OPINION
THE LAST WORD
Reflecting on the year that was Feroza Sader shares heartfelt and heartwarming parting thoughts to ponder .
As last year drew to a close , I realised that it was a year of highs and lows . It ’ s been nearly two years since I lost my 11-year-old son . Over the months since his passing , I ’ ve noticed that many people around me struggle to talk about him . I believe they avoid the topic because they think it will be too sad , but I actually cherish those conversations . When those who knew him can speak to me about him , it becomes my space for joy . The Almighty has granted me incredible strength to endure this pain , and for that , I am truly grateful . My advice to all of you is : don ’ t shy away from engaging in conversation with someone who has experienced a loss .
On a brighter note , I ’ ve developed a love for technology . If ChatGPT were a person , I would give it a big , squishy hug ! The minutes of all my meetings are now in a much better place , and I ’ m sure I ’ ve become the envy of many . I ’ ve also taught myself to make the most of all the apps on my phone , which has made my life so much easier . Voice notes to text while driving in traffic have given me an extra hour and a half of daily productive work while also creating “ me time .”
Our organisation has undergone significant changes , but my mantra remains the same : “ Get to work , do your best work to completion , keep your head , heels , and standards high , and don ’ t overanalyse what ’ s happening around you .” I shared this mantra with many colleagues when they questioned the changes , speculated , and stressed . It helped them focus on what truly matters , and boy , oh boy , it really worked ! It ’ s all about mindset , right ?
I also attended an event where Nikki Bush was one of the speakers . Her persona was captivating – her words and message felt like she spoke directly to me . I ’ m sure every person in the audience felt the same way about this
“ If ChatGPT were person , I would give it a big , squishy hug !”
vibrant and inspiring lady . I reached out to her , and now I receive her short , powerful messages via email .
One recent message was titled “ Do It , or Dump It ( DIDI ),” where she discusses how we can get a return on our investment of time , energy , and money . “ It ’ s a process of elimination , prioritising based on impact , that leaves you with a shortlist of items for meaningful productivity and impact ,” she says . Her messages are always so meaningful and helpful . There ’ s always something to learn from her .
Another email I eagerly look forward to is the encouraging weekly messages from Susan Engelbrecht , always accompanied by a beautiful , sunny picture . The value of staying connected as an executive assistant is immense – it ’ s what legacies are made of !
To my fellow executive assistants , in a world where we are called to rise and shine , remember that we have each other . We are united by our profession , and when we stand together , we stand for what we believe in . Together , we can make our profession the most sought-after one in the world !
All the best for 2025 . Let ’ s keep our heads , heels , and standards high and continue to support each other in straightening our crowns ! Much love and hugs , Feroza S
Feroza Sader is an EA at Motus Parts in South Africa
62 Executive PA | Autumn Issue 2025