BYC.J. MCGINLEY
A Donegal woman has won the prestigious title of Britain's best Personal Assistant. Lisa Rodgers (32), a native of Arranmore, won the award for her role as executive assistant to the Managing Director of the London based PR and Marketing Agency, Shine Communications.
Lisa is the perfect example of how the role has changed. Where 20 years ago a PA was busy with typing, shorthand and diary management, before adding e-mails, presentations and research to the list, today's multi-taskers often have Human Resources, training and recruitment responsibilities on top.
"It feels very special to win such a prestigious award and gain recognition for all the hard work that PAs do. I received so many well-wishing messages; it's lovely to feel that everyone is proud of my achievement," Lisa said.
She was picked as Britain's best PA from hundreds of entries from all over the country as part of the prestigious 'The Times Crème and Hays Secretarial PA of the Year competition'.
Lisa joined 'Shine Communications' six years ago when the company, based in Clerkenwell, Central London, was less than half its present size and her boss, Rachel Bell, did not have the responsibilities she has today. Her companies employ 150 staff and has a turnover of £9 million. She has three children under 6, homes in London and Somerset, two further marketing companies and a half share in an engineering business.
Lisa effortlessly and with aplomb, handles all this and more in her job as executive assistant and has developed Shine's training programme to 60 courses a year, covering all levels right up to the development of directors' skills. The programme has won top industry awards for three years running.
"I'm at work by 8am to get everything ready before my whirlwind boss arrives. It's an extremely busy role. Obviously Rachel directs me, but I am the one managing her life: about 70 per cent of my time is spent on Shine and the rest on her personal life, which could involve liaising with her children's nanny or organising a family celebration. Six years ago, I didn't think I would still be enjoying the job as much as I am, but it is like working with my best friends." Lisa said.
The eldest in a family of six, Lisa is the daughter of Frank and Mary Rodgers. She attended national school on Arranmore and then went to PCC Falcarragh for her secondary education. She left the island every Sunday evening and stayed as a boarder during the week at college before returning home every Friday evening.
Following her Leaving Certificate she attended a secretarial course run by FAS in Letterkenny for a year before subsequently being offered a position with the BBC in London 13 years ago this August.
Lisa's one-to-one Desk Doctor sessions have become legendary.
"I can't work if my desk is untidy, and the trick is never to have more
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