From EA to Business Owner – How 25 Years of High-Level Support Shaped the Way I Work Today
When I tell people I’ve spent over 25 years as an Executive Assistant, the usual response is something like:
“Wow — you don’t old enough.”
but seriously, I have!
I’ve worked across almost every sector — from corporate to public to non-profit — supporting UK and global HR Directors, CEOs, and senior leaders. My role was always more than just scheduling meetings or managing diaries.
I worked in true partnership with the people I supported. Anticipating. Solving. Guiding. Protecting their time and energy so they could focus on what mattered most.
That experience taught me how to be calm in chaos, think strategically, and adapt to pretty much any situation. And while the job titles and company logos changed over the years, one thing stayed the same — I genuinely loved helping people do their best work.
The Move Into Wellbeing
After years in traditional EA roles, I moved into workplace wellbeing — helping organisations create healthier, more human-centred work environments.
It felt like a natural extension of everything I’d been doing behind the scenes for so long: looking after people, spotting early signs of overwhelm, and creating systems that actually support real life.
That time deepened my belief that the way we work matters.
Not just for productivity, but for people.
Starting My Own Business
Eventually, I reached a point where I knew I wanted to take everything I’d learned — from boardrooms to wellbeing workshops — and build something of my own.
That’s where Collabwork began.
Today, I offer a blend of Virtual Assistant and Online Business Management support. I still love a good to-do list, but what lights me up now is helping business owners find clarity and breathing room again.
I work with people who are brilliant at what they do, but tired of trying to do it all on their own.
I bring calm to the chaos.
Structure to the swirl.
Strategy to the everyday.
What’s Changed — and What Hasn’t
What’s changed is the setting. I’m not in a corporate office anymore. I’m working remotely, often with purpose-led business owners, creatives, and consultants who are building meaningful things.
What hasn’t changed is my approach:
- I still work in partnership with my clients
- I still think a few steps ahead
- And I still care deeply about the people I support
Only now, I have the flexibility to shape my work in a way that supports both me and the amazing clients I work with.
If You’re at Capacity — Or Just Ready to Feel More Supported
You don’t have to do everything alone. Whether you need admin help, systems support, or someone to help manage the bigger picture — I’m here.
Let’s chat → debra@collabwork.co.uk how I can support you, so you can get back to focusing on what you do best.