About
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About Me
I started my career in retail, then fell into the PA world. I had been working as a PA for over 16 years, 13 of them in the financial industry, then I was made redundant in October 2020. Yes, the year of the global pandemic. In the months leading up to leaving my job I knew I wanted to still carry on in a similar type of role just where and what it would look like was another thing. I’d hit a milestone birthday and didn’t just want a job for the sake of it.
Thousands of people had lost their jobs or were on furlough, companies weren’t really hiring; it was looking bleak. But once I was told I took about a month thinking o gosh what will I do, I have a young daughter then the A-ha moment! Back in 2009 in the aftermath of the financial crisis I was going to set up as a virtual assistant, then also facing redundancy. That time I managed to get a job. This time I decided I’m going to do it. So, in the midst of a pandemic, I decided I’d set up my business, or in the words of Noor Hibbert – I put on my big girl pants.
I love helping people, that is what I believe I’m put on the earth to do. I relish the logistics and organising of event management, love a list (even my 7-year-old daughter does lists), just bringing everything together. I really enjoy meeting new people, hearing and learning new things from them. People have some great stories to tell! I am here to help you. Your personal assistant, only virtually.
They say when writing a bio, you should end with something funny and or interesting about yourself. Not sure I qualify for either but here goes! I am a qualified beauty therapist, I lived in Germany as a child, love doing accents, am a great cook if I do say so myself! I love reading (actually wanted to be a journalist throughout my childhood). One of my goals is to have a book room in my dream house. So please always share a good book recommendation with me.
Testimonials
Our clients Feedback
I have worked with Marlene for the last three years and found her to be an excellent colleague who is always ready to go the extra mile to ensure what needs to get done, gets done. She is friendly, helpful, but also able to navigate her way from A to B in the most efficient and professional manner. During our time together we arranged a number of events for Architas. All of which went ahead successfully, fulfilling all requirements on the way. Marlene was a perfect team member and someone who is greatly missed. I would recommend her for all types of institution and wish her well for the future.
Rob Toogood, Project Manager
I am happy to recommend Marlene to any employer. Marlene has been the heart and soul of Architas for the past 10 years, successfully evolving with the business as it grew from a fledgling start up to a business operating in 10 countries. Always happy to help, she brings energy, humour and happiness wherever she goes; she's a natural fit for any distribution team and works exceptionally well in a team environment. Over the past decade Marlene has demonstrated resilience and tenacity. Her role fell away as a result of the sale & restructure of the business and I would always be happy to re-employ her.
Hans Georgeson, CEO
I worked with Marlene for a number of years and was always impressed by her can do attitude and resilience during challenging situations. Marlene's organisational and management skills are excellent. She would often be responsible for many varying important tasks simultaneously - such as PA duties, event organisation and sales and marketing team support - and did so with professionalism and a smile. Marlene also dedicated a lot of her time to the charity, social and DNA initiatives where her passion for encouraging collaboration, diversity and making the workplace a great place to be, shone through and was appreciated by all. Marlene would be a great addition to any workplace and I hope to work with her again in the future.
Leanne Barnham, Global Head of Marketing
I have had the pleasure of liaising and working with Marlene for over 5 years now, as part of our partnership with Architas. In that time, myself, and my team, have found her to be supremely efficient and diligent in all the tasks she has had to perform on our behalf. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Marlene and her warmth, charm and open manner make her a joy to work with, along with the fact there is always a smile on her face (or in her voice). I cannot recommend Marlene highly enough!
Andy Bennett, Director/Financial Planner, Hartcliff Limited
Marlene has been an exceptional member of the team; she is extremely capable and diligent. I've had the pleasure of working with her for nearly 7 years and she has proved herself to be very client focused, adaptable and a supportive team player who is extremely well organised. The sales, marketing and proposition teams at Architas have all benefited from her help, experience and assistance over the years - she has a great can-do attitude and is always happy to help across the functions.
Sarah Ackland, head of Multi Asset Business
