The Mistake I See Far Too Often
If I had a dollar for every time I heard this phrase, I’d have retired already:
“Oh, my EA is my Integrator.”
No, they’re not.
Your Executive Assistant (EA) might be brilliant. They may run your Level 10 (L10) meetings, take notes, and manage your calendar like clockwork.
But unless they have full P&L accountability, own your Vision/Traction Organiser (V/TO), and are empowered to manage your leadership team to execute it, they are not your Integrator.
And if you want to successfully implement EOS (the Entrepreneurial Operating System), you need to understand why these roles are fundamentally different.
What Does an Integrator Actually Do?
An Integrator is your second-in-command. They:
- Run the day-to-day business operations
- Take the Visionary’s big ideas and turn them into actionable plans
- Remove obstacles to keep execution on track
- Make tough strategic decisions based on data and real-world challenges
- Hold the entire leadership team accountable for results
- Take full P&L responsibility for the business performance
In short, the Integrator doesn’t just keep the wheels turning – they drive the car.
What Does an EA Do?
Don’t get me wrong – your EA is critical. They create efficiency, manage chaos, and give you the headspace to focus on what you do best.
A great EA will:
- Keep your calendar running smoothly
- Prepare meeting materials
- Handle administrative tasks
- Create order from chaos
But their role isn’t to make strategic business decisions, manage company-wide issues, or own financial outcomes. That’s where the Integrator comes in.
Cameron Herold on the Power of the 2nd in Command
At an EO event, Cameron Herold, author of Second in Command, said it best:
“If you don’t have an EA, you don’t have the time to be the best you. If you don’t have a 2nd in command, you don’t have someone to actually make things happen.”
The EA supports you so you can perform at your peak as the Visionary.
The Integrator runs the business, ensures strategy turns into results, and drives accountability across the leadership team.
Cameron also encouraged every entrepreneur to join at least two peer or mastermind groups- because surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates business growth.
Stop Trying to “Hack” EOS
One of the biggest mistakes I see is Visionaries trying to “hack” EOS by asking their EA to take on Integrator-level tasks.
Here’s the issue:
- The EA isn’t empowered to make strategic decisions.
- They don’t have full financial accountability.
- They don’t have leadership authority across the business.
This creates frustration for both the EA (who feels set up to fail) and the Visionary (who wonders why EOS “isn’t working”).
The truth? EOS works when you commit to the right structure:
- Hire a true Integrator
- Or fully empower your EA – but that means giving them decision-making authority, financial accountability, and leadership responsibility (which, let’s be honest, most EAs aren’t hired to do).
Integrated Executives – Finding Your Integrator
If you’re not ready to hire a full-time Integrator, consider a fractional Integrator. Through Integrated Executives, we specialise in providing experienced Integrators who hit the ground running – helping you drive execution, increase accountability, and deliver results.
Final Thought: Be Honest About What You Need
If you want someone to schedule meetings and organise your day, that’s an EA.
If you want someone to run the business, drive results, and make the tough calls – that’s an Integrator.
You need both to truly maximise the Entrepreneurial Operating System.
Don’t half-commit. If you’re serious about EOS and serious about business growth, invest in the right leadership structure.
Want help figuring out if you need an Integrator or if your current leadership structure needs to evolve?
📧 Email me: debra@businessaction.com.au
Written by Debra Chantry-Taylor, FBA Accredited Family Business Advisor, Certified EOS Implementer & Founder of Business Action.
Business Action is focused on helping Entrepreneurs lead better lives, through creating a better business. We have a small team of accredited family business advisors, EOS Implementers & Leadership coaches, as well as access to a huge range of advisors through our Trusted Partners Network.
