From Humble Beginnings to Executive Success: Lessons and Values That Have Shaped My Journey

In the early days of my life, my parents instilled in me a fundamental lesson that has 
guided me not only in my personal life but throughout my career: “Treat others how you would like to be treated.” Simple as it may seem, this golden rule became the foundation of how I approach everything, from personal relationships to professional 
interactions. As I reflect on my journey in my profession, this core value has become 
intertwined with how I operate within the business environment.

A Personal Investment in Every Task

As I began to carve my path within my profession as an Executive Assistant, I quickly realised that it wasn’t enough to simply complete tasks. I needed to embody a sense of ownership in everything I did. I’ve always treated the businesses I have worked within as if they were my own, bringing an entrepreneurial, nurturing spirit into my role. Whether it was responding to enquiries or managing internal/external operations, I made it a priority to ensure that every decision, every email, every small interaction reflected a level of care that I would want for my own enterprise. This mindset has allowed me to stand out, not just as someone who executes tasks but as a true ambassador for the businesses I work within. When you take ownership in this way, you foster trust, loyalty and reliability, which ultimately drives both personal and organisational success. 

 Representing the Business and being a true ambassador 

A critical lesson I learned early on in my career is the importance of acting as an ambassador for the business being represented. Whether I’m sending an email (or messages in any format) or attending a meeting, I understand that I am the face and voice of the company. Every interaction is an opportunity to reflect the brand’s values, professionalism, and integrity. It’s tempting to treat internal communication with a more casual attitude, but I’ve learned that every email, every note, and every conversation could one day be seen by someone unexpectedly. This isn’t about operating out of fear; it’s about maintaining a standard of professionalism that upholds the reputation of the company and your own personal brand. When you consistently operate with this mindset, you not only build a reputation for reliability and thoughtfulness but also safeguard the business’s reputation.

Embracing New Challenges: The Key to Growth 

One of the most vital lessons I have learned during my career is the importance of saying “yes” to new challenges and embracing these new challenges, even when they seemed daunting or completely outside of my comfort zone. If I had said “no’’ to the various tasks that came my way simply because they weren’t within my job description or because I had no prior experience, I would never have gained the diverse set of skills I now possess.

Each time I encountered something unfamiliar, I chose to embrace it as an opportunity for learning and growth. These moments of discomfort became the building blocks of my professional development, turning challenges into valuable skills that continue to serve me today.

I truly believe that each new challenge is a skill waiting to be mastered, and every time you conquer something new, you set yourself up for greater opportunities down the line. Embracing these challenges has been instrumental in my career progression, and I encourage anyone seeking to grow to adopt the same mindset. Growth happens when you step into the unknown and seize the opportunity as a chance to learn something new. 

The Power of Networking and Maintaining Strong Connections 

A valuable recommendation is the importance of networking and maintaining great connections. In any industry, relationships are often the key to opening doors and creating new opportunities. Throughout my career, I’ve made a conscious effort to foster relationships in all walks of life, business & personal. Building important connections requires authenticity and effort, but the rewards are invaluable. A valuable network can assist in so many ways, particularly within our industry, whereby we all readily help each other.

It is also crucial to avoid burning bridges along the way. You never know when a past colleague, client, or even competitor may re-enter your life in a new capacity. Maintaining respect and professionalism with those you encounter helps ensure that your reputation stays intact, no matter where your career takes you. There have been numerous times when relationships I cultivated years ago have resurfaced in surprising ways, opening doors to new projects, partnerships, or opportunities.

Reputation Is Everything 

As I’ve moved forward in my career, I have come to realise that reputation is one of the most important currencies you have. It can take years to build but only moments to lose. That’s why it is essential to approach every task, interaction, and decision with integrity and care. People will remember how you made them feel, how you treated them, and how you conducted yourself in difficult situations.

Building and maintaining a solid reputation is the result of consistent effort and a commitment to professionalism, respect, and a positive attitude. By embodying these qualities, you not only build trust with those around you, but you also create a personal brand that will follow you throughout your career.

Staying Current: An Ongoing Commitment to Growth 

An important aspect of progressing in your career is the commitment to staying current. The world of business is constantly evolving, and to remain competitive, you must evolve with it. I’ve made it a personal priority to consistently seek out new knowledge and stay informed about what’s happening in the industry. Whether it’s reading articles, listening to podcasts, attending webinars/seminars, or participating in training programs and doing additional courses. Staying up to date is crucial for personal and professional growth. Incidentally, there are free courses available that are very much applicable to our industry. Do feel free to contact me directly via my LinkedIn Profile and I will send through some of my recommendations. 

In today’s fast-paced environment, technologies, trends, and best practices are continuously shifting. By staying informed, I’ve been able to anticipate changes and 
position myself to take on new roles and responsibilities as they arise. More importantly, staying current also reveals gaps in my expertise, allowing me to target specific areas for improvement and continue growing in my role.

It may not be enough to rely solely on the skills you already possess. By actively engaging in learning and remaining curious, you position yourself as an asset to any 
team or organisation. Consider also attending events which may not strictly be industry specific. I have personally enjoyed attending the 'Anything Is Possible' conferences. Self-development is also important, and taking time out of a fast-paced environment to spend precious time on yourself is just as valuable. No matter how far you have progressed in your career, having the mindset never to stop learning can allow you to bring new, fresh ideas and strategies to the table, keeping you relevant and effective in an ever-changing landscape.