This week I’m attending my last administrative professional conference. I was recently promoted to a position that comes with new responsibilities and it is huge shift from what I’ve been doing for the past 15 years. I have to admit that attending the conference this year is bitter sweet. I’ve attended an administrative professional conference every year for the past 7 years, 4 of them with Office Dynamics hosted by the incomparable Joan Burge. Over the years, I realized that some of the best education/information/tips/best practices didn’t just come from the stage but also from fellow conference attendees. For example, after having a 15 minute conversation with the former Chief Executive Assistant to the CEO of Cisco Systems, I put together a project charter for an initiative that is now a major program….and I manage the program.
The administrative profession gave me access to some great thought leaders. It forced me to coach people who are above my pay grade. It revealed my strengths and opportunities for improvement. I am truly thankful for the women who took me under their wing and encouraged me to do more and be more. Yes, my new position comes with new responsibilities and it’s the end of an era but I’m so dangblasted excited about the road ahead. The next stop on my professional journey…project and program management training and certification.
When you have come to the end of an era, are you prepared to let it go and embrace new opportunities? Are willing to take what you’ve learned and apply it to the next stages of your life? Each experience is a building block. Are you ready to take the next step?
With love,
