A Journey of Learning
Join a learner through 2026 as they underake The Mini MBA Programme and embark on a Journey of Learning.
Created especially for the EA profession
At Your Excellency Limited, we support EAs, PAs and Administrative Professionals like no other training provider. Future-proof your career, grow in confidence and become a truly exceptional EA wherever you are in the world with The Mini MBA designed especially for the EA, PA & Administrative Professional.
A Journey of Learning - The Mini MBA Programme
13th September 2025 - Sandton, South Africa 🇿🇦
It’s the PANSA Administrative Excellence Awards™.
Excited administrative professional finalists are gathering for a celebration that recognises their dedication, passion and commitment to excellence.
Your Excellency are delighted that Charmaine Van Rooyen is crowned the worthy winner of the Rising Star category.
As sponsors of this category, we offer Charmaine a complimentary place on the January 2026 Cohort of Your Excellency’s flagship Programme, The Mini MBA for Senior & Executive Assistants. We are keen to ensure a new generation of professionals have the knowledge and understanding to excel in their role and applaud the work that PANSA do to elevate the profession in South Africa.
About PANSA (The Platinum Assistant Network South Africa)
The Platinum Assistant Network South Africa is a professional body dedicated exclusively to the advancement of the administration profession.
They represent a distinctive group of management support strategists who have evolved from traditional typists into strategic contributors.
Their members play a vital role in organisational effectiveness, decision-making, and operational efficiency, delivering exceptional support and service excellence to executives and their teams.
4th December 2025 - Your Excellency HQ
Lindsay : Congratulations Charmaine! What does it feel like to be crowned “Rising Star 2025”?
Charmaine: Honestly, it came as a bit of a shock. As PAs and EAs we’re used to being in the background, but I’ve always taken pride in my role and followed PANSAs initiatives closely. To be recognized in this way was truly humbling.
Lindsay : So back in September at the Awards event, what was it like when your name was announced as the winner?
Charmaine: Overwhelming! PANSA has laid such a strong foundation for elevating the role of Personal Assistants, and to be honoured by them felt incredibly special. There were so many other deserving candidates nominated from well-known companies. I was humbled by the accolade and proud to represent our profession.
Lindsay : We are really excited that you’re embarking on The Mini MBA Programme with us. Thank you for agreeing to share your learning journey with our readers.
Could you let us know more about you please.
Charmaine: My career started with a diploma in Management Assistance and a receptionist role in the engineering sector, where I spent nine years learning the ropes. From there, I grew into Office Manager and PA positions, and later transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry as an Executive Assistant, managing board packs, board meetings,executive travel, Executive Diaries and so much more…
Today, I’m the EA to the CEO and CFO of a multinational company, a role that has stretched me, challenged me and accelerated my growth over the past three years.
Outside of work, I’m a mom to pre-teens, a wife, a sister a friend and a part-time student, so life is a constant balancing act. PANSA has been a huge support system for me, offering mentorship and guidance that make the journey easier and more rewarding.
Lindsay : And how are you feeling on the countdown to starting your learning journey with us?
Charmaine : Excited! From the moment I was announced as the winner, Lindsay and her team made sure I was onboard quickly. Emails were flying, and the anticipation has been building ever since. I’ll begin in January, and I know this will be a massive boost for my career.
I’m especially looking forward to Module 5 on Marketing. It speaks to my creative side. I’ve studied marketing before, but I’m eager to learn new methods and approaches. Most of all, I hope the Programme will build my confidence to speak up in a room and truly embody the strategic partner role that PANSA encourages Executive Assistants to embrace.
Lindsay : This is fantastic to hear Charmaine and I’m wishing you a fantastic Introductory Session next month. I’ll check in with you again in the new year for an update from you!
January 2026 – Start
We’ve just had our first interaction with the new group, and I’m so excited to start this learning journey alongside such an incredible and diverse group of ladies over the next few months.
Our group includes members from the UK, South Africa, and even Singapore, bringing with it a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and ways of working. That diversity is already proving to be a huge strength as we work towards a shared goal: learning from one another and growing in our roles as EAs, PAs, and Administrative Professionals.
The first Session set the tone beautifully, with meaningful homework exercises focused on personal growth and gaining a deeper understanding of who we are, both professionally and personally. A strong start, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
Till next time
Charmaine
March 2026 – Halfway Point
We’ve reached the halfway mark of the Mini MBA, and it’s been an exciting and rewarding experience. The program has challenged me to think differently, sharpen my leadership skills, and apply new insights in my role.
As we approach the Marketing module, I’m eager to strengthen my understanding of brand positioning, customer engagement, and strategic communication – skills I believe will add real value both personally and professionally.
I look forward to the second half of the journey, continuing to grow and apply what I’ve learned.
April 2026 : AI Learning Attendance
Delegation is not laziness, it’s leverage.
As part of my Mini MBA with Your Excellency, I had the privilege of attending an AI session hosted by Lizbeth Koloko – an absolute master of her craft. Imagine reporting to three different directors, across three languages, and three time zones. That’s the level of excellence she embodies as an Executive Assistant.
Her message was clear: AI is not something to fear, but something to embrace.
As EAs and Administrative Professionals, our role is evolving. We are no longer just gatekeepers of calendars and inboxes — we are strategic partners. And with AI, we gain a powerful ally.
Treat AI like a highly competent new intern.
- Explain what you need with clarity.
- Provide context, but don’t do the work for it.
- Let it handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on higher-value impact.
You didn’t hire Copilot to sit idle. You hired it to work for you. So let it.
The future belongs to those who leverage technology, not resist it. And in this future, Administrative Professionals who embrace AI will stand out as leaders of efficiency, adaptability, and innovation.
May 2026
It’s incredible to see how quickly we have scaled this big building. Every module brings new learning opportunities and valuable insights.
Last week’s focus was financial management — and while it can feel overwhelming at first, Josh did an excellent job of breaking down the concepts into practical, understandable pieces. From budgets to accounts and financial terminology, the sessions made the world of finance feel far less intimidating.
One of the aspects I appreciate most about this course is the ability to revisit the content afterward. Being able to re-watch sessions allows the learning to continue long after the class ends.
Growth happens when we step outside of our comfort zones, and this experience has definitely been a reminder that even the most complex topics become manageable with the right guidance and willingness to learn.
We have two chapters to go, and I am sure we will finish strong.
June 2026
