INCOMING Management Assistant — THIS IS OLIVIA

As MARNIX and ALLY is continuously growing, we’re introducing our first management member. Olivia ticks off so many boxes; from being a go-getter to an enthusiast with a warm soul. She’ll Marie Kondo our office and support the team with administrative responsibilities while taking a hike on her new path at MARNIX and ALLY.
Curious for more? Read the interview below.

Hi Olivia, can you give us a quick catch-up and explain what you’ll be doing at MARNIX and ALLY exactly?

Hi! My name is Olivia -structural perfectionist by day. I’ve just turned 29 and live in a lovely apartment in hometown Genk. Although, working in Antwerp kind of feels like coming home too since I studied here a few years ago. I love travelling, discovering new cultures, good food, reading a book and my baby doggo, James. I honestly couldn’t be more proud to be the new (and also first) management assistant at MARNIX and ALLY. I will assist and support management with all kinds of administrative tasks such as billing, HR, office management and internal communication.

And which path led you to MARNIX and ALLY?

That’s actually a pretty unusual story, because I’m a nurse by training. I realised quite quickly that, even though I love helping people, working as a nurse was not my cup of tea. I am more of a ‘fixer’ – I love getting things done, following up on deadlines and making other people’s lives easier. I’ve had some experience working as an assistant, so when An- Katrien called me to ask if I was interested in a job at M and A, I couldn’t be more excited!

You’re a go-getter. So, what excites you most about your new job at M and A?

The challenge to support and optimize the administrative flow inside M and A. Topped off with working in a company that has a brand portfolio including everything I love: food, fashion and design.

Could you describe yourself in five words?

After careful consideration...I would describe myself as a devoted, curious, caring and ambitious perfectionist.

What are your 3 tips to bring order to the chaos? Are you the Marie Kondo of the office?

I definitely love a structured and clean (work)space, with a go-with-the-flow-vibe. To keep this vibe, you have to set achievable deadlines, don’t postpone your tasks (too much) and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need to. I like to know the why behind a process, so I can jump in when a plan or last minute change has to be resolved.

Are there any other secrets to reveal? Hopes and dreams? Hotspots we should definitely know of? We're all ears.

In a few weeks time I will be hiking to the Base of Mount Everest, at 5600 meters. I expect this to be a life-changing experience, a magnificent experience for which I need to be fully determined and push my boundaries to its limits. I’m the kind of person that fully commits herself to new projects. And that is exactly the mindset I have for my work here at MARNIX and ALLY!

Welcome to the team, Olivia! We're excited as well!

Reach out to our new colleague via olivia@marnixandally.com