Executive PA Media

05/09/2024

Does sound heal? Find out at the Perth Executive PA Summit 10th September

On the 10th September Perth based executive assistants will have the opportunity to experience ground-breaking Stress reduction and brain wave sound therapy, developed by award winning business woman Tenille Bentley. Tenille is the exproducer of the featured documentary (above) ‘Does Sound Heal?’

Explore the science behind stress and learn techniques to reduce it through brain wave sound therapy. Participants will learn practical methods to incorporate self care into their daily routines for improved mental health.

Find out more: https://zurl.co/mZhL

On the 10th September Perth based executive assistants will have the opportunity to experience ground-breaking Stress reduction and brain wave sound therapy, developed by award winning business wom…

04/09/2024

AI: Your new best friend

As requested by Executive PA magazine reader Jordan Bryan, you’ll be seeing more articles here on AI. And who better to start us off than resident techxpert, Tim Stackpool? Here, he explains how AI is revolutionising the workplace and why it’s an invaluable ally for EAs…

AI can analyse patterns in an executive’s preferences, priorities and working style

By leveraging AI’s data analysis capabilities, assistants can anticipate needs and tailor their support accordingly. This could range from preparing briefing documents in a preferred format to suggesting relevant articles based on the executive’s interests.

Clockwise is an AI-powered calendar assistant that optimises schedules based on work patterns.

Language models can help draft emails, reports and presentations, ensuring consistency in tone and style across all communications

• For non-native English speakers, AI writing assistants can be particularly helpful in refining language and avoiding common errors.
• AI translation tools can facilitate smoother communication in multinational companies.
aidesigns presentations automatically.
• Voiceavia WebEx is an AI that joins meetings, takes notes, and sets action items.

AI tools can sift through vast amounts of information and present relevant insights

This can significantly speed up the EA task of collating research and sourcing appropriate data to support decision-making processes. From market trends to competitor analysis, AI can provide quick, accurate summaries that would traditionally take hours to compile manually.

Crayon is a competitive intelligence platform that tracks competitors and market trends, while Docparser extracts specific data from various document types.

AI-powered tools can handle email management, schedule coordination and even basic data entry

• Email AI can categorise messages, draft responses and flag important items, allowing EAs to focus on more complex tasks.
• AI scheduling tools find optimal meeting times by analysing participants’ calendars, reducing the back-and-forth often associated with appointment setting.
• Take a look at Microsoft Outlook’s AI features, ai and Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Top tip: While embracing AI, it’s crucial for EAs to maintain a strong ethical foundation

This includes being transparent about AI use, especially in communication. And ensuring data privacy and security when using AI tools.

It’s also important to maintain human oversight and judgement, using AI as a tool to enhance decision-making rather than replace it entirely.

While a little more techie, Ethically Aligned AI offers tools for implementing ethical AI practices in organisations, while Google’s Responsible AI Toolkit also has information on determining fair and ethical AI use.

Please note: The named tools above are examples only. They are not necessarily endorsed by the author or Executive PA Media.

https://zurl.co/tIES

As requested by Executive PA magazine reader Jordan Bryan, you’ll be seeing more articles here on AI. And who better to start us off than resident techxpert, Tim Stackpool? Here, he explains how AI…

03/09/2024

Tackling that scary word

Executive PA Magazine’s resident career writer, Jo Jones, got some unexpected news recently. Definitely not the only EA to have been through the redundancy process, she shares her thoughts with us now…

“Redundancy can be a scary word. It’s certainly a situation I don’t think we ever think would happen to us and why would it be? I’m not a believer of thinking glass half full; more that things will be what they’re supposed to be. However, I find now that an unexpected occurrence of redundancy has knocked me sidewise.

The revelation
Whenever there’s a change of leadership there’s always a danger that change will filter its way down, impacting roles and responsibilities. And that’s exactly what happened to me.

I jumped onto my weekly call with my line manager to find the CEO was there. This wasn’t entirely unusual but at this particular meeting my internal alarm bell went off immediately. If you know me, you’ll know I trust that little bell more than anything else. So, I knew something was amiss but didn’t know what.

The meeting opened with: ‘Well Jo, this isn’t probably the conversation you were expecting’. And I’d say the use of the word ‘probably’ wasn’t warranted here. ‘Certainly’ or ‘definitely’ would have been better placed.

So, that was that. There was change at the top and that resulted in my role being made redundant. Sadly, there were no alternative roles suitable – my four years at the organisation were over.

The aftermath
We’ve all heard of the seven stages of grief. I guess I can now say I’m experiencing reflection and reconstruction, making my way towards the acceptance and an upward turn stage.

These stages have been a learning experience for me. I knew I loved what I did but until it was taken away from me, I didn’t really know how much I loved my work.

Reflecting on all I achieved has been both happy and sad. I also started down the path of: ‘Had I done things any differently, would it have changed the outcome of today?’ But as my partner, many friends and wonderful colleagues have told me so many times, this was not about me as a person. It was not about my competencies. It was quite simply (and I acknowledge that being made redundant is not simple) the direction of the organisation, where it’s headed right now.

Coming through stages five and six is teaching me not to let this knock my confidence. I do have a variety of skills and qualities to offer my next organisation. And I am extremely good at what I do.

So, as my dear old mum used to say: ‘Jo, if this is your bus, you won’t miss it’. I hang on to those words now more than ever as I navigate the path towards my next adventure.”

https://zurl.co/Cgbz

Executive PA Magazine’s resident career writer, Jo Jones, got some unexpected news recently. Definitely not the only EA to have been through the redundancy process, she shares her thoughts with us …

03/09/2024

Come to the first Perth Executive PA Summit and be in with a chance to win $1000.
Free & fully catered.
Last places available
https://zurl.co/Oa2P

The first Perth Event Organisers & Executive PA Summit is on the 10th September and one executive assistant WILL walk away with a $1000 cash prize. Maximum attendance is 55 people at Four Point…

02/09/2024

Fashion-forward PA required for 10-hour days

UK-based millionaire, Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, is the latest person to have their slightly unusual advertisement for a PA highlighted in the media.

The 54-year-old entrepreneur, who has eight children via surrogacy and hit headlines in 1999 for being Britain’s first gay dad with his ex-partner, is looking for an assistant whose remit will range from helping dress him to jetting around the world.

Although the position is UK-based, there will be a lot of travel to the USA and Asia, and the ideal candidate should be “able and willing to work away from home and they should have no issue with travelling and being away for weeks, and sometimes months at a time”.

Tasks will include:

- “Cataloguing, organising and caring for the principle’s wardrobe”, including offering clothing suggestions, “assisting him with dressing” and “maintaining the appearance of footwear, clothing and outerwear as required”.

- Overseeing the principle’s packing, shopping and travel preparation. Ensuring chef menus are approved weekly, helping serve all meals and bartending for the principal and guests when required.

- Arranging household help, facilitating schedules, organising transport, running errands and managing a team of up to 10.

- Child-related administration, from scheduling activities to organising birthday parties with the nannies and chef.

The chosen candidate will be working full time; 10-hour days from Monday to Friday. And they’ll be paid between £30,000 and £40,000. No formal experience is necessary, but the right person should be “upbeat and articulate” with a “can-do service-oriented attitude.”

The lifestyle of the businessman, who is said to be worth £200m, includes £20,000 meals out, a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce and travelling between his seven lavish mansions.

He and his ex-partner made their millions from entrepreneurial ventures, including a trans-Atlantic surrogacy business and a global medical research company.

https://zurl.co/cPA7

UK-based millionaire, Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, is the latest person to have their slightly unusual advertisement for a PA highlighted in the media. The 54-year-old entrepreneur, who has eight childre…

02/09/2024

For the first time in Perth 10th September

Last few places left for this free executive assistant networking day.

First come first served

https://zurl.co/3Kh5

On the 10th September Perth based executive assistants will have the opportunity to experience ground-breaking Stress reduction and brain wave sound therapy, developed by award winning business wom…

02/09/2024

Planning a business event? Fancy meeting you at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in the stunning Hunter Valley. For a limited time, enjoy a 10% discount* with event day delegate packages starting from $77 per person*. Book by 30 Sep 2024 for events held by 31 Dec 2024. Our flexible packages suit any budget, making meetings and events seamless with Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites.

Oaks Hotels

https://zurl.co/5L7H

07/08/2024

Invitation extended to Executive PA Media

The Event Organisers Summit is designed for you. We evaluate your needs and match you with only the most relevant suppliers so you can make connections that matter. These events are small (

07/08/2024

Invitation extended to Executve PA Media

The Event Organisers Summit is designed for you. We evaluate your needs and match you with only the most relevant suppliers so you can make connections that matter. These events are small (

21/07/2024

Five tips for naming and taming your imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome is commonly thought of as the feeling of being inadequate/a fraud despite a reputation for success – you know, those moments when you think ‘I shouldn’t be here’. Your brain conspires against you, making you feel like you are out of control and you end up catastrophising.

Here, Charlotte Blair, one of Australia’s longest established and most experienced Gallup accredited strengths coaches, outlines some ways EAs can nip these feelings at the bud.

“The 2015 Pixar movie Inside Out is a comedy adventure inside the brain of Riley who is upset about her parents’ decision to move. Riley’s emotions are played by five characters: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger.

So, what about the cast in your head? The know-it-all? The naysayer? The judging self? The people pleaser? The bossy self? The perfectionist?

Each has a gift you need to acknowledge. Take the perfectionist. She is trying to make sure everything is the best it can be. But if she takes over she could slow things down. So, thank her for her gift but think: ‘It’s okay – done is better than perfect.’

Take it a step further, like Kate Morris, founder of Aus retailer Adore Beauty. She calls her imposter self ‘Kevin’ – ‘Thanks for that, Kevin. Now, zip it’.

Life is easier with an awareness of your cast. You’ll understand yourself better, recognise the roles they play, be kinder to yourself and be braver. The key is to name them, thank them for trying to keep you safe but ultimately recognise that safe is not always where things grow and flourish.

Here are some other tips for when your imposter feelings start getting in your way:

- Remember there is nothing wrong with you. More than 70% of people struggle with imposter syndrome at some point… and I’d say some of the others are lying!

- Recognise feelings are not facts. Both are helpful and sometimes one gets in the way of the other. Look at the facts and evidence then ask if you are the best person to judge.

- Expect to make mistakes and learn from them. We learn more from studying our successes but failures are growth zones too. If you love learning, embrace it.

-Create a brag file. When you get feedback on something, do you focus on the one negative comment over the 99 positive ones? Feedback is a gift but we focus on the wrong things sometimes. Try keeping two files – one with all the positives comments or things you have done well and another with the negatives. In moments of doubt, go and look – which is bigger?

- Be brave and take action. The biggest gatekeepers can be the voices inside your head. -Instead of waiting in line for someone to pick you, what if you pick yourself?

Navigating imposter syndrome can be daunting but it’s a common challenge. Remember, you are in charge. You are the director of your own career and life journey.”

https://zurl.co/Ntwv

Imposter syndrome is commonly thought of as the feeling of being inadequate/a fraud despite a reputation for success – you know, those moments when you think ‘I shouldn’t be here’. Your brain consp…

19/07/2024

Do you stay home when sick?

A significant number of Australian employees have been turning up to work unwell due to depleted sick leave and the pressures of the rising cost of living, according to research by people2people Recruitment, an award-winning agency that operates in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Key findings in the results included:
- More than 60% of Australian workers reported attending work in the office while feeling unwell because they had no remaining sick leave days.
- Among those, over 90% confirmed they came to the office while sick – not just once but multiple times in the last 12 months.
- One in three Australian workers took 10 or more days of sick leave in the past 12 months. A significant portion of this sick leave was attributed to childcare needs.
- To care for sick children, 49% of working parents used their sick leave while 36% opted to work from home and 15% relied on friends and family for support.

Read more: https://zurl.co/x2nz

A significant number of Australian employees have been turning up to work unwell due to depleted sick leave and the pressures of the rising cost of living, according to research by people2people Re…

17/07/2024

Star of EA film says real-life assistant is Superwoman

As the film A Family Affair clocks up viewings on Netflix, actress Joey King reveals how important her assistant is to her, boosting the status of EAs worldwide in the process.

The Netflix comedy sees the actress play Zara, a frustrated and overworked PA for mega movie star Chris Cole, played by Zac Efron. One ridiculous demand pushes her too far and she quits, leaving her boss to realise how much he needs her.

He goes to her house to win her back but ends up falling in love with her mother. The rest of the film follows the trio as they try to navigate life with their new dynamic.

Joey says it was easy to get into character because she remembered when her own assistant became Superwoman for her. She told American magazine Entertainment Weekly: “Oh my God, shout out to Eva, Eva in Romania.

“Eva was my assistant when I was filming this show called We Were the Lucky Ones. I adopted my dog Fable in Romania and I had to get her back to the US, and Eva – this is, like, so beyond the description of what her job was – helped me with all the paperwork, getting everything sorted.”

Joey says Eva’s hard work changed her life: “It was a huge job and she took care of everything.

“So, I’m able to have my dog with me in the States now because Eva worked so hard to make that happen. So, thank you, Eva; I love you.”

Sitting next to her for the interview, her co-star commented that her assistant’s efforts were “huge”. Talking about his own team of EAs Zac added: “I’m very blessed; I’ve got great assistants. I don’t want to shout out one thing; they happen every day.”

A Family Affair is streaming now on Netflix.

As the film A Family Affair clocks up viewings on Netflix, actress Joey King reveals how important her assistant is to her, boosting the status of EAs worldwide in the process. The Netflix comedy s…

16/07/2024

Shannah Kennedy Coaching , life coach and best selling author, will be flying in for the Sydney Executive PA Summit for her opening keynote speaker session on Thursday 25 July 2024. Shannah originally joined Executive Assistants in Melbourne back in May to present her session on working with people ready to kickstart their journey to clarity, purpose, and success.

The Sydney Executive PA Summit will take place at impressive NSW Parliament House. Enquiries to apply can be sent to [email protected]

The Summit is a full day event for qualifying Executive Assistants, a free research and networking day, all catering provided.

Shannah is proudly supported by ICMI Speakers & Entertainers.

Shannah Kennedy, life coach and best selling author, will be flying in for the Sydney Executive PA Summit for her opening keynote speaker session on Thursday 25 July 2024. Shannah originally joined…

11/07/2024

Less work for the same salary, EAs?

As Australian employers continue to ask employees to come back into the office, workers are swinging the other way. They’re asking for new flexible benefits that’ll see them work less hours or less days for the same pay, according to new independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half.

Read all the stats here: https://zurl.co/Caw6

As Australian employers continue to ask employees to come back into the office, workers are swinging the other way. They’re asking for new flexible benefits that’ll see them work less hours or less…

10/07/2024

Five ways to make space to breathe

Productivity guru Donna McGeorge is back! This time she’s suggesting the best ways busy EAs can create breathing space in their personal and professional lives.

After all, neuroscientists say our brains work better when they are in a positive state, as opposed to a negative, neutral or stressed state. So, prioritising space for mindfulness, connection and joy could be the magic ingredient you need for your productivity success across all aspects of your life.

(Hint, hint… The answer isn’t self-care or date nights!)

Embrace mindful moments
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, taking moments to pause and reconnect with yourself is essential.

Think meditation, deep breathing exercises or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee – it’ll allow your mind to unwind and recharge. These small moments of mindfulness provide respite from constant demands and distractions.

The result? Refocus; approaching tasks with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.

Prioritise meaningful connections
In the digital age, human connections are so important. But don’t spread yourself thin across a multitude of superficial relationships.

Invest time and energy in deep, meaningful connections with those who truly matter. By establishing boundaries and being selective you’ll create breathing space to nurture and cherish key connections.

The result? Joy, support, and personal growth.

More tips here: https://zurl.co/j9k2

Productivity guru Donna McGeorge is back! This time she’s suggesting the best ways busy EAs can create breathing space in their personal and professional lives. After all, neuroscientists say our b…

09/07/2024

Fancy assisting the host of Diary of a CEO?

Aussie EAs keen for a move overseas may have found the perfect reason because Steven Bartlett (host of the Diary of a CEO podcast, CEO of Flight Group, LinkedIn influencer and public speaker) is hiring for an executive assistant in the UK.

His previous EA, Sophie Chapman, has been promoted to director of lifestyle at Flight Group and stepping into her shoes would be a rare opportunity to get ultra-close to the top of the UK startup scene. Steven has quickly become one of the most well-known personalities in the UK business environment, aided by his appearances on the TV show Dragons’ Den.

Reporting directly to Steven himself, the ideal candidate should be “an exceptional and dynamic business EA” who can provide “high level administrative, operational and project management support to the high-profile founder of a disruptive and innovative media, marketing and investment group.”

Other responsibilities would include diary management...

Read more: https://zurl.co/fNFq

Aussie EAs keen for a move overseas may have found the perfect reason because Steven Bartlett (host of the Diary of a CEO podcast, CEO of Flight Group, LinkedIn influencer and public speaker) is hi…

08/07/2024

All delegates at the Sydney Executive PA Summit will go into the draw to win a BridgeClimb double pass.

BridgeClimb Sydney will attend the Summit to discuss how they can help EAs with their team building and corporate event needs, in a series of short matched meetings.

The Executive PA Summit series is a one day event of networking and professional development, exclusively for Executive Assistants.

These events are designed to be intimate, with less than 60 people attending.

Light breakfast, lunch, refreshments and after networking drinks included. Free to qualifying EAs. Last spaces available to apply for.

https://zurl.co/iRSK

All delegates at the Sydney Executive PA Summit will go into the draw to win a BridgeClimb double pass. BridgeClimb Sydney will attend the Summit to discuss how they can help EAs with their team bu…

08/07/2024

It’s not too late to achieve your 2024 business goal Novotel Sydney Darling Square ! From $80 for a full day delegate package, let us elevate your meetings and take it to the next level.

Read full offer here: https://zurl.co/jNhF

It’s not too late to achieve your 2024 business goal! From $80 for a full day delegate package, let us elevate your meetings and take it to the next level. Novotel Sydney Darling Square is the idea…

08/07/2024

Executive Assistant Naomi Spinks talks with Michelle Gibbings about facing challenges with your boss.

Michelle is the author of "Bad Boss"

02/07/2024

LAST SPACES Executive PA Summit
🏢
🗓 Thursday 25 July 2024
🔗 in bio

26/06/2024

Bleisure trips on the up – what it means for EAs

According to an Australian business traveller survey by World Travel Protection:
- 25% of survey respondents are planning to add personal time to a business trip this year (making it a ‘bleisure’ trip) while 18% plan to travel more this year and work remotely while away.
- 23% plan to combine a work trip with a holiday this year to be more environmentally friendly.
- 17% have taken personal time during a business trip without informing their employer.
And almost one in ten Australians (9%) plan to take a ‘hush’ trip this year where they’ll work remotely in a different location and not tell their employer.
So, what do companies need to consider when an employee undertakes a bleisure trip?

Read more: https://zurl.co/jgQJ

25/06/2024

In the second of our series of articles with Be Challenged, head of people and culture, and educational consultant, Lisa Kelliher reminds EAs that with change comes greater insight, personal and organisational growth, and a clarity of purpose. But just how can you get there – and do it with confidence?

“Developing and maintaining an open stance towards change is vital for any organisation. Acceptance of the inevitability of change allows us to meet the ever-changing needs of stakeholders, while maintaining a commitment to continual improvement.

Sometimes the benefits of change can be hard to acknowledge when a multitude of changes are required – or when change feels imposed on us due to economic factors, external regulations or compliance obligations… Not to mention the strategic plans we internally put in place every couple of years.

As much as we may not like to acknowledge it, the default response of people toward change is one of fear for what they may be losing, combined with a resistance toward managing things in new ways.

If change management isn’t handled with care, there is every likelihood that before too long team members will, in fact, revert to the ‘old way’ of doing things. Naturally, they will prefer the comfort and normalcy of the past to the uncertainty, temporary discomfort and hard work of implementing (and sticking with) change.

Leaders can improve their chances of effectively implementing change through their consideration of a change management framework, such as Kotter’s Eight Step Framework for Managing Change. It is an empowering and easy to follow roadmap for the navigation of change in teams, even when the leader (or their EA) might not be change management experts themselves.

Importantly, at the points where people may have a likelihood to feel overwhelmed with their own responses to change, a framework helps to diffuse emotions, establish common ground and drive constructive dialogue between team members.

When considering Kotter’s framework, it can be helpful to consider a circular or elliptical image. Changemakers work their way through each phase of change with the awareness they may need to revisit key steps throughout the process.

When leaders of change understand the importance of the initial steps in this framework they can often reflect on stressful/unsuccessful change initiatives from the past – and realise why these did not succeed. Prioritising the celebration of wins and the delegation of key actions along the way serves to gain momentum in the change process, while the final stages of the framework emphasise the importance of embedding and reinforcing the new behaviours for maximum success.

Remember, EAs, that real change takes a very long time, particularly when people have the propensity to return to their old ways of working. Leaders can use this framework to consider where further strengthening of the change making process may be warranted, repeating some of the key steps along the way.”

In the second of our series of articles with Be Challenged, head of people and culture, and educational consultant, Lisa Kelliher reminds EAs that with change comes greater insight, personal and or…

24/06/2024

Lisa Kelliher, head of people and culture and educational consultant at Be Challenged, argues that while we influence others to think positively about their capacity for growth (be open minded about feedback, believe in the opportunity to learn new skills and to approach each day with positivity), it is likely that we aren’t fully embodying a growth mindset ourselves…

“As a learner, I recall deciding at a young age that I had no aptitude for maths. Regardless of how hard teachers tried, my lack of self-belief and fixed mindset meant no growth or learning was to be had. Unsurprisingly, I had created a self-fulfilling prophesy and at the end of schooling was, indeed, ‘no good at maths’.

The first time these beliefs were really tested came as a parent as I saw my children making similar snap so rigidly. Again unsurprisingly (and perhaps as a consequence of having unconsciously modelled my own fixed mindset) my son made the statement that he was ‘just no good at maths’.

Faced with the desire for my children to believe in their capacity to grow, I realised that I needed to do so myself.

I realised maths is like a language – and I have always enjoyed learning languages. I also realised maths is about solving puzzles, enjoying seeking solutions to problems and the application of logic. Once I realised I could approach maths in this way, it was astonishing how quickly the black curtain lifted.

This led me to reflect on how many other skills and abilities I may have written-off throughout my life. Because peeling away the layers of belief about aptitude and ability and challenging deeply held notions can act as one of the greatest catalysts for self-development for anyone, regardless of their age.

So, let’s look at how you can explore this in the workplace:

Be prepared to examine and reflect on your own thought processes. Do you apply a fixed-mindset to aspects of your work or life?
Choose one area from within your role on which to steadfastly focus the application of a growth mindset. Do you tend to avoid engaging in certain tasks because you believe you are ‘just no good’ at these?
Be authentic in your discussions with colleagues about your own internal dialogue. This will help normalise conversations around the challenging of negativity and perceptions of limitations.
Actively seek out opportunities that challenge and enable people to see their full capacity. The uplift that is felt in an organisation and culture when people are made aware of their capacity for creativity, for critical thinking and for collaboration is palpable.”

Lisa Kelliher, head of people and culture and educational consultant at Be Challenged, argues that while we influence others to think positively about their capacity for growth (be open minded abou…