Ep36: Grazia Maietta, Head of Operations and EA to CEO at Condense

In this captivating episode of the EA Campus podcast, host Nicky Christmas sits down with Grazia Maietta for an insightful conversation about her journey as an Executive Assistant (EA) in the dynamic world of technology. Grazia, originally from Italy with a background in foreign languages, delves into her career evolution from a translator and teacher in Italy to an accomplished EA in the UK.

Working currently at Condense, a company specializing in live-streaming events into digital worlds, Grazia shares the intricacies of her role, which uniquely blends EA responsibilities with office management. She provides a fascinating glimpse into Condense’s innovative work in AR, VR, and the Metaverse, underscoring the company's unique ability to stream content from their Bristol-based Metaverse studio to various digital venues.

Grazia talks about the challenges and rewards of her position, including managing the busy schedule of Condense's CEO, Nick Fellingham, and supporting other directors and teams. Her role extends beyond administrative tasks, involving close interaction with engineers and technicians, particularly during live events.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Grazia shares her morning routine and how it prepares her for the day's challenges. She emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, enjoying outdoor lunches by Bristol's waterfront, and her passion for Latin American dances like salsa and bachata.

Nicky and Grazia discuss the importance of being proactive, adaptable, and managing expectations in the EA role, especially in a tech-driven environment like Condense. Grazia offers valuable advice for aspiring EAs, highlighting the significance of continuous learning, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and Discord for professional growth.

1. Notion: An app used for managing projects, documents, and tasks. It offers features like wikis, docs, and templates for organizing work. You can download it for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. For more information, visit the Notion website.
2. Trello: A web-based tool used for tracking projects and tasks, employing a system of boards and cards to organize and prioritize work.
3. LinkedIn: A professional networking site that Grazia uses for staying updated on industry trends and connecting with other EAs and PAs.
4. Discord: Originally known for its popularity in the gaming community, Discord is also used for professional communities, including executive assistants.
5. Podcasts: Grazia mentioned listening to the "EA How To" and "Leader Assistant" podcasts, as well as podcasts published by Practically Perfect EA.
6. Books: She referred to the book "The Leader Assistant" by Jeremy Borrows.

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