Strategic PA Network | In-person | 5.30pm - 8.00pm, The Virgin Hotel | Managing Up With Confidence As An Executive Assistant: An Open Discussion
Thursday 23rd April 2026 5.30pm to 8.00pm - BST
Location: 45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT
Thursday 23rd April 2026 5.30pm to 8.00pm - BST
Location: 45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT
Managing upwards is one of the most powerful, yet often underdeveloped, skills in the Executive Assistant role. But what does it really mean to “manage up” with confidence, credibility, and impact?
Join us for an open, honest panel discussion where we explore how EAs can build strong, strategic partnerships with their executives, influence effectively, and truly operate as a trusted extension of leadership.
We’re delighted to bring together an experienced and insightful panel:
Lindsay Cockcroft, Katie Heritage, Wendy Rogers, and Sarah Howson, who will share real-life experiences, practical strategies, and candid reflections on what it takes to manage upwards successfully.
What we’ll explore:
· What “managing up” really means in today’s EA role
· How to build trust, credibility, and influence with senior leaders
· Communicating with confidence, even in challenging situations
· Setting boundaries while maintaining a strong partnership
· Navigating different leadership styles and expectations
· Stepping into a more strategic, value-driven role
What you’ll take away:
· Practical techniques to strengthen your relationship with your executive
· Greater confidence in communicating, influencing, and challenging when needed
· A clearer understanding of how to operate as a strategic partner, not just a support function
· Tools to elevate your impact and visibility within your organisation
· Reassurance and inspiration from shared experiences with peers and industry leaders
This relaxed, interactive session offers the perfect opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect with fellow business support professionals who are equally committed to growing their impact.
Whether you’re looking to refine your approach or step more confidently into your role, this session will leave you empowered to manage upwards with clarity and confidence.
Katie Heritage is an accomplished Executive Assistant at the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project profession, where she supports the CEO at the heart of a dynamic and purpose-driven organisation shaping the future of project management across the UK and beyond.
In her role, Katie operates as a trusted partner, contributing to the smooth running of the executive office while supporting strategic priorities and organisational impact at the highest level.
Prior to joining APM, Katie worked as a Personal Assistant at EKFB, where she further developed her expertise in high-level support, stakeholder engagement, and navigating complex, fast-paced environments. She brings with her a wealth of experience built over several years as a dedicated business support professional, known for her proactive approach, strong organisational capability, and commitment to excellence.
Demonstrating her passion for the profession and continuous development, Katie has also achieved the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification, reinforcing her understanding of project delivery and enabling her to add even greater value within her role. She truly embodies the principles she supports, bringing both knowledge and practical insight to her work every day.
I’m passionate about connecting people, championing the Business Support profession and helping organisations unlock potential through exceptional talent. With 20+ years as a C-Suite Executive Assistant and Founder of Strategic PA Network, I understand first-hand the strategic value a high-performing EA brings to any organisation. In 2019, I co-founded Strategic PA Recruitment, an award-winning boutique search agency with Marianne Whitlock. We specialise in placing elite EA, PA and Chief of Staff talent into roles where they can truly thrive. Our approach is high-touch, discreet, and rooted in trust, integrity and a genuine understanding of the profession - because we’ve lived it. My career has spanned start-ups to the FTSE250, having supported CEOs and CFOs at board level. With a BA Hons in Business Management & IT and CIPD qualification, I blend operational insight with strategic vision across the talent and business support landscape.
I’m a versatile and resilient Executive Assistant with 10+ years’ experience supporting C‑suite leaders and managing complex, fast‑moving operations. A strong communicator, I build trusted relationships at all levels and distil complex information into clear, actionable insights. Highly organised and calm under pressure, I bring structure to unstructured environments and navigate shifting priorities with ease.
I operate with integrity, balancing professionalism with a warm, approachable energy. Skilled in diary and time management, I’m adaptable, solutions‑focused and naturally influential, maintaining the highest level of confidentiality. A process‑driven thinker and quick learner, I’m proactive in improving systems, streamlining workflows and making things work better for everyone around me. Tech savvy and efficiency driven, I leverage digital tools including Office 365, OneNote and AI applications to enhance communication, workflow and execution at scale.
Outside of work, I’m a mum and an endurance swimmer. I’ve completed the English Channel twice as part of a relay team and swum the Bonifacio Strait solo.
Wendy is a highly experienced Executive Personal Assistant at Sky, where she has spent over six years supporting the Managing Director of Sky Business, alongside the Director of Commercial and Marketing, and providing wider support to the senior leadership team. Operating at the heart of a fast-paced, high-performing organisation, Wendy plays a pivotal role in enabling leadership effectiveness, driving alignment, and ensuring seamless day-to-day operations at executive level.
With a career dedicated to senior-level support, Wendy is recognised for her professionalism, discretion, and ability to anticipate the needs of her executives, building trusted relationships and consistently delivering at the highest standard.
Prior to joining Sky, Wendy held a dual role at Centrica as Personal Assistant and Office Manager, where she combined strategic support with operational oversight, demonstrating her versatility and leadership capability. Before that, she was an Executive Assistant at TalkTalk Business, supporting multiple C-suite leaders including the COO, CSO, CPO, and a Director, further strengthening her expertise in managing complex priorities across senior stakeholders.
A career Executive Assistant, Wendy brings a wealth of experience, resilience, and insight to her role. She is passionate about the evolving nature of the business support profession and the critical impact EAs have in driving organisational success at the highest level.
Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch, opened in August 2024 at 45 Curtain Road, is a 120-room luxury lifestyle hotel in East London. It offers a trendy, industrial-chic base with a rooftop pool, Mediterranean restaurant, and BiBo Spanish restaurant by Dani Garcia. The hotel provides tailored "chambers," a gym, and exclusive member spaces.
Strategic PA Network is an active, professional networking group for Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants, Virtual Assistants, Administrators, and Office Managers. Whether based in the UK or around the world, we are proudly all-inclusive and not county-specific; anyone is welcome to attend our events and be part of our thriving community.
Over the past ten years, we have organically grown into a supportive and empowering network where Assistants come together to learn, connect, and grow. Our mission is to provide a credible platform that encourages industry awareness, meaningful connections, and shared best practices.
Learning and development are at the core of everything we do, with our events exploring essential topics that bring value, spark insight, and deliver revelatory moments.
At Strategic PA Network, we believe in the power of community - lifting each other up, celebrating every success, and inspiring Assistance to reach their full potential.
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