We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joelle Paban a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Joelle , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In 2009, my journey into the world of professional development took an unexpected turn when, as a new parent, I received an offer from my former boss to join her at a new company. Though my initial plan was to navigate parenthood at home, fate had other plans. The role offered was that of a receptionist, a position that resonated with my need for manageable responsibilities, allowing me to prioritize my family commitments.

Embracing this opportunity wholeheartedly, I made it my mission to redefine the role of a receptionist. I focused on fostering a welcoming environment, ensuring every team member felt valued and acknowledged. This dedication caught the attention of the CEO at the rapidly expanding technology firm where I worked. Despite my lack of experience in executive assistance and software proficiency, he believed in my potential and provided the necessary resources for me to excel.

Driven by a determination to streamline processes, I founded the EA Direct Connect, a platform that revolutionized networking and support for executive assistants. This initiative not only bridged gaps but also cultivated a thriving community of professionals. As the company transitioned ownership in 2017, presenting new uncertainties, my CEO encouraged me to monetize the Facebook group I had cultivated over the years.

Taking a leap of faith, I ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a recruiting company specializing in administrative professionals. This endeavor, supported by a year-long grace period at a startup, allowed me to nurture EA Direct Connect while building a successful venture. What makes this journey truly remarkable is the unwavering support and guidance I received from my former CEO, who not only recognized the potential in my endeavors but also provided the initial capital to kickstart my entrepreneurial journey.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hiring an Executive Assistant is one of the most important decisions an executive will make during their tenure. A quality EA allows an executive to focus more energy on high-value priorities that will help their company grow and become more successful while also making their busy lives easier and keeping them connected to their employees.
Since very few staffing companies and recruiters have worked as an EA, they fail to take a holistic view of all the factors that contribute to a successful hire.
Joelle Paban & Associates is the one of the only recruiting agencies in the country that focuses exclusively on Executive Assistants and Administrative Professionals. After serving as an EA to some of the Southeast’s most successful CEOs, Paban understands the importance of this unique relationship and works closely with executives to provide them with candidates that are ideally suited to their business and leadership style.
This personal touch produces outstanding hires that executives can trust and count on. That’s why Joelle Paban & Associates has become the Southeast’s leading recruiting agency for permanent and fractional EA and administrative support job placement.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My last day at the job that facilitated my launch was March 1, 2020. Just days later, on March 13, 2020, the world came to a halt. As the family’s breadwinner, managing benefits, and taking on homeschooling for three children, I had to adapt swiftly. The job market was stagnant, so I redirected my efforts towards growing my Facebook following.

Despite the challenges, living in Florida allowed for safe networking opportunities. However, my primary focus remained on homeschooling, building my EA pipeline, and expanding the Facebook group, none of which generated income. It was a period of hustle and improvisation, from utilizing drive-through food pantries to seeking advances from Amscot.

My children, aged 7 and 9, were unaware of our financial constraints; they only knew we had groceries for weeks one and two. With unwavering support from my family, especially my parents, I navigated these challenges one day at a time. My parents were instrumental in pushing forward during uncertain times.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Staying steadfast in my principles was crucial, especially during the challenging times of 2020. Despite opportunities to take on clients that didn’t align with my standards, I remained firm. My following knows that if I won’t work for someone, I won’t recruit for them either. Life’s too short to compromise on the value of our work and the effort invested behind the scenes.

Maintaining the integrity of my brand and resisting quick cash grabs, even when they seemed tempting, proved essential. I’m fortunate to have a fantastic assistant who joined me before I could afford to pay her. She serves as my moral compass, ensuring we always uphold our values.

As a female business owner, I prioritize including my children in everything I do. Whether it’s attending a meeting with a CEO, going to a networking event, or having lunch with a client, my children are always with me. It’s crucial for me to demonstrate to them that hard work does pay off. I’m not just building a company; I’m creating an empire that I hope to pass on one day to my girls.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eadirectconnect.com
• Instagram: EADirectConnect
• Facebook: EA Direct Connect (Private group)
• Linkedin: Joelle Paban
• Other: https://g.page/r/Cel8dCG1mtMSEB0/review