Be the Ultimate Assistant: A celebrity assistant’s secrets to working with any high-powered employer by Bonnie Low-Kramen was an awesome read. I had the pleasure of attending one of her workshops recently and it has changed my entire outlook on my work environment. Attendees received a copy of the book. I read it immediately and in one day. While she was a Celebrity Assistant for 25 years to Olympia Dukakis – don’t let that fool you. She has chosen to champion for all assistants – no matter if you work for a celebrity, a CEO of a Fortune 500, a small to mid-size firm, looking to venture into the world of being an assistant or have 20 years in the game – you will nod your head in agreement throughout the book and gain many useful tips.
Chapter 1 starts off with “would you know what to do” examples. I personally learned that you can have a lost passport replaced overnight. It’s interesting to note that it is not only assistants to celebrities who are challenged by additional personal requests by their employers. Virtual Assistants are known to have to pull off small miracles frequently.
Chapter 14 talks about Gender in the Workplace. It is a discussion that has gained popularity since Sheryl Sandberg published Lean In. Bonnie explains in her book, “By definition, our roles are behind the scenes and supportive. No longer though, does this mean invisible and unheard.” We all face the same challenges and we all have to find our voice – as Bonnie preaches – “Find Your Voice.”
As mentioned above, while in the workforce this book was written primarily for the personal celebrity assistant, there are many tips to be learned by anyone who assistants someone. From event planning to good manners, to learning if you are even cut out for being an assistant – Be the Ultimate Assistant is a must read.
Interested in getting your own copy of this book? Check out the ordering link here.
———————–
Kimberly Latona is an Office Manager/Executive Assistant for the past 23 years. She holds a MS in Organization and Management, is an avid volunteer and is in constant learning mode taking workshops, e-courses and scouring the Internet for information that will help her strengthen her skill-set. Get to know Kimberly via her Linkedin Profile.