During PA Life’s 15th anniversary year, we feature 15 amazing assistants. The interview series fits perfectly within our core purpose of supporting EAs, PAS, VAs, Office Managers, and other business support professionals. Here we talk to Abigail Jones, a senior EA, and founder of her own coaching and mentoring business who discusses the importance of assistant networks and the evolving role of an EA…
Abigail Jones
Abi has won numerous industry awards, including the PA Life Star Award’s PA of the Year 2019, and was featured on the cover and in an interview in PA Life in May/June issue 2016. That’s not all, as Abi also wrote our Ask Abi column in PA Life magazine during 2024 and 2025, and finds time to sit on the advisory board of The PA Show too…
You have been a PA Life contributor and Club member for over 10 years? What are your earliest memories of PA Life?
Having been part of the PA Life community for over a decade, my journey mirrors the platform’s own growth. My earliest memories of PA Life are rooted in connection, it felt like a space where assistants were truly seen and heard—something that was quite rare at the time. The events were welcoming, the content was relevant, and there was a real sense of belonging from the start.
What role has a peer network such as the PA Life Club played in your personal and professional development?
That sense of connection has only deepened through my involvement in the PA Life Club. For me, peer networks have been instrumental in both personal and professional development. Being part of a community of like-minded professionals has been invaluable. It’s not just about the networking, it’s also about learning from others who understand the nuances of the role. Whether it’s sharing challenges, celebrating wins, or gaining new perspectives, that support system has been key to my growth.
PA Life is turning 15 this year. What impact do you think the platform has had on shaping the UK’s assistant community?
Over the past 15 years, PA Life has played a significant role in shaping the UK’s assistant landscape. I believe the platform has helped elevate the profession by championing its value and creating opportunities for visibility. It’s given assistants a voice and a platform to showcase their impact. The recognition through awards, the quality of editorial content, and the focus on development have all contributed to raising standards across the industry.
How has having access to free resources—exclusive industry offers, events, mentoring, and training—helped you stay ahead in your profession?
Access to resources has also been a major factor in staying ahead. From exclusive events to training and mentoring, I’m keen to highlight the importance of continuous learning. The profession is constantly evolving, and having access to up-to-date resources ensures you’re not standing still. PA Life has made that accessible, which is crucial, especially for those who may not have formal development programmes within their organisations.
What sets PA Life and the PA Life Club apart from other assistant networks or professional communities?
What sets PA Life apart, is its authenticity. There’s a genuine commitment to the community. The team understands the role, listens to feedback, and evolves accordingly. That makes a huge difference compared to more generic professional networks. PA Life seeks to uplift and celebrate its admin community.
Where do you see assistant networks being able to add most value in the future?
Looking to the future, I see assistant networks playing an even greater role in career progression and advocacy. There’s an opportunity to go beyond support and into strategic development- helping assistants position themselves as business partners, not support staff. Networks can also play a role in influencing how organisations perceive and utilise the role.
What would you like PA Life Club to offer more, or do better?
As for what PA Life could do more of, I suggest expanding the reach even further. Continuing to diversify content and ensure inclusivity across different sectors and career stages will be important. There’s also scope to deepen mentoring opportunities and create more tailored development pathways.
Looking ahead, how do you see the Executive Assistant role evolving? Are you worried that the number of positions will be cut?
On the evolution of the Executive Assistant role, change is inevitable, but not something to fear. The role is becoming more strategic, more tech-enabled, and more integrated into business operations. While automation may impact some tasks, it also creates space for higher-value work. Some roles will be cut, redundancies will happen, but other roles will be redefined and elevated. The key is adaptability and a willingness to keep learning.
You can read more of our Amazing Assistants interviews here.
