Executive Assistant of the Week: Vancouver

Deirdre Taylor
Executive Assistant to Insurance & Operations
First West Credit Union

Deirdre Taylor is passionate about creating consistently excellent experiences and delivering unparalleled assistance to the teams she supports. Deirdre currently holds the role of Executive Assistant to the Insurance and Operations teams at First West Credit Union and has enjoyed this position for the last 5 years and is looking forward to many more.

Previous to her EA role with First West, she spent 10 years as a Senior Account Administrator for a well established association management company and prior to that spent several years working in the retail and tourism industries.

In her down time, Deirdre enjoys connecting with her family and friends, including her 2 amazing sons and incredible husband.

Deirdre Taylor will be one of the distinguished contributors at the ELS Forum: Vancouver on July 24-25, 2019

Tell us about a career accomplishment of which you’re particularly proud.

A couple of years in to my current EA role, I was put in charge of organizing and running a 2 day leaders’ summit for 45 of our insurance managers. I was able to pull on my previous event management experience to create a memorable and unique experience for those leaders.

Tell us about a mentor who changed your professional life. What was it about this individual that left such a lasting impression?

The leader I supported when I first started as an EA at First West Credit Union changed my professional life by creating an environment that let me flourish in this role. Quite often she pushed me outside of my comfort zone, while ensuring my input was listened to and appreciated. She has moved on to another role, but I still keep in touch with her and receive her encouragement regularly.

Is the executive assistant role a long-term profession for you?

Yes, I am a part of an amazing group of EA’s that support leaders from across 3 different regions within our Credit Union. This group has almost doubled in size in the 5 years that I have been with the organization. I am looking forward to seeing how the role continues to evolve.

How do you describe your role when people ask what you do for a living?

I like to describe myself as a partner to the teams I support. Someone that can always be depended on! The keeper of the important information

What is your favorite part about being a strategic business partner to your executive?

My favourite part about this is being able to work shoulder to shoulder with the executives I support and reaching a common goal. I always feel welcomed at the leadership table and that my input is valued.

How do you unwind after a long day or week?

I like to come home and chat about the day I have had with my sons. We recap our day with each other and share any interesting things that may have happened. We will then go for a walk or find a show we all like to watch on TV.