THE EDEN INTERVIEW

Would you, could you, should you… be an Executive Assistant?

One of the greatest aspects of writing for Eden is finding out about how some of the private staff we have placed are getting on. Here we speak to Rebecca Landsdown about her role as Executive and Personal Assistant. We began by asking…

How did you end up in this particular line of work?

My first exposure to being an Executive Assistant/Personal Assistant was when I had a four month summer holiday break after my first year of University. I decided to apply for a US work visa and take a flight to Hawaii. I initially worked at The Sheraton Waikiki, but I soon made a pool of friends who were suggesting other paths for me. I ended up working as the Executive Assistant to the co-owner of a Marketing/PR firm. The role was split corporate and private/personal so really very varied and ad hoc. Some years later I had moved to Malaysia to work and decided my life needed more direction, so I looked for jobs in the UK and fell into the Personal Assistant world very quickly.

Did you always want to work as a PA?

No. I’ve had many aspirations. The reason I joined Bloomberg Television as a PA to the International Commercial Director was partly because of my experience but later I knew it could be a foot in the door of television as the idea of being an anchor or presenter was very appealing. It was very early into this role that I realised I absolutely loved being a PA and if I played my cards right, then my income could be quite healthy one day and I was very self assured that I was and still am extremely suited to the lifestyle. I also absolutely adored the lady I was working for and cannot name one day that I didn’t enjoy.

Has your career been enjoyable to date?

My career has been idyllic. I’ve worked for a variety of industries and some very interesting/successful individuals and families. I cannot begin to elaborate on the variety of tasks a PA/EA undertakes, especially when you’re available 24/7. Let’s just say I can go from the glamour of a private jet to the pits of standing next to and guarding excrement from a dog within hours. I wouldn’t change a thing about my experience to date.

Who have you looked after?

From High Net Worth Individuals and down to earth entrepreneurs to billionaires and those just starting out in life with a view.

Did you acquire any particular training for this profession?

PA wise… none! I have been computer literate since I was very small as my dad was very successful with his company specialising in technical engineering and I was always so very eager to learn. But aside from that, I think it takes a certain person to enjoy such an ad-hoc, 24/7, extremely varied role.

What attributes do you have?

Patience, a constant smile, the ability to keep stressful situations calm, a wide pool of contacts worldwide, and a need to problem solve.

What does your job involve – day to day?

I’m not currently working as I took a career break, sold my house and took myself away for a little bit. I’m currently looking for work but I do also have my own company along with a nanny friend of mine so I hope future bosses understand I’d like to keep that on the side.

Best bit about your role?

Best bit is firstly the flexibility and the second is the bond you form with not just your immediate boss but the entire family and all those around them. The level of trust they invest in you is of such a high degree, that it really is an honour to work with them.

Personal support in your job description

Goodness, this could be a long paragraph so I shall try as best I can to summarise in bullet points:

– Regular family contact

– Attending family holidays/outings

– Care taking of family pets

– Live in where needed

– Personal accounting

– Property management, renting of properties, selling properties, rennovation

– Errand running, gift buying etc.

Working relationship tips/advice for up and coming EA/PAs

My advice to keep it plain and simple is to write everything down!! Even while your superior is talking, take everything down and never be afraid to ask questions if something is not clear. Making a mistake versus annoying your superior with questions… annoying them wins every time!

Has the role opened any doors for you?

Completely. As I said, I’m in a place where I am happy to take on another role, but I would hope it would be one where I can also keep my own business at the same time.

Being a PA/EA is such an interesting line of work because you have to learn about the industry you are in (immediately) without putting stress on anyone else. I never thought I’d be able to hold a conversation about satellites for example, but I really can! This harks back to the days of working in television and learning very quickly about footprints and positioning of satellites to cover certain areas.

How do you relax? Spend your time off.

Lately it’s all about my 19 month-old niece when I can see her but I’m often jet setting when I have longer periods of time off. I’m quite interested in property and currently looking for my next purchase. Spending time with friends is important and I do enjoy the odd salsa dancing night out if I don’t have to be up early the next day. Baking when I get the opportunity and writing about subjects I feel strongly about are things I seldom have time for but do enjoy.