Melany Ramirez Kaandorp: Learning, growing, and thriving at Headroom

From a warm welcome to onboarding her first members independently. Melany’s first months at Headroom have been full of growth, learning, and new experiences. Read about her journey so far!

Tell us a little about yourself! You recently started at Headroom! How have your first few weeks been?

My first few weeks at Headroom have been very enjoyable! I was made to feel very welcome by everyone, which made a big difference. In my first week, I started the onboarding process with Merel, our Operations & Client Relations Manager, where I got to know the company, its values, way of working, and the systems we use. Shortly after, I began working alongside Nikki, a senior EA and Learning Advocate, to support her with various tasks. I received excellent guidance on how to best approach certain tasks, such as inbox and calendar management.

What made the onboarding at Headroom unique for you, and what stood out the most?

The personalized and welcoming approach really made the onboarding at Headroom unique for me. From day one, I felt like a valued part of the team. The onboarding process wasn’t just about understanding systems and workflows, but also about immersing me in the company’s culture and values. What stood out the most was the hands-on training I received from Nikki. Her practical guidance was incredibly helpful and allowed me to start contributing right away. It was clear that Headroom focuses not just on making sure you understand your tasks, but also on setting you up for long-term success with personalized support.

Which training or guidance helped you the most in becoming independent quickly?

The hands-on support from my Learning Advocate helped me the most in becoming independent quickly. She guided me through complex tasks and best practices for inbox and calendar management. This kind of real-time, practical training allowed me to build confidence and get up to speed fast.  Additionally, the structured training on onboarding new members gave me the confidence to independently onboard a member just two weeks after starting, which was a huge milestone for me.

What’s a valuable lesson you’ve learned in your first months as an EA at Headroom, and what challenges have you overcome?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of clear communication and proactive organization. As an EA, anticipating needs and staying a step ahead is crucial to ensuring that the executives I support can stay focused on their priorities without unnecessary distractions. Managing multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously has definitely sharpened my organizational skills.

How do you experience working with your colleagues, and what helps you feel connected in a remote-first environment?

Working with my colleagues at Headroom feels very collaborative and supportive. Despite everyone managing their own members, there’s a strong sense of teamwork. Through daily Slack communication, informal coffee chats, and remote online events, we stay closely connected. These events are a great way to bond and engage with everyone, strengthening our team dynamic, even when working remotely. The combination of consistent communication and these informal touchpoints helps me feel well-connected and part of a vibrant team, even though we are physically apart.

Which skill have you developed further in a short time, and how do you apply it in your work?

In a short time, I’ve developed my organizational and time management skills significantly. Managing multiple calendars, emails, and responsibilities for different members has taught me how to prioritize effectively and structure my day efficiently. This has been essential to handling urgent tasks while keeping a clear overview of ongoing projects.

What has surprised you the most about working at Headroom?

What surprised me the most is how supportive and collaborative the team is, even in a remote-first setup. From day one, I was welcomed into a culture of openness and teamwork, where everyone is eager to help each other succeed. Even though we each manage our own members, the sense of community is very strong, and there’s always someone available to lend a hand or provide guidance when needed. Another pleasant surprise was the amount of trust and responsibility I was given early on, like independently onboarding a new member just two weeks into the job. The opportunities for growth have made my experience at Headroom not only fulfilling but also highly motivating!

How did it feel to support a member independently for the first time, and can you share a moment you’re proud of?

Supporting a member independently for the first time felt incredibly empowering. It gave me a strong sense of confidence in my abilities. The first feedback I received from my members was all positive, which was definitely something I felt proud of! One of the first tasks I helped with was supporting a member in organizing an event. It was quite a big responsibility, but the event turned out to be a huge success, which gave me a great sense of accomplishment. Knowing that my contribution played a part in that success was very fulfilling!

What makes supporting entrepreneurs and executives so exciting for you?

Supporting entrepreneurs and executives excites me because it places me right at the heart of their growth and success. I thrive on managing the many moving parts of their dynamic schedules and solving problems that allow them to focus on the bigger picture,  whether that’s expanding their business, making key decisions, or building strong relationships. Each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities, keeping my work fresh, meaningful, and deeply rewarding.

What’s one tip you’d give to someone starting as an EA at Headroom?

My tip would be: take full advantage of the training and support offered at Headroom, and don’t be afraid to take initiative early on. Clear communication, proactive organization, and asking questions when needed will set you up for success, and you’ll find yourself growing faster than you expect!