The Power of Internal Networking with Kristina Willis

In this episode, Craig Bryson and Jodie Mears explore how assistants can build influence and visibility inside their organisations through intentional relationship-building. From bridging departments to boosting confidence, they unpack why internal networking is one of the most underrated career tools for EAs, and how external connections can quietly feed back into your internal success.

Listener Question
“I keep hearing that internal networking is important, but I have no idea where to start. What does it actually look like in practice for an assistant?”

Expert Contributor
Kristina Willis (Head of Customer Success & former EA) shares a practical roadmap for assistants to begin internal networking, from identifying who to know, to starting small conversations that build momentum.

Episode Highlights

• Internal networking 101: why assistants need to be visible beyond their exec
• The long-game mindset- networking when you’re not desperate for outcomes
• Building bridges across IT, marketing, and reception for faster results
• How internal visibility protects your career when your exec moves on
• Turning external relationships into internal wins
• The introvert’s guide to confident connection
• EA-led onboarding: the simplest way to start internal networking

Value Bomb

Kristina Willis: “The goal should always be to look inward first and ask yourself, who do you admire at your company and why?”