We sat down with Nikki Beunder, an exceptional Executive Assistant (EA) at Headroom. Nikki shared her journey, experiences, and insights into the world of executive assistance.

Meet Nikki, our senior EA

Starting the EA Journey: from a friend’s recommendation to a perfect fit

My journey as a Headroom EA started in April 2021, thanks to my friend Kitty. She was already working at Headroom for a while and when she told me about the work she was doing for members, I knew that this job would be a perfect fit for me.

What are the joys of working at Headroom?

What I find particularly appealing about working at Headroom are the freedom, opportunities for growth, and variety it offers. One aspect I especially cherish is the flexibility to work from anywhere, as long as there’s an internet connection and I’m in a convenient time zone. Additionally, supporting multiple members from different companies keeps things fun and challenging. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely rewarding, providing endless opportunities to learn and grow.

The rewarding role of an Executive Assistant: bringing order to chaos

What really motivates me as an EA is the variety of tasks, no two days are the same. I love the challenge of taking tasks off my members’ hands, helping them gain more time to focus on what’s important, and contributing to a better work-life balance for them and their families. It’s incredibly satisfying to bring order to chaos and see the positive impact of my work.

Overcoming challenges: from Dubai team outings to last-minute events

Every job has its challenges, and mine is no exception. One of the most demanding yet exciting projects I’ve managed was organizing a luxury team outing to Dubai, planning a last-minute company Christmas party, and arranging two private vacations, all within the same few weeks. It was a whirlwind, but I loved every moment of it! Right now, I’m planning a trip to Burning Man, which is shaping up to be one of the most unique tasks I’ve ever handled.

Essential EA skills: communication, adaptability, and proactivity

In my experience, the most crucial skills for an EA include good communication, prioritization, adaptability, and a proactive attitude. Being proactive allows you to create those special “wow” moments for your members, which is incredibly rewarding. To continuously improve, I take on new tasks, work with different tools, and always seek feedback from my members and colleagues.

Building strong relationships: the key to effective collaboration

In my view, successful collaboration relies on effective communication and the mutual investment both parties make in the relationship. I believe it is essential to thoroughly understand my member’s work style and communication preferences so that I can provide the best possible support. Equally important is gaining a deep understanding of the company, its business goals, and the team dynamics. On the member’s side, it’s crucial that they make time to share feedback, answer questions, and communicate current developments and priorities. I’m very proud of the professional and personal relationships I’ve built with my members, and I genuinely believe this is the foundation of our successful collaboration.

Mastering time management: the power of to-do lists and productivity hacks

I love a good to-do list. It helps me prioritize, plan, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Knowing when I’m most productive during the day and structuring my tasks around those times is another strategy that keeps me on track.

Staying connected in a remote work environment 

Maintaining strong relationships with colleagues, even while working remotely, is important. I make an effort to visit the office occasionally, work alongside colleagues at external locations, and stay in daily contact through Slack. Sharing tips, discussing challenges, and celebrating wins together help us stay connected and supportive of each other. Of course, we also enjoy team drinks and celebrations.

Looking to the Future

As I look ahead, I see a bright future for Headroom. I imagine us expanding to the US and other countries, with members around the world and many new “Headroomies” joining the team. It’s an exciting time, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.