From the Front Desk to the FTSE 250: How Sarah Howson is rewriting the C-Suite playbook by transforming Executive Assistants into strategic partners.

The Power of the Room

In the high-stakes environments of FTSE 250 boardrooms and rapid-growth tech start-ups, there is a distinct line between being “behind the door” and being “in the room.” For Sarah Howson, this distinction is not merely logistical—it is the defining factor of organizational success. Having spent over two decades as a C-suite Executive Assistant to influential CEOs and CFOs, Sarah understands that the most effective leaders don’t just delegate; they grant access.

“Leaders, if you’re not letting your Executive Assistant in, you’re holding your entire leadership team back,” Sarah often notes. “Top-tier EAs don’t just ‘support.’ They filter noise, protect reputation, and run ahead so the leader doesn’t have to.”

This profound understanding of the “best role on the org chart” led Sarah to transition from the boardroom to entrepreneurship. Today, as the Founder of the Strategic PA Network and Co-Founder of Strategic PA Recruitment, she has become a leading advocate for a profession that is often misunderstood, ensuring that the next generation of business support professionals is not just seen, but heard.

Lessons from the Lobby

Sarah’s relentless work ethic was forged long before she entered a corporate office. Between the ages of three and thirteen, she watched her parents operate a motel and hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Observing them work side-by-side instilled a deep respect for the “grind” and the nuances of service.

Her first job at an artisan bakery in 1994, earning just £2.10 an hour, reinforced these early lessons. Whether she was serving customers or working as a chambermaid, Sarah realized that technical proficiency was only half the battle. “People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel,” she reflects, citing the Maya Angelou quote that governs her leadership style. This early immersion in hospitality created a blend of operational precision and deep emotional intelligence that would become her signature.

Navigating the C-Suite

Sarah’s corporate trajectory was marked by an uncanny ability to adapt to high-pressure environments, from venture-backed semiconductor start-ups to global energy giants like Cape plc. Supporting leadership through M&As, investor roadshows, and board-level due diligence, she became a trusted extension of the executives she served.

However, she also recognized the isolation inherent in the role. In 2013, while navigating the fragile journey of IVF to start her family, Sarah craved authentic connection. This led to the birth of the Strategic PA Network. What began as a local initiative has grown over a decade into a vibrant, award-winning community that empowers thousands of EAs, VAs, and Office Managers through lifelong learning and confidence-building. “I wanted to create a space where no one stood on their own,” she says, “where people could show up exactly as they were and leave feeling stronger.”

Changing the Narrative of Recruitment

In 2019, Sarah expanded her mission by co-founding Strategic PA Recruitment with Marianne Whitlock. Having lived the role for twenty years, she was frustrated by the generic nature of standard recruitment. She knew a CV could never capture the “judgement and partnership” required for a high-level placement.

Her approach is high-touch and rooted in integrity, challenging clients to look beyond task lists and hire for “commercial awareness” and “strategic alignment.” By bridging the gap between talent and leadership, Sarah is effectively rewriting the job description for the entire profession. She is a sought-after speaker at institutions like Oxford University and global summits, teaching leaders how to unlock the full potential of their support staff.

Authenticity as a Legacy

Despite her success as a founder and recruiter, Sarah remains grounded by her two sons—her “IVF miracles”—who remind her daily why building something meaningful matters. Her leadership philosophy remains refreshingly simple: “Just be you.”

In an industry often obsessed with polished facades, Sarah advocates for the “wonky chin,” the “half-full glass,” and radical empathy. She envisions a future where every Executive Assistant is recognized as a strategic enabler of organizational success. As her network enters its second decade, her focus remains on elevating the visibility of the profession and inspiring others to realize that, indeed, “the world is your oyster.”

“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on,” Sarah says. For Sarah Howson, the goal isn’t just to lead her field; it’s to ensure that when she reaches the top, she’s holding the door open for everyone else to follow.

Editorial Note

Sarah Howson’s journey is a masterclass in the evolution of modern leadership. It serves as a vital reminder that the most powerful tool in any business is not a strategy, but the strength of the partnership between a leader and their support.