From running our clovio Studio to making sure everyone gets paid, there are a lot of administrative tasks that lay the tracks to help our content train on its journey. Without this (sometimes unappreciated) behind-the-scenes work, clovio would crumble within months. Enter Paula, our team management assistant, who makes sure everything is taken care of so we can focus on what we do best – creating content. And if a clovion is in need of a change of scene, they know they can go to the clovio Studio and be greeted by Paula, who always has a huge smile on her face and a cup of coffee in her hand. Throughout this video, we’ll get to know a bit more about our reliable team management assistant, her career path, plus some tips for anyone pursuing a career in office management administration.
What is your role in the clovio team?
I’m clovio’s TMA, or Team Management Assistant. As TMA, my main role is to assist the CEO in most of the company’s bureaucratic tasks, such as bookkeeping, HR, and Payroll. I also assist with the office management, any day-to-day tasks and am also available to help the Team when needed.
How did you get into office management and administration?
I majored in Fashion Design, a totally different path. Unfortunately, it was not an area with a lot of job offers in Portugal. So, I got a job at Vista Alegre as a salesperson. However, I soon learned that it wouldn’t be my future as I didn’t feel that the role suited me.
Through a friend, I was able to get an interview for an opening as an administrative assistant at a plastic factory in Palmela. So, in 1996, I got my first experience in this area, and enjoyed the experience so much that it has been my path ever since. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work as an administrative assistant in several fields, including construction, a surfboard factory, a hospital, and various IoT startups. These have helped me learn a lot and grow into the professional person I am today.
What do you consider the most important aspect of your role with clovio?
I’d say that the most important aspect of my role at clovio is to be the bridge between the CEO and all the bureaucratic tasks that need to be performed. This allows him to worry less about certain areas so he can focus on others. Although I’m not the main person responsible for clovio, I like to think that the CEO can rely on me to help him manage the company, and that I’m there for the team when they need me.
What does your ideal work setup look like?
I usually work from our Studio in Lisbon, and I really like how bright, clean, and organized the place is. My work area is a spacious desk where I have an extra monitor connected to my laptop, as I usually work on more than one file. This allows me to use numerous apps and documents simultaneously.
I also like to listen to music while working. I find it aids me in concentrating on my tasks while helping me perform them better and faster.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to go to the movies, concerts, as well as watch TV series and films – in fact, I’m addicted! I also love to travel but, unfortunately, it’s not always possible.
What is your favorite TV show and movie of all time?
This isn’t an easy question to answer, as it seems that the last thing I’ve seen is always my favorite. For TV series, I enjoyed Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Game of Thrones, Vikings, and all the FBI shows, to name a few. As for movies, my top picks are the Lord of the Rings and all the Avengers films (together and individual). I also just saw the new Top Gun – it’s really cool.
What advice do you have for those who want to work as an administrative assistant?
You need commitment to doing a job to the best of your ability and an eye for detail. You also need to be proactive, humble, and positive. You must be unafraid to take risks, because without risks, we don’t develop, and this also helps us learn something new every day. Be your best self. Some days may be more complex than others, but that’s also when you learn the most.
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