Monica Siewart

Introduction

Monica Seaward is currently a contracted executive assistant with the core communications team at a foundation. She supports three directors of communications: Robin Rosenthal, Olivia Chung, and Scott Robinson, along with their teams. Monica also considers herself a support for a colleague named Chanel.

Interest in the Position

Monica expresses her gratitude towards the foundation and her experiences over her tenure as a contractor, highlighting her learning journey from a whirlwind start. She appreciates the communications function's role in how the foundation represents itself and its mission in the global landscape.

  • Key Motivations:
    • Understanding the Foundation's Impact:
    • Monica is interested in how the foundation supports children and families and wants to explore the entities the foundation collaborates with. She is particularly curious to see how funding impacts communities.
    • Desire for Deeper Engagement:
    • She seeks a more immersive experience to understand the mission more thoroughly beyond her role in communications, where grant-making opportunities are limited.

Background and Previous Experiences

Monica feels fortunate in her previous roles where she has provided support to senior leadership. She believes this experience equips her well to support her current team and bring value to the position.

Commitment to Stewardship and Inclusive Practices

Leanne, another panel member, acknowledges Monica's commitment to equitable practices and inclusion. Monica recounts her experience with a former safety committee that included diverse voices from senior leadership and other departments.

  • Importance of Inclusion:
    • Ensuring all voices are represented during collaborative efforts is critical for successful project outcomes.

Collaboration in Diverse Settings

When discussing her approach to collaboration, Monica emphasizes the importance of listening in managing differing styles and approaches. Her method includes:

  • Listening:
    • Understand the rationale behind different opinions to find common ground.
  • Open-mindedness:
    • Being receptive to other perspectives fosters a productive collaborative environment.

Organization Techniques

Monica details her organization strategy, focusing on several tools she uses to stay efficient in her role.

  • Trello:
    • Utilizes a distinct board for each director to track tasks, ensuring clear visibility of responsibilities and priorities.
  • Combining Digital and Traditional Methods:
    • While she uses Trello for task management, she also maintains several notebooks for taking notes.
  • Spreadsheets for Travel Management:
    • Manages logistics like travel preferences and itineraries using detailed spreadsheets for each director.
  • Word Documents:
    • Helps in organizing repetitive tasks, which allows her to use the team’s time wisely.

Monica shares her experiences dealing with scheduling across various time zones, pointing out techniques she uses to avoid confusion:

  • Time Zone Converter:
    • Uses a web tool for converting time zones, ensuring clear communication when scheduling.
  • Clear Communication:
    • Offers appointment times clearly stating the respective time zones to avoid any confusion.

Customer Service Approach

Monica emphasizes her commitment to presenting a professional image on behalf of those she supports. She regards her role in crafting professional communication, particularly emails, as a reflection of her commitment to customer service and respect for others.

  • Training Mentioned:
    • She recalls having to deliver difficult feedback constructively and adjusting her approach based on the needs of colleagues.

Handling Change and Adaptability

Monica illustrates her flexibility through a significant organizational change when her CEO stepped down, where she played a vital role in supporting the transition to the new CEO.

  • Last-Minute Changes:
    • She mentions an instance during the Jennifer Hudson show where unforeseen emergencies required immediate adjustments. Her ability to adapt and prioritize safety exemplifies her practical approach to challenges.

Advocacy for Ideas and Positions

She discusses how she advocates for her opinions respectfully, balancing assertiveness with a willingness to listen and adjust her stance when necessary. She believes open dialogue can lead to consensus without compromising her perspectives.

Reaction to Feedback

Monica discusses an incident where she received feedback about her management style and took appropriate steps to provide the necessary support and training for a new administrative hire.

  • Learning from Feedback:
    • She made adjustments based on the feedback received, ensuring subsequent hires received adequate support.

Areas for Learning and Growth

Monica identifies her need for growth in learning how to use Flux, a critical tool relevant to the position. She expresses her willingness to absorb new information and develop necessary skills for success in the new role.

Final Questions and Integration Advice

As the conversation shifts to Monica asking the panel, they emphasize the importance of relationships within the team, both for integration and support. They underscore the value of building connections, understanding processes, and knowing who the resources are across the organization.

Conclusion

The interview concludes with a discussion about next steps, indicating that Monica would receive follow-up communication regarding the hiring process.