Executive Leadership Support Forum: Houston: Speaker Interview

Amy Castro, MA, CSP
Performance Communication Expert
The Performance Communication Group
Amy P. Castro is a communication expert, speaker, and author with more than 20 years of experience speaking to and training employees at all levels of the organizations she’s served, which include NASA, Texas Children’s Hospital, Marathon Oil, and more. She is also a Certified Speaking Professional, a designation of the National Speakers Association that is earned by fewer than 1.5% of all identified speakers worldwide. Amy is a proud U.S. Air Force Veteran who holds a B.A. in Journalism and a M.A. in Human Communication Theory.

Amy’s goal with all her programs is to help people grow their communication skills so they’ll be able to find the balance between getting along and getting things done at work, home, and in their communities. In her spare time, Amy is an avid animal advocate and has fostered more than 500 kittens and puppies over the years.

Amy will be one of the distinguished trainers at the Executive Leadership Support Forum: Houston.
Why is the Executive Leadership Support Forum important for Executive Assistants?
Executive Assistants are often the face of the organization for employees, customers, vendors and others. They’re the ones who make (or break) the company’s first impression. They’re also a key conduit of communication in their organizations.
Independently, what have you done to work towards professional development in the past?
Achieving an advanced degree in my area of expertise, researching communication, and professional affiliations and conferences including the National Speakers Association, Association for Talent Development, and the National Communication Association.
What is one thing you hope to learn or discuss with your peers at the ELS Forum?
I hope to help others find the perfect balance of assertive communication and empathy with others so they can accomplish all their goals.
Tell us about a career accomplishment of which you’re particularly proud.
I am particularly proud of achieving my Certified Speaking Professional Status as fewer than 10% of NSA members and fewer than 1.5% of ALL speakers worldwide earn this designation.
In your mind, what is one tool you can’t live without or find especially helpful in your position?
A full toolbox of excellent communication skills. If you’re talking about a literal tool, it’s my many time management and appointment management apps including, Toodledo and Calendly.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when you were first starting your career?
Network more and take advantage of every training opportunity available to me.
Are there any blogs, books, articles or online forums you recommend reading?
Mine of Course! The Performance Communication Blog – www.amy-castro.com/blogs!
How do you define success within your role as an Executive Assistant?
I’m not an executive assistant. However, I think a primary definition of success is an Executive Assistant’s ability to keep the lines of communication open and flowing clearly, specifically, and efficiently!