The role of executive assistants has evolved significantly over the years, from being primarily administrative support to becoming strategic partners to executives. With the rapid advancement of technology and the changing nature of work, executive assistants face both opportunities and challenges in the future.
IBR’s inaugural Future EA and PA Summit explores the potential trajectory of executive assistants,considering emerging trends, the impact of automation and artificial intelligence, and the evolving expectations in the corporate world. The role of executive assistants has traditionally encompassed administrative tasks, scheduling, andmanaging communication for executives. However, as the business landscape becomes increasinglycomplex and fast-paced, the role of executive assistants is expanding beyond traditional boundaries.
Organisations are recognizing the value of executive assistants as strategic partners who possess a unique combination of skills, including strong organisational abilities, adaptability, and the ability tohandle sensitive information.
• Resilience through organisational change
• Working as a strategic partner
• Maximising opportunities that come with change
• Continuous improvement and what this can look like for EAs
• The role technology plays in the transition through change
ALISON LAU
EA to the CFO, HBF Health
Organisations are recognizing the value of executive assistants as strategic partners who possess a unique combination of skills, including strong organisational abilities, adaptability, and the ability to handle sensitive information.
Our session with Lauren will explore:
• Considering emerging tech trends and the impact of automation and artificial intelligence are having – how are you
adding value to the business?
• Creating the voice to be heard and making yourself accessible
• How are you ensuring that you are building your brand as an EA?
LAUREN CALVERT
Founder & Director, The Well-Suited Group
10.50 MORNING TEA AND NETWORKING BREAK
Executive assistants are increasingly expected to take on strategic responsibilities, such as project management, event planning, and decision support. They are becoming essential collaborators in achieving organizational objectives. Executive assistants are no longer just support staff.
They are
crucial partners who enable executives to focus on strategic initiatives by handling operational and administrative aspects.
This session will address:
• How does an EA become an invaluable strategic partner to executives?
• How can EA’s leverage AI to ensure there is room for their personal development?
• Tips on providing valuable insights, contributing to decision-making, and assisting in long-term planning
• Tips on learning from mistakes and also ensuring there is internal education to be perceived as an integral part of the
business
• Navigating rapid changes by being adaptable and flexible, adeptly managing shifting priorities and adjusting to evolving needs and challenges
ALEKSANDRA JAMES
Senior EA, McKinsey & Company
A strong relationship fosters trust and mutual support. When an EA understands an executive's preferences, work style, and priorities, they can anticipate needs, provide efficient support, and act as a reliable partner. A strong relationship often leads to a more collaborative environment, driving better business outcomes. This session will highlight how to:
• Remove the complexities and recreate a solid foundation with the organisation and the Executive
• Sharpen problem-solving abilities to swiftly address challenges and find innovative solutions to maintain workflow efficiency
• Develop emotional intelligence to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, manage conflicts, and build strong
relationships across various levels within Executives
SARAH BISHOP
Executive Assistant, Gilbert + Tobin
JACINDA BEARE
Virtual EA, Simply Monday
13.00 Networking Lunch
MASTERING YOUR SKILLS TOOLBOX
A strong relationship fosters trust and mutual support. When an EA understands an executive's preferences, work style, and priorities, they can anticipate needs, provide efficient support, and act as a reliable partner. A strong relationship often leads to a more collaborative environment, driving better business outcomes.
This session will highlight how to:
• Remove the complexities and recreate a solid foundation with the organisation and the Executive
• Sharpen problem-solving abilities to swiftly address challenges and find innovative solutions to maintain workflow efficiency.
• Develop emotional intelligence to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, manage conflicts, and build strong relationships across various levels within Executives
ANIA KONOPKA
Head of Executive Office, Australian Chamber Orchestra
Navigating the competitive market requires executive assistants to be proactive in their professional development. In addition to updating their skills and adapting to emerging trends, personal assistants should actively seek opportunities to expand their network and industry knowledge.
This is an insightful 101 session that will give context and advice on how to:
• Create a space to reflect and reposition for a stronger representation of the office
• Strengthen understanding of one’s capabilities, removing any preconceived perceptions
• Think in the realm of a leader, be a people person and walk alongside others to harness a strengthened approach
MADELEINE ISABEL ALLAN
EA and Business Manager, M&C Saatchi Group
15:20 Afternoon Tea
In a rapidly changing job market, possessing a versatile skill set makes an EA more adaptable and marketable, ensuring relevance and employability in various industries and settings. Key areas we will explore in this session include:
• Acquiring skills to handle multifaceted tasks, oversee initiatives, and ensure timely completion
• Cultivating a flexible mindset to adapt and smoothly navigate through varying priorities
• Developing the ability to think strategically, understand business goals, and contributing proactively to decision-making
• Continuous learning and foster a mindset of continuous learning
• The impact of technology and the importance of the human touch point
CATHERINE WROTH
Senior Executive Assistant to the Secretary, NSW Department of Education
Some EAs are assuming greater responsibility for change management in their business.
As businesses undergo constant transformations driven by technological advancements, shifting priorities, changes at the top and global market changes, EAs find themselves at the nexus of these shifts. They must adapt to new technologies, rapidly changing workflows, and evolving expectations, necessitating a proactive approach to change management.
This panel discussion will open key debate on:
• Leveraging technologies, the impact this is having on you positively or negatively?
• What does your role as a strategic leader look like internally and externally facing?
• Should EAs be responsible for facilitating smoother transitions, maintaining productivity amidst disruption, and ensuring executives and teams successfully adapt to new paradigms?
• How can an EA contribute to an organization's resilience and success?
PANELLISTS:
LIDIA CATALANO
Executive Assistant to Director Corporate Services, Central Coast Council
MARISA RAUCCI
EA to CEO, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center
Networking drinks
Chair’s Opening Remarks
An Executive Assistant should actively work on developing and promoting their personal brand to cultivate a professional and positive image both online and offline. This session will shed light and empower you with key takeaways including:
• What is your VP? How are you clearly communicating the value you bring to your role and how are you ensuring that your contributions and accomplishments are visible to those who matte
• How to showcase your skills both technical and interpersonal to make sure that others are aware of your strengths and areas of expertise
• Are you embracing the power of continuous learning as someone committed to growth?
ELISABETH BITTNER
Senior Executive Assistant to the Head of Agency, Australian Space Agency
Leading in a high-pressure, competitive environment as an EA requires a combination of organizational skills, resilience, adaptability, and effective communication. This session will look at the top strategies for EAs to excel in such challenging settings, including:
• Prioritizing effectively - Identify and focus on high-priority tasks that align with organizational goals
• Proactive problem solving - Anticipate potential challenges and develop proactive solutions
• Cultivate Resilience - Develop a resilient mindset to cope with pressure and setbacks and keep lines of communication open
• What elements of your role do you love, what would you change and have can you enable continuous development externally?
AMELIA COLEGROVE
Team Coordinator – Strategy, Transurban
10.30 Morning Tea and Networking Break
• Confidence: Efficient delegation can alleviate your workload and ensure tasks are completed effectively
• Connection: Prioritize your well-being by taking breaks, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance
• Communication: Build trust by demonstrating integrity and professionalism in all interactions
• Calm: It is crucial remain calm and composed, your demeanour can help C-suite feel more at ease and open to your help when you are actively listening and empathizing
KYLIE SIMMONS
Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO, Northen Territory Government
Areas for discussion include:
• Self-awareness - Define both short-term and long-term career goals. Ensure they align with your personal and professional aspirations
• Confidence and courage - How are you effectively exercising discretion and maintaining confidentiality, especially when dealing with sensitive information?
• Influencing skills – How to recognize that influencing often requires time and patience and that being persistent and consistent in your efforts will sway opinions and decisions
• Adapting to the evolving role of the EA within the technology landscape
KYM HASSETT
Senior Executive Assistant, Medtronic
12.40 NETWORKING LUNCH
WORKPLACE CULTURE
• It’s a challenging job title - The perceptions inside organisations v the reality
• The importance of setting boundaries and realistic goal setting
• Creating balance and harmony
• Setting those boundaries and having each area of your life, balanced. How does your homelife support you in that?
KERRI O’SULLIVAN
Senior EA, Former Microsoft
• Managing different personas internally and externally
• What does growth look like internally for you and across business functions?
• How can you adapt yourself and enhance cross-departmental collaboration?
NEHA SHARMA
Senior EA to GM, Baxter Healthcare
15.00 Afternoon Tea
MASTERCLASS- BOUNDARY SETTING & AVOIDING BURNOUT
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or on the verge of burnout? It's time to take control and reclaim your well-being! Join our exclusive 2-hour workshop and discover the secrets to a healthier, more balanced life as an EA. Session aim: Walk away with a personalized action plan tailored to your unique circumstances, designed to prevent burnout in the long term.
Key Takeaways:
• Identify Burnout Triggers: Gain insights into the common causes of burnout and learn how to recognize warning signs before it's too late
• Proven Stress Management Techniques: Discover practical and effective strategies to manage stress and prevent it from escalating into burnout
• Build Resilience: Develop a resilient mindset that will empower you to navigate challenges and setbacks with ease
• Work-Life Harmony: Learn the art of creating a harmonious balance between your professional and personal life, ensuring sustainable success
DR JOYCE CHONG
Director and Lead Psychologist, The Skill Collective
Chair’s closing remarks day two
