initially, it was gonna be now in the spring, but that hasn't manifested. But, yeah, essentially, I I thought, hey. Having 6 modules and having people do this alone is not the way. So I'm gonna condense everything into 1 weekend with additional support that people can join calls, so that they can ask their questions and get additional support that way.

leslie martinez [00:24:45]:
But, basically, it started as intentions manifested. I used some of the foundation of intentions manifested for the for the, Landroid Doier role program. And in that program though, so I used that foundation. However, it is completely like, I don't know how to explain it, but, you know, you get practical advice on how to find and drive you alone. There is a dreaming stage where we talk about desires and what we want, and that's kind of like the intentions manifest and the foundation. But then from there, we move on to, like, actual practical things, that you need to do in order to stand out when you're applying for jobs.

Debra Coleman [00:25:27]:
Wow. That listen. I selfishly am happy that you decided to move forward even though you did feel that a little bit of discouragement that you decided to keep going because you saw the value, because now we selfishly get to take advantage in a good way of all that you wanna share. But I also really love that that your platform started as a from it was born out of a desire to help another. You know, you saw someone who was struggling and who was questioning her, you know, her career journey and what the choices she was making, and you wanted to reach out and help. And you saw how maybe there might be a larger audience there. And let me tell you, there absolutely is. So wow.

Debra Coleman [00:26:08]:
That is fantastic. I I love your mission, and I look forward to watching your intentions manifest, expand, and grow.

leslie martinez [00:26:16]:
Well, thank you. And I wanna share about that, Fran, is that, you know, that moment when she didn't go through modules, I got a little a little bit upset, and I'm like, what what am I doing trying to teach anyone? You know, those those little evil voices that come in, I couldn't coach myself. Right? And I was too busy with my personal life to actually, try to make that come to life, and I didn't have any opportunities, right, to have to have I didn't have an audience. But, again, for me, the confirmation was, like, going on Jeremy's podcast and seeing the 90 almost I think it's, like, close close to 90. I'm gonna say between 80 90 women signed up to get my emails, and I was like, wait a second. There people do need help. So, what I will say about that program as well is that it I put it to sleep for about almost yeah. Like, 3 years.

leslie martinez [00:27:02]:
I think it was, like, 2 years and I'm losing track of time, seriously, because I think time is flying by so fast. But I would say at this point, it's it's been, like, 3 years since I kinda put it away and, you know, it was just in December that I was like, let me resurface this. And I looked at the, curriculum and I was like, oh my god. Yeah. This is this is still what I would use today if I was this is what I used to land the current role that I'm in right now. So and it took me a month and a half to land this job. I would say well, I mean, I started the process a little earlier, but, you know, from the beginning of the conversation up until we finished, it was a lot of a month and a half. But I didn't do a ton of, you know, I would say I I didn't it wasn't my search was not I think in total lasted about 2 months and a half.

leslie martinez [00:27:49]:
2 months, I would say, was, like, the total amount of time that I spent, targeting my next role. And I had another 2 roles that were moving fast along, and they continue to message me after I got this job. I'm not special, but I'm I'm very targeted in the way I go for the roles that I go for, and I'm very good about articulating my story and, you know, talking about my experience and clear about what it is that I'm looking for. So it's always a very good match, you know, when I get there. The other thing I wanna say about my friend that I don't wanna leave my friend hanging is that I instead, you know, kinda gave her a session and I coached her. I had her fill out a form initially when she joined the program. And the great news is that she had limited beliefs around, you know, what she can earn and get the ideal job she wanted, you know, being near her family, being able to tend to, like, schedules and stuff like that. And then when we met again, I think it was like a year and a half later, she was targeting roles that were, like, 30% more or 40% more just based on our conversation.

leslie martinez [00:28:50]:
Like, she acknowledged that, like, it was just based on the coaching around mindset, around what she believed it was possible and me sending her examples and and sending her, opportunities that, you know, to sort of, like, unblock that thought that she had to be paid less. I reminded her, hey. You've been doing this for more than 20 years at this point, and you're an amazing EA. Like, you're you're a top EA. Don't settle for anything less. You know what I mean? So she was very excited, I think, last I last I spoke with her, and this was, you know, it's been quite a while. I haven't checked in with her. It's been at least, I would say, 8 months.

leslie martinez [00:29:29]:
But she was pretty advanced in some of the interviewing stages and all the roles that she was being presented with were you know, met some of the criteria that she was looking for at that higher level. And then I remind her, I was like, do you remember this is what you thought? And, like, I sent her a screenshot of the of the form. And, and she was like, yeah, oh my gosh, like, I cannot believe it and, you know, thank you. So, anyway, I just wanna share that mindset is also extremely important when it comes to your mindset. So watch out for those limiting beliefs and those thoughts that tell you, oh, you can't do it, or you're not qualified enough, or, you know, I don't have enough experience, whatever it is that comes up.

Debra Coleman [00:30:10]:
Oh, yes. So true. Mindset is everything. And, well, that's a wonderful story, though. I mean, it's it's so relatable. You're right. We are so good at maybe being somebody else's cheerleader, but then when it comes to us and our own perception, we are so quick to just, like, devalue ourselves. Maybe it's not intentionally, but like you pointed out, hey.

Debra Coleman [00:30:32]:
You're amazing. You have been at this for 2 decades. You deserve to look what's wrong with looking at positions that, you know, offer more, not only in compensation, but in responsibilities? And, you know, so do you were a wonderful support system that she needed in that moment, it sounded like. And I love that's what I love about your messaging and your platform. We definitely need to hear that. I know just you saying that right now, I was like, you are low key coaching me because I'm kind of kind of going through something very similar to your friend right now. And I'm like, thank you, Leslie. I needed to hear that.

Debra Coleman [00:31:05]:
Absolutely.

leslie martinez [00:31:06]:
Happy to happy to do a call with you, Debbie, any day.

Debra Coleman [00:31:09]:
I will. You know what? Hey. I know. Don't be surprised. I'm like, Leslie, you got a few minutes next week. But, so we've talked a little bit about that, you know, about identifying what you want and going after what you want. So what happens then when like much like your friend, now you have entered the stage where you actually get to speak to a human being. You have been, offered a chance to interview, which is always sort of our, like, end game when we're job searching.

Debra Coleman [00:31:38]:
Right? It's like, just get me in front of somebody. I know I can kill it. Right? But how do we take those principles that you so beautifully outlined in terms of, like, our value and what we are looking for in a role and bring those to the interview with us. What does that look like? Is it questions we need to be prepared to ask? Is it paying attention to nonverbals? Is it paying attention to, like, who's been invited to the like, what is that how does that show up when we're actually in the interviewing stage?

leslie martinez [00:32:07]:
Yeah. So I I love this question because you're really taking your listeners through journey. So when you when you are sitting down in front of it of it, you know, just coming in for the interview, first of all, I just will say that having done that prework will put you in a completely different energy than if you had not. The way you show up in the room will be completely different a result of that work that you had done. You'll feel a lot more confident articulating your, your your your natural strength and abilities. Right? Because you would have done, you know yes. You're talking about your desires, but you're you're I think I don't know if you remember at the beginning of the conversation, I said pay attention to those things that light you up. The those things are your strengths.

leslie martinez [00:32:54]:
Mhmm. The things that you enjoy doing, those things definitely point towards a desire or something that you're good at. So I mean, I will say that, when you're doing it alone, I I I I don't have any guarantee, but I know that, like, the process that I take my my, I was gonna say students, but it's really not students, my clients. Mhmm. I do sometimes see myself as a teacher for some reason, but, like, I feel like I did me. Okay. I'm definitely a I am forever a student, so perhaps that's why I I view it as a teacher student type of thing, but I am a forever student. I'm always learning and I will never stop.

leslie martinez [00:33:37]:
But in any case, you know, basically, I I take you through a process where you really identify your strengths so that you know you're super clear. You're going into that interview knowing exactly what are the the connection points you have with that firm. What are the the things that you you have either have already been doing or want to do more of that is also a match for what they want? So the conversation becomes a little bit more natural. Right? Like, you become a match to what they wanted, and they are your match as well. So one of the mistakes that I see people do is going into interviews, wanting to sell themselves and wanting to, talk about this is what I've done and this and me and me and me and me. If you instead take a moment to just, ask questions instead. So I want you to view the interview process as, like, not just a one-sided street. It's you're both interviewing each other.

leslie martinez [00:34:36]:
You you've done some digging online around, like, what they do, who are their clients, who do they serve, what is the culture that they put it out into the world, And now you're coming into the interview to confirm whether all those things that attracted you to the company in the first place are true. You know? You're looking out for a culture, and you're not necessarily asking directly, like, what is the culture like? Because who's gonna answer that And, you know, you you're observing every person you're chatting with. You're looking for those cues, like, as you mentioned, nonverbal cues of you know, you might get a a a little intuition or you might get, you might get some you might come in and feel uncomfortable the moment you walk into the place. Right? Like, pay attention to how you feel when you're having those interactions. Turn the this is one of the things that I share a lot, which is turn those, interviews into a conversation. If you can do that, that is great because you bring it to the human level and you really get to connect with the person interviewing you, and you get to ask questions to really uncover whether this is the right role for you. That puts you in a completely different energy than if you're coming in all desperate trying to sell yourself, and I'm good at this, I'm good at that, you know, and I can do this, I can do that. It's just a completely different energy.

leslie martinez [00:35:57]:
It's like, hey. We're sitting down like 2 adults. I'm learning about your company. You're learning about me. I'm answering questions, but I'm also asking questions to you because I wanna get to know you, and I also wanna make sure that this is a good fit for me. So that's one one way that you show up in the, in the interview. Let me think I'm there's many Oh my god. Yeah.

leslie martinez [00:36:16]:
There's many other things.

Debra Coleman [00:36:17]:
Yeah. I know I kinda put you on the spot a little bit with that, but that right there to me, oh my gosh. That like, I just wanna slow clap right now because that is perfect. I love the way you said it puts you in a different energy. You bring a different energy to the interview because you know what? Let's face it. Like you said, Leslie, we are 1 or 2 or 3, however many people are in the room, quote, unquote. We're adults. We're adults.

Debra Coleman [00:36:43]:
And so I think so many times us as support administrative support professionals, we tend to really take on that beta personality. Like, everyone else in the room is smarter than me. I am interviewing as an EA or AA. What do I know about anything? You know what I mean? And like you said, that sort of desperation ish type of vibe. And that's why I just I totally applaud what you just said right there. It's like, no. Listen here. You are you are amazing.

Debra Coleman [00:37:11]:
You are valuable. You passed you passed the the screening. You know? So, obviously, there's something there, right, that has you you that puts you in front of somebody in person right now. So own that. Like and I love that you and I and I can appreciate, you know, you you come with that energy because of the prework you do. Absolutely. But I I just love that you pointed that out. That is one way there.

Debra Coleman [00:37:35]:
I I

leslie martinez [00:37:36]:
love it. And there's all there's different layers to the interview, and how you interact with each person is different. So you'll have to come to my program for that. But, essentially, you know, this this strategy that I just gave you, it's more really with the the person you'll be supporting or the or the team. So state that for the team or the person you'll be supporting because, you know, sometimes HR or those people that are at the beginning don't really know much about the role. And, again, come in come in with a lot of you know, come in with questions. This is your opportunity to really find out what you're going to be doing, And this is your opportunity to find out whether they're like, you know, what are their pain points. This is your opportunity to find out whether there are things about the role that you're like, I can never see myself doing that, or I cannot or coming in at 7 o'clock is a nonnegotiable for me.

leslie martinez [00:38:24]:
And it's okay for you to walk away from opportunities that are not a right fit. And, and and if, you know, if you've done all the other prework, hopefully, you have enough conversations and enough opportunities, that you're not you're not desperate. You're taking your time. I mean, there's different ways to approach it. Right? Like, you're desperate, I definitely have a system for that. Not desperate, but, you know, you're out of work and you really need to get back. There's a system for that. But if you have a little bit more time and you're truly exploring your ideal role, then there's a system for that, if it makes sense.

Debra Coleman [00:38:58]:
Oh, it absolutely makes sense. And if any of this and how can it not? It's landing with me. Listeners, if this is in any way landing with you, please check out the show notes for a link directly to Leslie's platform, intentions manifested, where a lot of what she is referencing can be found there. And you can get a guide and just be, you know, kept in the know when her next cohort starts. Or it's just this is infer I love the way you put it too, Leslie, because you the way you communicate this information is very relatable, very down to earth, and you just have a very open this is why we're doing this podcast because you're just so conversational. And I am just speaking from somebody who's on the other side hearing everything that you're saying, I really, you know, appreciate that because I think that I think a lot of AAs and EAs and PAs out there took a big hit in 2020. And for many of us, our confidence was rocked. You know, there's always there's always something to be nervous about, it seems like, in our roles.

Debra Coleman [00:39:55]:
And so to have someone like you, you know, a coach and a thought leader, and an advocate who will show us and and help us find our own strength, you know, is amazing. So I thank you for this conversation. It's been amazing.

leslie martinez [00:40:09]:
Yeah. My pleasure. And I just wanna tell you all that I've been there as well. I've been working I've been working for a long time, and I experienced this in 2,000 and 8. Around 2008 when the we had the whole financial, crisis and I was working in financial services. Mhmm. And I I got laid off. So, you know, I went through this whole soul searching thing.

leslie martinez [00:40:27]:
I was about 30, I think, at the time or 28. 28. Sorry. I'm aging myself a little more. 27. Actually, like, 20 27, 28. And and so, you know, my confidence dipped and I I and some of the the things that I wanna put out into the world or to teach other EAs have to do with my own experiences and how I cut myself short when I went back into the workplace because I had this belief that There were no not enough jobs out there and now looking back. I talked to other people and I'm like there were plenty of jobs.

leslie martinez [00:41:00]:
I just was, like, not really looking in the right places. And, yeah, I started you know, I remember coming back into the workforce. I took temp jobs again after having been after having been an EA to to the CEO of a president of a bank doing board meetings and a lot of important work. But you know what? I always do treat all my all the work that I, you know, had with respect and also curiosity, and I learned so much in that role. Like, I would not trade it back because it really was a school for me. So that's a lesson, but I do wanna say, like, you know, it's important to get support and not do it alone because it is very easy to get caught in the mindset of, oh, there's not enough jobs out there. The market is really hard. There's a lot of competition.

leslie martinez [00:41:45]:
I was in that mindset back in that in that time. And, you know, looking back, I know that not everybody was struggling and that there were definitely jobs that was just not going about it the right way because once I learned a different way, everything changed. And it's, I will leave it with that and I just wanna say thank you so much for inviting me. And I do wanna say for the website, if you go to intentionsmanifest it.comforward/ea, you'll find the resource there, on how to land your ideal EA role. I believe the title of the, guide is apply 5 steps to get to your ideal EA role. And, yeah, I I, you know, I share more in there, and hopefully that's useful. You'll also be subscribed to my emails.

Debra Coleman [00:42:32]:
Oh, I love it. I know I'm gonna subscribe right away. I have it pulled up right now, matter of fact. And so that's amazing.

leslie martinez [00:42:42]:
Awesome. I'm glad to hear it.

Debra Coleman [00:42:44]:
Yeah. Absolutely. But you're and and and thank you for sharing your own journey that way too. That is another thing that it really matters for and and you're not alone. There's others like Jeremy, like we talked about prior, and other EA and thought leaders out there who and that's why, you know, they land with us and why we hold you guys in such value because you have been there. And that's and and and it matters. You know? It really does. But well, before I let you hop off the mic and get back to your busy life, which I know it is because we chatted before I hit record.

Debra Coleman [00:43:14]:
I know you have a lot going on. Can I ask you one silly bonus question to wrap it up?

leslie martinez [00:43:21]:
Of course. I'm nervous, but okay. Oh, oh, no. No. No need

Debra Coleman [00:43:24]:
to be nervous. No need okay. So as we have heard, you are a busy lady. You are no stranger to working hard and just having a very full schedule. So when life gets crazy, what do you do to to reset and rebalance?

leslie martinez [00:43:40]:
Is there an activity you like to do for?

Debra Coleman [00:43:43]:
Yeah. What do you what is what

leslie martinez [00:43:44]:
is your this question. I love this question. Thank you for asking. And I say thank you for asking because that is one big part of the program too. It's like we have to tend to all aspects of our lives. We're not just work. We're not just EAs. Self care is huge.

leslie martinez [00:44:00]:
As I mentioned when I started intentions manifested, it was called the nurturing space because it was like, hey. If you nurture yourself, you just show up in a different energy to the world. So what I love to do, and this is I have a standing acupuncture, appointment. It it's not even like a fancy place. It's like whatever's convenient for me, which is a little place owned by women. They're super nurturing in there, by in my neighborhood, like 10 minutes away. So I have a standing acupuncture, appointment every Saturday morning. Even my son knows about it now.

leslie martinez [00:44:32]:
He's like, mom, mom, my 7 year old, he's like, mom, are you going to acupuncture today? Like, he just knows. And I'm teaching him I'm teaching him that it's okay to self care. So I I have that, and that for me is like my form of self care. And I do love, like, creating and writing, you know, the program and connecting and like that that that gives me a lot of joy when I'm actually creating and, doing things like this, connecting with other people. You know, I've been having a lot of conversations with other EAs and, yes, sometimes it could be tiring to do those connect to have those connections, but, oh my god, I've learned so much. And I'm like, oh my god. I just wish I have more time to, like, keep connecting with more people.

Debra Coleman [00:45:16]:
Oh, well, Leslie, this has been so amazing. I I am so happy that we found each other and that we found time to do this show, and I really hope that we can do a part 2 someday.

leslie martinez [00:45:27]:
Likewise. Yes. I would love to. Let me know when and whenever you wanna have that call, I'm here for you. Just let me know.

Debra Coleman [00:45:34]:
And that concludes my conversation with the delightful Leslie Martinez. Friends, wasn't she spot on on so many levels? There were so many things that she said that, you know, I'm not a video podcast, but if I was, you woulda seen me, like, just shaking my head yes to so much that Leslie had to share. And I'm telling you, she really gets to the heart, I believe, of what should be motivating us in in when we go about finding our next opportunity. So I've definitely learned a a thing or 2 without being intentional in my next job search as an executive assistant. And I think one of my biggest takeaways, and see if you agree from Leslie is that it's not just about finding any job. Right? I think we can all just go and do that, but it's more about finding the right one that aligns with your skills, values, and career goals. Like, all of that right now has to click on some level. If we have 10 requirements, we should at least have, like, no less than 8 of those being met.

Debra Coleman [00:46:39]:
Right? I mean, we just this is the day and age now where we really need to job search or if presented with another opportunity, be much more realistic and intentional with seeking out those opportunities or moving forward with them. So thank you once again, Leslie, for to for sharing with us your insights. Again, incredibly valuable. And thank you listeners for tuning in, and thank you to my fur baby who is barking up a storm right now. But so with that, I will conclude with a reminder to please check out the show notes for ways to connect with Leslie and to definitely click the link in the show notes to be directed to her platform, to get the guide, to see what she's about, to subscribe to her newsletter. I mean, it's definitely worth your time and effort. If you are in the job search mode or think you might be soon, Leslie's advice and insight is just the key and you need in your job search toolkit. So check out the show notes for ways to connect with Leslie.

Debra Coleman [00:47:39]:
And as always, there is a link to the Have A Seat website where you will find more engaging conversations just like this one. Alright, my friend. Well, until next week. You know the drill. Stay safe. Be well. And remember, keep having those conversations.