By Dhanesh Gala | SMP 2020
An Unlikely Beginning
Not all careers begin with a well-defined roadmap. Some evolve through curiosity, timing, and the willingness to explore something different. My journey into the role of an Executive Assistant (EA) started in exactly this way. Inspired by a friend’s experience, I decided to explore the opportunity—without fully understanding how transformative it would become. After persistent efforts, I secured my first role at Bilcare Limited in Pune, supporting the CEO & President. What initially appeared to be a support function soon revealed itself as a powerful learning platform. It offered a front-row seat to leadership—how decisions are made, how strategies are crafted, and how organizations navigate complexity in real time. That early exposure laid the foundation for a career far beyond traditional role definitions.
Breaking the Stereotype
The Executive Assistant role is often perceived as administrative—focused on coordination and routine support. However, this perception is increasingly outdated. In today’s fast-paced business environment, the EA role has evolved into a strategic function that directly contributes to outcomes.
An effective EA today operates as:
- A strategy enabler, aligning leadership vision with execution
- An execution driver, ensuring initiatives move to completion
- A connector, bridging communication across teams
EAs are, in many ways, “strategy mappers and synergy catalysts,” helping leadership translate ideas into actionable outcomes across financial, operational, and growth dimensions. This reflects a broader shift where agility, alignment, and informed decision- making are critical.
A Career Across Industries
One of the most rewarding aspects of this unconventional path has been the diversity of experience. Over 18+ years, I have worked across multiple industries and geographies:
- Bilcare Limited ,Pune – Pharma and manufacturing
- Waaree Energies Private Limited , Mumbai – Renewable energy and EPC
- Uttam Galva Steels Limited , Mumbai – Steel manufacturing
- Bhatia Brothers & Y9 Innovation (Dubai) – Trading and fintech
- Ashapura International Limited , Mumbai – Mining and Minerals
- VS Lignite Pvt ltd ( Hyderabad ) & Sai Bioenergy Ghana Private Limited , Ghana Clean energy transition
Each role added a new dimension—whether in strategic planning, financial analysis,
operations management, or market research. This exposure helped build a well-rounded perspective, enabling contributions beyond conventional role boundaries.
From Support to Strategic Impact
In my current role within the green energy sector, the EA function is deeply integrated into business operations. The responsibilities extend beyond coordination and include:
- Monitoring performance through KPI frameworks
- Supporting financial planning and budgeting
- Conducting market research in biomass and renewable energy
- Driving operational and strategic initiatives
This evolution highlights a key insight—the value of an EA lies not in the tasks performed, but in the impact created.
Core Skills That Make the Difference
The transition from support role to strategic contributor requires distinct capabilities:
Structured Thinking – A methodical approach to manage ambiguity and solve complex problems.
Business Acumen – Understanding how finance, operations, and strategy interconnect.
Communication and Alignment – Ensuring clarity across teams and stakeholders.
Execution Focus – Driving initiatives to completion with accountability.
Together, these skills transform the EA into a trusted business partner.
Navigating Challenges
The EA role comes with inherent challenges:
- Operating in ambiguous environments
- Managing diverse stakeholders
- Balancing multiple priorities
However, these challenges are also the greatest learning opportunities. They build resilience, sharpen thinking, and enhance the ability to perform under pressure. Growth in this role comes from embracing complexity rather than avoiding it.
An Entrepreneurial Mindset
What truly defines success in this career is mindset. High-impact EAs adopt an entrepreneurial approach—thinking beyond assigned responsibilities and focusing on value creation.
This involves:
- Acting as a thought partner to leadership
- Anticipating challenges and opportunities
- Driving initiatives proactively
In my current work in bioenergy and power projects, this mindset has been critical in aligning strategy with execution and supporting long-term growth.
Why This Career Path Matters
The Executive Assistant role is one of the most underrated yet powerful career choices. It offers:
- Direct exposure to leadership
- Participation in strategic decision-making
- Cross-functional learning
- Accelerated professional growth
For those willing to step outside conventional paths, it serves as a launchpad into leadership roles. For me these Unconventional careers often come with uncertainty, but they also bring unmatched growth. The journey of an Executive Assistant shows how a role can evolve far beyond its traditional perception.
From managing schedules to influencing strategy, from supporting leaders to enabling them—the transformation is significant. The EA role is no longer confined to the background; it is becoming central to how organizations succeed. Ultimately, being an Executive Assistant is not just about working with leadership. It is about becoming an integral part of how leadership drives vision, execution, and success.
Author Bio:
Strategic Executive Assistant / Chief of Staff with 18+ years of experience supporting CXOs across energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors, driving strategy, operations, and data-led decision-making. Proven track record in improving efficiency, leading cross-functional projects, and supporting investments in bioenergy and energy storage.
Currently appointed as Chief of Staff – Operations at Sai Bioenergy Ghana Private Ltd, acting as a strategic execution partner to drive multi-project portfolios (solar, CBG, agronomy), lead investor and government engagement, and ensure end-to-end program delivery, governance, and stakeholder alignment across Africa operations.
