Behind the scenes with a top executive assistant in tech: Emilie Kingery, EA Manager, AOX at Expel

This post is part of our ongoing Executive Assistants Spotlight Series, where we sit down with some of the most talented executive assistants in tech to learn how they help leaders scale efficiently, communicate strategically, and operate with clarity.

Today, we’re featuring Emilie Kingery, manager, administrative and office experience at Expel. She shares her journey from public policy to tech leadership, and how the role of the executive assistant in tech continues to evolve as a trusted, strategic partner for executives.

Table of contents

1. Can you tell us about your career and current role at Expel?
2. What are the top 5 tasks all executives should delegate?
3. What’s one thing you do that consistently makes your executives more productive?
4. What’s the impact of an EA beyond supporting an executive?
5. What’s one thing EAs can do that makes executives say “Wow, I didn’t know you could do that”?
6. What’s the secret to building a successful EA-executive relationship?
7. What’s the most difficult situation you’ve had to handle as an EA?
8. What’s the smartest way you’ve used AI to support your executive?
9. What kind of impact can an executive expect when they’re supported by a strong EA?
10. What advice would you give to an executive considering working with a remote EA?

1. Can you tell us about your career and current role at Expel?

I earned my graduate degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and began my career in the public sector. I first served as a project manager at the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, where I focused on compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). I then joined the Virginia Department of Corrections as an auditor, reviewing and verifying criminal sentencing.

After several years in government, I transitioned to the private sector. I worked as a case manager at a mediation firm, assisting parties to civil lawsuits seeking alternative dispute resolution. From there, I moved into fintech, joining Capital One. That’s where I began to develop my administrative expertise. I supported senior leaders, one of whom oversaw lending with the Small Business Administration (SBA). When COVID-19 hit, I pivoted to support the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), eventually working on fraud investigations related to pandemic relief efforts.

Looking for a role that felt more positive and forward-looking, I came across an executive assistant position at Expel on LinkedIn and decided to apply. I’ve now been with the company for over four years. I began as an EA, was promoted to senior EA, and currently lead our administrative team, which includes three executive assistants and our office manager.

2. What are the top 5 tasks all executives should delegate?

In no particular order:

• Travel and expense reporting
• Full calendar management
• Deck prep (All-hands, board meetings, metrics, QBRs, etc.)
• Any sort of recurring status report compilation
• Action item follow-up

3. What’s one thing you do that consistently makes your executives more productive?

Calendar management. It’s so much more than just scheduling. It’s about knowing how to ask the right questions and relay information effectively to gather the context we need. That context empowers us to make countless small decisions that help our executives operate at their best.

Executives are constantly shifting gears throughout the day. I approach each interaction with the mindset that I might only have three minutes of their attention, so I focus on being intentional, clear, and efficient. A well-phrased question or quick check-in can often unlock enough insight to drive multiple downstream decisions around priorities, availability, delegation, or meeting structure.

This ability to act as both a filter and a strategic extension of the executive is at the heart of the EA role. When done well, it removes friction from their day, allowing them to stay focused on their highest-impact work.

4. What’s the impact of an EA beyond supporting an executive?

There are many rewarding aspects of the role, but what stands out most to me is the importance of relationships. As EAs at Expel, we have the unique opportunity to work across all areas of the company. The connections we build, and the insights we gain through them, not only strengthen our relationships across the organization, but also position us to be more effective and strategic partners to the executives we support.

For example, we have a unique ability to influence the tone and direction of a meeting: often starting with a simple, thoughtful conversation as others join the meeting or Zoom. Our role also allows us to support employees in meaningful ways that may seem small but have a lasting impact, such as sending a thank you note, a sympathy gift, or a message of congratulations. Because of our vantage point within the organization, we’re well-positioned to offer strategic input, whether on communication plans, the timing of organizational changes, or other key decisions thanks to the broad insight and context we gain through our relationships and cross-functional visibility.

5. What’s one thing EAs can do that makes executives say “Wow, I didn’t know you could do that”?

There are so many things that can surprise executives, but one that stands out most to me is data analytics. Whether it’s identifying trends in spreadsheets, spotting gaps in reporting through tools like Jira, or even leveraging AI to uncover themes in written feedback, I’ve found that executives are often pleasantly surprised by the depth of insight we can provide. It’s a great reminder that our value goes far beyond scheduling and logistics: We can also bring strategic analysis to the table.

6. What’s the secret to building a successful EA/executive relationship?

Honestly? I think the secret is time. Like any meaningful relationship, it takes time to truly understand how an executive works, earn their trust, and develop the intuition to anticipate their needs and make decisions on their behalf. Once the EA/executive relationship reaches that level of trust and alignment, the partnership becomes incredibly valuable, often in ways that go beyond what either person initially expected.

7. What’s the most difficult situation you’ve had to handle as an EA?

One of the most difficult aspects of being an EA is carrying confidential information that has the potential to significantly impact those I work with, and continuing to operate as if everything is business as usual. It can be especially challenging when rumors start circulating and people begin asking questions about sensitive situations I’m already aware of but cannot discuss.

To me, discretion and tact aren’t just nice-to-have traits; they’re foundational to being a successful EA. In high-stress moments filled with uncertainty or anxiety, it’s our responsibility to remain composed, professional, and trustworthy. 

It may appear seamless on the surface, but behind the scenes, there are often countless moving parts that we’re managing, all while still handling the day-to-day responsibilities. That balance is one of the most demanding, yet essential, parts of the role.

8. What’s the smartest way you’ve used AI to support your executive?

I’ve used AI in a number of ways, but one of the most valuable has been using it not just to provide information, but to highlight context I might be missing. Whether I’m preparing for an offsite, drafting communications to external partners or customers, creating internal messaging, or building meeting agendas, I use AI to help me think more broadly and strategically. 

To find more examples, read the guide to AI adoption from Viva’s award-winning approach.

Rather than relying on it just to answer questions, I see AI as a tool to expand my perspective, prompting me to consider angles I may not have thought of and helping ensure the work I deliver is more thoughtful, complete, and impactful.

9. What kind of impact can an executive expect when they’re supported by a strong EA?

Anyone who’s worked in an EA role knows the saying: You’re only noticed when something goes wrong, and that’s often a sign things are running exactly as they should. Most EAs didn’t choose this career to be in the spotlight; we’re drawn to it because we thrive on creating efficiency, solving problems, staying organized, and supporting others behind the scenes.

A strong EA lightens their executive’s mental load in ways that are both subtle and significant. We handle the countless small (but critical) details and day-to-day decisions so our executives can stay focused on the bigger picture, like driving priorities, making strategic decisions, and leading effectively. The impact may not always be visible, but it’s deeply felt.

10. What advice would you give to an executive considering working with a remote EA?

Absolutely do it. Working with a remote EA can be incredibly impactful when approached thoughtfully. Start with a strong interview process that clearly defines what you’re looking for in a partner. Ask questions that go beyond surface-level experience, dig into specific examples and ask why a candidate made certain decisions. This helps you assess not just their skills, but their judgment and approach to problem-solving.

Want to see how the best EAs make it happen? Read all the interviews with top executive assistants at Workday, Slack, Miro, and more of the top leading tech companies.

From government auditing to leading an admin team in cybersecurity, Emilie Kingery exemplifies the adaptability, judgment, and trust that define the best executive assistants in tech. Her story highlights the invisible impact of EAs who make entire organizations operate more smoothly, strategically, and humanely.

Ready to experience the difference a great executive assistant in tech can make? Book a call today and we’ll match you with a Viva EA who helps you stay focused, prepared, and ahead of the day.

Fadua Caicedo Díaz del Castillo

Fadua is a bilingual advertiser and holds a master’s degree in creative writing. With over ten years of experience, she has written countless advertising and social media campaigns, blogs, interviews, and everything in between. She writes about startups, the impact of executive assistants, and the stories behind their work. When she’s not writing, she is spending quality time with her husband and son, hiking, reading, or discovering new cafés.