Editor’s note: Julie McAdams was named Executive Assistant of the Year (Public Company) on Nov. 12.
The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Pinnacle Awards were announced Oct. 8, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place virtually Nov. 12.
Next up is Executive Assistant of the Year (Public Company) finalist Julie McAdams, who’s executive assistant to the CEO of Siemens Government Technologies. Here, she talks learning from failures, proud career moments and more
What key achievements did you have in 2019/2020?
My key achievements for 2019/2020 have included taking on more executive support responsibilities as our organization pivoted toward future growth opportunities, while simultaneously adjusting to new challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Most recently, I have been supporting the CEO’s entire team. I currently support all eight executives, managing their schedules, travel and expense tracking, while providing additional support to their respective teams. I love the challenges it brings and getting to know the employees more in each group.
What has made you successful in your current role?
I believe that my ability to engage confidently with a genuine interest in meeting the needs of individuals across the organization has helped me be successful. Additionally, I’ve learned how it important it is for executives to have someone they can depend on, especially with short notice. An EA always needs to be prepared for any last-minute changes or urgent meetings that arise. At the executive level, things happen quickly, and you need to be ready to pivot to the next challenge.
What are you most proud of having been a part of in your current organization?
I’m incredibly proud of the role we play in supporting our military so that they can do their jobs safely and securely. While I never served in uniform, the work our company is privileged to do, particularly in energy and infrastructure, is helping our troops carry out their critical missions on a daily basis. I couldn’t be more grateful to play a small role in that bigger picture in my job at SGT.
What’s one key thing you learned from a failure you had?
Don’t let it get in your head, or bring you down. Learn from it and move on. If you let the failure define who you are, you may lose the confidence needed to be successful.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
After a very difficult divorce and not having worked for 12 years, I knew reentering the workforce was going to be a significant challenge. However, I was determined to acquire the skills necessary and through commitment and perseverance, ultimately, I was hired as a receptionist for a small private government contracting company.
In just over a year in the role, I was afforded an opportunity to support the CFO, and thanks to that experience, I’ve been able to advance in my career to where I am today.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t let lack of experience or fear prevent you from taking on a new opportunity or role. With training and support, you can succeed. I thought I was a dinosaur having not worked as an EA for 12 years, but I was determined to get back into an EA position by learning new computer software and training.
I have been extremely fortunate to have so many supportive EAs help me along the way, and importantly, executives who encouraged growth opportunities along the way.