Master the Art of Support: Excel as a PA to an UHNW Family

PAs, EAs & Estate Managers
Posted: 11/11/24

Essential Tips to Ensure Success as Personal Assistant to an UHNW Family or Individual

Working as a Personal Assistant (PA) to an ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) family or individual is unlike any other role. It’s not simply about organizing schedules and booking appointments—it’s about managing a household and/or family office with the precision and dedication of a five-star luxury hotel concierge.

In the private sector, expectations are higher, the pace is faster, and the stakes are greater. You’re not only providing seamless service but also safeguarding your principal’s time, resources, and reputation. Whether it’s sourcing rare items at the eleventh hour, ensuring flawless logistics for a private jet departure, or negotiating a better deal on luxury goods, a PA in this world must possess creativity, adaptability, and unshakable commitment to excellence.

To thrive in this environment, it’s critical to understand the core values that define success in this role. These principles not only help PAs deliver exceptional service but also build trust and respect with their Principals and colleagues.

✨Core Values for Success as a PA to a UHNW Family✨

💪 Resilience in Problem-Solving

Don’t take “no” for an answer. A “no” often means you’re asking the wrong person or need to approach the problem differently.
Be resourceful: if one solution fails, pivot to another. Keep going until all options are exhausted.

🏃‍♂️💨 Proactive Ownership

Anticipate needs before they arise. Think ahead and prepare for challenges the Principal or Executive team may not foresee.
When given vague requests (e.g., booking a hotel or planning a trip), research and present the top 2–3 options with pricing and relevant details. This allows the Principal or executives to make informed decisions efficiently.

⏱️ High Availability & Flexibility

In this industry, priorities shift quickly. Always have your work phone and laptop accessible so you’re reachable for emergencies or last-minute changes, even after hours or on weekends.

🎖️ Professional Tenacity

Vendors may say “no” due to convenience or limited authority. Push respectfully but firmly to find someone who can say “yes.” If you exhaust all options, find other vendors who may say “yes”.

🤔💭 Creative Thinking & Initiative

When traditional solutions don’t work, think outside the box. Use tools like ChatGPT, lean on your network, or brainstorm alternatives to find innovative ways to meet the Principal’s or the Exec’s needs.

💰 Safeguarding Resources & Being Street Smart

Even in the luxury world, protecting the family’s resources is crucial. Overpaying for services or products is unacceptable when better deals can be negotiated or found.
Be savvy in your approach: negotiate rates, request volume discounts, and ensure the family receives the best value for money without sacrificing quality.

🎙️ Exceptional Communication Skills

When fulfilling a request, exhaust all your options and either come back to your Principal or Exec with an “it is sorted” or an “It was not possible but here are 3 alternatives/solutions and their prices”.
Keep the Principal or Exec updated with concise, actionable summaries of progress.

🫶 Client-Centric Approach

Every action should prioritize the family’s preferences and needs, no matter how small or large the request. Excellence is the standard.
Be a proactive problem-solver at all times. Your job will most likely involve a lot of “figuring it out” and “making it work”.
Remember you are there to lighten the load for them and make their lives easier, your role in supporting them is essential.

👀 Attention to Detail

Triple-check all arrangements, from bookings to deliveries. Perfection isn’t just a goal—it’s an expectation.
How you present is a direct reflection of how you do your job, always make sure to look sharp and polished.

🤐 Confidentiality

Maintain discretion in all matters, as confidentiality is paramount in this role.
Trust is the foundation of your relationship with the Principal or Exec. Uphold absolute discretion at all times.
Prove your ability to be discrete by not divulging personal information about yourself or other people such as past employers or colleagues

🤝 Team Collaboration & Mutual Support

Your role is part of a larger ecosystem of support. Communicate and collaborate effectively and contribute to the team’s overall success.
Be polite, direct and concise when communicating with the rest of your team and vendors.
Make sure to maintain an atmosphere of professionalism and mutual respect. Being warm and approachable is essential, but don’t confuse it with being overly familiar or too friendly in the workplace. Boundaries are key to preserving professionalism and ensuring your interactions remain focused and effective.

🏆The Rewarding Nature of Being a PA to a UHNW Family🏆

Working in the private sector as a Personal Assistant to an UHNW family or individual is undoubtedly demanding, but it’s also profoundly rewarding. Few roles provide such a trusted and integral place in someone’s life. The skills, connections, and knowledge you gain are unparalleled, and when you excel in this position, the doors it can open are limitless.

This industry requires dedication, flexibility, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, but the rewards are worth it. From forging deep trust with your principals to witnessing the tangible impact of your work, this career is an honor for those who thrive under pressure and love solving problems.

If you’re looking to take your skills to the next level and make a lasting mark in the world of luxury private service, embracing these values is the key to success. The journey may be challenging, but the opportunities are endless.