Gòria Gratacòs

1. How did you know about IMA?

We will have to move back to 2003. My wish was belonging to a European network of professional assistants, as all the professional associations I knew were run on a regional basis only. While attending a Congress in Barcelona, I happened to meet Rose Marie Esser, who was at the time trying to restart the EUMA Spain group. Honestly, my intention was to join a group that was already running but… I like challenges, so I decided to help Rose Marie in bringing EUMA Span back to life!!

2. Why did you decide to join this network and create a group in Spain?

I strongly believed that Spain needed to be part of an international network of management assistants. As said, the EUMA Spain branch did not exist at the time; therefore, I initially joined as an individual member linked to the European Committee. In the beginning of 2005, together with Rose Marie, we started the search of new colleagues in Spain willing to join us, with the idea of building up a Spanish branch eventually. It was really difficult to have new people on board, as we only were 4-5 people and that did not sound appealing for others to join. It was not until 2008 that we managed to have the minimum number required to present a project to the European Committee. EUMA Spain was finally ratified by the rest of EUMA countries in the AGM held in Berlin in October 2008.

3. How has the role of the Management Support Professionals evolved since you established the group in Spain?

I have been in the business for the last 30 years, and therefore I have witnessed many changes, especially with regards to technology!! Middle managers started to decrease in companies, which was an opportunity for our role, as they were demanding us more seniority. This was positive because we had the required skills and therefore were able to gain visibility within the companies. We started to be seen as an essential part of the management team. In the last few years we have been facing a new challenge: new devices and apps can be seen as a threat. Instead, we have to see them as our allies in today’s management environment.

4. How can IMA help its members in their professional careers?

As members of IMA we can be part of this amazing global community of highly skilled professionals. IMA provides up-to-date training and great networking opportunities, both in each country and globally during our international meetings.