We’re looking forward to introducing you to Hilen Flores. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Hilen, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that is bringing me joy lately is writing books tailored to help administrative assistants elevate their careers, develop critical thinking skills, and step into true strategic partnership roles. I’ve also found joy in speaking at conferences and workshops where I get to advocate for the profession, share actionable frameworks like P.R.E.T.T.I.®, and inspire leaders to see themselves as strategic innovators.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Hilen Flores, an author, speaker, and administrative leadership advocate with over 20 years of experience helping assistants, chiefs of staff, and administrative professionals step into their roles as strategic partners and operational leaders. I’m the creator of the P.R.E.T.T.I.® Framework and the author of The Critical Thinking Playbook for Assistants, resources designed to provide practical tools for leadership, influence, and critical thinking in administrative roles.
I lead two complementary companies that reflect my passion for strategy and professional empowerment:
NovaPath Learning – Focused on training, books, and professional development for executives, administrative professionals, helping them cultivate influence, clarity, and leadership skills.
Manafezt Consulting – A strategic consulting firm for entrepreneurs and organizational leaders, specializing in business alignment, operational strategy, and organizational design to help leaders turn vision into actionable, scalable results.
What makes my work unique is the intersection of strategic advocacy and practical impact. Through my coaching programs, books, and consulting, I show that assistants and entrepreneurs alike can thrive by leveraging critical thinking, operational frameworks, and strategic alignment to drive meaningful outcomes. I’m currently expanding my work with new coaching initiatives, speaking engagements, and thought leadership projects that empower professionals to reach the next level of influence and impact.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The two relationships that have most shaped how I see myself are my relationship with the Creator and my relationship with my children. My faith and connection to the Creator guide my purpose, keep me grounded, and give me the clarity to lead and serve with intention. My children, on the other hand, inspire me to constantly grow, adapt, and model the values I want to pass on—resilience, integrity, and creativity. Together, these relationships shape not just how I see myself, but how I show up in every aspect of my life and work.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that held me back the most in my life was public speaking. For a long time, it felt paralyzing—I had so much to share but hesitated to step forward because of the nerves and self-doubt that came with speaking in front of others. Eventually, I chose to face that fear head-on and began my speaking journey, leaning on my faith and sense of purpose to push through the discomfort. Overcoming that fear has been transformative—it not only gave me a voice in front of others but also deepened my confidence in sharing my ideas and leading with purpose.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think many smart people get it wrong today by overvaluing constant busyness and undervaluing strategic alignment and intentional focus. In our fast-paced, high-tech world, it’s easy to equate productivity with endless meetings, multitasking, and immediate responses. But without stepping back to think critically, design workflows, and align energy with meaningful goals, all that activity can become noise instead of progress. True effectiveness isn’t about doing more—it’s about creating impact with clarity, purpose, and sustainability. Now with the help of Artificial Intelligence we can amplify our impact.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I deeply understand that influence doesn’t require formal authority or a prestigious title. True impact often comes from the ability to observe, align, and guide outcomes subtly and strategically—through relationships, timing, and thoughtful communication. Many people overlook the power of quiet, behind-the-scenes leadership, yet it is often those working intentionally in the background who shape decisions and drive meaningful results.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://payhip.com/b/DVeuX
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/h-flo/
Image Credits
Hilen Flores
