PA Profile: Jodie Mears EA to C-suite & podcast host of The Crodie Files

PA Life Autumn Issue 2024 PA Profile interview features Jodie Mears FInstAM Mears who embraces and balances multiple professional opportunities. We found out how she fits it all into her busy life as a strategic career EA. Jodie has over 20 years’ of experience supporting C-Suite executives with expertise spanning senior leadership support, ethics and compliance, and also employee engagement. She is a keen advocate for professional development, a member of The PA Show’s advisory board and co-host The Crodie Files Podcast, with Craig Bryson, that’s dedicated to elevating the administrative profession…

What led you to become an Executive Support professional?

As with most people’s stories, it wasn’t my plan. I was misguided at school by careers advisors, not knowing where to sign post me as I was a good “allrounder”, so ended up taking a full time three-year NVQ in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy. I quickly moved into spa management at the age of 21. When I relocated to West Sussex, there weren’t many spas around, so being a person never out of work for more than a few days, I took temporary corporate and business administration assignments. From there on I’ve never looked back. Stuffing envelopes for a mail shot and organising stock rooms turned into experiencing roles such as Purchase Ledger, Receptionist, PA to Founders and Directors, Senior Administrative Assistant and then EA to C-Suite. I adapted as I went along and leaned into my collective skills and experience – all of it combined has led me to becoming an EA As well as being a busy EA, you also co-host the Crodie Files podcast with Craig Bryson, a fellow EA, and facilitate networking and learning events.

How do you combine the EA and business owner roles?

It is super busy but a great way to display and showcase all the skills an Assistant has. That doesn’t mean I work all the hours under the sun, in fact I have three children so I have had to learn to prioritise and juggle. Craig and I work together very well, we complement each other’s skills and naturally act like each other’s Assistant when the work loads are full on.

What would be your top advice for an Assistant considering setting up their own business?

Make that one tiny step today and the rest will fall into place, at the pace you set. I thought you needed to see the whole picture, have everything planned out and see a perfect idea on paper, with the people around you clapping you at every stage. If my ideas and the presumed support didn’t fit into that picture I would scrap it. What has since worked out for me is being adaptable along the way, making choices with yourself at the centre of everything unapologetically, identifying those people who are energising you or draining you and taking one step or one task at a time. I love this quote I saw recently– “In six months you can have six months of excuses or six months of progress- the choice is yours”. – unknown.

What makes a great Assistant today?

Going beyond the basic tasks of the role. That doesn’t mean working more hours and giving up your personal life. Assistants that stand out today have a curious growth mindset with the confidence to be seen as an expert contributor to the business capable of leading and showcasing autonomy. Once you fully own the role and step into every aspect and opportunity you will see how things start to unfold. I am a confident introvert, so I know first hand the challenges of “being seen” can bring, but I know if I can do it then others can too.

You also mentor other Assistants. What made you start and what motivated you to take on this additional role?

My motivation is always to share what I know to help others speed up their progress. This is important to me as it took me years and years to figure things out by myself. Mentoring in the Administrative profession wasn’t a thing when I was navigating my way through each role I had in the past, and I often think, if I had a great mentor or coach back then where would I be now? I wrap my mentoring into bespoke coaching, as I often find traditional mentoring methods alone can lack some of the “how to and how do I actually get started” type of outcomes that Assistants need to catch that creative spark, to get out of the starting blocks or out of a rut they are in. I treat the programme I set as a two-way commitment, with both parties fully invested in the outcome.

What does the future of the Assistant role look like to you today?

Especially in a view of fast advancing tech and tools, and how can Assistants ensure they stay on the top of their game?

I have seen a fast shift in the last few years in what is expected from our role, which is encouraging but can also be scary for some. Organisations are aware of getting a return on their investment (your salary or fee) and as such are requiring a lot more from one headcount in the form of expertise, plus time and money saved. I see the future assistant being very forward thinking, moving away from a pure support and into more partnership way of working. This is great news for us and will change the the perception of the role. This will, however, require us to be more visible, take ownership of projects, use tools available even when we are not ‘directed’ to do so, take initiative, and practice leadership now.

The World Economic Forum released top 10 skill priorities for 2027, and despite Administrative and Executive Secretaries also featuring at number five on the top ten fastest declining jobs, the skills businesses say they are looking for in the very near future, sound very familiar. AI and big data, analytical and creative thinking, technological literacy, empathy and active listening to name a few that are mentioned. To stay on top of your game you need to act now, be a subject matter expert, and make that known, take control of your learning and development and showcase what value you add to the business.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and by whom?

“Some will, some won’t, so what, what’s next.” I am not sure who originally said this, but my American auntie used to tell me this to encourage me to keep going. Don’t worry about hearing a ‘no’ and keep everything moving, always. It really stuck with me as I used to take everything very personally.

Which of the many roles are you most passionate about?

Being a role model to my three children. Showing them, through my actions and work, that anything is possible at any time in your life, for anyone, once you put your focus into it. As a good second comes my role as an EA. I like to show my passion for the role, to inspire others and show all the ups and downs the role can bring too. Sharing knowledge, advocating via The Crodie Files Podcast as well as a mentor and coach, by being relatable, honest and authentic across the board is ultimately what I am passionate about.

Can you share recommendations for career or personal development books or courses that would benefit other EAs and PAs?

Courses are subjective to what you currently need as an individual and there are a lot of courses out there to choose from. Some of the content can be highly relevant and some less so to your role. Ask questions and dig beneath the title and sales pitch, and always ask for key learning outcomes. A book I find to be timeless and excellent for personal development in my opinion is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. You learn why changing a habit is hard, how changing who you are is more important than focusing on your goal and how habits and identity are connected, plus so much more.

What are your favourite things to do and places to visit in London?

Two places I know I will never be disappointed with and love visiting every time I’m in London are Harrods and Selfridges Food Hall – anyone who knows me knows I am a sucker for food and coffee, especially fancy nibbles.

Where do you most like to send your execs for a business lunch or dinner in London?

M Threadneedle Street and Gaucho are always so accommodating, have a PA Club and are very close to our offices, but generally we like to look for new places all the time as execs get bored with the same place and cuisine very easily.

Favourite hotels to book for your visitors?

With the vast amount of choice in London, it is hard to have just a few favourites. We have always had great experiences with Hyatt. Personally, I like the Courthouse Hotel in Shoreditch, it is both historic and contemporary and the service is always on point.

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