How long have you been a Secretary/P.A?
Tell us about your journey…
I’m originally from Los Angeles and moved to the UK 25 years ago after a career in creative sales brought me here. After more than 20 years in sales, I knew I wanted a change, but I wasn’t sure what that looked like.
An opportunity came up to join a small sports distribution company in Bristol as a PA. I’d never been a PA and they’d never had one, but I thought, I’ll treat them as my most important client and take it from there.
Having been a senior manager myself, I knew what great support looked like. In every organisation Id worked in around the world, the EAs, PAs and Office Managers were always the knowledgeable, trusted people at the heart of the business. I wanted to become one of them. It turned out to be the best career decision I’ve ever made. I helped shape the role around the needs of the business, taking on everything from office management to brand protection.
A few years later, I wanted my work to have a greater sense of purpose, so I joined North Bristol NHS Trust supporting the Chief Executive. It was an incredible experience and gave me even greater respect for the NHS.
When the opportunity came up to support the Director General and Chair of the National Trust two years ago, I crossed my fingers and went for it. It’s busy, demanding and incredibly varied — but it’s also full of joy.
What do you love most about your job?
The National Trust is such an important organisation, and I genuinely believe our work matters. Whether it’s caring for nature, protecting historic places or making them accessible to everyone, it’s work that has a lasting impact.
Travelling across England, Wales and Northern Ireland and seeing the National Trust logo everywhere fills me with pride. Knowing I’ve played a small part in supporting that mission is incredibly rewarding.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen over the last few years?
Without question, Al.
I’m glad I started using it in my personal life before introducing it into work because it made the technology feel far less intimidating. I think we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible, and assistants are perfectly placed to benefit from it.
• The rise of Al – exciting and scary in equal measure.
• The shift in the workplace for women. There are now so many more females in leadership roles, and it’s inspiring to see.
What’s the one piece of office equipment/tech you couldn’t be without?
Webex.
My colleagues are spread across the country, so the traditional office doesn’t really exist anymore. Being able to collaborate, problem-solve and catch up face-to-face in real time makes a huge difference.
What advice would you give someone starting their career as a P.A?
Take the time to really get to know the person you’re supporting. Ask questions, be curious and be honest when you don’t know something.
Our role is to make our executive’s working life as seamless as possible. Whether you’re organising complex international travel or sitting in strategic meetings, every task matters. We re not just providing administrative support we’re true business partners.
What’s your professional goal this year?
The National Trust has a fantastic Business Services community across the organisation. I’ve spent the last two years really understanding my own role, and this year I want to learn more about how our regional and directorate support teams work so we can continue learning from one another.
Any training or courses you’d recommend?
There’s so much Al training available that it can feel overwhelming.
My advice is simply to start using it. Ask it to plan a holiday, organise a party or help with a shopping list. Once you become comfortable using Al in your personal life, it’s much easier to apply it confidently at work. Then look at training to help you get the best out of prompting and more advanced features.