In our latest issue – autumn 2025 – PA Life talks to Julie Denham, to learn about the life on and off duty as an EA to the CEO at an air ambulance service covering a large part of South East of Englandโฆ
Iโve worked in executive support for over eight years now but had PA experience in a previous role. It is an incredibly fulfilling role especially when you combine it with working in the charity sector. Iโm passionate about care and support for the bereaved and allowing people to speak about their grief openly and in a safe space. Alongside this I am writing a book on my own experience with grief and loss. I often give my time to volunteering at KSS events and hope to become a volunteer with a local child bereavement charity by the end of the year. I live in Surrey with my husband and feel very lucky to have a wonderful circle of friends close by as well as my nephew and parents. Living for every moment is so important and cherishing those times I get to spend with my loved ones brings me so much joy.
Was working in executive support role always a plan for you?
It wasnโt always the plan. I started at Nikon in a diverse role, covering different marketing areas, including events. After Nikon, I moved to The Royal Marsden to work in events, looking after all the events for the hospital, charity, and private care. The Royal Marsden is particularly close to my heart because my nan was a patient there for five years while she battled breast cancer. After The Royal Marsden I transitioned into the executive support role, which felt like a natural next step. Iโve developed many transferable skills, and itโs been rewarding to continue my career in the charity sector. I love being part of something that really makes a difference and knowing Iโm contributing to saving lives and supporting the critical emergency care work at Air Ambulance Charity Kent, Surrey Sussex (KSS) is incredibly fulfilling.
Whatโs it like working in an emergency response service?
Working at Air Ambulance Charity Kent, Surrey Sussex (KSS) is truly a privilege. No two days are ever the same, and that keeps the role exciting. I get to work across various departments, which gives me a broad and valuable understanding of the organisation. Things move quickly, and priorities can shift unexpectedly, but thatโs part of the thrill. What really makes this role meaningful is knowing that the charity Iโm supporting is staffed by exceptional doctors and paramedics who are saving lives every day. Theyโre giving people the best chance of survival on what could be the worst day of their lives.
What advice would you give to someone looking to forge a career as a PA or EA?
First and foremost, itโs important to understand the different roles in this field. Thereโs a big difference between being a PA, an EA, and a strategic EA. Iโd also say that continuous learning is key, whether itโs through networking, courses, or staying up to date on industry trends. Over the past eight years, Iโve noticed an incredible number of resources available to help develop our skills. Itโs also essential to focus on developing soft skills, especially emotional intelligence. Anticipating your bossโs needs, being able to solve problems quickly, and building trust with your team are all crucial parts of the role.
Describe a typical day for you
My day typically begins with a morning brief with my CEO. We go through the dayโs agenda, discuss any emails that have come in, and review any updates or changes. Then, we look at our to-do list and make sure weโre making progress on
strategic projects. After that, I spend the day attending various meetings, both with my CEO and others, handling any operational details that come up. Managing email correspondence is a big part of my day, I manage both my inbox and my CEOโs, using a system that works for both of us. I also help the senior leadership team with various tasks and manage the CEOโs diary, which can sometimes feel like playing Tetris. As big projects are underway, I make sure weโre staying on track and keeping everything moving forward. I often touch base with Davidโs direct reports and others to stay updated on the overall progress. At the end of the day, I usually catch up with my CEO again, to review whatโs been done and to look ahead to the next day.
What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
One of the most challenging aspects is the constant shift in priorities. Itโs common for schedules to change rapidly, and that means we must be able to adapt quickly. Weโre often required to reprioritise tasks on the fly without letting important details slip through the cracks. Itโs a challenge, but also something that keeps the role dynamic.
And what are the most enjoyable aspects?
Thereโs so much I enjoy about my job. One of the best things is being the support behind the scenes that helps everything run smoothly. Building strong relationships with my CEO, their direct reports, and colleagues, is also a highlight. I get to see high-level decision-making and strategic planning firsthand, which is a unique experience. And, of course, itโs incredibly satisfying to be the go-to person for solving problems and making things happen. When youโre trusted to handle complex tasks and decisions, itโs a real source of pride.
What piece of technology, or service, could you not live without?
As a Microsoft organisation, Iโd say Outlook and OneNote are indispensable for staying organised. Integration between systems has really helped streamline processes and improve efficiency. That said, Iโll always keep my paper diary and notepad close by. Thereโs something about writing things down that no technology can replace.
You are a member of the PA Life Club โ what are the positives for you?
Being a member of PA Life Club is fantastic. Itโs a great resource that brings everything we need into one place, from learning materials to industry news. I especially enjoy reading real-life experiences and tips from others in the profession. Itโs also a great way to stay updated on events, courses, and new opportunities in the field. It makes it so easy to continue growing and learning.
How important is networking for you? Any tips?
Networking is crucial. As an EA, the role can sometimes feel quite isolated, and itโs important to have a strong network of people who understand the unique challenges of the position. Developing and maintaining relationships within the air ambulance community and with key stakeholders has been essential for me. Itโs important to stay in touch with people, as we often need to reach out on short notice, sometimes outside of regular hours.
Whatโs the best advice youโve been given?
The best advice Iโve received is: โThe bravest thing you can be is yourself.โ Itโs a reminder to embrace everything that makes you unique. We all have something special to offer, and itโs so important to be true to yourself rather than trying to meet othersโ expectations.
Connect with Julie on LinkedIn
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