Be like Penni

Working as an Executive PA is very gratifying as it does not only mean team-work, multi-tasking, being pro-active, adaptable, flexible and working long hours. It also means being the soul of the company, on behalf of your boss, contributing to every facet of the company’s success.

It has offered me the opportunity to work in multicultural settings within different countries meeting people from all paths of Life, from Politicians, Doctors, Patients, Airport Personnel, Holiday Makers, Bankers, to members of the general public which is pure MAGIC.

I cannot help reflecting on Penni Pike who was Sir Richard Branson’s Executive PA for 31 years until she suffered a stroke at the age of 56 and had to resign in 2006. To thank her for all the years of contribution, Sir Richard gave Penni his precious boat for seven years which Penni used as her London base.

Penni had been told she would not be able to walk or talk again but remarkably Penni recovered and in 2011 she joined a Virtual PA company as their special advisor using her knowledge and expertise. Penni could have chosen to return to a slow pace environment when she returned to work but chose to remain an Executive PA, albeit a virtual one, proving how rewarding this career is.