#StrategicPASeries | Our Autumn PA Show Takeaways And Countdown to Awards Night…

Welcome to our latest edition of the #StrategicPASeries newsletter - your dose of everything we’ve been up to here at the Strategic PA Network!

Grab a cuppa and get comfy, because this month we're bringing you a trip down memory lane! ?? We’re revisiting some of the most memorable Strategic PA events held at iconic venues like The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason, and Gaucho. ????But that’s not all, we’ll also be spotlighting our new mentorship program designed to empower and inspire, plus giving you all the highlights from this week’s Autumn PA Show. ?????

It’s nearly time for the Strategic PA Awards…

With just a few weeks to go, we're eagerly counting down to the 2024 Strategic PA Network Awards! ?? Taking place on Monday, 4th November at the stunning The Grove , Hertfordshire, this year’s event will celebrate the exceptional contributions of Business Support Professionals in style. ??

Open to all in the profession, the evening includes a welcome reception, three-course meal, wine, live entertainment, and learning opportunities. Highlights include keynote speaker Bonnie Low-Kramen , a fireside chat between an Executive Assistant and CEO, and a panel discussion on high performance in today’s fast-paced world, all woven around the Awards.

Tickets are still available, so come and join us for a night to remember! ??? Tickets here.

Our top moments from the Autumn PA Show…

We were thrilled to continue our partnership with The PA Show , this season’s leading boutique event for our industry. It was an incredibly inspiring day filled with learning, networking and growth for Executive Support Professionals. ?

Here are just a few of our highlights…?

• We were thrilled to feature on a dynamic panel ‘The Power of Networking with C-Suite Executive Assistants’ discussing the crucial role of networking for business support professionals. Our panel explored building relationships, enhancing credibility, and overcoming networking challenges. The session centered on the 6 Cs of successful networking: Communication, Credibility, Confidence, Collaboration, Consistency, and Community, highlighting how strong networks foster professional growth. A big thank you to our inspiring panellists: Caroline Marshall , Joanna Gaudoin and Lucy Chamberlain PCC for an impactful and engaging discussion!

• Jodie Mears FInstAM , Career EA, Podcast Host of The Crodie Files Podcast, Mentor and Coach, shared her mantra, "Network, Learn, and Grow," emphasising the importance of networking and building a personal brand to future-proof your career.

• Kathleen Drum led a powerful session on the topic of ‘Having Difficult Conversations’, sharing strategies for reframing difficult situations to reduce anxiety, using her BLT approach: Breathe, Listen, Think.

• The brilliant Kati Holloway Noakes shared powerful strategies for transforming your social media with AI, emphasizing the importance of knowing your audience, leveraging AI tools to enhance visuals and content, and finding your unique flavour using the Chef/Sous Chef metaphor.?

• Zoe Thompson and Nick Elston on delivered an inspiring session on "Building Resilience and Handling Stress", discussing resilience as the ability to adapt to changing situations and manage both acute and chronic stress. They emphasized the impact of language on our mindset and framing situations as challenges rather than threats.

Get involved in our Strategic PA 2024 Charity Auction…

We’re excited to announce the launch of our Strategic PA 2024 Charity Auction in support of three wonderful organizations: Smart Works Reading, Isipho Admin, and Bounce Forward. ?? This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference while getting involved in a meaningful cause.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our partners for their generous donations, including Iconic Luxury Hotels, Cliveden House and Spa, The Grove, Sukha Oils, and many more. The auction will close on Tuesday, 5th November at 2pm, so don’t miss out!

Help us spread the word and join in to support these incredible charities. ??

Join us on our Mentorship journey….

We’re excited to announce the Strategic PA Network Mentorship Programme has officially launched! ?? After nine years of building a strong community of Business Support Professionals, we’re formalising our approach to provide structured mentorship that offers guidance, industry insights and career growth opportunities for EAs, PAs and VAs. Send Savanna Skeath an email at [email protected] with the subject ‘Mentorship Programme’ to be kept in the loop!?

Our latest Strategic PA event highlights...

Here’s what’s been happening across our Strategic PA Network events over the past few months:

• Last week's Strategic PA Network October Power Hour featured a powerful session with Jess Goyder , who provided deep insights into understanding grief, coping strategies and healing approaches.?

• We all felt very inspired after the third session of our Strategic PA Diversity & Inclusion Series at Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill The empowering discussion highlighted the transformative future of the EA role and the importance of the Business Support Community standing together. Hosted by Kathryn Williams , we have to say the Private Dining space is divine, Bentley’s has an incredible team too!

• At the wonderful Fortnum & Mason , we brought senior EAs together to discuss partnership, trust and collaboration with HR, led by Jane Drysdale Thanks to Cherrie Lo 盧曉婷 and the Fortnum Concierge team for hosting a memorable morning.

• “You are all winners. Success isn’t just about the gold medal; it’s about your perseverance, passion, and the team behind you,” said Naomi Riches MBE PLY DL , 2012 Paralympic Gold Medallist, during an inspiring evening celebrating the Business Support Profession at the wonderful GAUCHO .

• On 3rd October, we hosted an engaging online Power Hour on "CV & Interview Skills with an AI Twist" led by AI expert Fiona Young . The interactive workshop provided valuable insights on refining CVs and interview techniques, with a focus on leveraging AI for a tech-savvy advantage in today’s competitive job market.

• We had a truly special moment hosting a Strategic PA Network roundtable breakfast at The Ritz London with an inspiring group of business support professionals. ? The discussion focused on five key themes: Equality, Commitment, Emotional Intelligence, Constant Improvement and Visibility.?

• We held a Coaching Skills workshop, led by Carole Gaskell , CEO of Full Potential Group, at the wonderful Thistle Hotels Marble Arch. Carole emphasised the power of curiosity, active listening, and mindset management in effective coaching, sharing practical strategies like asking powerful questions and focusing entirely on those you support.

What an incredible few months of events we’ve had, and we are now gearing up for even more in 2025. To say we’ll be celebrating our 10 year anniversary with a bang is an understatement. ???? We’ll be offering a series of events exclusively for our members, including opportunities for intimate roundtable dinners and more. If you’re interested in joining us or learning more about our membership, send us a message on LinkedIn or email [email protected]?

Upcoming events for your diary...

Will you be joining us? Here’s what’s to come for the rest of the year!

• Friday 15th November: Online Power Hour -? 'Unlocking Your Potential: An Executive Assistant's Guide to Conquering Imposter Syndrome' with Vicky Paul. Tickets here.
• Friday, 6th December: Online Power Hour - ?'Laugh and Learn: Executive Assistants' Guide to Fun Team Building and Stress-Free Event Planning' with Aaron Betesta . Tickets here.

And as a Strategic PA exclusive… grab a pen and SAVE THE DATE for our 2025 Learning and Development Summit. ?? Off the back of our hugely successful event this year, we will be back again at Great Fosters on 18th June, 2025 for our 2025 event! Tickets available here.

Last chance to enter: Powerhouse Competition...

Don't miss your opportunity to win a FREE spot at Powerhouse Vienna 2024, the ultimate training event for senior executive assistants. Share why this is the right time in your career to attend powerhouse, and email your response to [email protected] to enter.

Taking place on November 21 & 22, 2024, Powerhouse features a lineup of world-class trainers, including Lucy Brazier OBE , Ann Hiatt , Peggy Vasquez , Lizebeth Koloko-Green, MOS Expert , Diana Brandl and Simone White, FEPAA, FInstAM ! who will guide you through transformative sessions packed with insights and strategies.?

For more details, visit Powerhouse Vienna 2024.

And finally....

We are overjoyed to announce that Strategic PA was awarded Best Recruitment Company for Assistants at The PA Show Supplier Awards 2024! ??? This recognition celebrates our dedication to empowering and championing Executive Assistants as strategic partners and leaders. Thank you to everyone who supports our journey -? it means the world to us!

If you have any available roles within the Business Support profession, do reach out, as we’d love to help support you on your recruitment journey.?

Sarah and Marianne xx