“They’ve not all been to Swiss finishing school (though some have), but it does take a very, very special certain someone.”
In a fascinating Telegraph article titled, For wealthy clients, no request is too odd: the weird world of the private PA, our directors, Sophie and Sabina, were asked to provide their insight into working with high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals.
The news centres around renowned designer, Thomas Heatherwick (who some have compared to both Michelangelo and the Wizard of Oz), on the hunt for a private PA. The job advert his team published has caused quite a stir on Twitter, with some onlookers commenting that it sounds more like he’s looking for a nanny!
Sophie and Sabina don’t mince words – they tell the Telegraph that the tasks listed in Heatherwick’s ad are perfectly normal for a PA who will become an integral part of the family life of the client. They highlight that, “awareness of when you must step back is critical for a family PA – as is being on the ball, knowing what’s on the agenda and being four steps ahead of your employer.”
When asked about the typical candidate for a role like this, our beloved directors explain that the kind of person they look for is “a very, very special certain someone – somebody who is incredibly patient, somebody who understands the clients’ boundaries, is friendly and approachable but knows how to read the room and melt into the background when required.”
Want to know more? Check out our article on HNW/UHNW PAs and The Telegraph’s original article is available here.
