EA Showcase | Maree Tindall

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We’ve come to our last EA Showcase for the year, and that is none other than….drum roll……Maree Tindall! I feel like I’ve known Maree forever,I am sure there are many of you that have had a chat to her in coordinating a visit or meeting your executive accordingly. I always find it interesting hearing about what people studied or ‘wanted to be when they grew up’, we don’t all end up with what we really seek, but there is something about what we do that seems to all fall into place at times, and it sounds like Maree is exactly in the right role, being an Executive Assistant! Congratulations Maree on loving your role and best wishes to everyone for a safe and relaxed Christmas and New Year.

I encourage our peers to please share these blogs in support of your peers.

If you know someone that should be featured in our EA Showcase or if you would like to contribute and share a little about yourself, please get in touch as we’d love to hear from you.

Until next year,

Ursula x

 

 

 

 

Maree Tindall

Maree standing outside the New Zealand High Commission

Name your current role?

Executive Assistant to the High Commissioner, Chris Seed and Deputy High Commissioner, Llewellyn Roberts, New Zealand High Commission.

Do you remember the first day you became an EA?

My first job was a legal stenographer for a country law firm.  That job came about after doing work experience with that firm during a 12 month secretarial course at TAFE and I was lucky enough to secure a position before I graduated.   I ended up staying there for 10.5 years and loved it.

How long have you been an EA?

I’ve been doing secretarial work for a long time and have only ever had three jobs.  I can’t even imagine doing anything else.   Although I did study to be a wool classer and a beauty therapist at different times.

What would you consider to be the most difficult part of your day?

Keeping up to date with internal news from Head Office in Wellington.  We have three different sources and some days I just don’t have time to read everything.

What would you consider to be the most rewarding part of your position as an EA?

Knowing that I add real value to the Post’s outcomes, whether that is a high level visit, a function or the day to day running of the High Commissioner’s diary.

I ensure the High Commissioner’s day runs smoothly and enabling him to focus on the more important issues and the demands of such a high profile job.

What was a role that you have owned or an experience you have had, that helped shaped your success in your current position?

My first job as a legal stenographer was the most valuable experience I have had.  I had to prioritise and work under pressure on a regular basis.  I was required to type wills for clients while they waited and this was done on an electric typewriter…no computers!   My second job was for a Commercial Real Estate Agent in the Valuation Department.  This role was fast paced at times and I dealt with a lot of demands from clients and Banks.

What skill do you possess that you believe is crucial to your role?

Being organised and flexible!  My current role is so diversified, some days I wear many hats….diary manager, event manager, travel agent, driver, florist and waitress!

I have the ability to “look around corners”, to see potential problems or requirements emerging, and to deal with them effectively before they become significant.

What are three items you can’t work without?

  • Lists – I can’t live without them (both work & home).
  • My contacts – having a great network is essential when I have to ask for unrealistic or difficult requests.
  • Computer – We recently experienced no internet for 1.5 days and it was a challenge.

 What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy cooking, pilates, knitting, catching up with family and friends.  I love farm activities and spending time at the family farm when I can, but unfortunately I do not get there as much as I’d like.

Any tips you’d like to share with your fellow EAs?

  • Remember if you didn’t achieve everything you wanted to in a day, there is always tomorrow, if it’s not time sensitive, it can wait!
  • Know that you do make a difference!
With one of Maree’s favourite Chefs, Annabel Langbein – the High Commission hosted a book signing event a few years ago.

 

Ursula is challenge driven, and thrives in busy environments.  With over 27 years’ experience as an EA/PA, Ursula has worked with and supported some of Australia's most recognised and rewarded individuals.   Ursula has provided crucial support to politicians, boards and government department heads during some intense periods during her career, earning a reputation for resilience and as an EA that can “handle the heat”. She has an exceptional capacity for organisation, multi-tasking, and prioritising, she is passionate about providing the highest levels of customer service and being a wingwoman to her executive.   Ursula understands just how vital an effective EA can be for their manager and their organisation.  She is passionate about encouraging other EAs to understand their organisation, nurture relationships in and outside the business, learn and develop, and cultivate a “can do” attitude.   Born in Canberra, Ursula is one of six children to migrant parents, she initially struggled to keep up having to attend English speaking classes and learned much of what she knows today from trial and error. Ursula has a Diploma of Business Management, was one of five finalists in the 2019 Canberra Women in Business – Business Woman of the Year category. She has lived on the Sunshine Coast and prefers Canberra (!) is married with one daughter and a gorgeous Kelpie named Tess.

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