What is an Executive Business Partner? Isn’t that just an Executive Assistant with a fancier title? Thanks, but I don’t need scheduling help right now.
No. They are not the same. And trust me, you need one.
You and Superhuman might be handling things fine for now. And perhaps you’re not ready to hit the “help, I’m drowning in meetings” button just yet.
But there’s a big difference between an executive business partner and an executive assistant.
Think Batman vs. Robin—both awesome, but one has way more gadgets.
An executive business partner (EBP) is a strategic role designed to enhance senior leadership’s effectiveness. It requires a blend of operational expertise, strategic insight, and strong project management skills.
They typically possess a deep understanding of the business landscape. They are responsible for managing key projects, building operational foundations, fostering a strong corporate culture, and identifying opportunities for growth or improvement.
The role often involves administrative support as well as strategic input on critical business decisions. And by collaborating closely with executives, they help streamline decision-making processes and ensure strategic objectives are met efficiently.
While both positions support executives and share some overlapping duties, the scope and focus of their responsibilities differ significantly.
An executive business partner is often a highly experienced and senior-level professional, usually having honed their skills as an executive assistant earlier in their career. They are often seen as a strategic ally who collaborates closely with their executive to drive business initiatives and decision-making processes.
In contrast, an executive assistant “typically” focuses on administrative tasks, such as managing schedules, organizing meetings, handling correspondence, and performing general office duties.
I emphasize “typically” because the role of an executive assistant can differ greatly. There’s usually not much thought put into accurately titling assistants. You might find two people with the title of executive assistant in the same company. But one could have two years’ experience and handle mostly administrative tasks, while the other might have 5-10 years under their belt and function like a business partner.
While both roles are vital to an executive’s success, the key distinction lies in the level of involvement in strategic planning and execution.
An executive business partner will give your company a much greater edge when it’s small with a high growth trajectory.
As your team and financial resources expand, and you bring department heads on board, it becomes more critical to hire executive assistants to support them. When that time comes, your EBP can play a pivotal role in establishing this function, ensuring seamless operations as you grow.
But let’s focus on you for now.
In the early stages of your business, when hiring multiple department heads isn’t yet feasible, an executive business partner can be indispensable.
The startup journey can be isolating; this collaborative dynamic enhances productivity and drives accountability within the organization.
Having the right partner by your side can boost your odds of success, bringing a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and operational expertise that can complement your vision as a founder.
Think of it as having a co-pilot who actually knows how to read the map.
First off, an executive business partner can provide guidance in areas where you lack expertise. For example, you may excel in product development but struggle with operational building blocks or team leadership. Having a partner with strengths in these areas can fill the gaps.
This partnership allows founders to delegate responsibilities effectively, freeing you up to focus on innovation and market fit.
Moreover, an experienced partner can help identify potential pitfalls early on, leverage their network of valuable connections, and provide mentorship based on past experiences.
Founders constantly juggle ideas and decisions. Trustworthy people are rare when you’re feeling uncertain or vulnerable about your performance or bold ideas. Having someone who is honest with you and keeps things confidential is priceless.
On a more personal note, this partnership can offer emotional support during startup life’s inevitable highs and lows. Trust me, after years as an executive business partner, I’ve spent plenty of time playing therapist and cheerleader. And guess what? It’s totally okay—it doesn’t make you weak! Sometimes the pressure feels like trying to bench press a hippo, but that’s where we come in to lighten the load (and maybe crack a joke or two).
Consider this detailed list of areas where an executive business partner can add significant value.
By entrusting these essential functions to a capable partner, you ensure that your business runs smoothly while you focus on product development and strategic growth.
Given their crucial role in an organization’s success, several key skills are essential to excel in this position.
The title of Executive Business Partner is still gaining recognition which makes recruiting these professionals a bit more challenging. They are often disguised under the title of Executive Assistant or Sr. Executive Assistant. Unfortunately, many companies don’t take the time to accurately match title with responsibility in this area of the business.
Moreover, the title and duties of someone in this position can vary significantly from one company or industry to another. Factors such as the company size, the executive they support, and specific job responsibilities all play a role.
Therefore, it’s important to focus on the “meat” of their experience coupled with project work and place less focus on their title.
Lastly, sourcing candidates who have worked across multiple departments and/or industries will benefit you greatly. Their diverse experience will add significant value by providing insights from various business perspectives.
Overall, engaging with an executive business partner could be one of the most strategic moves you make in your entrepreneurial journey.
It’s not just about sharing the workload; it’s about leveraging diverse expertise and resources.
By integrating this role, you can position your startup for more informed decision-making and accelerated growth.
Founders who recognize this need early on may find themselves better equipped to navigate the tumultuous waters of entrepreneurship.
If you’re ready to enhance your team with an Executive Business Partner or an Executive Assistant, Resonate Growth can help.
I’ll collaborate closely with you to identify the precise level of support you require and craft a compelling job description, candidate persona, and interview plan. I will guide your sourcing journey by providing insights on where to search, what qualities to seek, and assist in the candidate screening process.
Should you prefer outsourcing recruitment, I can recommend top-tier recruiting firms and help you select the perfect match. Once you’ve found your partner, I’ll ensure a smooth transition with a comprehensive onboarding plan and training.
Brenna is a former Silicon Valley operations leader turned startup whisperer, using her own battle scars and tales of victory to guide others through the land of unicorns and disruptors.
