Kim Howington
Executive Assistant to President, Vascular
Teleflex
Kim will be one of the distinguished presenters at the Executive Leadership Support Forum: Raleigh-Durham.
Why is the Executive Leadership Support Forum important for executive assistants?
Provides two-days of best practice sharing with your peers and an open forum to be able to ask questions that you may not otherwise be able to ask within your organization.
Independently, what have you done to work towards professional development in the past?
I do a lot of reading, mostly on leadership. Currently I am reading “The One Thing, The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results.” Reading helps you stay sharp.
What is one thing you hope to learn or discuss with your peers at the ELS Forum?
As discussed, the use of technology in the executive leadership role. What apps are most useful, which ones are a waste of time.
Tell us about a career accomplishment of which you’re particularly proud.
There are many but the one that still stands out to me today…Several years ago, I worked for the VP of Treasury, managing local banking relationships across the US. The centers operated on cash and one center in particular was running out on a Saturday. The bank was open but would not authorize the transaction for another VP that tried to handle the issue himself. He called me at home and asked for my help. In the end and due to great relationship building and trust with the bank, I was able to secure the funds for the center. The VP said to me “what did you do that I couldn’t do.”
In your mind, what is one tool you can’t live without or find especially helpful in your position?
My OWA app.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when you were first starting your career?
Learn how to negotiate your salary and don’t be afraid to ask for what you are worth!
Are there any blogs, books, articles or online forums you recommend reading?
Although mostly sports related, I enjoy reading Dr. Jim Taylor’s blog. He has some great posts on leadership. I also highly recommend The Pacific Institute’s daily emails.
How do you define success within your role as an executive assistant?
Staying one step ahead of those you support.
