The West Midlands PA Awards is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the PA Forum calendar and something that our members always look out for. From the opening of the nominations process to the glitzy and fabulous awards evening that not only celebrates the winners but also recognises everyone in our industry, it is always a fantastic, feelgood event that leaves everybody feeling inspired and on top of the world.
We have spoken to members of the PA Forum, finalists and past winners to hear about their experience of the PA Awards. Hearing about what it has meant to them for their career and for them personally really means a lot to us and makes what we do so worthwhile.
In this article we hear from Jackie Corbett, Regional Estate Manager for Shoosmiths and a previous winner.
Why are these awards important to you personally and to our profession?
Being part of the PA Awards and the PA Forum, really has been life changing for me on both a personal and professional level. I’m privileged enough to work at an amazing firm where I feel valued and have been given amazing opportunities. However, I was quite prone to good old imposter syndrome from time to time, which is never fun! Being part of the PA Forum community and all that comes with it, has given me a sense of confidence, a sense of self-worth, and has also introduced me to some amazing, funny, kind hearted people who I now class as friends.
Have you been a finalist before and can you tell us about some of the examples you shared as part of your awards journey?
I have indeed been a finalist …… and a Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!
In my submission I shared the journey of my role as Office Manager – I had completed a project in our office which was to make a central part of the office more inviting for people to go and eat their lunch, have more relaxed meetings etc. Having thrown myself wholeheartedly into the project, this meant that I had lots of photos/selfies on my phone from start to finish, so I put some of the photos in my submission. I also asked people who I work with (and have previously worked with) for a few lines about what it is like to work with me. And despite finding it hard to ask for people to write nice things about me (that good old imposter syndrome again!), it was so worth it! I couldn’t believe the kind words that were sent back. It made me realize how much people appreciate what I do – what a real confirmation it was!
When I got through to the final I was super proud of myself. Not only had I been nominated, but to get through to the final was something else! That imposter syndrome was getting less and less thanks to the boost this journey was taking me on!
What was the reaction like from your colleagues and peers when you were nominated?
Awwww, they were so excited for me! I have a great team and support network around and they were very encouraging, offering advice and telling me to go for it! They were (and still are) proud of me, and I think they have all seen the confidence the Awards and Forum has given me and helped me to believe in myself and my own ability.
How did you feel about the process and having been through it, how do you feel now?
From start to finish I loved the whole process. When I was nominated, I was so excited and grateful, I’m pretty sure I had tears of joy and disbelief as it was a complete shock! I then worked hard on my submission to showcase myself in the best way possible.
When I got the news that I was through to the final I was on cloud 9! I was excited to meet the panel and, in my mind, getting through to the final made me a winner already and had nothing to lose so when I went in to see the judges we talked and had a good laugh!
What would be your words of encouragement to anyone who is thinking about making a nomination and to those who are nominated?
When nominating someone, you should really explain what this person has done that makes them worthy of the nomination – make it personal as this really makes that person feel special and valued. Don’t underestimate how special you can make that person feel, and the boost it can give them!
For those that have been nominated – Congratulations! Now go and put your heart and soul into your submission! Really think about your answers, make them personal and about you. Ask for recommendations from colleagues old and new, talk about the role that you do, after all, you are the expert in that role – who better to talk about it than you! And when you get those recommendations, read them all and then read them again. Realise how worthy you are and take note of how much you are appreciated.
What opportunities have there been “post” awards for you?
I have done a few podcasts with Hana Gray from the Office Management Group, which I loved doing. I’ve never really liked the sound of my own voice, however since finding the podcasts (they are really good!), I now listen to them, including my own which is great!
I have attended some fantastic evening events with Dan and the PA Forum and look forward to many more going forward. These are the real opportunities to make new friends and meet likeminded people in a similar role to yourself, which is something I have never really found before.
We have hosted two PA Forum evenings at Shoosmiths, where I work, and Dan has kindly asked me to be on the panel, which I have loved! I’ve always been a bit scared of public speaking, so being able to do it in my own working environment and talk about a topic I am an expert on has really helped to boost my confidence.
I have also had the opportunity to make some cracking new friends (they know who they are!) and very much look forward to making new ones in the future!
If you could sum up why someone should embark on this process and offer words of encouragement and support what you say?
You’re amazing! Show everyone who you are and how much love and attention you put into your work life! Be proud of who you are and the work that you do!
Don’t rush your submission. Put some time aside and really do it properly. Write yourself notes when you think of things to add into your answers. Rope in a friend to help time yourself before Panel Day and really do your prep. On the day, just go and enjoy yourself. Dan and the judges are all there to celebrate the person that you are, the profession that you are in, and they are there to listen to your answers and stories because they care.
But above all, enjoy yourself. This journey is all about celebrating YOU! Bring the award back not only for yourself, but for your work family and friends too!