When I joined IMPOWER as an Executive Assistant in November 2024, I did not imagine that, less than two years later, I would be working directly with frontline teams and supporting the delivery of projects for local authorities.

I had already spent several years working as an assistant, so I settled into the role relatively quickly. I learned the rhythm of the working week, understood the directors’ individual priorities, and found the best ways to support them and their teams.

It very quickly became evident to me what a hard-working bunch they all were. The word ‘passion’ is too often thrown around in the workplace, but the team at IMPOWER genuinely embody a passion for not only getting the best outcomes for residents with the local authorities we support, but also getting the best out of YOU as an individual – what matters to you and how they can support you in your career. That enthusiasm was infectious.

I had become confident in supporting delivery colleagues, but I increasingly wanted to become more involved myself. One of the best things about being an Executive Assistant is the opportunity to build relationships across an organisation and gain a broad understanding of how its different parts fit together. The more I learned about the business, the more I wanted to explore where else I could contribute. So I started asking to get involved more.

This led to several new opportunities for me – the first being sales support. We introduced a new CRM system, and I took a lead role in implementing and embedding the system. This gave me the opportunity to learn about an entirely new area of the business. I developed my understanding of sales pipelines, forecasting, different approaches to developing opportunities, and the bidding process. It was a steep learning curve, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I also began shadowing more of our delivery projects. This allowed me to see IMPOWER’s work with clients first-hand and better understand the difference it can make to services, frontline teams and, most importantly, residents. Each experience helped me build my confidence and confirmed that I wanted to become more closely involved in project delivery.

When I got the opportunity to take a secondment into a consulting role at end of 2025, I jumped at the chance.

My first assignment was a travel-to-school project, an area I had not previously shadowed. There was a lot to learn, but with the support of a brilliant manager, I got stuck right in.

Being a consultant has offered me the opportunity to use my brain in a whole new way, and the skillset I had been developing over my years of assisting seemed to blend so seamlessly. It gave me the chance to think differently, solve complex problems and see how the skills I had developed throughout my career as an assistant could transfer to a new role. From the basis of organising meetings, coordinating people, maintaining trackers and making sure actions progressed, identifying themes, anticipating potential blockers, seeing the bigger picture and finding creative solutions. Rather than leaving my previous experience behind, I was building on it.

At the beginning of the new financial year, I was offered the opportunity to move into consulting permanently. My answer was an immediate and enthusiastic yes.

That does not mean I never miss aspects of my previous role. Moving into project delivery has meant stepping back from some of the day-to-day life of the wider business. I miss regular conversations with colleagues in the office, catching up with the finance team and debating lunch options with the marketing and HR teams.

My new role also involves more travel and less time behind a desk. I now spend much more of my working week alongside frontline staff, seeing for myself how our work is influencing services and supporting better outcomes for residents. That direct connection to the impact of our work has given me a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

My journey from Executive Assistant to Consultant has shown me that career development does not always require starting again. Sometimes it is about recognising the value of the skills you already have, being curious about where else they could take you and having the confidence to say yes when an opportunity arises.

I am still learning, still developing and still discovering new ways to contribute. Most importantly, I am loving it.