I STARTED MY WORKING LIFE AS AN… ADMINISTRATOR I left school as soon as they would let me… 16 years of age and bolting out of the gates faster than the speed of light! Of course, when I look back school really wasn’t that bad but exams did nothing for my confidence, they just brought me out in a sweat so I thought it best to earn a living. My careers advisor did nothing to dissuade me so it was probably the right choice.


MY CAREER PROGRESSED LIKE THIS... After a bumpy start in employment I was persuaded to go back to college and further my education. I was 18 and felt I needed to have some direction. Being of a practical persuasion I signed up for the City & Guilds Receptionist course, with Communication skills and RSA 1 typing. It was a year long course and I loved it. As part of the programme I had to go on work experience. I had spotted a new gym near where I lived and I sent in a request to carry out my work experience there. Delighted to have a ‘free’ member of staff I was snapped up and put to work. The environment definitely impacted my life positively. I spent the two weeks working as a


receptionist, getting to know the clients, selling goods from the front of house shop and managing to get some free coaching from one of the gym staff on how to use the machines. I was in my element and became a bit of a fitness freak. After the two weeks I was offered a


permanent position once my course was complete. It couldn’t have panned out any better. Over the following 12 years I became a mother to a wonderful boy, Raphael, and with the support of my parents, I was able to continue working. It became my passion and I went on to become a train the trainer and assessor, helping new passionate fitness entrants into the field. That was very rewarding. On the back of all that experience I


also did some fitness modelling and competed in figure fitness competitions. I remember taking my son to my 2nd competition, he was seven years old,


and he strolled up to the judges and told them that I was going to win. They laughed (thank goodness) and I did win! I managed to qualify for the NABBA Miss Universe two years in a row before step- ping away from the circuit; I just wasn’t committed enough to give up my favourite foods and take it seriously! Other opportunities came my way. I


remember going shopping one after- noon and came across an open day in Brixton town hall. British Airways were recruiting staff and in particular, they were looking for more ethnic minority staff to ensure they reflected their cus- tomer base. Three months later after three interviews and a health check I was in! I spent two years living out of my case, missing my son (although he loved the prezzies I brought home) and travelling around Europe. It was a great way to see the world and I am so glad I took the opportunity. After that experience I went back to


working in the fitness industry, initially as a reception manager with a team of 13 receptionists and then changing com- panies where I had two promotions in four years; Administration Officer to Executive PA and then to Office Manager.


I KNEW IT WAS TIME TO MOVE ON WHEN… I WAS MADE REDUNDANT! This was the ultimate turning point for me. I had become restless in my office manager role and knew I could do more but just didn’t know what that more was. A year after my redundancy I started


my Virtual Assistant business from home and six months into that I also started a training joint venture delivering cus- tomer service and motivational leadership courses to the hospitality and travel industry. When this came to an end in 2008 I continued serving a small base of VA clients whilst developing my own training business. After much personal development and identifying my passion, I launched YvonneB Limited in 2010, a confidence building coaching & training company giving women the help they desire to create the life they deserve. Con- fidence is the key to going for the things you truly want in life and I have certainly


3 THINGS I LEARNED FROM THE ROLE OF PA...


needs. I learnt to read and understand him by having open and honest conversations, watching his body language and seeing how he operates. This has certainly helped me with my coaching.


1


The range of skills I had developed had not been apparent to me consciously until I went ‘back to the drawing board’ and started to write down the things I was competent to deliver as services as a VA.


2 3


learnt the value of building mine and embracing opportunities. I am also an associate trainer with


Reed Learning and they have been an amazingly supportive client.


THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE I FACED WAS… GOING FROM EMPLOYEE TO SELF-EMPLOYED Understanding the difference it made working for someone to working for myself was a big deal. I went on a range of business start up courses and personal development programmes. They helped me understand how to transfer my skills and how to create a business that reflected my passion and values. It is a never ending process! I still go on per- sonal development programmes now and I have a business mentor.


THE BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN WAS... MISTAKES ARE NECESSARY FOR GROWTH My parents always encouraged me to go for what I wanted. I was told mistakes are a necessary part of growth and once I got through the valley of errors I would rise up again, only this time higher. I have held onto that thought... E


2004 2005 2007 2010 2012 Redundancy Set up VA business


Runner-up in VA Awards


YvonneB Limited launched


Trainer of the Year


Award presented by Reed Learning


MAY/JUNE 2012 | WWW.EXECUTIVEPA.COM 23


The administrative skills I developed helped me to get my business up and running.


It is the thing most business start ups dislike but for me, putting systems in place and getting organised was one of the easiest things to do.


Being a mind reader! In my role of PA I spent a lot of time pre-empting my boss’s


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52