Jenni Bowman is known for her warm and friendly personality as well as her ‘roll-up-your-sleeves’ approach to pretty much anything! Grab a coffee and take a couple of moments to get to know Bournemouth’s Passionate PA…
Jenni joined The Passionate PA in January 2018 after leaving a career as an employed executive PA to several directors. Jen felt the time was right for her to launch her own business, building a client-base that she could balance with the demands of family life. Jenni is incredibly hard-working, organised and proactive – she’s also fabulous fun! She might be from Essex, but we don’t hold that against her 🙂
Getting to know Jenni
Alarm goes off at:
6.15am
Start the day with:
Coffee first! My partner and I always sit down and have coffee together whilst we watch breakfast news. We started learning Dutch a year ago so we try and do a quick lesson on our app! Then our beloved dog Bailey joins us and jumps all over the sofa waiting to be fed!
Where do you do most of your work?
These days, now I have a full client set, I work from home much more. I can get so much done in my home office without having to waste too much time travelling. However I have 2 clients based in Ferndown and Christchurch that I love going to see for the day so I try and do this as often as I can. It  allows me to get right to heart of a business and feel the pulse. I know the team behind the business and the company dynamics and I can deal with problems on the spot – it works for me and works for my client.
What sectors do your clients operate within?
A real diverse mix – my clients are a mix of management consultants, audio visual installers and re-sellers, a startup funding coach, digital media advertisers, an online network organisation, a solicitor and of course, The Passionate PA itself!
Best part of your work:
The best part of my work is building relationships – my clients are at the heart of what I do – if they are not happy then I am not happy.  I am also passionate about working in a team of Passionate PAs who inspire me too. We are a force to be reckoned with!
Worst part of your work:Â
My own pressure to be the best I can be 100% of the time and deliver for my clients – as well as juggling being a mum/partner/friend/daughter etc etc. I think all working women say the same?
Clients you add most value to:
Busy directors whose feet never seem to touch the ground. I love becoming their ‘buffer’; filtering the noise and helping to keep them focused on their business objectives. I love to work with their stakeholders too, and often find myself liaising with their senior leadership teams to help drive momentum. I thrive by getting stuck in and using my skills to get the job done.
After work you’ll be:
I moved to Dorchester 18 months ago and I simply love it – it’s the perfect mix of town and country. We love nothing more than walking the dog, enjoying the scenery and enjoying a quiet drink in the local pub. We own a classic car too so we spend time going to Classic Car shows in the summer and my partner rides a BMW GS tourer so I can also be found on the back of his motorbike!
Why a franchise with The Passionate PA and not go it alone?
It is the best of both worlds – support of a franchisor (that’s Kate!) and a brand name that gets recognised. Working in a team in an established business is really important to me as I hate to feel alone. But, the flexibility to drive my own results and create the business I want is fab… I have all the tools and support I need which means I can concentrate on what matters – CLIENTS!
What did you do before:
A mix of PA work, office management, sales, facilities management, customer services.
Favourite drink:
Wine and Gin!
Favourite location for a business meeting:
I have recently been using the Duchess pub in Poundbury which is a great place to meet – there are comfy chairs for more informal meetings or tables if we need to use laptops.
What are you reading?
Brother do you Love me by Manni Coe – it’s simply breath-taking, and a true story. It really embodies the power of love so well. It is the definition of one of my favourite sayings – Love Wins. Every time.
Your guilty pleasure:
Wine and Chocolate!
Favourite hobby/past time:
Spending time with my partner, dog and family, they are my World. Time is going by so fast so I am grabbing every moment when I can.
Most inspirational/influential person in your career:
Someone I worked with on a voluntary basis sitting on a Board for a local organisation. He taught me so many valuable things skill wise, but really encouraged me to develop my career. He also taught me the importance of reflection. I have to say that it was partly due to his support and encouragement that I joined The Passionate PA.
Favourite animal and why:
Dogs, loyal and loving!
Greatest contact/supplier that deserves a plug:
Anyone at Dorset Chamber. These guys work really hard and are great at what they do. Connecting, networking, assisting, enabling and advising. If you’re not a member I can highly recommend membership.
Your business plan for the coming year:
I plan to elevate myself substantially in 2024. I am delivering client work that I am truly proud of, building a network of connections I can rely on and developing my skill set and confidence all the time. I love being an Executive Assistant and see myself as being a pivotal part of my client’s businesses. Now my children need less and less of me I have more time to focus on my business and I plan to throw myself in – head first!
You can find out more about Jenni by clicking here! Or, give her a call – she does love a natter!
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