EA-Volution

What began as the traditional secretary role (cue a Mad Men-esque image: rows of desks, typewriters clacking) has transformed into something much bigger. Today, Executive Assistants are increasingly recognised as strategic partners - driving impact, enabling leadership, and shaping how businesses run.

So, sit back, grab a cuppa, and join us as we reminisce with two of our team’s EAs about their journeys.

Ewa Warner – Operational Support EA

I joined the working world in 1988. I wasn’t that great at exams at school and didn’t fancy working in a bank, which was the alternative. So, following a year of doing a Foundation secretarial course at a local college, my first job came about because of a week’s work experience I’d done there where I’d picked up skills such as shorthand, touch and audio typing. When I applied for the role of secretary at Tupperware UK & Ireland (yes - the company that sold plastic containers via party planning) they remembered me and offered me the position.

Things were very different back then: I would have a weekly call with regional distributors to collate all the sales results for them and their best-selling members. We’d then pool that information according to region and use that data to create a national newsletter of results - all using an electric typewriter, which then had to be photocopied and distributed. I would also get reams of handwritten documents faxed over to be typed up - imagine trying to decipher the handwriting... a skill all of its own! Naturally, printing and binding took a lot of time (I’m finding it still does). I also remember having to regularly supply teas/coffees/biscuits for meetings or anyone else who fancied a brew.

As my career progressed so did the technology. Instead of decrypting handwriting, I was listening to voicemail messages that needed emailing. Moving onto desktop computers was a revelation - being able to perform tasks more speedily than with a typewriter - and using email for the first time was life changing. I remember the very first offering from Microsoft Office for Windows v.1, moving up to Office 97, Office 2000, XP etc. So many different versions over the years, and each time getting used to the changes before having to adapt again for the next upgrade.

That is, in essence, the role of an EA – to transform and be flexible.

My life as a secretary, then moving onto PA and EA roles has dramatically changed. As a 21^st century EA we’re now a strategic support to our Executives, using soft skills such as high emotional IQ and remaining unshakeable under pressure. We are always focused on finding a solution, using our strong levels of business acumen to make our executives’ days as seamless and as stress free as possible.

I love what I do and am grateful for all the knowledge I’ve acquired along the way.

Sarah Greenfield – Senior EA

When I first stepped into the role of a Personal Assistant at a small Private Banking firm 7 years ago, my days were filled with managing diaries, coordinating travel, processing expenses and ensuring that the logistical wheels kept turning. And yes - a lot of coffee and lunch runs! The role was purely operational, process-driven, and focused on making sure the basics were handled flawlessly. The focus was very much on administration and organisation, keeping things neat, structured, and running smoothly behind the scenes. I knew it would be a position that required adaptability, organisation, and a proactive mindset. What I didn’t anticipate, however, was just how much the role would evolve - and how much my career would grow along with it.

Today, as a Senior Executive Assistant at Baringa I support three partners, two of whom lead sectors. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing first-hand how an EA’s role extends far beyond diary management and basic logistics. I have learned it’s about partnership, foresight, and contributing to the bigger picture of a company’s success.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been end-to-end event planning. I’ve organised a variety of successful events both client-facing and internal. These range from intimate roundtable discussions with senior stakeholders to larger networking sessions that strengthen our presence in the market. Each event brings its own unique challenges and opportunities, and I’ve learned the importance of balancing creativity with meticulous planning to deliver experiences that leave a lasting impression.

A highlight of my career so far has been the opportunity to travel to New York, supporting one of my partners as they drove forward Baringa’s growth in the US consultancy market. Being part of that journey, witnessing new relationships being forged and strategies taking shape was not only exciting, but also a reminder of the tangible impact we as EAs can have when we move on from purely logistical, transactional thinking and step into a more strategically supportive role.

What I value most is the trust and responsibility that comes with working alongside leaders who are shaping the direction of our business. As the demands of the partnership evolve, so too does the EA role. I’ve had to sharpen my ability to anticipate needs, stay several steps ahead, and approach challenges with a solutions-focused mindset.

Looking back, I see how much my role has developed from being purely operational to being truly collaborative. And looking ahead, I’m excited by the continued opportunity to contribute, not just to the smooth running of my partners day-to-day lives, but to the long-term growth and success of Baringa.