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Work + life: Selina Belgrave

Deloitteโ€™s executive assistant of the Year (2017/18), Selina Belgrave, details her typical day in the office, and why she enjoys some healthy competition in the workplace

What time does your alarm go off?
My alarm goes off at 6am, followed by a few snoozes that result in me getting out of bed at 6.15am. I then do a Beachbody T25 workout for 30 minutes, after this I start preparing to get myself and my daughter Jasmine ready.

What are you responsible for in your role?
All the traditional duties of an EA; diary management, booking travel, managing day-to-day scheduled conflicts, organising events, being the gatekeeper for my partners and anticipating the partnerโ€™s needs, ensuring that I remain one step ahead of them at all times. This means managing many diaries all at the same time and anticipating what they will need before the day โ€“ the most fulfilling part of my role is that no day is the same.

How did you get your current job?
I joined Deloitte in November 2011 as an EA in the GCMG (Global Capital Market Groups). Since then I have taken on a variety of projects within the group. Initially, I was involved in starting and completing our compliance procedures. These roles have now been transitioned to another team, but I still work alongside our dedicated alternative delivery centre team.

I currently manage the routine of seven partners who, with the exception of the firmโ€™s CFO, are all a part of the same group, GCMG.

What has been your proudest moment so far?

I was recently awarded Deloitte EA of the Year (2017/18), which has meant a great deal to me. It felt really good to be formally recognised by the partners that I work closely with, and I am grateful for the effort and time they individually put in when writing their nominations for me.

My children are my biggest personal achievement. I enjoy being a mother and work hard to create good memories and set positive examples for them.

โ€œIt felt really good to be formally recognised by the partners that I work closely with, and I am grateful for the effort and time they individually put in when writing their nominations for me.โ€

What is your favourite techie kit/app?

Halifax banking app. It saves me so much time and is one of the easiest apps to navigate.

What would your alternative career be?
This is a difficult one, because I love being an EA and doing the job I do, but I also think I would enjoy being a mentor/coach.

What are your hobbies?

The gym (not because I like it but because it works), spending quality time with my children and reading.

How competitive are you (inside and outside of work)?
I love a good healthy competition and I enjoy participating every now and then, however I am not a sore loser and will always wish that person/team a โ€˜well doneโ€™.

What are your guilty pleasures?

Everything food related and high heels โ€“ anyone who knows me, knows I do not wear flat shoes.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Over the last few years I have taken an interest in the work my team do, and would like to pursue a career in accountancy.