EA PROFILE
BEIERSDORF
Beiersdorf Australia Ltd is an affiliate of the German company Beiersdorf AG based in Hamburg . It researches , develops , markets and distributes skin and health care products throughout Australia and New Zealand . Its flagship brand is NIVEA and it also has the Elastoplast brand .
beiersdorf . com . au
compared to the large IBM company I came from . Here you are not a number – you are a name and a person , and take care of you both physically and mentally . They are also ethically responsible to the community and the environment . The flagship brand , NIVEA , is a household name , and I am very proud to say I work for such loved skincare brand .
How do you find the work / life balance ? We are offered a hybrid working week – some mandatory days in the office , some from home – and if you need time off for a medical appointment or a sick child , this is given without a blink . We have also recently been given a few personal days ( CARE days ), as well as our annual leave , recognising we need to stop and smell the roses occasionally .
What ’ s been your career highlight and why ? I don ’ t have any particular career highlight . Each job has given me an opportunity to develop and grow both personally and professionally . Some have pushed me far out of my comfort zone , but always with a safety net of support . Just doing this for Executive PA has made me reflect with joy at the many things I have achieved ; setbacks I faced and overcame ; the colleagues I made and still call friends , and I smile .
How do you see your career progressing , and what is your ultimate career goal ? I ’ m actually thinking about retiring in the not too distant future . But I enjoy my work , my colleagues and the company I work for too much , so it may be a difficult decision ! When I retire , I would like to be able to look back and see I was valued for my skills , my knowledge , my passion and above all , being a role model . Leaving a good footprint ; a legacy if you like , in training and developing my successor .
What ’ s the most important thing you ’ ve learned about the assistant role ? Credibility is everything . Be honest , reliable , trustworthy and accurate . Don ’ t be remembered for the mistakes you made . We all make mistakes but own them and fix them if you do .
What do you think will be the biggest challenges for assistants in the next few years and how can we overcome them ? It will be important to be tech-savvy and keep up with ever-changing technology . Have a good relationship with your technical support team . Use automation to improve efficiencies and streamline processes . S
Summer Issue 2024 | Executive PA 51