Transcription

INTRODUCTION:

Welcome. You're reading a transcript on 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: Today I’m talking to Tim Regan. Welcome, Tim.

Tim: Hi. Nice to see you.

Tim’s Career Journey: From Law Student to Business Support

Emily: Tim, you have an impressive career of nearly 20 years in the business support world, starting in hospitality, evolving into operations, EA, and now more recently as Chief of Staff. Like many EAs, you’ve proved that transferable skills can work in any industry. But let’s go all the way back to university, what were you doing there?

Tim: I studied law at university. Originally, I enrolled in a 4-year course to study law with American law, planning to spend time both in the UK and the US. Midway, I decided law wasn’t my ultimate career path, so I shortened the course to three years. I’m glad I finished because the skills I learned have really helped me in my career.

Post-University: Exploring Opportunities

Emily: It says here you went to the States. Was that for a few years or back and forth?

Tim: That was two summers. After university, I spent a few years experimenting and working on cruise ships, in insurance companies, and travelling. It was all about figuring out what I enjoyed and what ticked the boxes for me.

Transitioning into Business Support

Emily: So, how did you then move into business support?

Tim: Completely by accident. I was working in Brighton and wanted to move to London. I applied for a job at Karen Hardy Dance Studios, partly because I loved dance as a hobby. Initially, they considered me for teaching, but eventually, I started as a receptionist. Very quickly, I began improving processes and was promoted to Operations Manager.

In that role, I worked closely with Karen, organising her travel and handling business tasks. That’s when I realized I loved this kind of work, and that’s when I decided to pursue a PA/EA career.

Emily: It’s great when that happens. Where you fall into a role, grab opportunities, and people recognise your skill set.

Moving into the Corporate World

Emily: You’ve done EA and PA roles across various industries before moving to Channel 4, where you started as an EA and transitioned to Chief of Staff. How did that transition happen?

Tim: When I joined Channel 4, it was a maternity cover role and a risk because I left a permanent role for it. But I saw an opportunity to work in TV and learn. The department was huge and undergoing major changes. My boss had an intense workload, so I started taking on special projects beyond diary management.

Over time, I became the go-to problem solver, hired and supervised another EA, and eventually proposed formalising my evolving role as Chief of Staff.

Chief of Staff at Channel 4: What Did It Involve?

Emily: When you became Chief of Staff at Channel 4, what did that actually involve?

Tim: The role was split into three parts:

  • Support to My Boss: Strategic planning, prioritization, and leading on reports and presentations.

  • Operational Oversight: Handling logistical operations, like office refurbishments and setting up new regional offices.

  • Special Projects: Taking ownership of unique challenges and implementing improvements.

Every day was different, and I often took on projects I initially had no clue about, but I figured them out.

Biggest Achievement

Emily: What would you say has been your biggest achievement so far?

Tim: One standout project was working with the CEO on Channel 4’s sponsorship of the Royal Television Society’s Cambridge Convention. It involved securing top speakers, managing last-minute changes, and delivering a high-profile event under pressure. It was challenging but a huge success, and a real test of resilience.

Advice for Aspiring EAs and Chiefs of Staff

Emily: What advice would you give to someone starting out as a PA, EA, or even aiming to be a Chief of Staff?

Tim: Connect with people in the role you aspire to, LinkedIn is great for this. Most people are happy to share insights. This helps you understand the challenges, prepares you for interviews, and confirms if the role is right for you.

Also, when discussing career progression, frame it around how you can help your boss and the business, not just what you want.

The Future of EA and Chief of Staff Roles

Emily: How different do you think the EA or Chief of Staff role will look in 10 years?

Tim: AI will change things, particularly for scheduling and admin, but it won’t replace EAs. If anything, it will free them up to focus on strategic work. The role is becoming increasingly influential and exciting.

Life Outside of Work

Emily: When you’re not being one of London’s top Chiefs of Staff, what do you enjoy doing?

Tim: I’m passionate about ballroom and Latin dancing. A hobby that started at university. I still train and compete, which keeps me fit and focused.

Looking Ahead

Emily: What’s next for you?

Tim: I’m taking on a new Chief of Staff role at a global media brand. It’s a big opportunity, more complexity, more learning, and I’m excited for the challenge.

Final Thoughts

Emily: Well we will have to have another Links presents with you in a couple of years time to see where you're at in your career there. But Tim, thank you so much for joining us today. It has been such a pleasure.

Tim: No, you are very welcome. I've enjoyed it. Thank you so much for having me.

Emily: Thank you.