Meet Nessa – our Virtual PA
Booking an Aston Martin test drive, decorating Christmas trees, walking dogs: the work of a Virtual PA isn’t always what you’d expect. But the role whose profile has grown in today’s shift to remote working has long had flexibility at its core.
Ask Nessa Good, JGA’s own (virtual) PA.
If you’ve ever contacted JGA or worked with us as a client or trusted partner, Nessa will almost certainly have been involved.
Although trees, pets and fast cars are not (and never will be) part of her JGA remit, her agile support is key to how our business is run.
So what is a VPA and what is Nessa’s role at JGA?
Professional support – just when you need it
A VPA is a professional who provides the valuable organisational support of an on-site PA, usually in a more flexible and cost-efficient way. Today, VPAs span most sectors and sizes of venture, from multi-nationals and SMEs to one-man bands.
Nessa (right) working hard with team-mates Kathie and Lisa at our 2022 Associates Conference
Nessa became a VPA in 2010 following a 20-year career with the BBC, where her last role was as a Network Director. Having relocated to the west, she set up her own business – GoodPA. She has supported our MD Jeremy Gadd since 2015 and acts as a central point of knowledge for both our clients and Associates team.
Is working with JGA interesting?
‘Definitely,’ Nessa confirms. ‘I can be a client’s first point of contact so it’s important how I represent the brand. Working with JGA since the start means I’ve seen how the business has grown to become better known in the EO space.’
Working together as part of the team
Nessa loves being part of the team at JGA
‘Being PA at JGA feels like I'm part of a team,’ she adds. ‘Jeremy ensures we all meet up so we’ve established good relationships with each other – the Associates know they can approach me anytime for any information or clarification they need.’
Feeling ‘part of a team’, as Nessa does, is a key strength of JGA’s working culture, as Jeremy explains: ‘One of the key ingredients that binds JGA together is our shared belief that working together is a better way of doing business. Everyone matters – everyone contributes.
‘Not only is Nessa excellent at what she does (I receive lots of positive client feedback), but the fact that one of our team can respond so well to our clients – and cares as much as we do – is really important for me.’
Freeing up the client’s headspace – and diary
So what are the top VPA skills?
‘Confidence,’ Nessa reveals. ‘Confidence to pick up and run with a job when the client isn’t close by – you’re there to free up their headspace and time. This comes with experience, getting to know your client and being able to glean the information you need quickly.’
What else?
‘A good VPA should be computer literate – open to learning different systems and software. You must be organised and able to prioritise so you know where different clients, people and names ‘belong’.
‘Confidentiality is important and a good VPA will meticulously keep records and notes.
‘You must also be disciplined as working from home means it’s easy to get distracted! Having a sense of humour is always a help.’
The benefits of working from home
Has anything surprised Nessa as a VPA?
‘The things I’ve been asked to do!’ she replies. Yes, the Christmas tree, dog and Aston Martin test drive were all once in her inbox (plus holiday cottage) – but the biggest surprise is her love of working from home.
‘I always loved being a team player, so when I left the BBC I wondered if anything would be as fun,’ she explains. ‘I thought the transition would be painful but, as a VPA, the benefits of not commuting to work in an office far outweigh any downsides to working alone.’
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