A Note From Our Founder
As we bid farewell to 2023, I’ve been reflecting on the year that has been a remarkable blend of challenges and triumphs for admin professionals. In a world still navigating the aftershocks of global events, we’ve witnessed extraordinary resilience and adaptability within our community.
The most significant change in 2023 was the accelerated adoption of technology. Many of us mastered new digital tools, from ChatGPT/Bard AI tools to sophisticated scheduling software to comprehensive virtual event platforms. This digital leap not only enhanced our efficiency but also expanded our roles, empowering us to become tech-savvy innovators within our teams.
Despite the digital surge, 2023 reminded us of the irreplaceable value of human connection. We’ve seen a renewed emphasis on emotional intelligence, empathy, and soft skills. Our role in fostering team culture and morale has been more crucial than ever, proving that amidst screens and keyboards, the human touch remains indispensable.
Sustainability emerged as a key theme in 2023. Many of us took the lead in driving eco-friendly practices within our offices, from reducing paper usage to organising green initiatives. Our roles evolved to encompass a broader responsibility towards our planet and communities, reflecting a global shift towards conscious and ethical business practices.
Flexible work arrangements continued to dominate, with a blend of hybrid and in-office work becoming the norm. This shift brought both freedom and challenges, requiring us to adapt and find new ways to maintain productivity and collaboration across physical distances.
2023 was also a year of tremendous personal growth. Many of us seized opportunities for professional development, whether through online courses, webinars, conferences, or networking events. The year proved that learning is a continuous journey, and as admin professionals, our potential for growth knows no bounds.
On the Admin Avenues blog, we were lucky enough to have career advice from Sasha Eburne, Naomi Marshall. Martha Fernando, Doriette McIvor- Stone, Jodie McLean, Olivia Yeates, Vanessa Bennett, Alexandra Marks, Lucy Grisdale, Rita Gunning, Kyra Houston, Bailey Williams and Rachel Hall. You can read all of these amazing features HERE.
We also featured an admin from Canada named Jessica McBride, who became The Tech Savvy Assistant! From this, Jessica went on to blow the socks off the admin community with her new “Understanding AI for Admins” course. We had so much fun together over the year. So much so, that we decided to launch a Podcast together – The Future focused Admin. If you haven’t listened to season 1 yet, hurry up and catch up as season 2 is coming in 2024.
For me personally, being an extroverted introvert, I broke out this year and spoke on several podcasts, webinars, fireside chats, panels and virtual summits including Practically Perfect PA (PPPA) The Assistant Key Skills Virtual Summit, PPPA’s Assistant Strategies For Success Virtual Summit, ES Global Virtual Summit, PPPA’s Mastering the Assistant and Executive Partnership Virtual Summit, Freelancing Gems Fireside Chat, Future Women Job Summit, The Leader Assistant Podcast, Events Insider Podcast, our national Minute-Taking Masterclass tour and more!
I was lucky enough to still be in Sydney, Australia for ‘World Pride’ which was such an incredible time to witness. As you’re aware, we are huge LGBTQIA+ advocates and ally’s. We hosted a session with Nick Ginsburg on “The Significance of Celebrating World Pride”. If you missed it, you can watch it HERE.
In April, I was appointed as a Board Director to the Australian Institute of Office Professionals. As someone who’s heavily invested in the growth of the admin and office administration profession, I was thrilled to join the AIOP and help contribute to the organisation’s mission of promoting excellence in the field. The Australian Institute of Office Professional (AIOP) is a vibrant national professional Association for administrative professionals in Australia.
Admin Avenues celebrated our 1st year in business in May! We made a little highlights reel you can watch HERE.
In our first year, we:
⭐️ Listed countless job opportunities, spanning across the entire country.
⭐️ Attended and hosted a number of events across Australia
⭐️ Launched a FREE one-stop-shop member’s portal
⭐️ Showcased Admins making a difference in the lives of people and businesses
⭐️ Provided blogs and articles to assist admins in their careers
⭐️ Started providing monthly newsletters to our community
⭐️ Grew a community of over 5K followers on our social networks
By the end of 2023 we had:
⭐️ Bought The Admin Collective – an international community for members of the administrative profession. With a focus on both professional and personal growth, it champions the advancement of administrative professionals across the globe AND launched it on our new circle platform.
⭐️ Provided more blogs and articles to assist admins in their careers HERE
⭐️Launched a podcast called ‘The Future focused Admin’
⭐️Launched online community groups all over Australia and managed to have some incredibly delicious in-person events at The Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group venues, The Meat & Wine Co on Castlereagh Street, Hunter and Barrel Parramatta and Italian Street Kitchen in Parramatta.
⭐️ Grew our community to over 14K followers on our combined social networks
⭐️ AND…gave away a $1,000 GIFTA Gift Cards prize + 10 x $50 GIFTA Gifta Cards to our admin members. We can’t thank GIFTA Gifta Cards enough for this amazing giveaway but for all their support and prizes throughout the year.
We have so much in-store for Admin Avenues in 2024 so stay tuned!
So, as we step into 2024, let’s carry forward the lessons and strengths we’ve garnered. The future beckons with both challenges and opportunities.
Let’s continue to support and inspire each other, sharing our knowledge and experiences on platforms like Admin Avenues and The Admin Collective. Together, we’ll navigate the ever-evolving landscape of our profession, embracing each new day with optimism and determination.
Thank you, for all your support in 2023. I know I say that all the time but I truly mean it. Please feel free to contact me anytime if I can help you in your admin career.
OK, signing off for 2023. Here’s to a new year filled with growth, success, and continued excellence in all that we do! Merry Christmas to you and your family and see you all again in 2024!
Best wishes,
Candice