#372: A Conversation with Heleen Vink - Management Assistant to the Deputy CEO & CFO at Ingka Group | IKEA

Diana Brandl is a longtime C-Suite assistant, and host of the Executive Office Insights podcast.In this spotlight episode, explore how service skills evolve into strategy as Heleen Vink shares her path from hospitality to supporting the CEO of Ingka Group (IKEA), the calendar audit that reset priorities, and the systems that protect deep work and drive stakeholder engagement. Heleen and Diana also outline how to build an internal assistant network and keep balance through community and creativity.Topics covered:hospitality foundations shaping executive supportmoving from generalist skills to a stakeholder specialtythe structure and roles inside a lean CEO support teamhow to run a calendar audit and turn data into prioritiessetting non‑negotiables like protected work‑alone timebuilding an internal assistant network with clear purposelearning by doing: speeches, reports, and projectsfinding your voice and influence with direct feedbacksustainable work life balance through support systemsmusic as a tool for confidence, presence, and renewalEnjoy!Show notes → leaderassistant.com/372--It’s the last day of the offsite and it was exactly what the team needed. The CEO pulls you aside to say, “Thank you. This was next level.”Your secret? You used Offsite. They handled the venues, negotiations, and logistics – so you could focus on shaping the experience.Sound too good to be true? It’s actually within reach. (And it can even save you money.)See how at leaderassistant.com/offsite. --Are you ready to level up? Enroll in The Leader Assistant Academy at leaderassistant.com/academy to embrace the Leader Assistant frameworks used by thousands of assistants.More from The Leader Assistant...Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.comThe Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membershipEvents -> leaderassistantlive.comFree Community -> leaderassistant.com/community