Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sharon O’sullivan Fung. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sharon , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

It’s interesting to be asked this question. My husband’s dad is recently passed, and my own dad is slowly fading away due to Alzheimer’s. We’re at a stage where we feel like we’re losing a big part of ourselves, and it’s not easy. But your question gives me the chance to honour my parents, which I’m grateful for.

My parents got two things very right. First, they were intentional about speaking into my life. They earned the right to do that because I always knew they loved me unconditionally. They also made sure we were free to make our own decisions and use our time as we saw fit. Because of that, I was content living with them and always valued their advice, even when I didn’t fully agree. Their wisdom guided me when it mattered most.

Second, when I stepped into adulthood, they completely stepped back. They never interfered, and that was intentional. They only offered advice if I explicitly asked for it. As my dad’s journey with Alzheimer’s progresses, It’s not the same but I still get glimpses of that wisdom, he and my mum are still people I go to for advice.

Two moments really stand out for me. When I was about to enter university, I suddenly didn’t want to go. I was focused on just getting married and having kids—I wanted to be like my mum. My dad didn’t oppose my choice but gently reminded me that I was a talented young woman and that it might be a shame not to invest in that talent. I took his words to heart, went to university, and those years turned out to be some of the best of my life. Being a mum was one of the many things I’ve loved doing, but thanks to my dad, I got to enjoy so much more also.

Another time, when I was still living in Ireland and dating my now-husband, who was in LA, I didn’t want to leave Ireland. I kept hoping he’d move to Ireland instead. But my mum surprised me by encouraging me to take the leap and move to LA to see where things might go. I was stunned—she was the last person I expected to push me to leave. But I took her advice, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am CEO of a newly growing business O’Sullivan Fung – Premier Executive Assistants. I’ve built my business as a fractional executive assistant, but not just any assistant—I like to think of myself as a partner in success. I’ve always had a knack for organization, problem-solving, and making sure things run smoothly.

My journey started in teaching and administration, where I honed my skills in managing the chaos that often comes with those roles. I was kind of squeezed out of the classroom. I loved working as a teacher but when my dad became ill I knew I needed to transition. I needed a job that was completely flexible and could be done remotely. I needed to facilitate regular long trips to Ireland to see my parents more often. In March 2023 I quit my classroom job and opened my business.

I offer a range of services that are all about freeing up my clients’ time so they can focus on what truly matters. Whether it’s taking over routine administrative tasks, managing their inbox, handling their social media, or even helping them grow their business and increase their visibility, I’m there to ensure my clients can concentrate on the bigger picture without getting bogged down by the details.

What I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with my clients. I don’t just work for them; I work with them, becoming a trusted partner in their journey. I take the time to understand their unique needs and tailor my support to help them achieve their goals. Whether it’s making sure their business runs smoothly, helping them get featured in the right places, or simply giving them more time to spend with their families, I’m committed to their success.

I’m also proud of the balance I’ve found in my own life. Running a business I love while being there for my family hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. And that’s something I strive to help my clients achieve as well—success in business without sacrificing what’s most important to them personally.

At the end of the day, my goal is to make business owners’ lives easier. I’m here to support them, help them thrive, and ensure they have the time and space to focus on what really matters. I love being a part of their journey and helping them to achieve the balance and success they’re looking for.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Working in education was my passion until family circumstances changed things. I knew I would need to travel more frequently and I had to pivot to a career that was fully remote, allowing me the flexibility to work when and where I wanted. I made this change to be able to support my family both physically and financially.

The transition from education to becoming an executive assistant felt like a natural progression for me. My background in education, particularly in special education, ingrained in me the importance of personalized service, emotional investment, and creative problem-solving—all essential skills for an executive assistant. In education, I was always managing people, working with families and professionals such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists, other teachers, and students. I set up organizational systems and focused on the individual needs of each student, family, or professional.

Living in Canada while needing to visit my parents in Ireland meant I had to travel with my young children, which added another layer of complexity. It wasn’t just about being there for my parents; I also had to ensure that I could continue providing for my family financially. This sense of responsibility, combined with the challenge of balancing travel, parenting, and work, gave me the clarity I needed to pivot my career. I needed a role that offered flexibility and stability, allowing me to support both my parents and my children without sacrificing the extra layer financial security my income provided.

One of the most telling moments of this journey was when I was able to take a key client call while visiting my parents in Ireland. It showed me how far I had come in building a life that allowed me to prioritize my family while still meeting my work responsibilities. This flexibility and sense of balance were exactly what I needed, and it became clear that pivoting wasn’t just about finding a job—it was about creating a lifestyle that would support me and my family through difficult times.

I didn’t expect to enjoy this work as much as I enjoyed teaching, as teaching had always been my passion. It’s been a wonderful surprise to find the same passion and purpose in my role as an EA. Ultimately, it’s all about making a difference in people’s lives, whether it’s helping a student learn well or supporting a CEO in achieving their goals. This pivot, while unexpected, has been incredibly rewarding.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation within the market has been largely driven by the power of networking. For me, relationships and trust are at the heart of what I do with my clients. My approach has always been to add value by making key introductions, connecting people who can benefit from each other. When I network, I’m not just looking for potential clients; I’m genuinely interested in getting to know business owners who could refer me or whom I can refer to others. It’s about growing that “know, like, trust” factor.

A perfect example of this was when I once made an introduction between two business connections who I thought could mutually benefit from each other. A couple of months later, one of them told me, “That introduction was life-changing.” It was a reminder of how the relationships I help foster go beyond just business—they create lasting impacts.

Another client expressed that despite feeling financially strapped at times, she simply couldn’t imagine doing her work without my support. She told me how much she enjoys spending time with me, leaning on my expertise and knowing she has someone in her corner. These moments of genuine connection and value are what drive my business forward.

These are the relationships that enhance my reputation and regularly connect me with ideal clients. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I don’t enter a call thinking, “This person could be a client.” Instead, I focus on how I can make this person see me, like me, and want to connect with me again. These relationships either evolve naturally into clients or lead to key introductions. I absolutely love meeting new people and helping them. There’s nothing more exciting than making those “life-changing introductions” and then seeing those connections bring me top-quality clients who I’m thrilled to work with every day. It’s this passion for people and relationships that has truly helped me build my reputation.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/osullivanfung/
• Other: [email protected]