The Business Partner Mindset: Kiara Filardi’s Journey from EA to Entrepreneur

From early admin roles to senior strategic support and entrepreneurship, Kiara Filardi has built a career defined by initiative, influence, and impact. In this conversation, Kiara shares how adopting a business partner mindset elevates the EA role, why mentorship is a career multiplier, and the habits that keep you steady when priorities move at pace. We also explore her vision for AIOP NSW and how community accelerates professional growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn

• How Kiara navigated her career from EA to founder, and what truly prepared her to build Urge.Concierge
• Practical ways EAs operate as strategic business partners (beyond the traditional remit)
• The skills that matter at senior level: influence, commercial thinking, systems, and calm under pressure
• Why mentorship changes careers, and how to find (and work with) the right mentor
• Staying effective in high-pressure environments: resets, rituals, and run-of-show systems
• Kiara’s plans as AIOP NSW Division President to support and connect the community
• Where the EA profession is heading next, and the mindset shifts to get ahead

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Easy Links:

• Connect with Kiara Filardi on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiara-filardi-b4bb147b/ 
• Join the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) community and learn more about the institute here: https://aiop.com.au 
• Join us at the Admin Avenues Conference: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/adminavenuesconference 
• Then join us for a night of celebrating at the 2025 AIOP Awards after the conference: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2025-aiop-awards-gala-dinner 

What is The Admin Avenues Podcast?

Welcome to The Admin Avenues Podcast!

In each episode, I’ll be chatting with inspiring Australian admin professionals, expert advisors, and a few surprise guests you won’t want to miss.

No matter where your admin career has taken you, this is your space to learn, grow, and connect with the people shaping the future of our profession.

Expect real stories, practical insights, and expert advice to help you thrive, whether you're just starting out or leading at the top.
We’re also here to celebrate the Australian admin community, because admins are at the heart of every successful business.
Let’s shape the future of admin in Australia, one conversation at a time.

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