One conversation to change them all

History is full of examples where a single conversation has led to significant change. One of the most well-known stories is of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

While it wasn’t a chance meeting per se, their deep discussions on mythology and Christianity in 1931 did play a pivotal role in Lewis’s conversion to Christianity and, in turn, influenced some of his most beloved works, including The Chronicles of Narnia.

It’s a powerful reminder that even small, seemingly ordinary conversations can lead to remarkable outcomes.

We recently experienced a similar moment. (Minus the world-famous novel!)

Sandy, our founder, was supporting a client in Brussels during their Annual General Meeting. On the taxi ride to catch her Eurostar home, she sat next to the Chair of a well-known charity.

As they chatted, he told her about a challenge many leaders face, “We’ve been thinking about virtual executive assistant support, but I don’t even know where to begin”, he said.

That conversation sparked something. Sandy explained how we provide tailored virtual executive assistant support to leaders just like him.

Three weeks later, the charity was fully onboarded, paired with a dedicated virtual executive assistant ?and already seeing the benefits:

• Systems were set up seamlessly.
• Their first board meeting was professionally minuted, with concise summaries delivered promptly.

Both the Chair and CEO find themselves feeling supported to focus on strategy and explore ways to delegate further over the coming months as their assistant embeds into the team.You see, it wasn’t just about reducing their workload. It was about reclaiming their time, energy and focus for what truly mattered – leading their organisation forward.

Questions to ask yourself before the year ends

This time of year is the perfect moment to reflect. As the holidays approach, ask yourself:

• How many hours have you spent this year on tasks that someone else could have handled?
• What could you achieve if you had more time to focus on the big picture?
• What would your work and life look like if you weren’t weighed down by operational routine tasks?

And perhaps the most telling question – are you too busy to even think about these questions?

Delegating effectively isn’t just a practical solution – it’s a strategic advantage. When you can trust someone to handle the operational details, you gain the freedom to think bigger, plan better and achieve more.

But it’s not just about outsourcing. It’s about finding the right support. Someone who feels like an extension of yourself, and truly a part of your team. Someone experienced, proactive and invested in your success.

“Small hinges swing big doors.” – W. Clement Stone

Re-write 2025 by getting in touch

One small change, like having a conversation or deciding to delegate, can create a ripple effect that transforms everything.

It’s a simple idea, but it’s one that leaders often overlook in the rush to keep up with the demands of their day.

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of reflection. And if that leads to a conversation about how life could be different, Executive PA Solutions is always here to help.

Get in touch today to find out how our award-winning executive assistance agency can reduce your workload, enhance your focus and become more productive.

How to find the “right support”

As we mentioned above, the key to successfully freeing up your time and growing is to find the right support. ?Here are some things to think about as you explore this option:

• Personality and soft skills – Look for a virtual assistant who feels like a natural extension of yourself. They should have emotional intelligence, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities to fit seamlessly into your workflow.
• Clear expectations – Be upfront about your hours and tasks. Setting clear expectations from the start leads to a smoother working relationship and better results.
• Delegation fit – Make sure the tasks you assign align with your assistant’s strengths. If a task doesn’t match their expertise, it’s a sign to look for someone better suited for the job.
• Mutual respect – Respect and trust are key to any successful working relationship. Keep communication open, set realistic expectations and recognise their contributions to build a productive partnership.

Want to dive deeper into these considerations? Read our full blog to uncover the possible challenges you could encounter during the process before making the all-important decision.

To start your Executive PA journey in the New Year book a discovery call today.

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