Remote support with real impact: Anique Goemans is helping executives thrive with Headroom
For our Headroom Heads series, we sat down with Anique Goemans, who will share her Headroom story with you.
When did your EA journey start, and how?
I’ve been with Headroom for almost four years now, and my journey began through a referral from an ex-colleague who was already working here. I live in a small village near Amsterdam, and the flexibility Headroom offers—being able to work remotely or in the office—was something that immediately appealed to me. The chance to occasionally work abroad is an added bonus!
What’s your favorite thing about working at Headroom?
What I love most is helping our members on a daily basis. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about giving people “headroom”—helping them find mental space and clarity in their schedules. Being the person who manages their time and ensures their agendas are running smoothly is really satisfying. It’s amazing to feel like you’re contributing to their success.
As an executive assistant, what do you find most rewarding about supporting CEOs in their day-to-day operations?
The most rewarding part is knowing that the work we do—whether it’s inbox management, calendar planning, travel arrangements, or administrative tasks—allows our members to focus on what really matters in both their business and personal lives. It’s all about creating space for them to succeed without getting bogged down in the day-to-day details.
Can you share a challenging situation you’ve faced as an EA and how you successfully handled it?
Every day can bring something new and unexpected. From organizing travel plans to making quick adjustments to a packed schedule, each task is unique and keeps things exciting. One challenging situation was when I made a mistake that directly affected a member—that is annoying, but mistakes happen. The key is to act fast and minimize any inconvenience for the member, ensuring they can move forward seamlessly.
What are some skills you believe every executive assistant should have, and how do you continuously improve those skills?
Flexibility, quick (and out of the box) thinking, and the ability to adapt are critical. You need to be ready to switch gears in a stressful situation, especially when tasks come in that need to be done ASAP. Over time, you learn to prioritize effectively and stay calm under pressure. Confidentiality is also a huge part of the job—keeping sensitive information private is a must. I never discuss members or colleagues with others; maintaining discretion is non-negotiable.
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?
Trust and discretion are the foundations of a great partnership. Our role is to support our members in a way that allows them to perform at their best, and this means handling everything from professional schedules to personal matters with care and confidentiality. It’s all about ensuring that they feel confident in our ability to manage their time and resources effectively.
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?
I start each day by identifying my top priorities, then I work toward completing them. If something ad hoc comes up, I quickly assess its urgency and decide whether it needs immediate attention or can wait. Being organized and knowing what needs to be done first is essential. It’s also important to maintain balance—sometimes stepping away helps you come back with a clearer head.
Collaboration is key in any workplace. How do you maintain strong relationships with colleagues, especially while working remotely?
Slack is my go-to for staying connected with colleagues. We often chat both professionally and personally, which helps maintain a strong connection despite the physical distance. I also organize monthly Headroom drinks or activities, so we can bond and stay engaged with each other outside of work. It’s great to keep the team spirit alive, even when we’re not all in the same office.”