Career MASTERS – Anthony Carthew

Posted On 28 Feb 2023

Career MASTERS – Anthony Carthew

28 Feb 2023
Career MASTERS | Anthony Carthew

Candidate Resource, Employer Resource, Interview Tips, On The Job, Popular Culture

Career MASTERS | Anthony Carthew

Anthony Carthew is a career professional based in Sydney, with more than 25 years of experience in PA & EA roles across government, corporate and entertainment industries.

His past roles include senior EA roles at David Jones department store, the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, amongst others.

Anthony joined the Sydney Opera House in 2006, and is now the EA to their CEO, Louise Herron, as well as the Head of Protocol – responsible for overseeing the arrangements for the Opera House’s many visiting dignitaries and VIPs, including heads of state and members of royal families from around the globe.

In 2018, Anthony was awarded EA of the Year Australasia (Executive PA Media), has spoken at numerous conferences and events in support of the EA profession, and is a highly regarded mentor for aspiring PAs and EAs.

In his current role, Anthony also manages a team of Executive Assistants and heads up the Sydney Opera House Pride network, to help promote LGBTIQ+ diversity and inclusion at the Opera House for its staff, partners and visitors.

How did you start your career to become a top EA?

Possibly like many career EAs, it all started with working the phones! It was the early 90s and I had just arrived from Adelaide and landed a job as at ACON – the AIDS Council of NSW. It was at the peak of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, so it was really full on, but it taught me the importance of caring for your “client” and being part of a community to make things better. After 10 years in that sector, I moved into PA roles in recruitment, IT, and retail – but it was in 2006 when I started at the Sydney Opera House, I knew I had really found my spot!

When making a start in an EA career, what are the key attributes to becoming successful?

Well at its core, you must want to help others – it’s as simple as that. No matter what you call our role – PA, EA, Executive Manager – it’s a service role, so if that doesn’t sit well with you, you’re in the wrong job. And you can’t just sit back and wait to be asked to do things – jump ahead, anticipate and take initiative, and be one step ahead of your Executive. Take an actual interest in your Executive’s goal and jump on board to help them get there.

How important do you think teamwork is in your industry?
How important do you think teamwork is in your industry?

Teamwork is really critical in this role – with your colleagues, your executive and just as importantly other EAs. My fabulous boss Louise Herron and I often joke about my “EA mafia” network connections which span the city and the globe. It’s a true testament to the impact and influence a truly connected EA community has – not just for referrals and information sharing, but also as a way to support each other, in what can be a sometimes siloed and isolated role within the organisation.

Have you seen a shift in the role of an EA during your career?

The EA role has definitely moved from admin support to more of a strategic partner in recent times. Truly successful EAs have always taken that approach but organisations do now expect all EAs to be doing more than just taking messages and organising the diary. I believe we are leaders in our own right – leaders of people and of ideas and best practices. A few years ago, I took on the management of our team of EAs at the Opera House and joined the Senior Leadership Team – this was a terrific way to beef up my role and keeps me feeling challenged. I really love that today’s EA can be a strategic partner to their Executive – engaged, trusted, and really relied upon.

What have been your career highlights and best achievements?

I’d have to say winning [Executive PA Magazine’s] EA of the Year Australasia a little while back was a true highlight and absolute honour. Both my partner Michael and my CEO Louise flew down to Melbourne for the big night, which meant a lot. It was a moment to pause and reflect on my career and take pride in my achievements and what this role is all about. I’m also very proud of helping up-and-coming PAs and EAs develop their craft through mentoring and coaching over the years – it’s a real buzz to see people hit their straps and do well.

Could you tell us how to develop a long-standing career as an EA?

In my experience, the key is to find an organisation that is the right fit for you. The EA role has the unique benefit of being completely transferable across any industry – but my suggestion is to curate your career journey by searching out an organisation that aligns with your interest and passions, and most importantly your personal ethics. Stay up to date with technology changes and don’t be left behind. Know your worth and be confident in stating your case with your Executive, whether it’s to take on a new project or ask for a raise. Be proud of being an EA and help develop others – get a mentor or be a mentor, it’s incredibly rewarding!

About the author
Roxanne Calder
Managing Director

As Founder and Managing Director at EST10, Roxanne has an all-encompassing role that includes building and growing the business, as well as actively recruiting and consulting.

After completing a Bachelor’s Degree at Monash University, Roxanne began her recruitment career with renowned recruiter Julia Ross. From there, Roxanne worked in HR and recruitment with a number of global players and boutique businesses throughout Australia, the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong for over 20 years. She has been responsible for managing large teams and projects, implementing RPO models, managing and assisting businesses to an IPO and assisting companies in setting up their recruitment teams and processes.

Following completion of her MBA at the Australian Graduate School of Management, Roxanne launched EST10 in July 2010. In doing so, she hoped to combine the flexibility and high touch service levels of boutique agencies with the structure and strategy afforded to larger firms. Roxanne believes in high-touch, high-care consulting and is always on the lookout for consultants that share this vision of recruitment.

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