Links Presents
1. Tell us about what you do?
I am currently the Executive Assistant to Indurent’s CEO, Julian Carey, and I also manage a fabulous team of 10x assistants too. I also organise the company events and head up the charity partnership we have with LandAid. It’s an incredibly diverse role and no two days are the same.
2. How did you get your career started as an EA?
I started out as a team assistant when Indurent was known as Stenprop. The team and company was small (around 24 people in total, we’re now over 200!) so I was fortunate to be exposed to many areas of the business and work with multiple people across the company.
3. What was your experience of finding your first support role?
I was fortunate that I knew about Bain and Gray through my friend who was placed by them. The whole process was smooth and I felt as though the team knew exactly the type of company I wanted to be put forward for by meeting with me in person. An admin role can open up so many opportunities it really is about finding the right company.
4. What person, place or thing changed the direction of your life?
I have to say my managing director at the company I worked in down in Sussex was a great enabler in pushing me to get to London. When I expressed concern (and probably fear!) of leaving the comfort of the company I was working for, he outlined all the amazing opportunities that lay ahead of me by taking the leap to London. He was right…!
5. What has been your most challenging PA role to date and why?
We have recently gone through a huge integration at Indurent. 2024 was a challenging year because I had to continue to support Julian in his day to day, as well as supporting with the integration. A key thing was still ensuring company moral was high in the office, and I didn’t let the company socials or charity events fall by the wayside. At times it was tough (as well as moving house 3 weeks before go-live date!) but I surprised myself at my resilience!
6. What about your role do you like most?
I feel super fortunate to work with someone like Julian, as well as the rest of the fabulous people in the company. I like how no two days are the same and I’m constantly being tested and challenged.
7. What’s your biggest achievement as a PA?
My biggest achievement as a PA has been building out the admin team across 2024/2025 to ensure we have a solid foundation of support across the business. This team champions our company culture and values, and continues to be the essential cogs behind the scenes, contributing to the company’s success.
8. What’s the biggest hurdle you have had to overcome as a PA?
The biggest hurdle as a PA is that some things are out of your control. You have to navigate a multitude of personalities and hierarchy, which can be challenging. Your day-to-day responsibilities are constantly changing, and you often have to reassess the importance of tasks given daily to ensure everything runs smoothly.
9. If you could pick up a new skill what would it be?
As AI continues to be a significant topic, I believe it's important to embrace and understand how it can enhance my role as an EA. By learning about AI's capabilities, I can leverage its potential to streamline tasks, improve efficiency, and support the team more effectively. Rather than fearing AI, I see it as an opportunity to grow and adapt in an evolving workplace.
10. What advice would you give to candidates finding their first job in a support role in London?
I would say have a think about what is important to you when looking for a company. What industry do you want to be in etc. as culture differs greatly across all industries. Work with your recruiter to narrow down a few options and be open and honest about what you like and don’t like about the different roles presented.
11. What makes your day easier/what or who couldn’t you live without?
As mentioned above, I am very fortunate to support someone like Julian. That definitely makes the day to day easier. I also have a super team of admins who make the days easier and better not only because they’re brilliant at what they do, but it’s nice having a gang of positive, smiling people around you daily!
12. What three attributes do you think make a good PA?
It’s hard to pin down so I will narrow it down to five…
Discretion and Confidentiality: Handling sensitive information with care and maintaining confidentiality is essential to build trust and protect the interests of the organisation.
Problem-Solving Skills: A good PA can think on their feet and find solutions to unexpected issues, sometimes before it’s even become a problem!
Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in all tasks is crucial for a PA to avoid errors and maintain professionalism.
Proactive Attitude: Taking initiative and anticipating needs before they arise helps in staying ahead and providing top tier support.
Interpersonal Skills: Building strong relationships with colleagues and externals fosters a collaborative and positive work environment.
13. What are you most proud of?
Every year, we host the Source to Sea charity relay race, running along the Thames path from the source of the River Thames back to London. This event fosters positive interactions internally within Indurent and externally with other companies who join us, all while fundraising for LandAid. When I first helped Julian with this back in 2019, there were just 7 runners. Now, we have 12 teams of 10 runners joining us this June. It's an amazing challenge that brings together a multitude of people. I love being involved in organizing this event as it not only supports a great cause but also strengthens our community and builds lasting connections.
14. What advice would you give to a young PA starting their career?
Don’t be afraid to put your hand up and get stuck into to anything and everything, showcase how invaluable you are. Admin roles are malleable and grow and change so use this to your advantage – never feel like you’re pigeon-holed into one aspect!
15. How different do you think the role of EA/PA will differ in 10 years?
I like to think over the next 10 years with the help of AI, the role of EA/PA will continue to be an important role of any business. I’d like to think that more companies take a leaf out of Indurent’s book and give their admin teams the foundations to grow and thrive and help make positive contributions to the businesses outside of the standard diary/travel management. The more you utilise your EA/PA and involve them in things across the business, the more invaluable they become.
16. When you’re not being one of London’s top PAs, what do you enjoy doing?
I have signed up to a few swimming challenges this year so I am focusing on that for 2025! I am also a bit of a chatterbox so spending time with friends yapping away “putting the world to rights” as it were is a favourite activity…
17. What are you looking forward to professionally in the future?
I'm excited to see what the future holds for our company and where we will be in the next 10 years. The journey so far has been incredible, and I look forward to continuing to grow and achieve new milestones together. The possibilities are endless, and I can't wait to be a part of our ongoing success!
