- Your profile highlights your “In-Demand Digital and Business Skills” certification. Can you elaborate on some specific digital tools or skills that are most valuable for Executive Assistants today?
Chatuporn Becky: Well, this one was organized by depa Thailand (Digital Economy Promotion Agency) which is supporting Thailand’s digital trChatuporn Beckyformation across various industries and offer short course or online session in collaboration with other institutions or businesses to share basic knowledge and skills that can help people perform better in their careers.
So, this online course was collaborating with Thia E-Commerce Association that helped me to understand various communication platforms, how companies should communicate their business or brand, and covered topics such as Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing for Business including contents, budget plan, marketing canvases – to do brand, competition, problem and solution,
In total, we can understand our company before communicating.
It has an advantage for me when I have to discuss or assist with the Business Development team and PR Marketing to brainstorm for projects.
- With such a diverse career path. What strategies do you use to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in your field?
Chatuporn Becky: First, you need to develop an interest in the industry, see how hard or how far I can adjust myself and then consider the role and responsibility.
Working as Personal Assistant or Secretary, you need to understand your tasks but there are a little differences spots that require you to adapt and improve yourself according to the company and industry you are in.
For example, when I worked with a Technology Solution Company, I didn’t need to know everything because I was a Personal Assistant. However, I needed to understand technical vocabulary, such as what e-KYC, e-KYB, and API mean, as well as what the company does and how it communicates with people.
Currently, I am working as an Executive Assistant in the logistics industry. While the core responsibilities of an assistant remain the same, supporting the Marketing team requires me to understand marketing concepts such as social media, internal and external communication for large organizations, and specific terminology.
Additionally, I have enrolled in online courses and attend workshops such as a Mini-MBA to gain a general understanding of business topics like design thinking, entrepreneurial mindset, marketing for non-marketers, and HR for non-HR professionals.
Try to follow LinkedIn, Medium to stay updated. This helps me become familiar with the industry’s mood and tone, branding, keywords and content.
3. Your summary mentions assisting the CEO with “developing and implementing strategies and initiatives that drive business growth and innovation.” Can you share an example of how you’ve played a role in this area?
Chatuporn Becky: As a Personal Assistant, I don’t need to dive into deep details, but it’s necessary to have a general understanding of things. For example, I was a General Manager for an SME (Small-Medium Enterprise) and needed to support the CEO-Founder, who was running a business in diet supplementary products.
Honestly, my experience was zero—I had never done this before. Switching from a cabin crew role to heading a project then a manager was tough at first.
What you need to do is put yourself in their shoes. If you were starting this business, where would you begin?
Basic strategic planning and research are crucial. Keep researching information (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats). Think about the pain points and how to find solutions. Present your opinions on what you see and what is possible.
I coordinated with various people, suppliers, and OEM factories, continuously talking to gather all the information and later consolidate it. I set up business plans, project timelines, and predicted issues, needs, and budget forecasts.
Enrolling in training courses, either online or on-site, was essential to quickly understand the business.
Understanding social media tools is necessary to grasp customer needs and feedback. Do they like our ads? Do they watch our videos or read our content? Then, we can improve by finding the right balance.
This experience helped me improvise with both my manager and assistant roles.
Monitoring effectiveness is key. This can include revenue, cost-per-click management, feedback, etc. I kept the team updated and developed our strategic answer accordingly.
- You have experience working in a global environment. What challenges and opportunities do you see for Executive Assistants in supporting C-level leaders who operate internationally?
Chatuporn Becky: The most valuable thing for me and I can apply in any role and situations, is my cabin crew experience. That job really set the basis of my career.
When it comes to challenges and opportunities.
One major challenge is adjusting myself to different cultures and communication styles. It is very useful for coordinating with international stakeholders because I know how to react in different situations.
Organizing travel for C-Level is also important. As an assistant need to have a big picture, and know how to handle things for visa requirements, book flight ticket, aircraft types, seating, and transport from the airport to hotel. Make sure all these details are covered and their traveling runs smoothly.
Opportunities, I think it is easy for me to build connections and attend global events. Whether it is a pitching, expo, or networking events because I used to with these before and I’m comfortable when I have to join these events.
These skills are crucial for overcoming challenges and useful for supporting C-level leaders in a global environment.
5. As an Executive Assistant, managing a busy schedule is crucial. What techniques do you use to prioritize tasks and ensure the CEO’s time is used effectively?
Chatuporn Becky:
There are a few keys.
Understanding Priorities – the priority of the meeting and participants – quick brief with C-Level and others. If any urgent reschedule, cancel or set up meeting as needed, always communicating clearly.
Review & Reconfirm – Double check with CEO or other organizers because their slots are valuable. Especially, when the slots are in demand, it’s important to clear or switch them to ensure the C-level schedule runs effectively and smoothly.
Communication is key. After prioritizing meetings, recheck and reconfirm everything to keep everyone on the same page.
- What are some key strategies for building strong working relationships with CEOs and other senior leaders?
Chatuporn Becky: Being trusted – Personal Assistant or Secretary or Executive Assistant mean we are the most trusted person that which is why we were hired. So, maintain confidentiality and discretion. Be professional and trusted, handling the sensitive information with care while being professional and trustworthy.
Understanding C-Level role – I always believe great power comes with the great responsibility. It me they are holding a big challenge and risks. As an assistant, we must support them in alignment with their objective and company’s goal.
Problem – solving skills – when an issue arise (happen), it is important to show that we can handle them effectively and independently.
- Your profile emphasizes your strong communication skills. Can you share some tips for Executive Assistants on how to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, both internal and external?
Chatuporn Becky: As I mentioned, communication is a key. It must be clear and reach the point. I keep them informed, updated on the situation, project statuses and any issues to ensure that they have time to acknowledge or not surprises. So, we are on the same page.
- You mentioned being passionate about learning new things. How do you identify and pursue areas where you can expand your knowledge and skills?
Chatuporn Becky: Coursera is a recommended learning application for gaining knowledge and skills. I enrolled in online courses e.g. Foundations Digital Marketing, Foundations Project Management, and Global Marketing. These courses were helpful in providing the big picture understanding of what I am doing.
Currently, I’m studying Mini-MBA, a short course like fast-track program focused on workshops. The content included business strategy, management, HR and marketing. I plan to enroll in additional courses if I find ones that align with my needs.
8. Balancing a demanding career with personal life can be challenging. What strategies do you use to maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Chatuporn Becky:
Set Boundaries
I love my job and dedicate myself to my work a lot, but it is important to set clear boundaries between life and work. Without these boundaries, it can become a pain point later. If people see that you can do this or that even on weekend, they might think that you are a “Yes man” So, you must insist and maintain clear boundaries.
Self-care practice
I practice Muay Thai, boxing, regular workout, get some hobbies and meditation. The body needs to release, relax and recharge.
Flexibility
Being an assistant, I need to be flexible with my working hours and have remote work arrangements to better balance my personal commitments and responsibilities.
Plan of personal time
I schedule personal activities for my weekends, holidays and vacations, avoid checking emails during those times. Prioritizing time with family, my partner, and friends. For example, I always have wine time with my close friends every Saturday to maintain our friendship and enjoy a fulfilling life.
- What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career as an Executive Assistant?
Chatuporn Becky: For someone who doesn’t know what you are good at or is seeking your goal, working as an assistant is an amazing job that lets you learn strategic thinking from C-Level executives and see how they decide. You can consider and improvise for yourself. Different C-Level executives, and different styles, will improve your learning skills for sure.
Being an assistant is not a job that everyone can do. It requires multitasking skills, high responsibility and a proactive attitude.
I can say that it is a great step that can lead you to the right place you wish to be.
- Does the current workplace operate in a global market? If so, how does that impact your day-to-day work as an Executive Assistant?
Chatuporn Becky: Yes, as an Executive Assistant, here are a few ways that affects my role;
Cross Cultural Communication – we are a global team. So, I regularly communicate with colleagues from different countries and cultures.
Time Zone management – coordinating meeting calls across multiple time zones is a challenging task. I need to ensure that the different time zones align with everyone’s available slots. Coordinating 2-3 people is manageable, but it becomes challenging when there are over 10 people involved globally.
Operation Support- ensure that our global activities or operations run smoothly, and are well-supported in my role as an assistant. This experience helped me gain skills in managing complex international tasks.
What are some of the exciting career opportunities available for talented individuals in this position?
Chatuporn Becky: It is a great passport for you to a diverse range of exciting opportunities for talented individuals. For example;
- Project Management
- Event Management
- Sales and Business Development.
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Finance and Accounting
- Sustainability
Working in an assistant role, either my previous one or my current one, will encourage you to grow and develop skills through continuous learning. This position will help you become talented and build your own career path.
Take note of what you learn and decide from what you get.
