Formula One Lessons for Executive Support

190: What does Formula One teach us about being an exceptional executive assistant and strategic partner at the top level? In this inspiring episode, Nicole Bearne shares her journey from supporting one of Formula One's most respected leaders to becoming a communications expert and business founder. She takes us behind the paddock doors to reveal what it's really like to work alongside Ross Brawn, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton—where every second counts and preparation is everything. You'll discover how executive support plays a crucial role in leadership success, team communication, and resilience under pressure. Nicole also talks about reinventing herself, building The Comms Exchange, and empowering others to grow from EA to leadership roles. Plus, she discusses her mission to inspire more women to join motorsport through programs like Girls on Track and the F1 Academy. This episode is a masterclass in confidence, communication, and career evolution—for anyone ready to bring Formula One focus into their executive support role. --- About the Guest: Nicole Bearne has been at the forefront of Formula 1 motor racing for over 25 years, winning 9 World Championships with the Brawn Grand Prix and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 teams. Her extensive motorsport experience includes executive and technical operations, Internal Communications, Employee Experience and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). She is also an Independent Non-Executive Director of Motorsport UK, the governing body of four-wheel motorsport in the UK. Nicole now leads The Comms Exchange, leveraging her F1 business experience and academic knowledge to help organisations build high-performing, people-centric cultures. She also runs 1-day workshops on Internal & Leadership Communication for EAs, PAs and Business Support professionals. Nicole holds a Master's degree in Organisational Behaviour and a CIPR Diploma in Internal Communication. She is a member of the Institute of Internal Communication, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (MCIPR) and an Accredited PR Practitioner. Nicole is frequently invited to speak at Internal Communications, Employee Experience, Leadership and HR conferences in the UK, USA and Europe. Links: 🔴 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h_7dhABSjQY https://comms-exchange.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-bearne https://www.motorsportuk.org Nicole's song: We Are the Champions by Queen 🎵 Listen to the Executive Office Insights Spotify-Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QH8HL8oWIC0HzHWvb5KLd Diana Brandl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-brandl/ Executive Office Insights Newsletter: https://the-socialista-projects.com/#newsletter Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-socialista-projects Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qBSDjTfYOG2x6qos7dKkS Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-future-assistant/id1493106661

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