Hera Carlos

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

In my career, it took a few great managers (direct and indirectly) to make me feel like my voice was worth using and deserved attention. I have been actively working on using my voice since 2017. That year was a transformational year for me because I worked with an incredible CEO who saw me for more than I believed I was in the role. I was honestly and truly, happy being behind the scenes, quietly working away, not needing any accolades or acknowledgment. But he decided to say my name at every all hands praising me in front of the whole company every chance he got because he knew I deserved it. Every time he said my name, I wanted to hide, until I didn’t. Eventually, I wanted to take the credit I finally felt worthy of accepting the praise. He changed the way I saw myself that year and I’ve been working on using my voice ever since. Now, I ask to be included in meetings, on email threads, and I respond to email chains with many leaders because I’m included for a reason. My leader supports me and knows I have something to add to the conversation. My current manager and executive has been incredible because he is always just telling me to own it, take charge of it, and run with it. Not only does he tell me to do what I believe are the right actions, he backs me up! People don’t go around me to get to him because he points them right back to me. I have a voice because I believe in myself, and I’ve established trust with my leader who puts his words into action. I’ve been lucky to work with leaders who believe in me, but they only do that because I’ve established a great track record.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

I didn’t know what I wanted to do “when I grew up” and started my career as a teacher. While I was getting my masters in Early Childhood Education, I took a receptionist position and quickly accepted a role as an Executive Assistant supporting the COO of a financial services firm in 2007. I had no idea I would be doing this for 14+ years. Each role has been really different, each leader is different and expects a different level of involvement and output from my role. I’ve learned a tremendous amount from working at different companies, different executives, but all of them have been fast-paced, very self driven, and I've made each role my own, rather than let expectations dictate where my career would go next. I’m still learning more about what I could be capable of doing every year. And I learn the most from my failures because I'll never make those mistakes again.

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

Meticulous calendar management enabling leaders to align work streams towards the mission and vision. All confirmed meeting include a clear purpose, agenda, ideal outcomes, and relevant materials. End-to-end coordination and facilitation of all hands, offsites, staff meetings, and operational reviews inclusive of agendas, prepping discussion leaders, content review, and meeting logistics. Create programs and processes in order to support career growth and development of other administrative professionals at all levels.