About us

Background

With a mutual interest in seeing Executive Assistants find their ‘true north’ through connection, collaboration and capability. Our Founding Members were regularly asked by EAs to establish an EA Network. Established respectfully within the EA community in Canberra since 2020, the Founders embarked on the creation of the LEAD EA Network.

Collaborating with local Business Partners to support the Networks across Australia. The LEAD EA Network provides business development opportunities, outstanding events, personal and professional development, leadership and insight to foster a high calibre and innovative EA Network.

All partnerships will be considered by the Committee, as we continue to partner with affiliated businesses to expand our offers to our members.

Get in touch with us here if you wish to collaborate.

The LEAD EA Network proactively supports both the private and public sectors and all levels of Executive and Personal Assistants.

All members receive a complimentary discovery session with any one of our Committee Members

Book a time to chat on 1300 810 911

The Committee

Our Advisory Committee consists of three sub-committees which support the overall development and structure of the Network and the pathways we encounter.

These members provide much-valued leadership by sharing their vision, advice and contribution to each program.

The Committee Members' experiences are aligned to the EA/PA journey and pathways encountered and therefore deliver relevant content, events and experiences to suit.

Enterprising (0 - 5 years experience)

When starting out in the EA role, you wonder what to expect from your Executive and what they will expect from you! How do I navigate the many demands of this intriguing and rewarding role I am excited to now call my profession? How do I make those connections in my organisation? Who do I go to for that valuable information and tricks of the trade? How do I process the workflows? Is there an internal EA network that could help? Why is it so important to follow the policy and procedures?

At the start of your EA career, it can feel like you are always questioning things, but it is important to be proactive while transitioning to a new position – this never changes. But how do I demonstrate this and why is it crucial to my overall success? Enterprising provides you with the tools to help!

Elizabeth Colquhoun
Email: lizzy@leadeanetwork.com.au

Lizzy commenced her career as an educator in Early Childcare Education where she developed her customer service and administration skills. These skills were highly regarded when she transferred into an administration position in the private sector, where she developed her skills managing complicated situations, stakeholder engagement, financial management and organisational skills.

In 2020 Lizzy commenced as an Executive Assistant in the public sector where she has thrived. During the last two years as an Executive Assistant, she has been able to hone her administrative skills and taken on additional duties. This has enabled her to develop professionally and broaden her skillset further. With over 7 years’ experience in customer service and administration, Lizzy enjoys mentoring Executive Assistants and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Lizzy also runs a small business and does competitive ballrooms dancing, but she always knows how to find the balance in life. Lizzy strongly believes and encourages self-care, work life balance and having fun while kicking goals in life.

Leading (5 - 15 years experience)

Each member of the Leading Team has worked as an EA for a number of years, and they are acutely aware that the one constant in life is change! They have a keen appreciation for how much you have to continuously adapt to new systems and technology to help you do your job more efficiently and give you some hours back in your day to develop your skills.

Leading EAs have a good understanding of processes and procedures, and you know what your Executive expects from you. You’ve managed to build some resilience but at times feel a loss of confidence due to this fast paced world. Perhaps you're juggling a lot of commitments and trying to balance work, life, and family. You could do with a little inspiration and motivation from others thriving in the role who are sharing new ideas, stepping out of their comfort zones and empowering their peers along the way. You have worked out the power of engaging and know a good network is key for you to do your role well (like, REALLY well).

Kyra
Emai: kyra@leadeanetwork.com.au

Kyra has 9 years’ experience working as an Executive Assistant. She brings a range of perspectives and ideas to her work, along with the ability to sustain strong collaborative relationships. Kyra has extensive knowledge and experience in the provision of high-level administrative support across a number of Departments in the Australian Public Service. She also enjoys playing a leadership role within EA networks and has taken on a number of mentor roles, supporting less-experienced EAs both within her Department and externally. She is passionate about supporting and building up new EAs to be the best they can be.

Prior to joining the Public Service, Kyra held various Administrative Assistant positions in the private sector working in residential property valuations and commercial asset management. She was able to hone the skills she learned in these roles and apply them when she moved into the EA role.

When she’s not at work you will find Kyra spending time with her two young sons, whether it’s at the swimming pool, riding bikes or making mud pies in the backyard.

Pathways (15+ years experience)

Pathway EAs feel fairly confident you have mastered the ins and outs of the EA role. A 'Master Shifu' if you will 🙂 You have likely worked in both the private and/or public sectors and have experience working to Senior Executives. You’ve added extra strings to your bow along the way, all whilst keeping the show on the road for your Executive. Your Executive doesn’t mess with your world, and you keep a consistent and constant dialogue that works for you both!

There’s never much to worry about, except one little teeny tiny thing – What’s next for you? Is this the last role you’ll ever have, or is there potential to step outside of the box and learn a new skill or work in a new environment that’s totally foreign to you? Pathways was created to support those EAs who may feel the need to move into a whole new environment, with new systems, procedures, and a new Executive, or who would benefit from potentially connecting with the Enterprising events again, as who knows what may arise from seeking out your next step on the pathway to success?

Donna McTavish, Chair
Email: donna@leadeanetwork.com.au

Donna has over 30 years of experience as an Executive Assistant and can recall the era of the typing pool! She is passionate about mentoring EAs who are just commencing their career and developing training and leadership pathways to guide EAs on their journey in the career. Donna works closely with her Executives as a business partner and understands the importance of knowing the business of your executive and their strategic objectives and goals. She believes in networking both internally and externally and using those connections to work collaboratively, share knowledge and experiences. Donna balances work and life with spending time at home with her two daughters and canine family member Milo. A Pilates enthusiast, she also partakes in regular walks, massages and enjoys quiet time reading and watching movies.

Ursula Kohler, Chair
Email: ursula@leadeanetwork.com.au

With both private and public sector long-term EA experience, Ursula is an EA career advocate and Founder of Capital EA, which she founded after seeing a gap in the market of businesses needing to recognise the potential of a good EA. Ursula loves to challenge EAs to step out of their comfort zones, empowering them to chase their dreams by helping provide a little focus, confidence and some clear vision. Through good leadership and a long-term plan for success, the role of the EA continues to be acknowledged as a career that is growing and moving rapidly as a crucial member and wing person to the Executive and their team.

The Committee Support

Ciana Kohler, Business Operations
Email: ciana@leadeanetwork.com.au

Ciana has developed some serious skills when it comes to adapting to a reactive and ever-changing work environment. Ciana has worked with alongside high-achieving business leaders, dignitaries, and people of high distinction.

Ciana considers her role with Lead an integral part of the Network and hugely inspiring to see with her own eyes the insights of what an EA is actually capable of doing!

Ciana joined the Lead team to drive the many programs offered, including making valued connections and a whole new network along the way!

Ambassadors

Belinda Barnier

Sophie Jeffrey

Glenys Beauchamp

Founding Business Partners

Capital EA

Capital EA is a boutique agency providing high-quality executive support, professional and personal development for EAs and specialised recruitment for office professionals. The principals of Capital EA have collectively over 50 years' experience and have worked with and supported some of Australia’s most recognised and rewarded individuals.

Interested in joining our Advisory Committee?

We welcome Executive Assistants and Personal Assistant from all industries that may wish to join our fabulous Advisory Committee, and ask that you consider the following –

Members principle requirements:

Must have relevant EA/PA experience;
Must align to one of the Network's sub-committee structures, either Enterprising, Leading or Pathways (see further information about these above);
Attendance at the two in-person Advisory Committee meetings;
Must be an active member by providing advice for a minimum 12 months to support the development of the membership obligations;
Must work with your sub-committee to create, design and lead the architecture of an event/experience aligned with the members' needs; and
A willingness to LEAD an event of your choice either virtually or in-person
Must be willing to sign a Confidentiality Agreement and agree to the Committee’s Terms of Reference.