At AEGIS London we take pride in everyone’s contributions, professionalism and achievements. Today we are celebrating one of three very talented colleagues who have been shortlisted for the 2025 Women In Insurance Awards.
Quiet achievements: Life as an EA
Natalie Skillett, EA to the CEO at AEGIS London
People often ask what an Executive Assistant actually does. After 32 years in the insurance industry, I’ve learned that the role is far more than diaries and logistics.
My career began in the finance team at Amlin, before I became the CFO’s EA. For the past seven years I’ve been at AEGIS London, working closely with the CEO, Chair and NEDs. I’ve seen the industry, and my role within it, change in ways I never expected when I first started.
Being an EA at this level is often misunderstood. It’s not just about admin. You can manage a team of PAs, are trusted with highly confidential information, and you are often the person who provides insight or spots problems before they land on the wider business. Yes, you need strong organisational skills, but you also need empathy, honesty, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
As organisations grow, one of the hardest things for leaders is letting go of control. But the right assistant doesn’t just “organise”, they anticipate needs, build relationships and create space for leaders to focus on the bigger picture. When I joined AEGIS London, there were no personal assistants. Over the years I’ve built a team of professionals who now provide that support, making sure the right balance of delegation and attention to detail is in place.
Alongside the day-to-day, I’ve also had the chance to deliver some amazing events including a 20th anniversary dinner at the Imperial War Museum for 200 guests, and a 25th anniversary celebration for 400 at the Royal Exchange. Bringing people together on those occasions is always a privilege.
Community has always been important to me. At Amlin I was part of the Charity Committee which raised £120k over three years. At AEGIS London, I spearhead our charity day, involving the majority of our 230 employees volunteering across several locations; from painting benches to supporting the elderly. Those kinds of initiatives create a different energy for the team and remind us that we are part of something bigger.
Of course, balancing family life and a demanding role can be tough. I try to give my best at home and at work, and I care deeply about what I do. I’m naturally solutions-focused and always aim to provide steady support and guidance. I believe that respect should be a constant throughout an organisation, from leadership to frontline employees. Everyone contributes, and every role deserves recognition.
I’ve been fortunate to be accepted as part of the senior team, where my opinion is valued and trusted. That trust has opened doors to high levels of responsibility. I played a key role in AEGIS London’s office move during Covid, one of the most difficult challenges I’ve faced. Making decisions remotely, with supply chain delays and uncertainty over office returns, was far from straightforward, but I’ve learned that there’s always a solution if you keep communicating.
For me, being an EA has never been just a job. It’s about enabling others to succeed, building trust, and helping the business find its way through challenges - big and small. After three decades, I still find that both meaningful and motivating.
Natalie Skillett is finalist in the category 'Unsung Hero Award (Insurer/ MGA)' at the 2025 Women In Insurance Awards.