Last week we interviewed a high-flying Executive Assistant, Laila Kreaa, who has been supporting the extremely busy CEO of a top private equity firm for over 4 years. Her role is not for the faint-hearted but most definitely rewarding!
- What are your main responsibilities?
Everything and Anything! I am the executive assistant to the CEO – which also includes being the private PA to him and the family. This can be anything from booking meetings and flights, hotels and conferences – to organising visa’s and residencies for the family and also answering phones/meeting and greeting guests/ be a part of the office admin support if needed, and fill in for the office manager when on maternity leave! In a very small nutshell!
- What do you enjoy most about the role?
I do enjoy that no 2 days are ever the same – although daunting sometimes, you never know what will be asked of you next!
- And least?
The stress it can sometimes cause when there is so much going on! After so many years’ experience I have learned how to talk myself out of feeling too stressed, and have learned to deal with it much better, but it is hard to always remind yourself “you can do this, you have done it before you can do it again”.
- Any challenges?
On a very regular basis! I need to get visas to various countries, and residencies for employees and all with very little time and with extremely short notice! The reason why this is always so challenging is you are counting on 3rd parties to deliver on things out of your control, to a certain extent. I deal with everything the best way I know how – going full speed ahead and always always thinking in and outside the box to find the best way forward for every scenario.
- How did you become a senior EA and do you have any advice for anyone who would like to become an EA?
I have worked as a receptionist in hotels, absolutely loved it, but unfortunately it is not really well paid – and slowly worked my way up to becoming an EA through various other admin roles. My best advice is don’t do it unless you know you can thrive on chaos. I can spend hours trying to be the most organised EA, but at the end of the day, chaos is part of it, and once you learn how to handle THAT chaos in an organised way, you have picked the right job.
- Any tips on how to build a good relationship with your boss?
I think the best way to build a good relationship is to do an extremely good job. PA’s EA’s and admins in general are considered these days as someone who does it all – and all part of the job. He/she is not like any other employee only ever having contact every other day – it is a constant every day contact and work (either by phone or email) – and for that to work well, the relationship needs to be strong.
- How do you keep organised?
Being as many steps ahead as possible – not always easy when you don’t know what’s coming – but at least when the unknown comes your way, what you do know – is covered!
- If you weren’t an EA what would you be?
I have always wanted to own my own business – I am good with people and I know how to get the best out of people, so know I would be able to manage a business successfully – preferably in relation to health and beauty. I am a big believer in: food/exercise/beauty treatments = happy life 🙂
