Diary Changes, Meetings and Everything In Between
People often ask me what a typical day as Michael’s PA looks like. My answer? There isn’t one!
Every morning starts by checking my inbox and Michael’s diary to see what’s planned for the day ahead. Of course, that’s assuming everything is still going to plan! It’s amazing how quickly priorities can change, so flexibility and a good sense of humour definitely come in handy.
No two days are ever the same. One minute I might be arranging meetings, preparing papers or juggling diary changes, and the next I’m meeting members, liaising with colleagues, trustees or external organisations, or tracking down that one piece of information someone urgently needs. There’s always plenty going on, which is exactly what makes the role so enjoyable.
One of the things I love most is the variety. Working with Michael gives me a real insight into everything happening across AJR. I get to work with different teams, meet interesting people and play a small part in the many projects and events that support Holocaust survivors and their families.
A lot of what I do happens behind the scenes, and that’s absolutely fine with me. Whether it’s making sure meetings run smoothly, keeping the diary on track or quietly solving the little problems that pop up throughout the day, I know those details help everything else fall into place.
By the end of the day, my to-do list rarely looks the same as it did that morning—but that’s all part of the fun. It’s a busy, varied and rewarding role, and I feel very fortunate to work with such a dedicated team and to contribute, in my own way, to the important work AJR does every day.
Alana Riedl
PA, Chief Executive
