Introduction

Welcome. You're listening to Links at Bain and Gray, a catalogue of podcasts centred on all Things business, support in the workplace. Our aim is to bring you interesting and relevant content that will keep you up to date and thriving in your role.

Emily: Good morning, Joy, and welcome to Links Presents!

Joy: Thank you for having me.

Emily: It's a pleasure! I've been looking forward to this conversation for a long time. Your career so far has been fascinating, and I feel like you're only just getting started. Your experience is incredibly relevant to our audience, particularly graduates looking for inspiration.

To summarise, you studied marketing at university, which led to your first marketing role. But what I find really interesting is how you transitioned into operations and became an executive assistant to an ultra-high-net-worth individual. That’s what I’d love to focus on today—does that sound good?

Joy: Absolutely!

UNIVERSITY & EARLY CAREER

Emily: Let’s start at the beginning. Tell me about your degree and your university experience.

Joy: I studied Management and Marketing at university, initially convinced that marketing was my career path. While studying, I engaged in corporate experiences, such as skill days at Unilever, and was certain that FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) was my dream industry.

However, everything changed when I took a placement year at Bentley Motors. It was a very corporate environment, and I quickly realised I felt like a small cog in a massive machine. I had little impact, and the hierarchy was overwhelming. That experience made me reconsider my career path.

Emily: That’s a big shift. So, what did you do after your placement year?

Joy: When I returned for my final year, I was unsure of my next step. By chance, I landed a role in buying at Selfridges, focusing on homeware. I enjoyed the research and selection aspects, but I quickly realised that most of the job was Excel-heavy, which wasn’t for me.

This realisation led me to consider becoming a PA—I wanted something dynamic, where every day was different.

TRANSITION TO PA WORK

Emily: That’s a big career shift! How did you transition from buying to a PA role?

Joy: I reached out to recruitment agencies that specialised in PA roles. Initially, they were unsure if I was a good fit, but I was determined. Thanks to my administrative background, I landed my first PA job quickly.

Emily: Was this through an agency or personal connections?

Joy: It was through an agency.

Emily: That’s great, as some clients can be reluctant to consider candidates from different backgrounds. Was your first PA role in a corporate or private setting?

Joy: It was a private family home, which was a huge adjustment. I went from working in an office with a team to being alone in a household. Initially, there was a housekeeper and a nanny, but soon after I joined, the nanny left, and I absorbed many of those responsibilities. It was overwhelming.

Emily: That must have been a baptism of fire!

Joy: Absolutely! I often questioned if I had made the right decision.

LESSONS LEARNED & MOVING ON

Emily: What did you learn from that experience?

Joy: I learned the importance of setting boundaries. I said yes to everything, which led to an unmanageable workload. If I could go back, I’d establish clearer expectations from the start.

Emily: That’s a common challenge. What made you decide to leave that role?

Joy: It was too unstructured, and I was doing everything with no clear limits. I moved to a private family office that also had a charitable foundation. It was a step towards a more corporate environment, but it was still a difficult workplace.

Emily: What were the biggest challenges in that role?

Joy: The environment was tough, and turnover was high. I originally had a Chief of Staff above me, which I thought would help, but they left within two months. Suddenly, I had direct exposure to the principal, which was both a challenge and a learning experience.

THE ROLE OF A PA & CAREER PROGRESSION

Emily: Managing expectations is a big part of being a PA, especially in high-net-worth environments. What did you take away from that experience?

Joy: Resilience. These individuals expect the best, immediately. Managing their expectations while keeping a level head is crucial. You also need a Plan B at all times.

Emily: Great advice. After a tough year, you moved on. Where did you go next?

Joy: I transitioned into a more structured commercial/private role, supporting a businesswoman and media personality. I started as a PA, but my role expanded into operations, particularly helping build a startup.

Emily: That’s incredible! Tell us about the business.

Joy: It’s a raw dog food startup called WiLD PACK, founded by Georgia Toffolo. The industry is growing rapidly, and I’ve loved being part of something from the ground up.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PAs

Emily: What advice would you give to someone starting out as a PA?

Joy: Do your research before accepting a role. Ask why previous employees left and don’t settle for vague answers. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Emily: So true! What tools or habits make your day easier?

Joy: Daily walks and calling my mum. It helps me reset and gain perspective.

Emily: That’s lovely! Finally, how do you see the PA/EA role evolving over the next 10 years?

Joy: I think it will become more remote, with specialised freelancers filling in gaps. Traditional family offices will need to adapt to this model.

Emily: Completely agree. Joy, it’s been a pleasure speaking with you. I can’t wait to see where your career takes you next!

Joy: Thank you!