30-SECOND CV

and London. Bejaoui says she started out as a “smart PA” herself with the firm, having previously worked as project manager.

It now has about 160 smart PAS, mainly women, who work with clients on a temporary or ongoing basis on the likes of traditional PA activity such as diary management and travel co-ordination, as well as preparing for board papers and compiling meeting minutes.

Its remit also extends to what she describes as “gatekeeping” activities, being the first point of contact for a client, as well as project work and translation, and PAS can draw on the skills of others across the firm if need be. PA and secretarial work is “such a broad space”, says Bejaoui.

She explains that clients ● Born: 1978, Edinburgh ● First job: Receptionist for a design and marketing agency ● Ambition while at school: To join the police, be a primary school teacher or to be Kylie Minogue ● What car do you drive: Chili red Mini Cooper S ● Favourite mode of transport: I love flying and trains! ● Music: Cheesy Quaver - I love everything from Steps, range from one-man bands to corporates, and SMES have been a real growth area, mainly comprising owner-managers with one to ten staff Backstreet Boys, Haim ● Kindle or book: Book ● Reading material: Iam currently reading a book on emotional intelligence and how to get results. ● Can’t live without: Friends, family and exercise ● What makes you angry: People with no manners. ● What inspires you: Having the ability to empower and support women to be as successful as they can be ● Favourite place: Rome ● Best thing about your job: Supporting people to flourish who can quickly make a decision. “We’re winning an SME customer every working day,” she states.

This type of client is also likely to be stretched for