Johanasburg based Feroza Sader is an executive assistant and a mother who has lost a child. In this article she shares some heartfelt thoughts; from the positive impact of what you may think could be a difficult conversation with someone who is grieving, to keeping up with tech, through to the benefits of networking with your EA colleagues.
As last year drew to a close, I realised that it was a year of highs and lows. It’s been nearly two years since I lost my 11-year-old son. Over the months since his passing, I’ve noticed that many people around me struggle to talk about him. I believe they avoid the topic because they think it will be too sad, but I actually cherish those conversations. When those who knew him can speak to me about him, it becomes my space for joy. The Almighty has granted me the strength to endure this pain, and for that, I am truly grateful. My advice to all of you is: don’t shy away from engaging in conversation with someone who has experienced a loss.
On a brighter note, I’ve developed a love for technology. If ChatGPT were a person, I would give it a big, squishy hug! The minutes of all my meetings are now in a much better place, and I’m sure I’ve become the envy of many. I’ve also taught myself to make the most of all the apps on my phone, which has made my life so much easier. Voice notes to text while driving in traffic have given me an extra hour and a half of daily productive work while also creating “me time.”
Our organisation has undergone significant changes, but my mantra remains the same: “Get to work, do your best work to completion, keep your head, heels, and standards high, and don’t overanalyse what’s happening around you.” I shared this mantra with many colleagues when they questioned the changes, speculated, and stressed. It helped them focus on what truly matters, and boy, oh boy, it really worked! It’s all about mindset, right?
I also attended an event where Nikki Bush was one of the speakers. Her persona was captivating – her words and message felt like she spoke directly to me. I’m sure every person in the audience felt the same way about this vibrant and inspiring lady. I reached out to her, and now I receive her short, powerful messages via email.
One recent message was titled “Do It, or Dump It (DIDI),” where she discusses how we can get a return on our investment of time, energy, and money. “It’s a process of elimination, prioritising based on impact, that leaves you with a shortlist of items for meaningful productivity and impact,” she says. Her messages are always so meaningful and helpful. There’s always something to learn from her.
Another email I eagerly look forward to is the encouraging weekly messages from Susan Engelbrecht, always accompanied by a beautiful, sunny picture. The value of staying connected as an Executive Assistant is immense – it’s what legacies are made of!
To my fellow Executive Assistants, in a world where we are called to rise and shine, remember that we have each other.