“ I decided to take control and educate myself for the future and for a higher role. It’ s easy to sit back and wait for opportunities to‘ come your way’. That rarely happens, so it’ s important to look for opportunities and turn them into achievements and goals.”
Denise has organised Arup’ s large biennial Australia regional forum, built and implemented an induction process for directors, and moved from paper-based board papers to cloud technology.
In addition she is passionate about her ongoing education of the corporate world to value EAs and PAs as professionals.
“ When I came to Arup, EAs and PAs were siloed and fragmented. The leaders had little idea of what to expect from PAs, and how they could add value, and as a consequence they were under-utilised.
“ Once settled I went about influencing company leaders to consider employing more dedicated PAs. This took time but, once established, the PAs recruited proved the value they could add and word spread.”
Denise encourages EAs to empower themselves by being the best they can be, to be a partner to their executives. She also set up an EA / PA network, encouraging leadership and stepping up to take on challenges, with full support at board level.
She is now starting a pilot program to incorporate PA duties and skills into in the roles of business assistants, who work at the coalface with Arup’ s business and project teams.
“ Business assistants and PAs follow different streams of work. Some of our business leaders believe adding a PA mindset and skills to the BA role will free them up to do what they do best, lead their project teams and ensure our clients are provided with exceptional service.”
ARUP Chairman Peter Bailey is one of those believing the benefits of effective EA partnership are immense.
“ A motivated and switched on assistant has been a critical factor in my own effectiveness and success. When it works well, it is like a true partnership; a second brain, a second set of eyes and ears, and a spare pair of hands! This sort of help is invaluable. I also value an assistant with an opinion. I need advice like anyone else.”
With Peter’ s encouragement, when Denise retires in 2017 she will continue to consult at Arup and mentor support staff to build the career they want to achieve.
She also intends to volunteer with victims of domestic violence to help them rebuild their lives, their confidence and skills.
“ It’ s important for everyone to feel
Denise Keen
“ I decided to take control and educate myself for the future and for a higher role. It’ s easy to sit back and wait for opportunities to‘ come your way’. That rarely happens, so it’ s important to look for opportunities and turn them into achievements and goals.”
– Denise Keen
empowered, to feel in control, to feel people trust you to do the best you can do. Even leaders working at the highest levels need to feel empowered, enabled, confident, trusted.”
So how does Denise think that leaders can empower their EAs to be thought leaders and change drivers?
“ It’ s easy. Trust your EA. Listen to them. Ask them questions and challenge them. Believe in them.” E
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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW. EXECUTIVEPA. COM. AU