After studying Business and Finance, Louise gained her first job in industry with Corus Steel. Her role here was fast-paced and in a male dominated environment, and it’s probably where she honed the skill of staying calm under pressure. For 13 years, Louise moved through the company working with all kinds of managers and leaders, dealing with all aspects of the finance and shipment of steel products outside of Europe. This work often required detailed export documentation and travel arrangements which is where Louise believes her eye for detail was shaped.
Louise moved on to become an Administration Manager for a Health Board in Wales, responsible for managing a team of people and delivering and reporting on government targets. This is a role she thoroughly enjoyed as it challenged her and fulfilled her passion for helping people be their best. It was here Louise oversaw the creation of a training database to ensure staff training records were always up to date and regulations were met for when updates were required by individual members of the team.
In 2011, Louise moved into a Project Management role for North Somerset council, working closely with the individual funding team to ensure their administration and organisation were top notch. Louise’s responsibilities included preparing for and attending funding panels, accurately recording the meetings and outcomes and liaising with applicants to ensure all information was present and correct throughout the process. This role required an extremely high level of confidentiality at all times, as well as managing routine business functions such as payroll and KPI monitoring.
A career highlight for Louise was successfully managing to secure a full-time role as PA to a Director of Nursing, but working on a part-time basis. This is testament to Louise’s ability to multi-task, prioritise and effectively manage her own and her boss’s workload! Through effective diary management, prioritising appointments, thorough preparation of meetings, building good relationships and streamlining processes, working part-time was achievable with great results for all concerned.
Louise’s last employed role was as PA to the Headteacher of a special needs school. Working in a challenging and often emotive environment, Louise brought all of her business acumen and experience together to assist the Head in the smooth running of the school. She was often the first point of contact for parents, staff, children and external agencies; responsible for providing effective and efficient office support and clear communication.
In this role, Louise found her passion for Event Management and Travel Planning, as well as Executive PA work. She single-handedly managed a fundraising event with Mercury News (now the Bristol Post) with the aim of raising funds for the refurbishment of the primary department. This included advertising, marketing of events, catering, children’s entertainment, a 5K run and an auction! In total, £15,000 was raised to help SEN children have a sensory garden and classrooms.
So why become a Passionate PA in 2019? Simple… it was Louise’s time to shine and take on a new challenge. With two teenage boys growing up super fast, Louise set her heart on carving out a business for herself that utilises her vast skill set and experience. She found The Passionate PA’s website when researching business ideas and really has not looked back. Louise landed her first client (in the fundraising and charity sector!) within one week of joining #TeamPassionatePA – the stuff dreams are made of. She’s gone on to work with many ambitious business owners who have a passion for making the world a better place.
