Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
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Volunteer Experience

  • Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Graphic

    Liaison and support

    Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

    Health

    I provide encouragement to individuals whose loved ones (family or friends) have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. My husband battled this cancer for 3 1/2 years and passed away January 2011. I feel their pain and fear. I want to be there for them and support them. I tell them about the great resources that helped me on the long, difficult journey.

  • Group Leader

    GriefShare

    - Present 13 years 1 month

    Our church, The Crossing, just started offering grief classes for those in the southwest area of Las Vegas who have lost a loved one. One of our spiritual leaders asked me if I would lead the sessions (each 13 weeks long) and I immediately said Yes!

    My role is to lead 90-minute sessions which consists of watching a GriefShare video and then lead discussion questions. I also encourage group discussion in a loving and caring way and recommend other resources to support the guests through…

    Our church, The Crossing, just started offering grief classes for those in the southwest area of Las Vegas who have lost a loved one. One of our spiritual leaders asked me if I would lead the sessions (each 13 weeks long) and I immediately said Yes!

    My role is to lead 90-minute sessions which consists of watching a GriefShare video and then lead discussion questions. I also encourage group discussion in a loving and caring way and recommend other resources to support the guests through their journey of grief.

  • Volunteer--special group of women called the Circle of Red

    American Heart Association

    - Present 10 years 2 months

    Health

  • Volunteer

    Make-A-Wish Las Vegas

    - Present 6 years 6 months

    Children

    I will be volunteering in various aspects of helping Make-A-Wish helps children's dreams come true.

Publications

  • A Must-Have Skill in 2015: Resiliency

    Executive Secretary Magazine

    Administrative professionals of all walks of life, levels of experience, and titles need this valuable asset every day—the ability to be resilient. While this may sound simple and you feel you have done a good job of being resilient, it actually is quite complex. And the higher up the career ladder you go, the deeper levels of resiliency are needed because the game gets tougher for the executives you support.

    If you can develop being resilient you will be able to:
    • Bounce back…

    Administrative professionals of all walks of life, levels of experience, and titles need this valuable asset every day—the ability to be resilient. While this may sound simple and you feel you have done a good job of being resilient, it actually is quite complex. And the higher up the career ladder you go, the deeper levels of resiliency are needed because the game gets tougher for the executives you support.

    If you can develop being resilient you will be able to:
    • Bounce back faster after a setback
    • Take daily workplace changes in stride
    • Use resources effectively especially when faced with a problem• Move in tandem with your executive
    • Learn the lessons you need to learn
    • Exhibit nimbleness as you adapt to change
    • Generate innovative solutions to problems
    • Find ways to effectively share your ideas with others

    Learn what resilience means and the 10 elements of being resilient as an assistant.

    See publication

  • Comprehensive Business Travel Planning Checklist

    Office Dynamics International

    A vital resource for Assistants, Business Travelers and Planners--this 13 page guide is written in very simple, basic terms. Author, Joan Burge, has experienced the challenges of travel and travel planning from being on both sides of the desk: For 20 years, as an assistant, Joan arranged hundreds of trips for numerous executives. Joan thought she understood how hard travel could be on the traveler, but did not fully grasp the complexity of traveling and the stress for the traveler until Joan…

    A vital resource for Assistants, Business Travelers and Planners--this 13 page guide is written in very simple, basic terms. Author, Joan Burge, has experienced the challenges of travel and travel planning from being on both sides of the desk: For 20 years, as an assistant, Joan arranged hundreds of trips for numerous executives. Joan thought she understood how hard travel could be on the traveler, but did not fully grasp the complexity of traveling and the stress for the traveler until Joan began traveling on a regular basis after starting her administrative training company, Office Dynamics.

    Joan Burge has been coaching executives and assistants for more than 23 years. Travel is a part of their conversations. The executives wished his or her assistant would do a better job in that arena. Thus, leading Joan to writing a comprehensive solution-oriented booklet.

    See publication

  • Turbocharge Your Career

    Office Dynamics International

    Turbocharge Your Career is a unique eBook. It is a compilation of popular published articles written by Joan Burge, administrative expert, author, corporate trainer and coach since 1990. Joan wrote the articles for administrative and executive assistants who desire reaching the top of their game and continuing to strive for their personal best--day after day. Topics include: Be Results-Driven; Creating a Career Portfolio; Living Through Leadership; Set Healthy Boundaries At Work; Getting Into…

    Turbocharge Your Career is a unique eBook. It is a compilation of popular published articles written by Joan Burge, administrative expert, author, corporate trainer and coach since 1990. Joan wrote the articles for administrative and executive assistants who desire reaching the top of their game and continuing to strive for their personal best--day after day. Topics include: Be Results-Driven; Creating a Career Portfolio; Living Through Leadership; Set Healthy Boundaries At Work; Getting Into the Executive Suite; Coping With Conflicting Priorities and more!

    See publication

  • The Administrative Professional: A Vital Yet Overlooked Individual Contributor

    Office Dynamics International

    Support staff are the foundation and glue holding the busy workplace together; they basically run their executives’ lives; carry the burden to make sure nothing falls through the cracks; must quickly shift gears to respond to immediate needs or requests; they need to constantly ‘morph’ themselves to be able to do anything, at any time, with skill and excellence.

    The administrative professional is the one who supports the management team. Many support the highest level executives who…

    Support staff are the foundation and glue holding the busy workplace together; they basically run their executives’ lives; carry the burden to make sure nothing falls through the cracks; must quickly shift gears to respond to immediate needs or requests; they need to constantly ‘morph’ themselves to be able to do anything, at any time, with skill and excellence.

    The administrative professional is the one who supports the management team. Many support the highest level executives who drive the business in a company. Yet, these administrators are overlooked when it comes to serious training focused on their profession. They are not visibly recognized for their contributions in the workplace. Their profession continues to be misunderstood with an attitude by the public that “Anyone can be an admin.” Conversely, Office Dynamics International has worked with top corporations such as Cisco Systems, Humana Inc., Procter & Gamble, The Boeing Company, Chevron Corporation, Kindred Healthcare, Nationwide Insurance and many others. These Fortune 500 organizations realized the importance of their administrative staff to their management teams’ success and overall company success. These companies made a tremendous commitment to providing the highest quality ongoing training for their administrative staff and as a result, are reaping huge rewards.

    See publication

  • Give Yourself Permission to Live a BIG Life

    Live a BIG Life LLC (Las Vegas, NV)

    In this memoir, Joan Burge speaks with wisdom and clarity to every woman in every walk of life, tackling the multi-faceted ever-changing roles of today's woman with candor, wit and straight talk. Her stories will inspire you to "hang on" no matter what, to see the light in the darkest night and to know you are stronger than you imagine so you can remove whatever holds you back from becoming all you were created to be: fully invigorated in every aspect of life.

    Wherever you are in life…

    In this memoir, Joan Burge speaks with wisdom and clarity to every woman in every walk of life, tackling the multi-faceted ever-changing roles of today's woman with candor, wit and straight talk. Her stories will inspire you to "hang on" no matter what, to see the light in the darkest night and to know you are stronger than you imagine so you can remove whatever holds you back from becoming all you were created to be: fully invigorated in every aspect of life.

    Wherever you are in life, whatever your age or marital status, Joan's story will lift your spirit and motivate you to reach for your dreams despite any obstacle or barrier.

    In Live a BIG Life Joan Burge speaks to women on courage, faith, and red lipstick!

    See publication

  • Who Took My Pen . . . Again?

    Office Dynamics, Las Vegas, NV

    Are you ready to rise to the top of your game and become your very best, gaining new insights and reaching the highest heights? Whether you've been in the field for 20 minutes or 20 years, this book is a "must' resource you will refer to again and again.

    Who Took My Pen...Again? offers practical, creative strategies for achieving success and building leadership attributes, compiled from the diverse experiences of high-achieving administrative professionals in a wide variety of businesses…

    Are you ready to rise to the top of your game and become your very best, gaining new insights and reaching the highest heights? Whether you've been in the field for 20 minutes or 20 years, this book is a "must' resource you will refer to again and again.

    Who Took My Pen...Again? offers practical, creative strategies for achieving success and building leadership attributes, compiled from the diverse experiences of high-achieving administrative professionals in a wide variety of businesses and industries.

    Inspired by the 18th Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence themed The Path Forward: Adding Value Every Day, the authors drew on the attendees' knowledge as well as their own years of experience to develop the content for this book.

    This book overlows with secrets, tips, and tools of the profession and is a ready resource created by those who "walk the walk and talk the talk" of the complex administrative professionals' role. They really "get it."

    Other authors
    See publication

  • Underneath It All...Postgraduate Level Revelations Lift Administrative Assistants to New Heights

    Insight Publishing (Sevierville, TN)

    Joan Burge spotlights the true value that administrative professionals have in terms of their relationship with their principals, their organizations, and the companies for which they work.

    You'll read why it's essential to maintain your competitive advantage and how continual improvement makes it possible. You will explore key points with Joan that lead to success and you're likely to wonder who switched on the lights?

    Once you "See" what is underneath it all, you will become a…

    Joan Burge spotlights the true value that administrative professionals have in terms of their relationship with their principals, their organizations, and the companies for which they work.

    You'll read why it's essential to maintain your competitive advantage and how continual improvement makes it possible. You will explore key points with Joan that lead to success and you're likely to wonder who switched on the lights?

    Once you "See" what is underneath it all, you will become a more effective person--in your personal life as well as in your business life. Burge truly speaks from experience when she shares her philosophies and her stories because she has been an executive assistant herself. As a corporate trainer, speaker, consultant, and the CEO of her own company for 22 years, she brings a wealth of knowledge from both sides of the desk.

    Underneath It All presents new ideas and ambitious ways to approach the challenge of rising to the top in a field that is exciting and rewarding.

    See publication

  • Become an Inner Circle Assistant

    Insight Publishing (Sevierville, TN)

    Become An Inner Circle Assistant outlines the steps to earn the Inner Circle status as well as thrive in the position. It is a book of strategy and workplace philosophy that will help administrative professionals become top perfomers in work and in their careers.

    Joan Burge brings 35 years of experience in the administrative field to this groundbreaking book! Everyone who plays a vital role in an organization should read this book. They will increase their impact on the company's…

    Become An Inner Circle Assistant outlines the steps to earn the Inner Circle status as well as thrive in the position. It is a book of strategy and workplace philosophy that will help administrative professionals become top perfomers in work and in their careers.

    Joan Burge brings 35 years of experience in the administrative field to this groundbreaking book! Everyone who plays a vital role in an organization should read this book. They will increase their impact on the company's results, be visible and recognized as a star performer, prepare for future positions, increase self-esteem and levels of confidence, and ultimately achieve Inner Circle status.

    See publication

  • Real World Communications Strategies That Work

    Insight Publishing (Sevierville, TN)

    When it comes to essential topics like communication, businesses all across America are looking for relevant, cutting-edge, "real world" solutions to help them succeed. Real World Communication Strategies showcases the strategies, insights, and inspiration from 13 experts whose client lists read like a "who's who" in American business.

    This is a power-packed collection addressing topics such as: Effective Communication, Making Connections, Professional Assertiveness, Communicating With…

    When it comes to essential topics like communication, businesses all across America are looking for relevant, cutting-edge, "real world" solutions to help them succeed. Real World Communication Strategies showcases the strategies, insights, and inspiration from 13 experts whose client lists read like a "who's who" in American business.

    This is a power-packed collection addressing topics such as: Effective Communication, Making Connections, Professional Assertiveness, Communicating With Humor, Listen Your Way to the Top, Discovering and Developing Your Own Communication Style and more.

    This book is ripe with "good stuff." You will find ideas and strategies that are working with real people, in real companies and under real circumstances.

    Other authors
    • Cindy Chernow
    • Donna Fisher
    • Rhonda Finniss
    See publication

  • Star Savers: Over 100 Quick Tips for Star-Performing Administrative Professionals

    Office Dynamics

    Star Savers tips are taken from Joan Burge's highly-acclaimed flagship training program for executive and administrative assistants called the Star Achievement Series. Star Savers are quick tips, tricks and techniques to help you become a star-performing employee. This free e-book provides tips for: Leveraging Criticism, Maintaining a Star Attitude, Transcending Difficult Personalities, Increasing Team Productivity, Preparing for the Future, Letting Off Steam, Cultivating Business Networks…

    Star Savers tips are taken from Joan Burge's highly-acclaimed flagship training program for executive and administrative assistants called the Star Achievement Series. Star Savers are quick tips, tricks and techniques to help you become a star-performing employee. This free e-book provides tips for: Leveraging Criticism, Maintaining a Star Attitude, Transcending Difficult Personalities, Increasing Team Productivity, Preparing for the Future, Letting Off Steam, Cultivating Business Networks, Presenting a Powerful Professional Image and more.

    See publication
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Courses

  • EntreLeadership

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Projects

  • Cisco Systems Changes Corporate Culture by Teaching Administrative Support to Reach For the Stars

    Case Study Project Completed: Challenges in communications between administrative team members and supervisor(s), lack of collaboration across departments of the organization, the inconsistent level of professionalism, and a sometimes an evident apathy to development—were some of the major roadblocks to bringing the team up to the level of support required to augment the success of managers and the overall organization. Time management issues, the prioritization of projects and an aversion to…

    Case Study Project Completed: Challenges in communications between administrative team members and supervisor(s), lack of collaboration across departments of the organization, the inconsistent level of professionalism, and a sometimes an evident apathy to development—were some of the major roadblocks to bringing the team up to the level of support required to augment the success of managers and the overall organization. Time management issues, the prioritization of projects and an aversion to working outside one’s department to resolve issues were also evidence of an inefficient administrative support team.

    Cisco Systems has a vast professional development library which is available to employees, but there were no courses that specifically addressed the skills needed to improve and advance for employees on the administrative support team.

    Debbie Gross, Chief Executive Assistant to John Chambers, President and CEO, drew up a strategic plan to bring the Star Achievement Series® to Cisco. In 2006, Ms. Gross became the first certified trainer of the Star Achievement Series® Level I course at Cisco and began the determined effort to bring the program to Cisco’s Learning and Development Group within the Human Resources Department. The Star Achievement Series has become part of the DNA of the Cisco culture.

    See project

  • Mastering Exceptional Self-Leadership Mega Training Event

    Just completed the unveiling of a new 2-day mega training event for administrative and executive assistants in San Jose (the first of 5 cities in 2014). I developed this robust educational program in 2013 based on proven curricula I had been teaching in segments. I wrote a 65-page workbook to go with the educational program. This was an information packed, hands-on, high-energy intense program with the ability for attendees to receive Certification in Self-Leadership. The other cities on the…

    Just completed the unveiling of a new 2-day mega training event for administrative and executive assistants in San Jose (the first of 5 cities in 2014). I developed this robust educational program in 2013 based on proven curricula I had been teaching in segments. I wrote a 65-page workbook to go with the educational program. This was an information packed, hands-on, high-energy intense program with the ability for attendees to receive Certification in Self-Leadership. The other cities on the tour are: Columbus, Chicago, Atlanta and Cincinnati.

    Savvy assistants working in the modern business world moving at supersonic speed must learn how to lead themselves in order to be at the top of their game, remain on the cutting edge and be prepared for the future. Executive and administrative assistants must be more focused, stronger, more resilient, more effective, and better prepared for anything that comes their way.

    Program highlights and participant testimonials can be viewed at http://officedynamics.com/certifications/self-leadership/

    See project

  • Adminology White Paper

    -

    Adminology is the first step to the emerging new culture blending Art and Science into the successful Administrative Professional's career path. The 21st Century has emboldened those with drive and charisma to lead the way to a new movement of flawless execution and advancement as a career professional.

    Adminology teaches a holistic approach to administrative competencies. It broadens vision, builds responsibility, and enhances emotional intelligence. It is more than "top of mind…

    Adminology is the first step to the emerging new culture blending Art and Science into the successful Administrative Professional's career path. The 21st Century has emboldened those with drive and charisma to lead the way to a new movement of flawless execution and advancement as a career professional.

    Adminology teaches a holistic approach to administrative competencies. It broadens vision, builds responsibility, and enhances emotional intelligence. It is more than "top of mind thinking." It's about chemistry, synergy, and flawless execution.

    See project

  • The DNA of a Star Assistant

    -

    What are the qualities, attributes, attitudes, and behaviors of Star assistants? Why do certain assistants stand out and shine brighter than others? Are Star assistants created or is it their innate abilities that allow them to be Stars? Are there certain qualities and traits a person needs to be successful working at the top echelons in the company?
    Answer: Stars are born.
    After working with and studying administrative professionals for more than 36 years, I can respond with…

    What are the qualities, attributes, attitudes, and behaviors of Star assistants? Why do certain assistants stand out and shine brighter than others? Are Star assistants created or is it their innate abilities that allow them to be Stars? Are there certain qualities and traits a person needs to be successful working at the top echelons in the company?
    Answer: Stars are born.
    After working with and studying administrative professionals for more than 36 years, I can respond with confidence. We have data that supports the theory that Stars are born. This isn’t to suggest this is the entire story but it’s a break-through discovery and one that can help you be more selective in your career choices. This may very well change your entire future.

    See project

Honors & Awards

  • Top 50 Women Leaders of Nevada 2025

    Women We Admire

    In September, 2025, Joan was named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Nevada, recognizing her as a trailblazing entrepreneur, author, and professional development architect with over 50 years of real-world business experience.

    As the Founder and CEO of Office Dynamics International, Joan pioneered a previously non-existent industry—professional development for administrative professionals and went on to influence performance cultures across every level of the modern workplace. Her reach…

    In September, 2025, Joan was named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Nevada, recognizing her as a trailblazing entrepreneur, author, and professional development architect with over 50 years of real-world business experience.

    As the Founder and CEO of Office Dynamics International, Joan pioneered a previously non-existent industry—professional development for administrative professionals and went on to influence performance cultures across every level of the modern workplace. Her reach has expanded far beyond her original niche, offering transformative learning to leaders, employees, and teams through customized training, high-impact keynote speeches, and strategic consulting engagements.

  • The 2025 C-Suite Honors Presented by VEGAS INC

    VEGAS INC

    On February 27, 2025, Joan Burge was named one of VEGAS INC’s C-Suite Honors 2025 recipients—one of only 11 executives recognized in a city of over two million people. This prestigious award honors top executives who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and influence in their industries. For nearly 35 years, Joan has dedicated her career to elevating the administrative profession, advocating for assistants, and inspiring excellence.

  • The 2023 Jeannette Castellano Lifetime Achievement Award

    The Admin Awards

    On March 3, 2023, Joan Burge received the Jeannette Castellano Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who, during their 30+ year career, have made significant contributions to their company and/or the Administrative Profession. Joan was awarded for her extensive contributions as a pioneer for the administrative industry, built off her extensive administrative career, which began in 1971. In 1990, Joan founded Office Dynamics International to provide in-depth training to…

    On March 3, 2023, Joan Burge received the Jeannette Castellano Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who, during their 30+ year career, have made significant contributions to their company and/or the Administrative Profession. Joan was awarded for her extensive contributions as a pioneer for the administrative industry, built off her extensive administrative career, which began in 1971. In 1990, Joan founded Office Dynamics International to provide in-depth training to administrative assistants, executive assistants, and administrative support staff, all while overcoming significant personal obstacles. She built a company and a conference that’s now a global leader in administrative training. The Admin Awards, the host of this award, recognized Joan’s stellar contributions to the field and selected her as the 2023 recipient.

  • Walt Disney World’s Partners in Excellence Award

    Walt Disney World

    In 2018, Joan Burge received Walt Disney World’s prestigious Partners in Excellence Award. This award is typically reserved for Disney’s own employees who embody their values of service and excellence. Joan earned this honor after completing a six-month partnership with Disney, leading 25 of their top executive assistants through the Star Achievement Series®. This hands-on, intensive training encompassed 12 full days of training, covering three levels of the Star Achievement Series, including…

    In 2018, Joan Burge received Walt Disney World’s prestigious Partners in Excellence Award. This award is typically reserved for Disney’s own employees who embody their values of service and excellence. Joan earned this honor after completing a six-month partnership with Disney, leading 25 of their top executive assistants through the Star Achievement Series®. This hands-on, intensive training encompassed 12 full days of training, covering three levels of the Star Achievement Series, including the core pillars of Teamwork, Strategy, Skill, and Attitude.

Organizations

  • Vistage

    Member

    - Present

    Since 1957, Vistage has been bringing together successful CEOs, executives and business owners into private peer advisory groups guided by expert executive coaches, known as Vistage Chairs. This assembly of peers & expert leaders makes up Vistage Worldwide, an executive coaching organization.

  • American Society for Training and Development

    -

  • Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce

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  • National Speakers Association Las Vegas Chapter

    -

  • Society of Human Resource Management

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