Are CEOs spending too much time on administrative tasks instead of leading their companies? Learn why empowering executive assistants is critical for business growth — and how it can help CEOs focus on what matters most.
The Hidden Cost of CEOs Doing Their Own Administrative Work
During a job interview a few years ago, a CEO asked me a simple yet revealing question:
“Do you like creating PowerPoint presentations?”
“Yes,” I answered enthusiastically, “it’s one of my favorite things to do.”
His response stayed with me.
“Good,” he said, “because usually, I end up doing the presentations myself after normal working hours.”
That small exchange spoke volumes. It highlighted a major, often overlooked problem in many companies: CEOs are spending valuable time on administrative work instead of focusing on business growth and strategy.
Should a CEO Really Be Creating Their Own PowerPoint Presentations?
The short answer? Absolutely not.
A CEO’s time is one of a company’s most valuable assets. When leadership energy is drained by tasks like building PowerPoint presentations, managing emails, or scheduling meetings, it limits the company’s ability to innovate, grow, and stay competitive.
Administrative tasks are important — but they should be delegated to someone specifically trained and empowered to handle them: an executive assistant.
The best solution isn’t asking CEOs to work longer hours.
It’s empowering assistants to work smarter and own key processes that support the executive role.
Here’s how an empowered assistant makes all the difference:
Manage Executive Communications Without Constant Oversight
A skilled assistant can take charge of executive communications — drafting emails, managing responses, preparing briefings — so the CEO stays informed without getting buried under a mountain of correspondence.
Handle Day-to-Day Operations Efficiently
An empowered assistant owns the CEO’s schedule, organizes meetings, prepares materials, and handles operational logistics.
This allows the executive to prioritize strategic planning and business development over daily details.
Reduce Decision Fatigue by Managing Workflows
Thousands of small decisions pile up daily — and they drain an executive’s cognitive resources. A proactive assistant anticipates needs, manages workflows, and eliminates unnecessary decisions, freeing the CEO’s mind for big-picture thinking.
Why Investing in Executive Support Pays Off
Hiring or developing a skilled executive assistant is not a luxury — it’s a smart business investment.
With the right support system, CEOs can:
Focus on high-impact leadership tasks
Build and execute long-term strategy
Drive business growth and innovation
And yes — finally stop making their own PowerPoint presentations after hours.