The Assistant Lab

Fiona Young is a breath of fresh air to the assistant profession in terms of professional development! She is a former EA turned digital learning leader.  Carve is building the next generation of AI-powered executive assistants. They offer exciting new AI courses for assistants |  We touch on numerous points: ·       Growing up with technologist parents and the positive impact of this ·       Undertaking a degree in economics, the lack of jobs but the positive outcome to this ·       From admin professional to learning and development professional - building start up programmes for global corporates ·        L&D: Fiona's methos for learning, why most corporate learning spend is wasted ·       Revolution vs Evolution of the roles ·       Startling discoveries from assistants and how much they really know about AI ·       Future of EA role in the age of AI: evolution and revolution, there will be winners and losers, tips to win   Learn more about Carve here.   Free Carve AI Tools Guide for Assistants: https://joincarve.com/tools-signup·       Free Carve Chatbot Prompting Guide for Assistants: https://joincarve.com/chatbots-guide-signup  You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA Here  If you are a paying EPAA member, you can earn 2 PD credits by listening to this episode of The Assistant Lab and submitting your L & D form in the members area of the EPAA website

We are excited to welcome international trainer, coach and mentor - Ruth Kilah of Hoxton Hyde. We talk about a LOT of different topics and Ruth's views are refreshing and innovative. Ruth's career journey and some very shrewd career moves Working internationally and what she learned Taking what many would consider a step down, but was actually a step up The 7 year itch! Redundancy and how this led to the next positive step Why the Chief of Staff role isn't the next step for every assistantSelling and marketing your value How niching makes you a formidable force! How assistants can help to make this industry more ethical and therefore gain the maximum impact and high value from your educators and at events Learn more about Hoxton Hydes services hereYou can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA HereIf you are a paying EPAA member, you can earn 2 PD credits by listening to this episode of The Assistant Lab and submitting your L & D form in the members area of the EPAA website. 

After a summer break, we are back and delighted to welcome Jess Gardiner, Founder of The Assistant Room. Our discussion is varied and may be considered controversial at times: Executive Energy Toxic Loyalty How to be a good quitterWhy the EA/PA industry is 'wash, rinse and repeat' and needs to change Evolution vs revolution of the assistant roles Awards for Assistants Lessons learnedThis is an episode not to be missed! The Assistant Room is an exclusive global lifestyle and professional development platform dedicated to improving the lives and developing the careers of Business Support Professionals around the world. Established in 2016, we provide accessible and all-inclusive learning and support for professionals at every stage from entry level admins to Chief of Staff and beyond through a variety of interactive materials including our exclusive, members-only platform. Find out more about The Assistant Room hereYou can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA HereIf you are a paying EPAA member, you can earn 2 PD credits by listening to this episode of The Assistant Lab and submitting your L & D form in the members area of the EPAA website. 

EDI is a top priority for most leadership teams, but how many are really driving through culture change? This weeks interview discusses exactly this and all things EDI and why is should matter to every business and executive support professional. Natasha is the founder and Director of Diverse Matters. She is responsible for the overall running of the company and for the design and delivery of a range of diversity and inclusion solutions for clients across the voluntary, public, third and private sectors.Natasha has over 25 years’ experience of working within the diversity and inclusion field, and prior to setting up Diverse Matters and was the Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Victim Support.  We talk about what has changed since the pandemic and what organisations need to focus on going forward. The UK EA/PA industry still has an extensive amount of work to undertake before we are truly inclusive and we touch on this too. You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA HereIf you are a paying EPAA member, you can earn 2 PD credits by listening to this episode of The Assistant Lab and submitting your L & D form in the members area of the EPAA website. 

Alex Leigh is a new addition to the board of EPAA and an ambitious millennial Executive Assistant, with over 13 years experience under her belt. A former quantitative market researcher focusing on fast-moving consumer goods, Alex’s love for sport and excellent administration brought her to the sport sector nearly 14 years ago, and the start of her administrative career.  We of course discuss Alex's career change and her learnings from this, as well as her huge appetite for learning and development and why this matters. Alex's current employer is Sport England. Sport England are an arms-length body of government responsible for growing and developing grassroots sport and getting more people active across England.We discuss the fact that millennial and Gen Z assistants have had so little profile within the EA/PA world, despite the former now being one of the largest voting populations in the UK! This is a super interesting story, inspiring and we of course have some laughs along the way. You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA HereIf you are a paying EPAA member, you can earn 2 PD credits by listening to this episode of The Assistant Lab and submitting your L & D form in the members area of the EPAA website. 

This weeks interview is with the incredible Sarah Howson.  Sarah is Co Founder and Director of The Strategic PA Network & Strategic PA Recruitment. We chat to Sarah about her career story  with a big chunk of her early childhood spent living in the USA , before coming back to the UK and continuing her education.   Sarah talks through her journey as an assistant and what she learned along the way. In addition to setting up a PA network, which has grown to include awards. Making the leap to business owner which launched at the very beginning of the pandemic!   Learn more about The Strategic PA Awards here.  You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA HereIf you are a paying EPAA member, you can earn 2 PD credits by listening to this episode of The Assistant Lab and submitting your L & D form in the members area of the EPAA website. 

Dalya is an award-winning Executive Assistant with over 15 years of progressive experience within the EA/PA industry and also EPAA's new chair. She has been EA to a high profile/high net worth Entrepreneur & Philanthropist since 2010 and has since been promoted to Director.In 2013, she was 1st runner up in the Executive PA Magazine PA of the Year Awards and in 2014 won the Pitman Training Super Achievers PA of the Year Award. This has allowed Dalya to be invited as a guest speaker for many PA networking and training events throughout the UK and Internationally.Outside of work, Dalya is professional singer, mum of 2 boys and a School Governor at her Son’s Primary School. In 2014, Dalya proudly raised over £9500 for charity by running 2 half marathons and successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.We talk to her about how she manages a hectic life, her passion for singing, changing direction career wise and why the perception of the profession is so important. You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA HereIf you are a paying EPAA member, you can earn 2 PD credits by listening to this episode of The Assistant Lab and submitting your L & D form in the members area of the EPAA website. 

This weeks episode is with incredible Emily Broadbent of the UK charity Pregnant then Screwed. Pregnant then Screwed was set up in 2015 by Joeli Brearley. Two days after she informed her employer that she was pregnant with her first child, Joeli Brearley was sacked from her job by voicemail. She was four months pregnant and unemployed with bills to pay.  She knew this wasn't a unique experience. The charity is dedicated to ending the motherhood penalty, supporting tens of thousands of women each year, and successfully campaigning for change.Emily is the Support Services Manager for the charity and we talk through Her career to date, which included changing direction and following her professional heartThe statistics around British women who have lost their jobs simply for getting pregnant and over 390,000 women who face potentially discriminatory behaviour Support available from PTS for pregnant women How those of us who are not Mums can be great allies! The provisions around childcare and what more needs to be achieved Recent research released by PTS on women going through fertility treatment and receiving punishment from their employers Some of Emily's top tips for Mums to be Mental Health LineIn partnership with MIND, Pregnant Then Screwed set up a mental health support line for women experiencing challenges in  the workplace and needing a safe space to talk. To speak with one of the mental health support team, call 0161 222 9879 and dial 2. This will transfer you to one of the team at MIND.Women in the WorkplacePTS are releasing training for employers to help support those undergoing fertility treatment or who have experienced pregnancy loss.  Please click here for more information and how you can help. Find out more information about Pregnant then Screwed and how you can get support or support for a colleague/family or friend here.

Welcome to this next episode of the show! This weeks guest is the incredible Clare Hall, who currently works for Arup. Dedicated to sustainable development, Arup is a collective of designers, consultants and experts working across 140 countries. Founded to be both humane and excellent, we collaborate with our clients and partners using imagination, technology and rigour to shape a better world.We discuss Clare's entire career and life along the way. Leaving school and making a move into the travel industry Making a life changing decision to leave the UK and go travelling Starting her career officially in Australia and their public sector Moving back to London and working in London Marriage, family and moving to Sheffield What it is like working as a corporate assistantHaving a leader who really backs and supports you! Launching the Sheffield PA Network Follow the Sheffield PA Network LinkedIn Page here. You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA HereIf you are a paying EPAA member, you can earn 2 PD credits by listening to this episode of The Assistant Lab and submitting your L & D form in the members area of the EPAA website. 

Julie Perrine is an executive assistant turned CEO and the founder of All Things Admin. She is also an enthusiastic trainer, author, Certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Administrator, perpetual planner, longtime thimble collector, and adoring aunt.As an advocate of the administrative profession, Julie encourages admins to be prepared, hone their skills, and always keep their minds open to new career opportunities. This is another action packed interview covering an incredible amount! Julie's first role as a farmers daughter and transitioning from farm to office! Her career journey through the office sphere Working in a toxic environment but with a great boss Creating a strategic career plan and why this is a MUST for assistants Starting a Virtual Assistant business The journey behind All Things Admin Debate around the Chief of Staff role! Fighting through the noise and FOMO on learning and development How to create a plan for your professional development - working out what your real learning style is Learn more about All Things Admin hereJoin Julie's Free 5 day challenge on 'Design your Personal Career Plan' here. You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA HereIf you are a paying EPAA member, you can earn 2 PD credits by listening to this episode of The Assistant Lab and submitting your L & D form in the members area of the EPAA website. 

This is a hugely inspiring and motivating interview with the incredible Daniel Skermer, Founder of the West Midlands PA Forum. We cover a LOT!  This episode is packed with a mammoth story of hard graft, being completely unapologetic and your authentic self. Daniel's schooling years and what happened when he first left school Staying in Turkey after a holiday and becoming an au pair His career in the travel industry and the different challenges he faced A love of Egypt! His return to the UK and the different direction his career took Working for Park Regis, which culminated in setting up the West Midlands PA Forum Being an inclusive network rather than exclusive - not judging people on who they work for The sheer happiness of running a network vs the very real challenges behind the scenes Awards - why there are not just one awards for Midlands as a region and why not run a national EA/PA awards? People not turning up to face to face events and cancelling at the last minute - protecting the perception of the profession Putting together a networking plan as an assistant The next generation of assistantsLeaving a legacy A love of David Attenborough Learn more about the PA Forum here. You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA HereIf you are a paying EPAA member, you can earn 2 PD credits by listening to this episode of The Assistant Lab and submitting your L & D form in the members area of the EPAA website. 

Ngagementworks was created by Nick, based on over 20 years experience of leading and working with teams throughout the world. Nick is passionate about helping both individuals and teams achieve the success they deserve and do this, by facilitating engaging workshops and delivering motivational presentations at conferences.In this episode we take Nick back to when he left school at 16 and landed at Barclays Bank, where he eventually became a Director of Change.  We discuss his journey of working with a Personal Assistant and how much impact this had on his careerLaunching Ngagement Works and utilising his expertise to work with leadership, operational and project teams all around the world! Nick provides his observations on engagement and team work during and since the pandemic - what has changed for the better and notHis journey to becoming a published author and the impact his book has had on so many alreadyLearn more about Ngagement Works hereBuy Nick's Book - Team, Lead and Succeed here. You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA HereIf you are a paying EPAA member, you can earn 2 PD credits by listening to this episode of The Assistant Lab and submitting your L & D form in the members area of the EPAA website. 

Mairi is a Personal Impact Expert and CEO of Scene Change Creative Consultants Ltd, global providers of bespoke people development initiatives across the sectors. Founder of the UK Houses of Parliament cross sector Mentoring Programme, Storytelling Expert for the European Women In Leadership Programme at Coca Cola and founder of the Graduate Professional Consultant Programme for Oracle.Mairi specialises in face to face and online coaching sessions on Communication Skills, Resilience, Confidence and Body Language, Impact and Influencing, Presentation Skills, Coaching, Managing People Through Change, Unconscious Bias, Emotional Intelligence and delivers high level role-play sessions on Client Relationship Building – enabling delegates to credentialise themselves and their firm and confidently position themselves as a trusted advisor.As a trained professional actress and BBC TV presenter, Mairi uses her skills to enable individuals and groups to communicate and present better, increase visibility and align personal branding to organisational values. As a motivational speaker she gives practical sessions on confidence and influencing skills combining her theatrical training with modern business psychology.We cover a lot in this episode!Mairi's acting background Her time working as an assistant for the UK Civil ServiceManaging upwards The 'Inclusion Shadow'Unconscious bias and what it really means Human centered leadership The need for more pastoral leadership Top tips for assistants who really want to cultivate personal impact and confidenceYou can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA HereIf you are a paying EPAA member, you can earn 2 PD credits by listening to this episode of The Assistant Lab and submitting your L & D form in the members area of the EPAA website. 

We are excited to be joined by Ben Stevenson on this episode of The Assistant Lab. Ben is Chief of Staff at North East Headquartered Bloom Procurement Services. Over the last 10 years, he has built an exciting career in operational and C-Suite support roles than have allowed him to live and work in all four corners of the UK and embed the unique skills and experiences from each into his role today. Driven by Bloom’s purpose, Ben is motivated to make the company’s strategic goals and objectives by doing whatever it takes to bridge the gap from thought to reality, including in his role where he leads Bloom’s sustainability agenda. Ben is passionate about the executive and business support industry and has worked with several PA & EA networking groups, talking, and raising awareness of key issues, such as toxic perfectionism, the role of the male EA in the industry and the future of the Executive Assistant profession. A 2021 EA of the Year finalist, he has a solid appreciation and understanding of how recognising outstanding executive and business support professionals play a major part in the evolution of perception and respect for the industry. We also get an opportunity to talk through the Chief of Staff role in-depth and how assistants can really make a move to this role. You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA HereIf you are a paying EPAA member, you can earn 2 PD credits by listening to this episode of The Assistant Lab and submitting your L & D form in the members area of the EPAA website. 

We are super excited to release this episode of The Assistant Lab, with one of the UK's most inspiring assistants!  Big words, but 100% the truth.  Leeanne Adu is a former Executive Assistant, who is award winning and spent most of her career in the UK Third Sector.  She has achieved a huge amount, under really challenging and exceptional circumstances.   Special Lee (you will find out more in the podcast why she had this nickname) doesn't hold back during this interview and is completely honest about what worked and hasn't during her professional career.  Why she didn't stay with employers who didn't recognise her worth and making the switch to running a highly successful Virtual Assistant Firm.  This episode comes with a trigger warning, as we discuss topics: ·       Racism and the UK ·       Mental Health and specifically around suicidal thoughts ·       Traumatic pregnancy/labour ·       Being diagnosed with Breast Cancer and her journey through treatment ·       Anorexia and Obesity - which leads to Body Confidence and Leeanne taking part in two high profile campaigns with Pretty Little Thing and Primark for women who have dealt with cancer Resources: Nazir Afzal Book: The Race to the Top - How to fight institutional racismReni Eddo- Lodge:  Why I'm no longer talking to white people about race Girl vs Cancer: https://girlvscancer.co.uk/   Check out Leeanne's company here.   You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA Here

We are delighted to welcome Abigail Langridge to this weeks episode. Abigail is the Founder and Owner of Poppins PA. A private Personal Assistant company which supports business people and their families.  They work with you & not for you. Being on your side, making suggestions, using our initiative & judgement to help you succeed & flourish in your world.We alleviate that ‘noise’ that you carry around with you, all those things that keep you awake at night. Abigail didn't intend to become an assistant.  Indeed, she was in the middle of a law degree which she decided wasn't for her, so she quit university and decided to put what skills she already had to good use. She then embarked on a career as a Legal PA, which ultimately took her to London working for various firms. She then became a Mum to three children and by her third child realised she was bored, unchallenged and felt like her life was going nowhere. An ambitious individual from a young age, she had always thought about being her own boss and running her own company... which is where Poppins PA begun. We also talk through making the transition from PA to self employment, which many assistants find actually very tough.  A great business idea which never really took off, to working as a private PA and one client who had the biggest impact on her life - which ultimately led to Poppins PA. Abigail is candid, inspiring, motivating and is an open book as far as what has worked and what hasn't... and why she will never stop reaching and turning her dreams into a reality. In addition to her work life, Abigail discovered a passion for running, which the whole family is with involved now.  This came about with joining the now nationally known organisation - Park Run.  In fact Abi and her husband are both training to run the London Marathon right now! Enjoy! Learn more about Poppins PA here - https://poppins-pa.com/Learn more about Park Run here - https://www.parkrun.org.uk/You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA Here

What can we say about the amazing Gill Quirk!?! Gill has recently retired after a 40 year career at the Ministry of Defence and arguably one of the most famous Assistants to come out of the UK Civil Service! Born in the Isle of Man, Gill started her career there with local government, before making the bold move to London and commencing what was to be an awe inspiring career with the MoD. Gill's career as an assistant at the Mod meant she got the opportunity work in Cairo, New Delhi, Athens and Kula Lumpur before returning to London. Gill commenced networking with other assistants in other industries, spoke at PA conferences and events and set up the SW1 PA Network - for assistants across the Civil Service. Recently Gill retired and talks us through how she planned for that moment and why she has completely changed her life, including moving across the UK. This is truly a special episode from an excellent EA, who upheld the highest professional standards at all times. You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA Here

Welcome to the next episode of The Assistant Lab. We invited top recruiter, Kam Vara from Katie Bard Recruitment to come and talk all things recruitment. We discussed her background from completing a law degree to finding her perfect profession in recruitment. Kam has been at Katie Bard Recruitment for over 20 years. Katie Bard is based in Birmingham. They recruit permanent and temporary staff across the Midlands for a full range of office support and executive roles. We cover a multitude of topics within this lively discussion:  Why she enjoys recruiting in the EA/PA worldWhat good and bad candidates look like How you deal with candidates who think they are better than they are - X factor effectTop tips for assistants now the UK has entered a recession Why many CVs are not robust and strong enough? You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA Here

Welcome to the next episode of The Assistant Lab! Wow - is one word to describe this amazing interview with Shirwyn. Shirwyn talks us through his extraordinary career to date, which included being the first man and first person of colour to win the South African PA of the Year award in 2019. We also discuss the impact of the Not Just a Girls Job campaign, an EPAA UK campaign to look at the gender split between male vs females in the roles. As someone who has moved from South Africa to the UK in recent years, we also talk through the incredible observations Shirwyn has made between the two countries and this profession. Also touching upon the 'Chief of Staff' job title, in addition to grabbing those professional development opportunities and being resourceful, even in challenging times. There are a lot of golden nuggets in this episode. You can listen to The Assistant Lab show on any of the following links below: You can also watch this content on YouTube Find out more Anel Martin Training Here and EPAA Here