Patty Barry

My father. Growing up, work wasn't just something that he did. He came home and we sat at the dinner table, and we talked about it. We talked about what makes you successful during a day? And how to conduct yourself properly with clients, as well as employees. And so, these were life lessons that he shared with me and my siblings on a daily basis, because it was who he was. And so he developed in all of us a desire to care about others, and to be cognizant of how we were treating other people, and that you get more out of individuals when you're kind, and you actually listen and have the ability to make them feel like they're important, because they are, because you can't run a business without people.

The best career advice I have ever received was to not give in to discouragement on difficult days. When things don’t go as planned or mistakes happen, it’s important to recognize that the day is behind you and to focus forward rather than dwell on setbacks. I was reminded that resilience is built through persistence and the willingness to keep going, even when things feel overwhelming. That perspective has stayed with me throughout my career tomorrow is always another opportunity to reset, learn, and move forward with renewed focus and determination.

In my industry, I think the best advice that you can give someone is to be competent in your instincts. You need to trust your gut for a lot of things, and listen to your inner voice, and if it's directing you in a direction, take heed of that and believe in yourself, and that you have the confidence in yourself, because if you're confident in yourself, other people are going to see that, and recognize it, and it's going to be something that's going to invite people into your circle.

The biggest challenge and opportunity in my field right now is the rapid advancement of AI and understanding how it can be effectively integrated into executive support roles. As an Executive Assistant supporting C-suite leadership, it is important to identify where AI tools can enhance efficiency, streamline administrative tasks, and improve organization, while also being mindful of where their use is not appropriate. Much of the information handled in this role is sensitive, confidential, and proprietary, which requires careful judgment and adherence to company policies regarding data security. Navigating this balance leveraging technology to improve productivity while protecting confidentiality is both the key challenge and the greatest opportunity for growth in the profession today.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are kindness, integrity, and accountability. I believe in treating others with respect and compassion, and I strive to be a generous listener who approaches every interaction with understanding and patience. I also value honesty and consistency in communication saying what I mean, meaning what I say, and following through on commitments. To me, trust is built through reliability and keeping your word, and that trust becomes the foundation for strong, collaborative relationships.