A BIT ABOUT – THE PA WAY
The PA Way may only be a few months old, but that hasn’t stopped it taking the PA world by storm! The brain child of Skevi Constantinou, this lifestyle platform is aimed specifically for Executive, Personal and Virtual Assistants, inspiring them when making those all important buying decisions. It’s packed full of news, views, ideas and information and we have to say we’re fan, not only of the site but also of the charismatic Skevi, whose boundless energy and enthusiasm is something to behold!
Skevi Constantinou’s family is from Cyprus, but she is very much French at heart and initially trained as a chef because of her love of French food. She lives and breathes customer service her personal motto “the answer’s yes, now what is the question….” A successful Executive Assistant in the West Midlands, Skevi has now set up The PA Way. meetingsclub met up with Skevi in the centre of Birmingham just as she’d received another big thumbs up for a Linked In post!
Why did you choose to become an Executive Assistant and set up The PA Way
I wanted a high pressure job with a lot of responsibility and one where I could work on my own initiative but also part of a wider team. I really like demanding internal clients who have high standards and enjoy working at a fast pace. Being an EA is very much like being a chef in terms of the pressure and variety, just without the food! I’ve really enjoyed setting up The PA Way. I wanted to create a lifestyle platform that supports everybody who is a PA/EA and to provide them with ideas, training and information to support them when they have to make major decisions. I also want anybody involved to have fun and feel special – just like a VIP – when we host networking events at venues and hotels.
Who has inspired you most in your career?
Each person that I meet inspires me as everyone has their own unique story and I can always learn something from them be it a person serving me a coffee or a CEO of a company. Everyone has a purpose and everyone has value. Everyday life inspires me rather than one particular individual.
If you could work anywhere in the world where would it be?
Paris! I’m French at heart and was trained in French cooking. I’m obsessed with everything French and think Paris is the most romantic city in the world. I’m going back there at the end of the year – it’s my most favourite place on the planet.
What has been your most embarrassing moment?
I don’t get embarrassed easily and believe you can always learn from your mistakes. But when I was 16 years old I went to a concert with a friend of mine to support a friend who didn’t actually turn up. I was standing near the bar and a guy came across and asked me what I thought of the band. I said I thought they were absolutely terrible, the lead singer needed to project a more positive vibe and basically slated the entire band! He then left me and I turned and saw a group of girls in shock. They asked me what he had said, and I told them, only to find out he was the lead singer of the band!
What piece of advice would you give to your teenage self?
My advice to my younger self would be don’t worry, things will get better!
What three items would you bring to a desert island?
1. My music – I love and need music!
2. A blank journal and a pen so I could write about my experiences
3. I would take any sort of cookies as I was a Cookie Monster in a past life
What did you do last weekend?
I was at the christening of my cousin’s baby. He’s called Alexandros. It was great to welcome him as a Christian to the Church with our family.
What is your favourite place to travel to?
Disneyland Paris – not Florida as Florida is too much Mickey Mouse!
Is there anything on your bucket list that you haven’t yet done?
Three things: I’d like to meet Michel Roux Jnr. He was the entire reason I initially became a chef a true inspiration. I love his cooking. If I met him, I would probably need to be escorted out by security as I would stand there in awe of him! Secondly, I’d also like to go to New England in the Fall to see the beautiful colours and last but not least I want to see a sunrise and sunset on the same day.
What is your favourite APP?
My LinkedIn App, I can’t live without it and think it is the future for all professionals.
What is your favourite food?
Greek – and French of course. Just give me Pitta bread and Taramasalata and I’m good. I like most foods and am fuelled by carbohydrates.
Do you binge watch and if so, what do you watch?
Yes! The last show that I watched was 13 Reasons Why, based on the best-selling books by Jay Asher. I also like to catch up with Strictly Come Dancing as I have lots of dancers in my family and dancing is in my blood- whether I can dance is a different story!