Executive Assistant to Phenomenal Leader

Christmas just came early, well for me (and maybe you) … We were first asked to recruit an Assistant for this phenomenal leader just over a year ago. As part of the recruitment process back then, the Head of Operations asked us to take some time out to meet with the wider team to understand the ‘actual’ needs of this person. Due to a change in the EA's life, we’ve been asked to help them again…but this time, we have even more knowledge (and it’s good.) So this is where this gets a bit more interesting. The Principal needs a true Executive Assistant; they travel a LOT at break-neck speeds, they present, they lead, they inspire not only their business - but their industry. They are respected, admired and potentially even revered by their industry. They have become, in many instances, the ‘voice’ of their industry – the person global news networks go to to answer questions and give views, opinions, guidance or advice. Since their formation, they have grown to become a global team, and the life of the Founder has become increasingly complex as they enter the dizzy heights of a UHNWI. The role, therefore, has changed and is changing; the role requires an Assistant who is equally adept at the smaller, more personal things. Empathy and true support is needed as the Principal finds themselves being pulled from pillar to post and back again – and this is fine for them; they’re enjoying life, they’re saying yes to everything they can, and they recognise that this is the time to grow and you, as an Assistant will grow alongside them. You’ll be their representative when they’re not in the office (and therefore, this role needs to be a 5-day-a-week in-the-office scenario). Still, in this instance I think it’s a good thing – more visibility, more involvement, more engagement of the wider team and more growth for you as a result. From running an entire life, you’ll help with everything from last minute gifts, restaurant reservations, arranging medical check-ups, organising events, and running the Principals Private Jet. There will be no area of their life you won’t be involved with, and to add to this, they’re an incredibly lovely person. You will need to sweat the small stuff. They will care about you, see your impact, and understand your value, and nothing will be taken for granted. There’s a lot more we’d like to add but can’t say on a job description that would make this role even more desirable, but we’re happy to discuss it at the interview stage with us (which will ideally be pre-Christmas). In line with changes for job adverts we’ve made this year, we want to summarise the points that mean you’re likely to get shortlisted:

• You have proven and significant experience supporting a business leader in a Business and Private Capacity.
• That Founder/CEO/Leader will be a HNWI or UHNWI and live a life that brings relevant challenges that you are able to deal with.
• You are happy to work in an office five days a week (The office location is Canary Wharf)
• You are happy to work 9am – 6pm with some contact outside of these hours when the Principal is travelling.

• Happy Christmas from all at TalentSmiths.