The Power Of The PA Podcast

In this one-off, special episode, Lily is joined by Georgie Parmenter, Executive Assistant at Monzo Bank. Monzo Bank prides itself on building a new kind of bank - one that lives on your smartphone and is built for the way we live today. Georgie provides EA support to the COO and CPeO (amongst others) and is responsible for managing Monzo’s PA team – having built it from scratch earlier this year - as well as owning EA recruitment and onboarding for the business. Having started her career in customer service, working on the beauty counter for Bobbi Brown, Georgie’s career journey is really interesting and is a great example of how taking a temporary administration position can lead to other opportunities, which change the trajectory of your career entirely. Georgie speaks openly to Lily about her recent diagnosis with a chronic illness; the support she’s received both from her employer and from other EAs in the industry; and how this has affected her life and career. Lily found speaking to Georgie inspiring and we hope that this episode will provide hope for anyone going through something similar. Special thanks to Lily Loves partner, WorkLife by OpenMoney, for sponsoring this episode of The Power of the PA Podcast.

In this bonus episode, I am joined by Lindsay Taylor, Co-Founder at Your Excellency Ltd. Your Excellency provides accredited, professional training and qualifications to PAs, EAs and VAs. We delve into all manner of PA related topics including what being a strategic PA really means, how to gain sign-off for your learning and development requests and Lindsay shares her views on the exciting evolution of the profession. We also announce an exciting initiative that combines our experience and expertise to fully support the EA and PA community. 

In the eighth episode, I am joined by Rosilyn Southgate. Roz has worked her way up from being an Administrative Assistant to an Executive Assistant, after changing careers from acting in 2014. Roz was unfortunately made redundant during the pandemic, and what particularly impressed me was her determined and positive outlook that led her to secure a new role, within a matter of weeks. I found Roz's positivity and goal-focused attitude inspiring and so I hope that this episode will inspire those going through challenging times at the moment...

In the seventh episode, I am joined by Freya Robertson, EA to CEO at Progeny, based in Leeds. Prior to joining Progeny, Freya worked at Grant Thornton for over three and a half years. She openly spoke to me about feeling the fear of taking a brave step up, but it is an opportunity that she has relished and one that she talks so passionately about... 

In the sixth episode, I am joined by Matthew Maney, PA to Co-Founders at Pinch Of Nom.  Prior to supporting Kay and Kate, Matthew worked as a Corporate Jet Flight Attendant where he provided in-flight services for ultra-high net worth VIP clients, covering everything from catering to transportation, hotels, and specific PA duties. He also had his own cake company for over 11 years. Matthew is a shining example of someone who has worked his way up the ranks with hard work and determination.

In the fifth episode, I am joined by Sarah Carr, Executive Assistant to Mark Fletcher, CEO at Manchester Pride. Sarah joined Manchester Pride shortly before the festival in 2019, after working within recruitment and investment banking. Sarah speaks about the power of networking and how she has always been keen to learn new skills, throughout her career. Her episode is full of useful tips, enthusiasm, and passion...

In the fourth episode, I am joined by Mel Sheehy, Executive Assistant to the CEO at Citation Group, based in Cheshire.  We discuss Mel's career as a PA and EA, working for companies such as AstraZeneca, Co-operative Bank, and LateRooms. Mel has made some brave moves throughout her career and it's evident that her positive attitude and determination have got her to where she is today.  We also discuss the Manchester PA Network, which Mel co-founded in 2011. alongside Amanda Hargreaves... 

In the third episode, I am joined by Christie Arias, Executive Assistant to CEO & CFO at Saint Laurent, based in New York.  We discuss Christie's career to date and how she has risen through the ranks, working for huge brands including Burberry and Victoria's Secret.  We also discuss Elite Assisting, the online community for PAs and EAs that Christie set up in 2019, alongside her day job... 

In the second episode, I am joined by Amanda Hargreaves, Executive Assistant, and Co-Founder of the Manchester PA Network.  We discuss Amanda's career to date, as well as her huge contribution to the PA community and what she has learned along the way. Amanda's passion for the EA & PA role is evident throughout and she provides brilliant advice for anyone who may be looking to carve out a career as a PA...  Instagram - Iamlilyshippen  Twitter - Lily Shippen Instagram - Amanda Hargreaves Twitter - Amanda Hargreaves  

In this first episode, I am joined by Sophie Chapman, Assistant to Stephen Bartlett, Co-Founder and CEO of Social Chain.  Sophie is proud of the role that she has obtained in the North West, supporting a high-profile entrepreneur, and rightly so. She discusses the fascinating journey that she has been on and what her typical day looks like as a Private & Business PA...

What does it take to be one of the best PAs? How do you get there, and what happens along the way? Lily Shippen interviews some of the top PAs, EAs and VAs across the world in this brand new series.