PA Life Spring Issue’s Work & Life interview features Ivana Cartman, an Executive Assistant and PA Life Club member. She is also the winner of the PA Life Club Member Star at the PA Life Star Awards 2025. Ivana is a career EA currently working at a private equity firm in a fast-paced environment. Her role perfectly matches her drive to excelโmanaging multiple priorities, maintaining meticulous attention to detail, and consistently delivering results…
What made you enter the executive support profession?โฏย
I chose the executive support profession because I enjoy creating structure and helping others succeed. My organizational skills and ability toย anticipateย needs make this role a perfect fit, and I like contributing to smooth operations behind the scenes.ย
Have you worked inย very differentย sectors from education toย renewable energy, andโฏnowย finance.
How much does the industry you are in influence your role?
The core of my role stays the same, but the industry shapes priorities and language. Each sector has its own pace and focusโfinance demands precision and confidentiality, while educationย on emotional intelligenceย and renewable energy emphasized compliance and sustainability. Adapting to these nuances keeps the role interesting.ย
And what are the biggestโฏchallenges you face in your role?
Balancing competing priorities and handling urgent changes while keeping projects on track is the biggest challenge. It requires adaptability and clear communication.ย
What are your main responsibilities? Do you also get involved in organising events?
My main responsibilities include managing calendars, meetings, and executive support. Yes, I also organise events.ย These can be anything fromย board meetingsย toย company retreatsย andย business dinners. I alsoย arrange theย travelย andย accommodationย for these,ย the fullย logisticsย of it all.ย
Whatโsโฏthe best adviceโฏyouโveโฏever been given, and do you have a favourite quote?
This quote really speaks to me:ย โWhat you are not changing, you are choosing.โย ย It reminds me to stay proactive and continuously improve processes rather than accept the status quo.ย ย
Do you have any recommendations for professionalโฏdevelopment: tips,โฏbooksโฏor courses?
My tips areย stayย tech-savvy, work on your communication and network.ย A strong network gives access to resources, insights, and support, which helps you deliver more effectively in a dynamic role.ย As for courses โ take advantageย of the many LinkedIn learning programs.ย ย
Work & Life of an Executive Assistant is for ever evolving. Who inspires you to keep going?
Iโmย inspired by people who stay calm under pressure and lead with integrity. Those qualities motivate me to bring the same approach to my role.ย
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, Iโm very activeโI enjoy going to the gym and challenging myself with hikes. I also love photography and reading
Connect withย Ivana in LinkedInย
Join PA Life Club – it’s free for EAs, PAs, VAs, Office Managers and other admin and business support professionals
Are you an executive or business support professional? If so, why not join PA Life Club!ย It’s a free network for professionals like you. We organise events & fam trips with member priority bookings, have a free peer-to-peer mentoring programme, exclusive partner offers and discounted online courses for you.
You can read more of our Work & Life interviews here.
