RECOGNITION
ENVATO
Envato began as an Australian tech start up in 2006 and is now the global leader in digital creative assets . In partnership with climate tech startup Trace , Envato became a carbon-neutral business in 2022 .
envato . com
Tammy working with future technology as an EA at REA Group Hosting VIP Guests in Formula 1 pit tours as an EA at Red Bull Australia latter I think being the most valuable . My most spectacular fails , and there have been a few , usually lead to my biggest transformations .
You have had some speaking engagements – can you tell us about your favourite ? After doing quite a few events I was invited to be a keynote speaker at the Hays PA Conference in Leeds , UK – they flew me over to speak to hundreds of UK-based assistants . It was an amazing experience and they were so wonderfully supportive . I was presenting alongside the former PA to John F . Kennedy Junior and the former chief of staff to Oprah Winfrey so that felt like quite the honour !
What do you get out of being a speaker ? I ’ ve always been very passionate about busting EA / PA stereotypes and encouraging my peers to think big when it comes to their potential and their roles . So , my key notes have been about challenging the status quo and , as I ’ m partial to a laugh , having some fun along the way . In my youth , I did some stand-up comedy and it turns out that skillset marries pretty well with corporate presenting ! Also , the community is so supportive – one of my warmest memories is when I messed up on stage in Leeds and was mortified … Until the room full of assistants cheered me on and got me back on track . We really do look out for each other . I would have to say my favourite part would be when the presentation is done and I get to chat to delegates afterwards , continuing the conversation and sharing our ideas .
Why do you think assistant roles keep evolving ? That ’ s a big question . Technology is a true ally . Many of the administrative tasks that were the bread and butter of our roles when I was starting out are now totally redundant . Time management ? Calendar management ? There is an app and much more for that these days . I gave a presentation at a conference seven years ago titled ‘ Assistants vs robots ’ where I stated we were at a fork in the road . We let new technology make us obsolete – or we embrace it , use it to our advantage and take the opportunity to level up . I remember a few dazed faces at that time as I talked through the potential changes but I think especially in this age of AI it resonates clearly . The impressive thing about assistants is that we don ’ t shy away . We keep leading the charge and bringing our own change and I ’ m so proud of us for that .
Now , on to your company . What makes it stand out ? It ’ s a supportive and forward-thinking business . We take diversity , inclusion and employee wellbeing seriously and these are initiatives that anyone in the business can take an active role in . Envato is excellent at remote friendly , working which is a game changer for someone like me who is managing parenthood with full time work . Finally , in partnership with climate tech startup Trace , Envato became a carbon-neutral business in 2022 . This goes beyond our physical offices and includes an estimate of the footprint for all our staff working flexibly around the world .
What ’ s your office Christmas party like ? Twice a year the business comes together for our ‘ Envato Connect ’ conference . It ’ s a multi-day event with a fun celebration night weaved in . Being a remote-first business means the atmosphere when we do get together in person is electric . We really get into the spirit and being on the planning committee I ’ ve enjoyed arranging conferences .
What are your top tips for senior level PAs looking to create a great culture in their organisation ? I think it ’ s crucial to identify the want or need before rolling out initiatives as it can be easy to prescribe what you think people want and miss the mark . Chat to people and understand what the opportunities are across the business and address them . Forming a social committee or getting involved in the one you have is imperative . Make sure it ’ s diverse enough to inform from all areas of the business . Get feedback and really listen , ask the right questions . Sometimes small , targeted projects where there is a keen need have a much bigger impact than blanketed company-wide events . S
Summer Issue 2024 | Executive PA 23