EA PROFILE
Please tell us a little about yourself. I’ m an EA with a background that spans healthcare, communications, technology and now aviation. I’ m married with three children and live on the Sunshine Coast. And I thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy supporting senior leaders and have built a career grounded in resilience, adaptability and a strong commitment to ensuring complex operations run smoothly.
How did you become an assistant? Unexpectedly! After taking time away from my career to care for my son during his cancer treatment, I returned to the workforce with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. My previous role was no longer available and an EA position was offered to me. Although I had no formal experience, I approached it with confidence and a willingness to learn. Within six months I was told I was the best EA my CEO had worked with, which confirmed that I had found something that aligned naturally with my strengths.
What were you doing before this? I worked as a registered nurse and later as a patient flow coordinator. I learned how to stay calm under pressure, manage competing demands, communicate clearly and make decisions quickly – skills that translate directly into high-level executive support. Healthcare also gave me strong emotional intelligence and the ability to engage with people in a considered, empathetic way, which is essential in supporting senior leaders.
How did your son’ s illness shape your professional approach? A major turning point in my life was when my 13-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer. That period taught me resilience, perspective and the ability to manage intense pressure and uncertainty. Those qualities now underpin how I operate professionally. I returned to work with a stronger sense of capability, a greater appreciation for balance and a belief that I can handle whatever comes my way.
What are your main responsibilities at McDermott Aviation? Executive support for both our CEO and founder / president, which means balancing two very different working styles, priorities and rhythms. I manage calendars, communication flows, meeting preparation, board coordination, project support and operational follow-through across a business that moves quickly at a global scale.
What’ s a typical day like for you? There is no such thing! Our business moves quickly and priorities can shift in a moment. I begin by checking all messaging platforms and emails( including those of the executives I support) as this gives me a clear indication of the day’ s direction and any immediate actions required. From there, the day can lead anywhere – board meetings, project support, operational coordination or last minute travel. One day I might be sitting in a helicopter or inside a Transall C-160. The next I may be planning an event, joining a project meeting or visiting one of our bases in Greece.
What are the most important parts of your role? Prioritisation, clear communication and maintaining absolute trust with the executives I support. My job is to create clarity in a fast-moving environment, anticipate what’ s needed before it’ s asked for and ensure the right information reaches the right people at the right time. Relationship management is equally critical, both internally and externally, because so much of the role relies on influence rather than authority.
What’ s been your career highlight so far? One moment stands out in my current role. During my interview, one of my executives said:“ I’ ve been told I need an EA. I don’ t know what one does and I don’ t know how this will work. When can you start?” I walked away determined to prove the value of the role. Twelve months later he said:“ I didn’ t think I needed an EA, but now I know I do.” That was the moment I knew I had succeeded.
What’ s surprised you most about being an EA? Just how influential the role can be when you are truly embedded in the leadership environment. Many people assume the position is purely administrative but, in reality, it requires strategic insight, emotional intelligence and the ability to shape outcomes behind the scenes. I have been surprised by the degree of trust executives place in their assistants and how often we become a sounding board, problem-solver and steadying influence during highpressure decision-making.
What’ s the most important thing you’ ve learned? That no technology can replace emotional intelligence. Relationship-building is critical and at times I have had to persist and‘ knock on the door’ repeatedly to earn trust. Once that relationship is established, the impact an EA can have is enormous.
What advice would you give to someone starting out? I wish someone had told me early on that perfection is not the goal. Progress, trust and consistency are what matter. You will make mistakes and that does not diminish your capability or your value. The real measure of an assistant is how you respond, how you communicate and how you maintain composure when things shift unexpectedly. I also wish I had known just how important it is to back yourself, speak up and take your seat at the table. The role is far more impactful when you are confident enough to use your voice.
How do you see your career progressing? I aspire to move into a chief of staff role in the future; a natural progression for those who want to broaden their responsibility and influence.
How do you think the EA role will evolve? As automation and AI streamline routine administrative tasks, the true value of an assistant will sit in relationship management, critical thinking and the ability to anticipate issues before they arise. Assistants will operate as business partners and act as trusted advisors, bridging communication, culture and operational priorities for senior leaders. S
Summer Issue 2026 | Executive PA 21