The challenges of relocating every so often because of life revolving around the military (both personally and professionally), has led me to lead a varied career. One which has seen me use a variety of skills and experiences.
Currently, I have qualified to use my skills, experience and knowledge as a psychotherapist with an ability to conduct psychological insights for those dealing with mental and emotional health issues.
The skills gained from a career in Executive Personal Assistant positions, have been enhanced for meticulous record keeping and client GDPR requirements. Computer and design skills have been kept up-to-date by taking onboard continuous training, offering a hybrid desk top publishing and secretarial service via Fiverr, where I create and produce marketing and promotional materials for businesses, and edit and produce books for writers.
As an Executive Personal Assistant, I provided my skills to top level C-suite Executives in London, Oxford and Dundee. Chiefly working within the news media, marketing, publishing and academic environments. Some of these notably included: Sir Trevor McDonald (News Presenter); Stuart Purvis (Managing Director) of ITN; Nigel Reeves (CEO) London News Radio; Louise Sexton (Director of Media Relations) Carlton Television and David Macmillan (COO) Macmillan Publishers.
I also worked for Oxford University Professors, Doctors and researchers, namely, Dr Joanna Shapland, Dr Dick Hobbs, Dr Mike Maguire and Dr Claire Corbett at Oxford University Criminological Research Department and Dr Roger Price, Dr Donald Lane, and Bill Egginton at Harwell Laboratory's Energy Technology Support Unit (Renewable Energy). At these establishments, I pulled together research documentation for renewable energy technology (wind, wave and tidal power), and produced books to camera-ready copy for the Criminological Research Department.
LIAISON
LIaised between the ranking structure of the British military, charitable organisations, NHS staff, and the private sector.
COMMUNICATION
Achieved excellent written, oral and IT skills required to liaise with a huge variety of people from all walks of life.
CERTIFICATION
DBS checked (enhanced), insured and affiliated with professional psychological organisation, Human Givens Institute.
LEADERSHIP & TEAM PLAYER
Led a team of directors, sales, marketing and IT staff to revamp and refresh a prominent showroom to produce and promote sales.
ORGANISATIONAL SKLLS
Have organised complex diaries for VIPs and CEOs, travel itineraries, conferences, sales promotions, and workshops.
IT SKILLS
Have used a variety of IT programmes to produce presentations, newsletters, papers, reports, magazines and books.
15+ years delivering counselling to military personnel, dealing with trauma-related challenges and relationship difficulties. 20+ years as a PA to C-suite personnel in media, marketing and publishing. Led a team of department managers in revamping an office product showroom: increased dealer network sales. Earned MA in psychology while working full-time and travelling from Germany to the UK. Self-taught IT and DTP programmes to produce books, magazines and newsletters for company marketing purposes. Have created and presented group workshops to help teams work together and improve mental health challenges.
SELF EMPLOYED – recent venture
Worcestershire & Oxfordshire
Charitable work for mental healthcare charities for military veterans and first responders. Providing security and cleanliness for houses while also caring for clients pets.
SERVICES WELFARE CHARITY – 2009-2020HM Forces, UK and Germany
Identifying and providing guidance to military personnel suffering from mental health issues, emotional difficulties and family challenges.
CAREER MOVES EMPLOYMENT AGENCY – 1994-2009 London and Dundee
Supporting and structuring top level CEOs calendars and tasks with organisation and planning abilities.
The abilities I have to contribute to your projects, team or employment.
I have expert knowledge of the Microsoft Office systems with the ability to put them all to good use creating the documents you want - presentations, reports, ledgers, marketing materials and much more.
After working with thousands of clients, in business structures, charitable organisations and psychologically, I have a very good idea of what works and what doesn’t. Amazing results are achieved, all the time.
Know exactly where you are, what is the ROI (return on investment), and what’s the best way to keep your work in order. I keep meticulous files and can organise things at a moment's notice.
After spending a couple of years assisting stressed C-suite Directors and managers in London's media and publishing environments, as well as some time with my partner, a military man who was sent to the First Gulf War in 1991, I was told I had a gift and that I should pursue it.
To make it official, and to ensure I had all the right credentials, I applied myself to learning CBT and HT therapeutic methods, then enlisted with Nottingham Trent University to firmly establish that education.
The assignment I took on was to research the differences in communication aspects between men and women in the workplace. I earned 2:1 with Honours (see below).