By: Travis Mane
In high-powered business, leaders are often told they must do it all. The emails, the strategy, the problem-solving—every piece of the puzzle should be handled precisely. But what if proper leadership isn’t about doing everything but knowing what to delegate? Eryn Anitavi, CEO & Founder of Sapphire Partners, has built her career around answering that question. Through her work in executive support, leadership training, and public speaking, she focuses on helping leaders—particularly neurodivergent visionaries—navigate their roles effectively.
The inspiration for Sapphire Partners was deceptively simple: a request at a networking event 2018 for a few hours of assistance each week. That single ‘yes’ snowballed into something far more significant—an executive support powerhouse that provides tailored assistance to leaders who need more than just a virtual assistant. With a focus on neurodivergence, Sapphire Partners isn’t just about lightening workloads; it’s about enabling brilliance. “When ten hours a week of executive support can mean the difference between burnout and success, this is the most important work I could do,” Anitavi asserts.
Anitavi’s journey has been anything but traditional. An autistic and creative strategist, she launched her first business at age 10 and co-founded a ‘real’ company by 16. By the time she was 19, she had already sold a business. Sapphire Partners is her fifth venture, reflecting her deep understanding of the pressures leaders face. The challenges have been relentless—financial strain, hiring missteps, and even employee deception—but each setback has fueled her resolve. “I’ve blown up the company (accidentally!) three times…and somehow, we kept coming back,” she admits.
One of her transformative discoveries was the philosophy of stoicism. “The Obstacle is the Way” reframed how she approached hardship—not as something to avoid, but as a pathway to greater strength. It’s a lesson she applies to both leadership and executive support. Too often, leaders abdicate responsibilities rather than delegate them, leading to chaos rather than empowerment. Anitavi sees the role of executive support as a stabilizing force, allowing leaders to operate at their highest level without drowning in minutiae.
Sapphire Partners distinguishes itself with a unique approach that embraces neurodiversity in both its team and clientele. With various customizable service options, it provides subscription-based executive support designed for small businesses and solopreneurs. The company is also working on a predictive energy management algorithm aimed at helping leaders manage their time and energy. Additionally, the Clarity Matrix™ is a goal strategy system that Anitavi hopes will offer a valuable approach to leadership.
Her expertise in executive support matches her dedication to public speaking and workshops. Anitavi takes the stage to discuss leadership, neurodivergence, and executive support’s critical role in business success. She champions the idea that venture capitalists and angel investors should mandate executive support for startup founders as a condition of funding. “Your team is your most important client,” she asserts. “You can replace a customer. Replacing a team member is far more difficult.”
Anitavi’s career is peppered with moments that highlight her tenacity and vision. From pitching a screenplay in Hollywood to running payroll for an eight-person team in a rainy Seattle café, each experience has refined her leadership philosophy. Some lessons were costly—like the employee who fabricated their expertise for two years, leading to the loss of multiple clients. Others were illuminating, like the realization that inadequate systems lead to failure. Each moment reinforces her core belief: leadership is an evolving challenge, not a fixed destination.
Her approach to life is anything but conventional. Inspired by the film “Yes Man,” she spent five years saying ‘yes’ to every irrational fear, leading to adventures that ranged from breaking her ankle wrestling Vikings to attending Parisian events in a wheelchair. She once underwent surgery without anesthesia so that she could drive herself home. These stories aren’t just anecdotes; they underscore her philosophy—lean into discomfort, embrace challenges, and always move forward.
Looking ahead, Anitavi has grand plans for the Sapphire brand. Beyond expanding Sapphire Partners’ global reach, she envisions growing The Sapphire Academy, an educational arm dedicated to training future executive support professionals. She also has her sights set on Sapphire Technologies, a venture focused on AI-driven tools to enhance business operations. One of the ambitious dreams? Establishing the Sapphire Castle in Europe—an office-meets-retreat center where team members and clients can recharge and strategize.
Her impact extends beyond business. With a passion for youth empowerment, she is developing programs to mentor young professionals in business administration. Her belief in innovation is not limited to the corporate world—she has ideas for revitalizing malls, leveraging virtual reality, and even screenwriting.
At the core of Anitavi’s work is a simple yet profound belief: “Work should happen at the speed of life.” Executive support is not a luxury; it’s necessary for leaders who want to maximize their potential. Through Sapphire Partners, public speaking, and thought leadership, Eryn Anitavi is proving that the right support system doesn’t just help leaders succeed—it allows them to redefine what success looks like.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and the featured subject, Eryn Anitavi. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, business, or professional advice. Readers should conduct their own research or consult a qualified professional before making any business decisions.
Published by Anne C.
