EA GLOSSARY

PRINCIPAL

The individual an EA supports. Can be a founder, UHNW individual, family office principal, or C-suite executive.

MANDATE

A live search brief. TalentSmiths takes mandates on a retained or exclusive basis only.

ELEVATE

TalentSmiths' private network of 10,000+ vetted EAs. Every mandate is searched here first. Learn more about Elevate.

NINE99

The invitation-only tier within Elevate — for the most senior EAs in the network. Nine99 members receive first access to the most sensitive UHNW and family office mandates, direct contact with James, and career conversations that go beyond the next role. Nine99 status is not applied for. It is offered.

CHIEF OF STAFF

A senior operator who acts as a strategic proxy for the principal. Distinct from an EA in scope and seniority. Often manages cross-functional projects, owns the principal's agenda, and interfaces with the board or investors.

CoS

Abbreviation for Chief of Staff. Used interchangeably in briefs and mandates. A CoS mandate typically requires 7+ years of experience and carries a significantly higher compensation band than a senior EA role.

UHNW

Ultra High Net Worth. Principals with investable assets typically above $30m. The most demanding and best-compensated EA mandates.

FAMILY OFFICE

A private wealth management structure for UHNW families. EA mandates here require discretion above all else.

SHORTLIST

TalentSmiths presents a maximum of three candidates per mandate. Every candidate on the shortlist has been psychometrically assessed.

RETAINED SEARCH

A search engagement where the principal pays a portion of the fee upfront to secure exclusive access to TalentSmiths' full search capability. Retained mandates receive priority resourcing, deeper market mapping, and a placement guarantee.

PLACEMENT GUARANTEE

TalentSmiths' commitment on retained mandates: if a placed EA leaves within the guarantee period, TalentSmiths re-searches at no additional fee. The guarantee period varies by mandate type and is confirmed in writing at engagement.

BRIEF

The written specification for a mandate — covering role scope, principal profile, compensation band, location, and must-have experience. A strong brief is the single biggest factor in search speed and quality. TalentSmiths helps principals write their brief as part of the intake process.

STAGE 1

Entry-level EA. Typically 0–2 years of experience. Supports one or two principals in a structured corporate environment. Strong on diary management and travel coordination. Compensation: £30–45k / $45–65k.

STAGE 2

Developing EA. 2–4 years of experience. Beginning to manage more complex schedules, light project coordination, and stakeholder communications. Often supporting a senior manager or VP-level principal.

STAGE 3

Mid-level EA. 4–7 years of experience. Capable of supporting C-suite principals independently. Handles board prep, complex international travel, and confidential correspondence. The most common mandate type at TalentSmiths.

STAGE 4

Senior EA. 7–12 years of experience. Operates as a true strategic partner to the principal. Often manages a team of EAs or office managers. Handles sensitive family, legal, and financial matters alongside professional support.

STAGE 5

Elite EA. 12+ years of experience. Typically supporting UHNW individuals, family office principals, or global CEOs. Operates with near-total autonomy, manages multiple properties and staff, and is compensated accordingly. The rarest and most sought-after profile in the market.

PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT

Every TalentSmiths candidate completes a structured psychometric profile before being presented. The assessment evaluates working style, communication preferences, stress response, and principal-fit indicators. Match rationale — explaining why this candidate suits this specific principal — is included with every shortlist. Learn about our process.

THE EDITION

TalentSmiths' intelligence publication for Elevate members. Published when there is something worth saying.