latest news & insights

  • AI and Automation for PAs

AI and Automation for PAs

AI and Automation for PAs: Streamline Your Administrative Workflow AI and Automation are transforming how PAs handle routine tasks. From managing calendars to drafting emails, these tools boost your efficiency and free up your [...]

  • Executive Assistant Course Insights

Executive Assistant Course Insights

Executive Assistant Course Insights My completion of the Executive Assistant course consolidated my prior training in Time Management and Effective Business Communication, while introducing fresh techniques specifically tailored for high-level support roles. Right from [...]

  • Essential Firefox Extensions for PAs

Essential Firefox Extensions for PAs

Essential Firefox Extensions for PAs I’ve compiled a list of Essential Firefox Extensions for PAs. These Firefox extensions for PAs boost productivity, organisation, and security in just a few clicks. 🖋️ Grammarly Firstly, Grammarly [...]

  • Reassuring Clients While You’re Away

Reassuring Clients While You’re Away

Reassuring Clients While You’re Away Part 3 of 3 in my “Stress‑Free PA Holiday Cover” series Clients and colleagues often feel uneasy when their go‑to person is away. However, with a clear plan and [...]

  • PA Holiday Cover Made Easy. Lady relaxing by the pool with a cocktail

PA Holiday Cover Made Easy

PA Holiday Cover Made EasyPart 2 of 3 in my “Stress-Free PA Holiday Cover” series Many Executive PAs feel guilty taking time off—but you deserve rest just as much as the CEOs you support. [...]

  • Effortless Executive Holiday Cover

Effortless Executive Holiday Cover

Effortless Executive Holiday Cover Part 1 of 3 in my ‘Stress-Free PA Holiday Cover Taking a proper break shouldn’t mean hitting pause on your goals. Whether you’re exploring new destinations or enjoying a quiet [...]

  • Mastering Business Writing Excellence

Mastering Business Writing Excellence

Mastering Business Writing Excellence: Why This Course Is a Game-Changer I’m excited to share how completing the Pitman Effective Business Communication course has sharpened the way I approach every email, memo, and formal letter. [...]

  • Managing C‑Suite Expectations

Managing C‑Suite Expectations

Managing C‑Suite Expectations Handling high‑pressure demands and last‑minute requests with professionalism Understanding C‑Suite Priorities Executives juggle strategic decisions, stakeholder pressures, and rapid changes. Consequently, they rely on Executive PAs to anticipate needs, streamline communication, [...]

  • Excel Time-Saving Tips

Excel Time-Saving Tips

Excel Time-Saving Tips As a PA, I’m always looking for ways to streamline repetitive tasks. Excel’s Flash Fill feature is one of my go-to hacks when it comes to cleaning up or reformatting data—no [...]

  • The Power of Follow Ups

The Power of Follow‑Ups

The Power of Follow Ups: Turning Missed Opportunities into Wins Why Follow Ups Matter The power of follow ups is often underestimated. In business, timing is everything—and follow ups can turn a missed opportunity [...]

  • Mastering Time Management Skills

Mastering Time Management Skills

Mastering Time Management Skills: Course Overview I recently completed the Mastering Time Management Skills course with Pitman Training and discovered how small changes can make a big difference in productivity and wellbeing. From planning [...]

  • Event Management Course Insights

Event Management Course Insights

Event Management Course Insights Enrolling in Pitman Training’s Event Management course was one of the best decisions I’ve made this year. Moreover, I’m thrilled to share that I passed with Distinction! Whether you’re organising [...]

  • What Should I Delegate First?

What Should I Delegate First?

What Should I Delegate First? How Do I Know What You Should Delegate First? Running a business often means wearing many hats—and sometimes juggling them all at once. When you’re wondering what you should [...]

  • How I Organise Client Folders

How I Organise Client Folders

How I Organise Client Folders for Maximum Efficiency Keeping your digital workspace tidy is crucial, and learning to organise client folders effectively can save hours each week. In my role as an Executive PA, [...]

  • Stress and Well-Being

Stress and Well-Being

Stress and Well-Being Strategies to handle executive-level pressure while maintaining personal wellness Understanding Executive Stress & Burnout Risks Executive roles come with high stakes, tight deadlines, and constant decision-making. Consequently, stress levels can soar, [...]

  • Your Project Questions Answered

Your Project Questions Answered

Your Project Questions Answered Quick Overview of Project Questions Answered You have a one-off project and need expert help. Consequently, you’re asking: Can I hire you for project-based work? The answer is yes—I specialise [...]

  • One-Click PowerPoint Image Resize

One-Click PowerPoint Image Resize

One-Click PowerPoint Image Resize Why Uniform Image Sizes Matter in PowerPoint Presentations Uneven photo dimensions distract viewers and undermine your message. Therefore, by using this PowerPoint image resize method, you maintain polished slides and [...]

  • Computer and plant on a desk. Alison Executive PA. Free Business Overview Consultation

Free Business Overview Consultation

Free Business Overview Consultation Available This Summer Why You Need a Fresh PerspectiveStarting or scaling a business can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling client work, marketing, and day-to-day operations. Often, all it takes is [...]

  • Ways to Work With Me

Ways to Work With Me

Ways to Work With Me If you’re curious about ways to work with me, you’re in the right place. Many busy CEOs, event organisers, and small business owners juggle multiple tasks. Fortunately, you don’t [...]

  • Time-Blocking for Executives

Time-Blocking for Executives

Time-Blocking for Executives: Why It Works Introduction to Time-Blocking Time-blocking for executives is a game-changer for busy leaders. As a busy CEO, your day is packed with strategic meetings, decisions and unexpected issues. Time-blocking [...]

  • Saying No with Grace Saying No with Grace

Saying No with Grace

Saying No with Grace I’ve learned over the years that one of the most powerful ways I can support an executive is by saying no with grace—protecting their time while preserving goodwill. Done well, [...]

  • Supporting the Butterfly Awards Dinner

Supporting the Butterfly Awards Dinner

Supporting the Butterfly Awards Dinner I’m proud to champion the Butterfly Breast Cancer Awards Dinner, an event close to my heart since several friends have battled cancer. As owner of The Bridgewater String Quartet [...]

  • My Digital Marketing Journey

My Digital Marketing Journey

My Digital Marketing Journey My digital marketing journey formally began in March 2025 when I earned my Level 4 Digital Marketing certificate. As an Executive PA seeking both creative flair and data-driven know-how, this [...]

  • Tech Troubles Solved by PAs

Tech Troubles Solved by PAs

Tech Troubles Solved by PA Tech Support As a CEO, every moment counts—which is why PA tech support is essential. Your Executive PA tech support specialist keeps presentations running smoothly, video calls stable and [...]

  • Small Change Big Difference

Small Change Big Difference

Introduction: Embrace Small Change Big Difference from the Start I’ve never been a “put it off” person, yet I wanted to see if swapping “I’ll do it later” for “Let me do this now” [...]

  • Why Skilled Minute-Taking Requires Humans

Why Skilled Minute-Taking Requires Humans

Why Skilled Minute-Taking Requires Humans Why Skilled Minute-Taking Requires Humans remains a crucial question in an era of automation. While AI tools can transcribe speech, only people bring the judgment, nuance, and empathy needed [...]

  • Building Skills with CompTIA Project+

Building Skills with CompTIA Project+

Building Skills with CompTIA Project+ As an Executive PA seeking to elevate my CompTIA Project+ expertise, I enrolled in the official CompTIA Project+ course earlier this year, completing in-depth modules on project planning, execution [...]

  • Trello logo. Master Productivity with Trello Shortcuts

Master Productivity with Trello Shortcuts

Master Productivity with Trello Shortcuts In fast-paced environments, executive assistants and freelancers always look for ways to streamline their workflow. Master Productivity with Trello Shortcuts by using hotkeys and efficiency hacks that turn repetitive [...]

  • You Deserve a Real Break. A young lady drinking a glass of wine by the sea

You Deserve a Real Break

You Deserve a Real Break — Here's How I Make That Happen As a CEO or business owner, you work tirelessly every day. You also deserve a real break — without worrying about your [...]

  • Time Optimisation & Prioritisation

Time Optimisation & Prioritisation

Introduction: Why Time Optimisation & Prioritisation Matters Time is your most valuable asset. By mastering Time Optimisation & Prioritisation, you can reclaim hours each week and focus on what truly matters – finalising deals, [...]

  • Streamline Creativity with an Expert PA

Streamline Creativity with an Expert PA

Streamline Creativity with an Expert PA As an Executive PA for creative professionals, you thrive on fresh ideas, bold designs and innovative campaigns. Yet too often the admin side—managing diaries, organising events and keeping [...]

  • From Burnout to Balance

From Burnout to Balance

From Burnout to Balance: How an Executive PA Can Lighten Your Load Feeling on the Edge? Here’s How to Go Burnout to Balance Many professionals reach a tipping point where exhaustion feels constant, and [...]

  • How to Keep Meetings on Track

How to Keep Meetings on Track

How to Keep Meetings on Track: Top Tips for Organising Efficient Virtual Meetings Virtual meetings save time and travel, but they can quickly veer off course without clear structure. Learning how to keep meetings [...]

  • Hire a PA Who Truly Fits

Hire a PA Who Truly Fits

Hire a PA That Truly Fits Hiring a PA who truly fits your business or personal needs can feel overwhelming. Yet choosing the right personal assistant makes every day run smoother and lets you [...]

  • Excel Trick for Effortless Navigation

Excel Trick for Effortless Navigation

One Excel Trick That’ll Instantly Boost Your Productivity Because we all love a little magic in our spreadsheets. One Excel Trick That’ll Instantly Boost Your Productivity If you’re tired of scrolling endlessly through data [...]

  • Tackling Document Chaos

Tackling Document Chaos

Tackling Document Chaos: Find Files Fast and Stay Sane Understanding Document Chaos Document chaos happens when you spread files across email, cloud drives, and your desktop without a clear system. Consequently, you waste precious [...]

  • Messy PowerPoint Presentations?

Messy PowerPoint Presentations?

Messy PowerPoint Presentations? I Can Help! Transform Your Slides with Professional PowerPoint Presentations Why PowerPoint Presentation Design Matters Messy PowerPoint presentations? You’re not alone. Cluttered slides, disjointed layouts, and inconsistent styles can quickly turn [...]

  • Building Confidence in Outsourcing

Building Confidence in Outsourcing

Building Confidence in Outsourcing: Overcoming the Hesitation of Trusting Your Business or Personal Needs to an External Assistant Outsourcing has become an increasingly popular way for businesses and individuals to delegate tasks, boost productivity, [...]

  • Still using your inbox as a CRM? Get Organised with a CRM

Get Organised with a CRM

Get Organised with a CRM System: Streamline Your Business Running a business means managing countless details, and when it comes to client information, a CRM system (Customer Relationship Management system) can make all the [...]

  • Showcasing My PowerPoint Skills

Showcasing My PowerPoint Skills

Showcasing My PowerPoint Skills IntroductionI have put together a quick demo that demonstrates my PowerPoint skills. In this video, you will get an overview of my business and services. With sleek, professional slides, I [...]

  • How An Executive PA Helps Estate Agents

How An Executive PA Helps Estate Agents

How an Estate Agent PA Can Transform Your Business In the fast-paced world of estate agency, staying organised and efficient is crucial. As an estate agent, you face countless tasks every day, and an [...]

  • Emails flowing out of a computer. Practical Tips for Email Management

Practical Tips for Email Management

Mastering Inbox Chaos: How Executive PAs Keep Your Emails Under Control An overflowing inbox can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Important emails get buried, response times lag, and opportunities can slip away unnoticed. For [...]

  • Two business women shaking hands. Managing Client Relationships

Managing Client Relationships

How an Executive PA Can Help with Managing Client Relationships Effective client relationships are the cornerstone of any successful business. Whether you're running a large corporation or a small start-up, how you manage these [...]

  • Stay Organised with Task Management Tools

Stay Organised with Task Management Tools

How to Stay Organised with Task Management Tools IntroductionStaying organised in business is crucial. In today's fast-paced world, managing tasks and deadlines can overwhelm many. Therefore, I rely on task management tools like Todoist [...]

  • A house piggy bank. Affordable Business Support

Affordable Business Support

Affordable Business Support for Every Business Running a business can feel overwhelming, whether it is a small start-up or an established company. Staying organised and managing tasks effectively are essential for growth. However, balancing [...]

  • Social Media Management Tips

Social Media Management Tips

Streamline Your Social Media Management with These Tips In today’s digital world, social media is a must for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It’s essential for building your brand and reaching a wider audience. [...]

  • Travel Plans Without the Stress

Travel Plans Without the Stress

Travel Plans Without the Stress Booking travel can be a tricky process that requires more than just picking flights and hotels. Whether it's for a business trip or a personal getaway, there are many [...]

  • Tools for Managing Projects

Tools for Managing Projects

Top Tools for Managing Business Projects Staying on top of projects and deadlines as a business owner can feel overwhelming. You juggle managing your team, keeping clients happy, and tracking tasks, which often results [...]

  • How to Select Sentences Faster in Word

How to Select Sentences Faster in Word

How to Select Sentences Faster in Word - Save Time in Microsoft Word with This Simple Shortcut As an Executive PA, efficiency is essential. Whether you are formatting reports, drafting documents, or editing contracts, [...]

  • A photo of a home office with plants. How I Can Help Any Sized Business

How I Can Help Any Sized Business

How I Can Help Any Sized Business Running a business, no matter its size, comes with a range of challenges. Whether you are a small business owner or managing a medium to large company, [...]

  • Creating Templates and Systems. Have you taken the time to create templates and systems?

Creating Templates and Systems

Have You Taken the Time to Create Templates and Systems? In today's fast-paced world, efficiency is essential to staying ahead in both personal and professional life. One of the most effective ways to streamline [...]

  • Goal setting for your business. A Guide for Event Management Professionals

A Guide for Event Management Professionals

A Guide for Event Management Professionals - Short-Term and Long-Term Goal Setting Setting goals is crucial for success in any industry. However, in event management, it plays an even more vital role. Whether you [...]

  • A calendar on a desk with a plant and desk. How to Manage Multiple Calendars

How to Manage Multiple Calendars

How to Effectively Manage Multiple Calendars Without the Stress Managing multiple calendars can feel like a juggling act—one scheduling mistake and the whole day falls apart! Whether you are balancing work, personal commitments, or [...]

  • 3 ways I can assist you

Support for Financial Professionals

3 Ways an Executive PA Can Support Financial Professionals Time is money—especially in the financial services industry. Whether you're a financial advisor, accountant, or investment manager, your schedule is often packed with client meetings, [...]

  • An image of Excel icons. Quick Excel Tip for Data Cleanup.

Quick Excel Tip for Data Cleanup

Excel Tip: Quick Data Cleanup for a Professional Look Tidy Up Your Excel Sheets in Seconds! Anyone who has worked with Excel knows how easy it is for spreadsheets to get messy, especially when [...]

  • Meeting Minutes The Right Way

Meeting Minutes The Right Way

Meeting Minutes The Right Way The Importance of Effective Meeting Minutes for Professional Services In fast-paced industries like law, meetings happen constantly. Whether discussing client cases, strategic planning, or compliance updates, every decision needs [...]

  • Canva logo. How to Make Your Text Pop

How to Make Your Text Pop

💼 Canva Tip – How to Make Your Text Pop If you use Canva for your design projects and want to make your text stand out, I have a simple but effective tip for [...]

  • "Did you know" Save Time with ‘Format Painter’

Save Time with ‘Format Painter’

Save Time with ‘Format Painter’ If you spend too much time adjusting fonts, colours, and spacing, you are not alone. Many people struggle with formatting, but there is a simple solution—Word’s Format Painter. This [...]

  • A stressed businesswoman. Are you Juggling Too Much?

Are you Juggling Too Much?

Are You Juggling Too Much? Running a business means wearing many hats, and with so much to manage, your time is more valuable than ever. Admin tasks, overflowing inboxes, and back-to-back meetings can leave [...]

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