Tamara (TJ) shares how she turned recognition into real-world impact as AIOP’s Hunter Region Division President. From earning influence without authority to designing a career that works for family life, TJ unpacks the systems, boundaries and mindset that keep momentum going - especially when work gets busy. We also chat about the new AIOP Mentor Program (launching 2026), practical professional development strategies, and the future-ready skills every admin should practise now.In this episode, you’ll learnInfluence without authority: Why rapport is step one in any pipeline, and how to protect yourself when politics show up.Career compounding: The early decision to build genuine relationships and how it paid off years later.Making impact visible: Showing trust, respect and honesty to decision-makersCareer design for parents: Boundaries, honest comms, and choosing roles that fit life.Peak-period playbook: Daily priorities, focus blocks, team check-ins, pre-built templates and fast wins.Negotiating flexibility: Come with a solution, a coverage plan and agreed guardrails.Future skills (2026): Adaptive problem-solving and weekly practice to build continuous improvement muscle.AIOP Mentor Program (2026): Closing the gap between capability and progression with structured support.After the award: Handling imposter thoughts, using recognition as permission to step up, and leading through the “messy middle.”Love this conversation? Join AIOP for community, PD and mentoring, and bring it into your professional development budget.If this episode helped you, follow/subscribe, leave a quick rating, and share it with an admin who’d benefit.Easy Links:Connect with Tamar (TJ) Barge on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-james-chpea-aa402953/ Join the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) community and learn more about the institute here: https://aiop.com.au Join us at the Admin Avenues Conference: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/adminavenuesconference Then join us for a night of celebrating at the 2025 AIOP Awards after the conference: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/the-2025-aiop-awards-gala-dinner 

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