The Strategic PA AI Masterclass Series 2026

Learn. Apply. Lead.

Practical AI. Real use cases. Immediate impact.

Artificial intelligence is changing the Executive Assistant and Personal Assistant professions, but many assistants still feel unsure about where to begin, which tools matter or how to apply AI safely in their day-to-day work.

That is exactly why we have designed this programme differently.

Created by Strategic PA Network, shaped by the feedback of our community and informed by the real challenges Executive Assistants are facing today, this exclusive three-part masterclass series has been developed with our finger firmly on the pulse of the profession.

You do not need to be technical, understand coding or already be confident with AI. If you can use Google, you can join us.

The programme is led by Lara Smith, Founder of The Modern VA and The Modern Ops. With a background spanning executive support, virtual assistance and operations, Lara understands the assistant role from the inside. She now works with founders, Executive Assistants and leadership teams to identify operational inefficiencies and introduce AI in practical, responsible and genuinely useful ways.

Lara’s approach is firmly people-first. Her training is not about turning assistants into technical specialists. It is about helping you use the skills you already have curiosity, judgement, discretion, problem-solving and a deep understanding of how work gets done to:

• Spot inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Understand what AI can and cannot do.
• Identify where AI could save time, reduce friction or improve outcomes.
• Match the right solution to the right business challenge.
• Introduce and champion AI with confidence and sound judgement.

Rather than focusing only on individual tools or clever prompts, Lara helps assistants develop the strategic thinking and practical confidence needed to improve workflows and influence how AI is adopted within their organisations.

This is not about endless theory or trying to keep up with every new AI tool. It is about learning how to think differently, ask better questions and apply AI to real EA and PA responsibilities in ways that make an immediate difference.

Who is this AI Masterclass series for?

This series is designed for Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants at every stage of their AI journey, including:

• Complete beginners who want a clear and supportive introduction to AI.
• Assistants who have experimented with tools such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot but want to use them more effectively.
• Experienced AI users who want to move beyond individual prompts and improve complete workflows.
• Strategic EAs and PAs who want to help their executives, teams and organisations adopt AI responsibly.

No coding, automation or technical background is required. Whatever your current level of confidence, you will be supported to build from where you are.

What makes this AI training for EAs and PAs different?

• Designed specifically for Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants following specialised focus groups.
• Suitable for complete beginners as well as more confident AI users.
• Focused on strategic thinking and opportunity spotting, not technical expertise.
• Practical, hands-on learning rather than theory alone.
• Led by Lara Smith, an experienced executive support and operations professional.
• Built around real EA and PA use cases, challenges and workflows.
• Interactive panel discussions with experienced, AI-enabled Executive Assistants.
• Dedicated AI Success Circles during every session.
• Practical tools, prompts and frameworks you can use immediately.
• A progressive journey that builds confidence and capability with every session.

 Expert Masterclass

An interactive training session delivered by Lara Smith, focused on practical techniques, real-world applications and learning you can put into practice immediately.

Executive Assistant panel discussion

Hear from experienced Executive Assistants who are already embedding AI into their roles and organisations. Discover how they got started, the opportunities they have identified, the lessons they have learned, and the difference AI is making to their work. You will also have the opportunity to ask your own questions.

AI Success Circles

Bring your laptop and turn learning into action. Working in small groups, you will test prompts, explore real workplace challenges, share ideas and receive live support as you build your confidence.

Snacks and refreshments are included throughout each afternoon.

Your AI Learning Journey

Online Session | AI Foundations: Getting Started with Confidence

Wednesday 14th October | 2.00pm - 3.30pm

Session overview

Build a practical understanding of AI and learn how to use it confidently in your role as an EA or PA.

This session cuts through the terminology and hype to explain what AI can actually do, where its limitations lie and how to get significantly better results from the tools available to you. You will learn how to make AI work around your role, your executive and the way you already work without needing to become technical.

You’ll learn:

• The essential AI terminology and concepts you genuinely need to understand.
• How large language models work and why this matters when using them.
• The strengths of leading AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity and NotebookLM.
• How to communicate effectively with AI using context, clear instructions and defined outcomes rather than relying on generic prompt libraries.
• How to personalise AI around your role, working style and executive.
• How to use instructions, workspaces, tone guides and relevant context to improve the quality of AI outputs.
• Where AI performs brilliantly and where human judgement remains essential.
• The foundations of using AI responsibly with company, executive and confidential information.
• How to begin incorporating AI into your everyday work without becoming overwhelmed.