When we think about school leadership, we typically picture principals, deputies, and heads of department. But there's another kind of leader working quietly at the heart of every thriving school – one whose influence touches every corner of the organisation, yet whose role remains largely misunderstood.
Executive Assistants are the connective tissue of schools. They navigate complex relationships across departments, anticipate needs before they arise, and create the conditions that allow others to do their best work. Yet the EA role is often shrouded in ambiguity – underestimated by some, essential to all.
A Book Born from Experience
Kristine Niven knows this territory intimately. With over a decade as an EA in education, she's lived the reality of a role that demands exceptional skill while often going unrecognised as leadership. Frustrated by the isolation many EAs experience, Kristine founded EAs In Education – a community dedicated to networking, support, and professional development for educational EAs across Australia.
Now, she's written the book she wished had existed when she started: The Leadership Edge: Redefining Executive Assistant Leadership in Schools.
Redefining Leadership
The Leadership Edge challenges conventional thinking about what leadership looks like. It doesn't require a title, a corner office, or a place on the organisational chart. Instead, Kristine makes a compelling case that EAs exercise a distinct form of leadership – one built on relationships, strategic thinking, and the ability to create environments where staff and students can flourish.
This isn't a theoretical exploration. The book is packed with practical strategies, real-world tips, and honest insights drawn from Kristine's own journey. She addresses the complexities EAs face daily: managing multiple stakeholders, maintaining confidentiality while building trust, setting boundaries, and developing professional confidence in a role that's often defined by supporting others.
Wisdom That Reaches Beyond the Office
What sets The Leadership Edge apart is how Kristine weaves together diverse sources of wisdom. Alongside practical workplace advice, readers will find leadership spotlights, insights from thinkers and philosophers, and even perspectives from artists – all carefully selected to help EAs discover their own unique leadership approach.
At its heart, Kristine's philosophy is simple but powerful: strong relationships are the foundation of exceptional work in schools. When EAs are empowered to develop their practice and recognise their leadership capacity, everyone benefits.
For EAs Ready to Step Into Their Power
Whether you're an EA seeking validation and practical guidance, a school leader wanting to better understand and support your EA, or anyone interested in reimagining what leadership can look like, The Leadership Edge offers a fresh, much-needed perspective.
Kristine Niven has written more than a professional development book – she's created a roadmap for discovering your leadership edge, wherever you sit in the school structure.
The Leadership Edge by Kristine Niven is coming soon and available for pre-order now from Amba Press.
