PA for an entrepreneur – What do they want and expect
Being a PA for an entrepreneur is very different to being a PA in the Corporate world. What do top business owners really want from their Personal Assistants?
When you’ve spent years working as a PA, secretary, or administrator, you start to notice that no two roles are ever the same. But once you step into the world of supporting high-level entrepreneurs, everything changes. The expectations go up, the pace quickens, and the pressure to perform quietly in the background becomes a daily reality. And yet, for the right person, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.
Let’s talk honestly about what business owners at the top really expect from their Personal Assistants.
Behind the Glamour: The Real Life of a PA to an Entrepreneur
If you think being a PA to a millionaire is all jet-setting and VIP events, you’re not wrong—but that’s only half the story. The reality is far more grounded. One minute you’re arranging a cross-continent investor call, and the next, you’re sorting out why the office fridge has broken down just before a lunch meeting.
You’re not just running errands or following instructions. You’re thinking ahead, connecting the dots, and anticipating needs before they even land on your to-do list. You see, in the entrepreneurial world, the lines between the big picture and the tiny details blur. Everything matters.
A successful entrepreneur expects their PA to treat the business like it’s their own. When a client comes in and the welcome feels seamless, or when a tight deadline is met without drama, that’s a reflection of your quiet, diligent work behind the scenes. It’s not just about doing a job; it’s about creating an impression that mirrors the values and standards of the person you support.
Business and Personal Lives: There’s No Off Switch
Working with entrepreneurs means understanding that their business is their life. There’s rarely a clear boundary between work and personal time, and a top-tier PA understands how to support both.
You might find yourself organising a family holiday that includes three investor meetings, or booking a dinner that doubles as a celebration and a business pitch. One doesn’t end where the other begins. That’s just the nature of the job.
Imagine this: a last-minute business call comes through on a Sunday evening, just as your boss is about to head out to a family event. Without missing a beat, you rearrange the timing, send the agenda to their tablet, and make sure someone else has the car keys ready so they can jump on the follow-up call straight after. That’s not just admin. That’s strategy, empathy, and initiative rolled into one.
Trust: The Backbone of Every Successful Relationship
If there’s one thing every successful business owner values above all else, it’s trust. And when they find someone who can be completely trusted, they hold on tight.
A PA in this space will be privy to sensitive information, both professional and personal. You’ll know things that could impact reputations, finances, and relationships. Your boss expects you to keep everything confidential, without reminders
But trust doesn’t stop at discretion. It also means your boss trusts you to do what you say you’ll do. That when they ask for something, it will be handled on time, professionally, and without the need for chasing.
Over time, you become more than a PA. You become the person they rely on, their sounding board, and sometimes the only person in the room who’s willing to tell the truth when no one else will. That kind of trust is earned and priceless.
What Skills Really Matter for a PA for an entrepreneur
Of course, technical skills are a must. You need to know how to manage calendars, organise travel, and handle email with military precision. But what is the real value you bring? That comes from your mindset.
You need to think like a business owner. If your boss mentions a new market, you’re already researching competitors and pulling together a plan. If a diary conflict pops up, you’re not just flagging it; you’re proposing three solutions.
Emotional intelligence is just as vital. You’re the one fielding calls from high-profile partners, worried investors, and the headteacher calling about a missed parents’ evening. Being able to switch tone and adapt your approach is what sets you apart.
And above all, being a PA for an entrepreneur requires resilience. Entrepreneurs live in a world of constant change, plans shift, opportunities appear out of nowhere, and some days feel like you’re juggling flaming swords. Your job is to keep the show running without letting anything hit the ground.
It’s a Career Accelerator
Supporting a top business owner can fast-track your career in ways no other job can. You’re in the room where decisions are made. You see how businesses grow. You learn to think strategically, communicate with impact, and build a network that others would envy.
Many PAs go on to start their own businesses or step into leadership roles because they’ve had a front-row seat to how success is built from the ground up. The expectations are high, yes. But so are the rewards.
The Role Is a Partnership
Ultimately, a high-level PA isn’t just an assistant. You’re a partner. You’re someone your boss depends on to make life smoother, smarter, and more productive.
- You’re not just booking meetings. You’re protecting their time.
- You’re not just proofreading documents. You’re safeguarding their reputation.
- You’re not just making plans. You’re making life easier.
And when they succeed, you know you’ve played a part in that. That’s the real reward.
If you’re serious about stepping into this level of work, then proper training is essential. Supporting a high-net-worth entrepreneur is a specialised role, and our courses at myPA Business are designed to help you build the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to thrive truly.
So whether you’re already in the role or aspiring to reach this level, know this: the expectations may be high, but the opportunity is even greater. And with the proper support, you’ll be ready for every challenge that comes your way.
