EA PROFILE
ARRIBA
Arriba Group gives people with disabilities the best opportunity to connect in the community , build social skills and open up work opportunities . The team trains and retrains people to be work-ready , as well as helping individuals recover from an accident or illness then return to work .
arribagroup . com . au
What ’ s happened since ? Not long after winning my 2018 award , I was offered some public speaking engagements – I got to put my desire to empower other EAs into action by speaking at a number of conferences . I ’ ve also moved up into a C-suite role to continue growing and developing in my own career .
What are your top tips for senior level PAs looking to create a great culture in their organisation ? I think it all starts with the relationship between the PA / EA and their boss – there needs to be trust and transparency . From there , the boss needs to empower the EA to own the culture development process . In consultation with senior leaders , a culture plan should be developed – and it should be fluid .
I also think a good culture is made of many parts . Some people think culture is drinks in the office after work or team events . But for me , culture is a trust in leadership , plus leadership being open and honest with staff , and having the right people in the organisation . This is where values come into play . A company – and , drilling down , a team – should have a set of values that everyone knows , understands and demonstrates . A common goal and purpose give people a sense of belonging and achievement , and this fosters a great working environment .
What tips do you have for fellow admin professionals ? Never stop learning and developing . No matter how long you have been in ‘ the game ’, the moment you stop learning or say there ’ s nothing left for you to learn is the moment you ’ ll be left behind . Embrace change and technology and discover how these can benefit you . Always ask for your seat at the table – don ’ t wait to be invited . Speak up – if you have an idea or opinion share it because we ’ re in a unique position and can often offer a different perspective . Finally , network ! Join EA / admin groups , build your LinkedIn network and attend conferences . There is no better group of people to lean on when you need help or guidance .
How do you see the EA role developing ? I think the EA role has so much potential to grow into a partnership or leadership role beyond the assistant role , and I hope that the actual title of EA is phased out in order to truly reflect our standing and contributions to the workplace . I would like to see a true strategic partnership role where our ideas and views are listened to . We would be considered in the shaping of our teams ’ and businesses ’ goals , and admin professionals would be given a seat at the table .
And what about your own career progression ? What is your ultimate career goal ? I would love to be in a strategic role where I ’ m able to take on projects that are challenging and fulfilling . And , as one of my biggest passions is events , I ’ d love to be able to have events as part of my role . One of my biggest personal highlights , actually , was taking my love of event planning and management and starting my own small events business . It was unfortunately severely impacted by the pandemic but it remains one of my biggest achievements . S
Summer Issue 2023 | Executive PA 51