I Am Jamie Lee

"You're not a project manager - you're just an assistant"

You're right, I'm not the project manager - but just an assistant, my ass.

Many years ago, one of my bosses was tasked with cleaning up a huge problem for our company. Offered any and all resources to make it happen - his only request? "All I need is Jamie"

Before IT departments came to be and computers became wireless, I pulled up a floor, disconnected, re-ran and reconnected our computers to move our department to the other end of the floor - because our facilities department couldn't figure it out.

I worked for a company whose bookkeeper used to keep the books with a ledger and a pencil. Hundreds of checks were written by hand each month. I took over the bookkeeping and implemented a computerized accounting system...I also wrote an HR manual in my spare time.

That week-long conference in China I mentioned yesterday? Did I mention that it wasn't just logistics? That I was charged with coming up with the theme for the conference, the agenda, the presentations - as well as the logistics of getting 30 managers from 20 countries to China - along with all of our conference material.

Did I mention that, as "just an assistant" I took a two-person office and created a global headquarters? Researching, viewing, negotiating and ultimately designing the new space - working with contractors to upfit the space to specs...oh and then taking on the interior design of the space including custom-made office furniture and video-conferencing equipment (before that was even a thing). Also, locating the recruiting partners that would staff our headquarters?

I was tasked with putting on an annual awards gala. No biggie - I've thrown amazing, amazing, AMAZING events. The only catch with this gala? No budget. ZERO $$$. Mission accomplished.

Did I mention that I do things that other assistants know would help their executives, but they had no interest in doing them - because it's more work for them?

As an assistant, I also listened, not just to the needs of my executive, but also what was happening around them. I provided valuable counsel and support, often telling them what they needed to hear, not just what they wanted to hear.

Did I do these things at the expense of my "regular job?" Nope. All of this was done while still making sure that my executive was where he needed to be, when he needed to be there and prepared. I still answered the phones, and sent the emails, made the travel arrangements and filed the expense reports.

I saw gaps that needed to be filled and I filled them.

I also cared for their houses, their spouses, their kids and pets. I filled their pools while they were away and watered the plants. I picked them up and drove them to the airports. I took their cars in for servicing.

I'm not "just" anything...I am Jamie Lee. Nice to meet you.

#notjust#iamjamielee#gohappyyourself