Why Soft Skills Matter in Hiring Business Support Staff
Emotional Intelligence: The Soft Skill That Delivers Hard Results […]
Top Skills Every EA Should Have in 2025
Top Skills Every EA Should Have in 2025 […]
Spotlight On: St. Michael’s Manchester and the Rise of Business Support Opportunities
Spotlight On: St. Michael’s Manchester and the Rise of Business Support Opportunities […]
You Hired a PA, Not a Mind Reader: Why Clarity Still Matters
There’s a pattern we’ve seen time and time again. […]
The End of the Business Support Roles? Not Even Close
This is not the first time business support has faced a period of change. And it certainly will not be the last. Having worked closely with business support professionals for over a decade, one thing has always stood out to me: this profession moves forward. It evolves, adapts and grows [...]
Hiring an EA: What You Want vs What You Need
After over a decade of recruiting Executive Assistants (EAs), I’ve learnt that what many clients think they want in an EA isn’t always what they actually need. It’s a conversation I have time and time again. Often, leaders naturally look for someone who feels familiar; someone from the same industry, [...]
How to Successfully Onboard a Personal Assistant
Hiring a Personal Assistant (PA) is a valuable step for any executive or organisation. Whether it’s your first time working with a PA or you are rebuilding support after a gap, a structured and well-prepared onboarding process is essential. It sets the tone for the relationship, ensures clarity from the [...]
Changing Careers to Become a PA or EA: What You Need to Know
Over the past year, we’ve seen a rise in professionals exploring a career change into PA (Personal Assistant) and EA (Executive Assistant) roles. At Lily Shippen, it’s something we’re asked about almost weekly. Many people want to know how to break into this competitive field without prior experience. [...]
RTW4: Why Four Days in the Office is Becoming the New Standard
The way we work is shifting once again. After several years of hybrid and remote models, 2025 has brought a clearer direction. Many employers are now expecting staff in the office four days a week. This approach is widely referred to as RTW4 (Return to Work Four Days a Week). [...]
The Recruitment Mistake Too Many Companies Still Make in 2025
In 2025, many businesses still underestimate the strategic value of hiring the right business support professionals. These individuals play a critical role in streamlining operations, maintaining company culture and supporting senior leadership, yet recruitment for these roles is often treated as an afterthought. The result is a hiring process that [...]
