EA Showcase | Ursula Kohler

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This month’s EA showcase is of the fabulous Ursula Kohler, Executive Assistant to many, plus Founder/Managing Director of Capital EA.

Our goal is to raise the profile of EAs with a view to build awareness of the Executive Assistant role by sharing the diversity that the role entails, continue to share tips and tricks, encourage each other and talk about the journey in which we all take.

Please share, share and share in support of your peers! 

If you know an EA or would like to contribute and share a little about yourself, please get in touch as we’d love to hear from you.

Your CEA Team X

Ursula Kohler

Ursula Kohler Managing Director Capital EA

1.Name your current role?

Executive Assistant to many, plus Founder/Managing Director of Capital EA

2. Do you remember the first day you became an EA?

Yes, I had been introduced to what would be my new boss at an EA function my friend invited me to attend, I was given the opportunity to work as an EA to a FAS with the Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS) in 1997 known today as the Department of Social Services (DSS).

I went on to work with FaCS for seven years, gaining a good chunk of experience across many divisions, I also worked for the Secretary and was hand-picked in my final year to work with Minister Vanstone before moving North and trying my hand at working within State Government on the Sunshine Coast.

(Yes, I returned to Canberra!)

3. How long have you been an EA?

All up 25 years, prior to being an EA I was a legal assistant with the ACT Government Solicitor’s office.

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

Keeping my Executive on target in ensuring they achieve what they need to each and every day.

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

Being an integral part of the Executive team, providing input and influencing to achieve the program we’re all set to accomplish! 

Capital EA Workshop

6. Was there a time in your career, you sort help and/or advice from another EA in your life? How important do you consider this relationship?

Yes! I had two EA mentors, particularly in the first 5 years of my EA career, I am still in contact with them today. They provide different guidance and support, and most importantly continue to push me out of my comfort zone, they encourage me and provide no nonsense feedback! Both are so important and integral to my success.

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

Each role has played a big part toward the position I have today. Mind you at the time I didn’t recognise it. Hindsight is a wonderful thing!

I would also say, every manager, colleague and team I have worked with has taught me so much about myself, my limitations and my tested my boundaries, they really helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses.

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

Being BOLD! I could keep going, but if there was one skill that I think is crucial it is to be bold – it encompasses everything needed, being adventurous, audacious, courageous, fearless, heroic, gallant, enterprising!

9. What are three items you can’t work without?

1.    Mobile Phone

2.    Felt tip pens

3.    Dior Lipstick – every girl needs a favourite lipstick, balm or gloss!

4.    Laptop!

Favourite Work Items

10. What do you do in your spare time?

I love being spontaneous and living a fairly non-scheduled and non-routine life outside of my work!

I enjoy travelling and trying new things, being submerged into different cultures and discovering new ways of doing things, experiencing life and it’s many abs and flows.

The Kohler Family

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

Being an EA is a wonderful career, it is so rewarding – I don’t know of any other roles that provide you with so many skills and knowledge!

My advice to all EAs is to keep your head high, know that you’re in the role for a reason and don’t give up too quickly – come and see me if you need some motivation! 

Ursula offers 1:1 coaching to EAs. If you would like to book in a complimentary 30 minute session with Ursula please give us a call on 02 6109 0333 or email us at ea@capitalea.com.au

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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