#StrategicPASeries | The Return Of Our Learning & Development Summit & New Partnerships for 2025

Shining Bright in 2025 with the Strategic PA Network! ?

Welcome to the first edition of the #StrategicPASeries newsletter for 2025! We’re starting the year with fresh updates, inspiring stories and new ways for our community to connect and thrive. This month, we've started strong with networking events in London, we’ve dived into another enriching book club session, celebrated the growth of our mentoring programme and continued to welcome new members into our thriving network!

One quote that deeply resonated with us this January:

"Some of you don’t even realise how you light up rooms and inspire people just by being you. You are literally magnetic, and you don’t even realise it." Unknown

Let this be your reminder to embrace your unique light and inspire those around you. Dive in to discover all the latest happenings and opportunities to get involved!

Our Learning and Development Summit is back… ???

?? Date: Wednesday, June 18th, 2025

Our flagship learning and development event will return to the iconic Great Fosters Hotel & Restaurants in Egham this June, and is shaping up to be a highlight of the year!

We’re excited to announce that Naomi Riches MBE PLY DL , will kick off the day with an empowering keynote on resilience, alongside @M. Stroud and Nick Elston . John Cassidy【ツ】 , The Headshot Guy , will offer professional headshots for attendees, and each guest will receive a bespoke goodie bag, thanks to our gifting partner, Fortnum & Mason !

Early Bird Rate: Ends January 31st! Don’t miss out. Visit our events page to book your spot now!

Strategic PA Network at The PA Show 2025…. ??

?? February 26th - 27th, 2025

We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with The PA Show this February! Sarah Howson and Marianne Whitlock will host three exciting sessions in the Keynote Theatre, including a live podcast with Abigail Barnes .

1?? Achieving C-Suite Excellence: Feb 26, 12:30-13:10

2?? Chief of Staff: Top 5 Skills for the Executive Shift: Feb 27, 11:40-12:20

3?? Meet Sarah & Marianne: Feb 27, 13:15-13:55

Visit our stand for giveaways, VIP prize draws and to connect with incredible partners! Use code STRATPA10% for an early bird discount. Let’s make this event unforgettable! Register here.

Our #StrategicPABookClub returns for 2025… ??

Our first Book Club of 2025 is officially underway! January’s pick is The Personal Branding Playbook by Amelia Sordell ?? , and we are delighted that Sapna Shah , a valued member of our network and an accomplished Executive Assistant in financial services, will co-lead the book club for 2025.

February’s book will be The Unstoppable Assistant by Becky Kaapuni . Discussions are ongoing in our dedicated WhatsApp group - if you’d like to join, reach out to us!

An Update on our Strategic PA Mentorship Programme… ??

?We’re thrilled to announce that our mentorship programme kicks off in February! Mentees and mentors are currently completing their onboarding, including video introductions and we can’t wait to see the connections flourish.

We are also proud to partner with a renowned leadership development business we've worked with for years to bring additional value to this programme. Watch out for our February announcement!?

If you would like to join our next Cohort, do drop us an email to register interest on [email protected], add the title MentorshipProgramme. Spaces are limited.

Kicking off the Year with Some Amazing Strategic PA Events… ?

This year has started with an incredible lineup of events that have energised and connected our community!

1. We recently hosted an inspiring event at the stunning Harvey Nichols, featuring our keynote Zoe Hill , who shared her enthusiasm for year-end appraisals and setting goals. The morning was a huge success, with incredible company, a beautiful venue and a delicious breakfast. Attendees were also treated to dreamy goody bags from Harvey Nichols, adding a touch of luxury to an already memorable morning.

Zoe's career progression tips resonated deeply with attendees:

?? Start now: Clear your mind by jotting down what you want to achieve. What does your vision for the future look like?

??Take the pressure off: Life happens, and goals can evolve. Be flexible and adapt as needed.

??Break it down: Set a mix of comfortable, achievable goals and challenging ones that push you out of your comfort zone.

??Track your progress: Spend just 30 minutes a week (that’s 20 hours a year!) to reflect and document your wins—your year-end appraisal will practically write itself.

??Check in regularly: Do your goals still align with your vision? If not, it’s okay to pivot.

??Speak up: Want to work on a project? Ask! Showing initiative not only impresses but also lightens your exec’s load.

??Own your appraisal: It’s a two-way street, so use it to share your achievements, lessons learned, and aspirations. Stay honest with yourself and stay true.

A heartfelt thanks to Zoe, Joanna Moran , and our wonderful attendees for making this event unforgettable!?

2. Thank you to everyone who joined us at Meliá Hotels International White House for an inspiring evening with Jo Reeves . From the stunning venue and traditional Spanish dishes (paella of dreams!) to engaging conversations, it was a truly memorable event!

Key Takeaways:

?? Confidence starts with bravery.

?? Perfection isn’t real—find your “good enough.”

?? Awareness = Choice.

?? Assertiveness is balance, not bossiness.

A special thanks to Jo, Melia White House, and our partners at KDM Events Hayley Bennett-Wilson for making this gathering exceptional! A huge thank you to GM Jakob Gowin FIH and the lovely Michaela Best for hosting us.

3. Thank you to everyone who joined our online Power Hour, "Emotional Resilience for EAs: Leading with Compassion in High-Pressure Environments" with Nick Elston . Nick’s personal insights created a safe space for meaningful discussions, leaving us with impactful takeaways:??

?? “We become a product of our environment.”??

?? Within chaos lies opportunity for magic.??

?? Attitude shapes how we navigate inevitable change.??

?? Set clear intentions to drive your goals.??

This feedback says it all... "I just wanted to thank you all for today’s truly uplifting session with Nick. I felt so human afterwards - something that’s been missing for a while. Please pass my thanks on to Nick - I look forward to receiving the slide deck in due course. I wish you all a lovely weekend!" ??

Special thanks to Voucherline.com & Amanda Gower , our spotlighted partner, for their continued support of our network!

If you’d like to join future events, keep an eye on our calendar - opportunities to connect and grow are just around the corner. We take pride in being a warm, welcoming and friendly network - no one ever stands on their own. If it’s your first time, do reach out to the Strategic PA team, you’ll be welcomed with open arms!?

Want to become a Strategic PA member?... ??

?Whether you’re an individual or representing a corporate team, there’s a place for you in our community. Membership offers a host of benefits, from exclusive event access and development opportunities to a supportive network of peers. Get in touch to explore the best option for you and become part of the Strategic PA Network today!

Step up for Smart Works challenge… ??

Team Smart Works Reading invites you to join the March 2025 Step Challenge! Form a team of five and walk 10,000 steps daily, empowering women to succeed in their careers. Whether it’s walking meetings, lunchtime strolls, or weekend adventures, every step makes a difference. Register your team now and select ‘Reading’ as your centre to support this impactful cause.

?? Register today: Step Up for Smart Works

Team Strategic PA Network will, of course, be entering - will you join us? Let’s step up together!

We love supporting our Charity partners and hugely admire Helen Francis (Chair), Kelly Gibson (Fundraising Manager) & Rachel Bradley ! #TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork

Upcoming events for your diary…. ??

Will you be joining us? Here’s what’s to come over the next few months…

• Friday, 31st January: Online Complimentary CV & Interview Workshop with Ali Braid, Assoc CIPD , Owner and L&D Consultant at The Recruitment Trainer. Tickets here.
• Tuesday, 4th February: In Person Event: EA vs Chief of Staff: Mastering Change and Elevating Excellence with Meg S. at Tower Suites by Blue Orchid. Tickets here.
• Friday, 7th February: Online Power Hour - 'Empowering Executive Assistants: Be Visible, Be Valued, Be Indispensable' with David Roylance. Tickets here.
• Thursday, 13th February: In Person Event: Virtual Assistant Toolkit with Amanda Johnson taking place at Danesfield House Hotel and Spa . Tickets here.?
• Friday, 14th February: Online Power Hour - Why Staff Matters: Strategies for Executive Assistants and HR to Foster Workplace Excellence' with Bonnie Low-Kramen. Tickets here.
• Friday, 14th March: Online Power Hour - Menopause in the Modern Workplace: Why It's Everyone's Business' with Catherine Evans. Tickets here.?
• Wednesday, 19th March: In Person Event at The Standard, London - ‘The Power of Impact’ with Em Stroud . Tickets here.
• Wednesday, 18th June 2025: Strategic PA Network Development Summit 2025 at Great Fosters Hotel, Surrey. Tickets here.

A sneak peek into the year ahead… 10 years!??

We’ve had some great conversations with Lucy Brazier OBE , Helen Francis , from Smart Works Reading, incredible partners and amazing venues. It’s a year of growth, collaboration, and giving back, and we can’t wait to share it with you.?

Thank you for being part of this journey, 10 years this year is an incredible milestone! We look forward to a great year ahead, filled with opportunities to grow, engage and empower. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!

Warm regards,

Sarah and Marianne xx