Remote Assistance and real results: Agnieszka Low is transforming Executive Productivity from overseas.
For our Headroom Heads series, we sat down with Agnieszka Low, who will share her Headroom story with you.
When did your EA journey start, and how?
About three years ago, I was searching for a job that would suit my adventurous and travel-based life. At that precise moment, all of a sudden Headroom came on my path. Talking about serendipity!
What’s your favorite thing about working at Headroom?
Not one day is the same, and to be honest, I just absolutely love organizing things! Plus, who doesn’t want to work remotely from a swimming pool in Bali or a mountain in South Africa? Over the years, I’ve learned so many new skills and acquired so much knowledge, from problem-solving to thinking outside the box and discovering hidden getaways.
As an Executive Assistant, what do you find most rewarding about supporting CEOs in their day-to-day operations?
I love being able to assist my members with tasks they aren’t good at. Diving deep to find the nicest hotels, the best restaurants, and the cheapest flights is so satisfying. The members are always grateful. I also enjoy tidying up things, such as calendars and inboxes, which gives my members more ‘headroom’ and time for themselves or their families.
What is the coolest or most unusual task you’ve helped an executive with?
I’ve organized multiple networking events, assisted in hiring new talents, and even managed to get tickets for a festival on a small island in Denmark. One of the most memorable tasks was helping a member attend the Burning Man festival in a desert in the USA.
What are some skills you believe every Executive Assistant should have, and how do you continuously improve those skills?
A good EA needs to be able to prioritize, have great communication skills, attention to detail, and be independent and proactive, among many other skills. A good EA at Headroom is a superwoman or superman! These skills get improved by doing, receiving feedback, and sometimes making mistakes.
You’ve been working closely with different entrepreneurs and high-achieving individuals: what’s the secret sauce to a successful Executive – EA partnership? What’s a non-negotiable?
A good collaboration is all about respect and understanding that we are all human beings. Treat one another as we would like to be treated. Business is business, but as an EA, you also handle your members’ personal lives very closely. Mutual interest in each other is very important if you ask me. Humor is also a nice aspect to add to the communication. It’s essential to understand the communication style of each member; some are more direct than others. And that is okay!
How do you prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently in a role that often demands multitasking and quick decision-making? What is your secret productivity hack?
Prioritise by asking yourself, “Does this task need to happen right now, or can it wait a little?” For me, it’s also a personality trait. Do you get stressed easily? Then being an EA is not for you. What helps is that we work in blocks, like inbox blocks, checking emails two or three times a day, and using the rest of the time for other tasks.
Collaboration is key in any workplace. How do you maintain strong relationships with colleagues, especially while working remotely?
Three words: virtual coffee date! It’s a win-win. Go for a walk, call a colleague, and chat about work, vent, and talk about personal stuff too. We spend 32-40 hours a week at work, so it’s nice to talk about what is driving you, or even what is worrying you.
Where do you see Headroom in 10 years?
In the next 10 years, I hope Headroom continues to grow and expands overseas, with an army of Headroomies helping out CEOs!
Interest in becoming one of our members?