Sitting on a File Cabinet, Naked, With a Gun: True Stories of Silicon Valley CEO Assistants Paperback – October 29, 2009

I'm an EA that recently relocated to SV from NY and was hoping to get some real insight into this industry, i.e. a professional read. This book is a compilation of stories of assistants patting themselves on the back for doing what we do as EAs - there are situations that require us to call upon our female instincts to solve problems (like when my Sr. Exec Canadian boss forgot his greencard and traveled internationally but had to be fly back to JFK the next morning for an important meeting). To say this book is specific to SV is not doing the EA's justice. They're obviously stellar assistant's but most of the stories seem to be about being smarter than their boss in many situations without getting rewarded for it. I was half way through the book and sighed for them. They seemed to be in in these roles for the thrill of attempting to constantly show their bosses how smart they are and then in a sarcastic way, indicate the 'of course we didn't see a bonus' quip. This book was a missed opportunity for some solid information while still keeping a sense of playfulness that is required in the role.I'm guessing this book was thought up while having a glass of chardonnay at the Rosewood Sandhill. It sounded like a great idea with a buzz and sun in their eyes.

I work in Silicon Valley. I read this book with a lot of personal interest and curiosity. I am not an admin or a CEO. However I do manage people and I do interact with admins. This book is filled with interesting stories and summarizing insights at the end of each section. I feel like a lot of the wisdom shared with the reader can be applied to everybody's daily life. A lot of it has to do with common sense. Something your mother might have told you before. But it is always good to see how this common sense applies to people who devote their careers helping the powerful CEO's of Silicon Valley. I've taken good notes of their lessons learned and feel like it will benefit me in my own ways.

This was an enjoyable read! The book is filled with real life scenarios that CEO assistants have encountered in their professional life, how they resolved the issues, and the lessons learned. The practical tips (Points of Wisdom) at the end of each chapter were my favorite "take-away". As someone who can personally relate to many of these stories, these tips and tools are important for developing or enhancing the assistant's partnership with their supervisor and for their career.Thanks to all the contributors who shared their honest stories and valuable lessons with us!

"Sitting on a File Cabinet.." is a must read for every administrative professional!! I already own 2 copies (one for me and one to loan to friends) and I'm buying another 10 copies at Christmas time for my colleagues. It's absolutely fabulous!! I laughed hysterically at some of the stories. I could relate all too well with many of the experiences shared by other EA's. Linda and Joanne did a great job illustrating the challenges that administrative professionals encounter every day and the humor and humility it takes to be successful in our jobs. It's a great learning tool for those newer to the profession and those of us with many years of experience. I can't wait for the sequel!Cindy

If you are an assistant or plan to be one, this book is for you. It's filled with some amazing stories about the crazy life a CEOs assistant leads. Reading it brought back memories of some of the miracles I had to pull out of my hat and how much fun it can be to make impossible things happen. The book is funny and easy to read, not to mention full of valuable lessons and advice.

"Sitting on a File Cabinet, Naked, With a Gun..." is suberply written. It addresses all of the career and situational experiences an executive assistant might entercounter in an extremely entertaining, yet relevant way. Reading it was like speaking direcly to a witty, intelligent mentor. I instantly connected with the authors and felt like they knew me by name. It is the best book of its kind. I highly recommend this book to every assistant out there and their bosses. Purchase the book and "Get it done!"...

Interesting read. Humorous but not the type of advice I was hoping for!

Awesome, funny, and relatable.

Great read.