🚨 Exciting News 🚨

Coming mid-August

 

The Proximity Advantage

Subtitle: Seeing More, Learning More, Becoming More in Executive Operations

 
 

Follow along over on Instagram

 

What is prox·im·i·ty?

präk-ˈsi-mə-tē

Proximity is more than closeness. In executive operations, it’s access to leadership, conversations, pressure, and decision-making. Over time, proximity quietly shapes perspective, trust, communication, and career evolution.

But proximity isn’t only about access — it’s also about stewardship. How someone shows up, communicates, and handles responsibility often shapes the opportunities and experiences that follow.

This and so much more will be included in our small but mighty book. We can’t wait to share it with you!

 

Early Reviews

"Reading it felt like a hug. I know I am am exactly where I belong because each section resonated deeply. I just feel so seen." - Kenzie C

“The Proximity Advantage is an excellent read, written with thoughtful experience and explanations. This book does not teach you how to be the perfect admin, it teaches us that we are the perfect admin when we use our proximity to our advantage. I will go back to my role with a different perspective and transparently one I’ve never had before.” - Porchae G.

“This book is an engaging and inspiring read delivered through relatable and empowering stories. The Proximity Advantage puts into words all of the things about the administrative profession that people don't want to say or don't know how to say. Powerful!” - Beth K.

“I love the subject matter expertise. Really think the reflection questions are a great addition to the end of each chapter to reinforce what was read and to do some critical thinking/introspection.” - Melissa R.

“The proximity of the admin role to executives and to the business is far more than anyone else realizes. We're there to connect the dots and also add our flare to build connection and relationships not only with our executives but also everyone else we come in contact with.” - Joy-Lu B.

“This book will make you look at proximity beyond the definition and look at it from a deeper perspective. Also, you'll see your role with who you support and have proximity to from a different view.” - Brandon J.

"The Proximity Advantage" is a powerful, long-overdue affirmation of the administrative profession. It masterfully dismantles the outdated 'task-doer' stereotype, recasting executive assistants as the strategic partners, emotional regulators, and operational glue they truly are. By brilliantly articulating the 'invisible work' and unique influence of proximity, this book empowers assistants to own their value and redefine their impact. It is an essential read for both administrative professionals and the leaders who rely on them.” - Wendy S.

“It’s hard to find a book that accurately reflects on the experience of administrative professionals, specifically executive assistants. Reading this content makes me feel like my chosen career path matters and I am understood, seen, and valued in my role. Thank you for shining a light and creating this book for this community!” - Erikah W

“This isn’t just another admin book telling you what you should do, this is a book where admin professionals will finally feel seen. It’s empowering without being preachy and practical without losing heart. You don’t walk away feeling like you need to fix yourself you walk away realizing just how powerful your role already is.” - Deedee B.

“This book is a high level view of how to be better, take advantage of the position we are in and inspiration to achieve.” - Della D.

“So excited to read the rest of this book! Love the insight into the position and how to think about how to be more effective!” - Wanda K.

“An outstanding explanation of what the admin profession truly is. A behind the scenes clarity of the unique skills, personalities and extraordinary abilities of the people who choose this profession as a career.” - Cara H.

“This book made me feel seen. It illuminates why this work is so rewarding, why the growth can feel so hard, and why both are worth it. I've never felt so understood by a book. It's full of those "someone finally put it into words" moments. Also... it confirmed I'm probably never going to stop being delightfully obsessed with this work.” - Alan B.

 

FAQs

  • 1 - There’s More to This Work Than People Realize

    2 - There Isn’t One Blueprint

    3 - Proximity Influences Impact

    4 - The Things That Quietly Shape Trust

    5 - The Environment You Help Create

    6 - The Life You Quietly Shape Along the Way

    7 - Leveraging the Role for a Fulfilling and Impactful Career

  • No. While many examples come from executive support environments, the book is written for a broad range of administrative and operations professionals already working closely beside leadership or those looking to grow in their careers.

  • Not in the traditional sense. While the book includes a ton of real life stories, the goal of the book is to share wisdom you can adopt, while offering reflection through lived experiences, showing how both can quietly shape a rewarding career in executive operations.

  • Yes. The book was intentionally written to resonate with both experienced professionals and those earlier in their careers. Many seasoned professionals may find themselves putting language to experiences they’ve long felt but rarely seen discussed openly.

  • The perspective behind the book comes from both lived experience as an executive assistant and years spent speaking with thousands of administrative professionals, executives, and hiring leaders. Rather than focusing primarily on tactics, the book explores the deeper dynamics that influence trust, growth, communication, visibility, and career satisfaction in executive operations.

  • That’s certainly the intention, but not through rigid formulas or one-size-fits-all advice. The goal is to help readers think differently about the role, recognize patterns more clearly, and approach their career with greater awareness and confidence.

  • No. The stories and insights come from a variety of environments, leadership styles, industries, and career paths. One of the themes throughout the book is that there isn’t one blueprint for success in executive operations.

  • Absolutely. Newer professionals may gain perspective on the role much earlier in their journey, while experienced professionals may see familiar experiences through a new lens.

  • Yes, thoughtfully. The book acknowledges the emotional and operational weight that can come with working in close proximity to leadership, while also exploring how professionals shape rewarding and sustainable careers over time.

Book Overview

In The Proximity Advantage, Hilani Ellis shares stories, observations, and realizations gathered from years spent working beside executives and speaking with thousands of administrative professionals. Through relatable experiences and thought-provoking insights, this book explores the often-unspoken dynamics of executive operations—trust, communication, visibility, confidence, and the small moments that quietly influence career evolution over time.

This book is not about how to be more tactical, The Proximity Advantage offers a fresh perspective on what it means to shape a fulfilling and impactful career in one of the most proximity-rich roles in business. It’s an invitation to see the profession, the people beside you, and even yourself a little differently.

 

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