Ep. 83 Red Lipstick On: How Joan Burge Pioneered a Movement & Powered Through Adversity

What happens when a high-level executive assistant wakes up one day and realizes she’s meant for more—but has no clue what’s next? Joan Burge didn’t just pivot her career—she pioneered an entire industry. In this episode, Joan shares how she went from supporting CEOs across 12 states to building Office Dynamics International, a powerhouse brand dedicated to elevating administrative professionals worldwide.

With grit, grace, and her signature red lipstick, Joan walks us through the early days of launching her business, the unseen sacrifices, and the personal storms she weathered—from caregiving and widowhood to major health battles—all while leading with passion and purpose.

This episode is a masterclass in courage, reinvention, and what it looks like to build something revolutionary when no blueprint exists. Whether you're navigating career shifts, battling fear, or standing at the edge of something big, Joan's story will meet you there—and inspire you to keep going.

💄 Red Lipstick On. Let’s go.

Joan Burge is the red-lipstick-wearing “Rock Star” of administrative and executive assistant training, a powerhouse entrepreneur, and a champion for women in the workplace. In 1990, she revolutionized the industry by founding Office Dynamics International, the first company dedicated to providing sophisticated, high-performance training exclusively for administrative professionals. With a fearless vision, Joan carved out a unique niche in corporate education, elevating assistants into strategic business partners.

As an accomplished author of eight books, professional speaker, consultant, and corporate trainer, Joan has spent over three decades redefining excellence in administrative training. She is the creator of The Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence™, the World Class Assistant™ Certification, the Star Achievement Series® Certification and Designation, and more than 30 customized workshops, 200+ educational videos, and 1,000+ articles and blog posts designed to inspire administrative professionals to reach new heights.

Her company, Office Dynamics International, is a global leader in executive and administrative assistant training, providing the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that empower assistants to lead with confidence. Corporate leaders, HR professionals, and high-performing executives trust Office Dynamics because “only Joan is Joan.”

More than a business leader, Joan is an advocate for women’s empowerment—encouraging women to take ownership of their careers, embrace continuous learning, and elevate their presence in the workplace. She understands the challenges women face in male-dominated industries and uses her voice to inspire boldness, resilience, and strategic thinking.

Joan’s influence has reached some of the world’s most respected companies, including Cisco Systems, AT&T, The Boeing Co., Humana Inc., Sunoco, Nokia, Procter & Gamble, Nationwide Insurance, and Chevron. Her relentless commitment to elevating the profession has made her the foremost expert in management support, bridging the gap between executives and assistants to create thriving partnerships that drive organizational success.

With passion, expertise, and a no-nonsense approach, Joan Burge continues to redefine what it means to be an administrative professional, proving that assistants aren’t just support staff—they are leaders, strategists, and invaluable assets to any organization.


To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

Website: OfficeDynamics.com 
ODI LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/office-dynamics-international/
Joan's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joanburge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officedynamics/
Facebook: