An Interview with Eric Chapman, Executive Assistant, PAN Communications and Winner of the 2022 Greater Boston Admin Awards Colleen Barrett Award for Administrative Excellence
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused what do you do?
It’s no surprise that as an Executive Assistant with multiple balls in the air at all times while also moving mountains on a daily basis, things can get a bit overwhelming. During these times, I always make sure to check in with myself; am I eating, am I sleeping, how’s my anxiety, am I exercising, etc. and when something feels off, I know I need to regroup. This feeling of being overwhelmed is combated with breathing exercises & meditation, 15-minute walks for fresh air, and visually writing out lists so I can see high priority vs. low. I also make sure to get in a good workout either during lunch hour or after work. Sometimes I’ll even do acupuncture or yoga which helps me find my center again. Prioritizing health also gives you the ability to be more effective in the workplace.
What’s your favorite thing your Executive does?
One of my favorite things about Phil is that he has an infectious and outgoing personality. He really knows the delicate balance between a well-respected hard-working businessman and a lighthearted, animated, happy go lucky human being. It makes all the difference in the world especially when you have such a close working relationship day in and day out.
What advice would you give an Executive about working with an Administrative Partner?
Constant open communication and clear articulation. These two aspects of an Executive/admin relationship are crucial. As an Executive Assistant, you are an extension of your Executive(s). With wonderful communication and clear articulation, over time, your two brains almost become one, where you’ll already know what the other was thinking or how they’d respond to something, etc. After all, your main goal is to give your Executive time back in their day, make their lives much more efficient, and handle any conflicts along the way.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Trust your gut and listen to your body. Years ago, a family member gave me a quote that was etched into a personal keepsake and it read, “the most powerful weapon on Earth is the human soul on fire”. To me, this meant that if I was truly passionate about something, I would be unstoppable. I’ve always been a firm believer in this quote and will carry it with me always.
What’s something that people might find surprising about you?
I’m a 4-time Junior Olympic Figure Skater. Growing up I played basketball and baseball, but I ultimately gravitated towards skating as a teenager and through college. I loved the emotion, the self-expression, the technical difficulty, and the power that’s felt vaulting into the air and accomplishing something that looks effortless but is anything but. This sport (like many other sports) has taught me a lot about discipline, hard work, sacrifice, attention to detail, perseverance, and learning from mistakes. All tools that I use in my everyday life.
What’s your wake-up song and why?
I like to start my day off feeling positive, motivated, and energized so my #1 go to wake up song is “You’re Gonna Make It” -Dope Saint Jude. It’s a constant reminder to go after your dreams and what makes you happy. Highly recommend a listen.
How do you make yourself stand out when most admin positions are ‘behind the scenes’ type roles?
Get involved, put yourself out there, ask questions, make meaningful connections, and be so good at your job that it leaves no choice but to be noticed.
How did you know an Admin career path was right for you?
I’ve always been interested in getting people and projects from point A to point B in the most effective way possible. I also thoroughly enjoy organization, learning new processes, and the ability to support C-Suite team members on important company initiatives.
What about your role puts a smile on your face?
Seeing the success of someone on my team, knowing that I played a part in helping them get there. Everyone at this organization and the class I T.A. at Syracuse University has endless dedication to their craft, and it’s a beautiful thing to see someone flourish in their career.
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