Executive Assistant

My name is Chill, and I currently serve as the Executive Assistant to Deepak Shukla, as well as a member of the catering sourcing team at Pearl Lemon. As I reflect on my journey here, I realise just how much has changed about me — my mindset, my skill set, and the way I approach challenges. I’ve been with the company for nearly five years now, and when I say that these years have shaped who I am professionally, I truly mean it. I see myself continuing to grow here in the long term, because Pearl Lemon is not just where I work — it is where I continue to evolve.

Working at Pearl Lemon has been a deeply rewarding experience, though not without challenges. It is a fast-paced environment driven by high expectations, quick execution, and continuous improvement. Our founder, Deepak, is someone who believes strongly in pushing boundaries — both for the business and for the individuals he works with. He values action, results, and learning through doing. Because of that, you learn to adapt, to think on your feet, and to always look for solutions rather than excuses.

In the beginning, I remember thinking how intense things felt — the speed, the expectations, the constant movement. But as time went on, I realised that this environment teaches resilience. It teaches you to embrace pressure, not fear it. It teaches you to work smart, not just hard. More importantly, it teaches you to trust yourself. Growth at Pearl Lemon happens because the space to learn is always there — there is always something new to do, a new challenge to take on, or a new skill to develop. You are never stagnant here, and that is something I genuinely appreciate.

A significant part of my journey has been my role in the catering sourcing team. This role allowed me to expand beyond administrative responsibilities and step into a more strategic, operational function. When sourcing suppliers for catering events, it is not just about finding vendors — it is about building relationships, understanding logistics, coordinating timelines, and ensuring that both expectations and execution align perfectly.

In catering sourcing, I am responsible for identifying and connecting with suppliers who can support events across various locations. I guide them through the entire process, from the moment we begin discussions to the final execution on event day. One of the accomplishments I am proud of is helping build our supplier network across Europe. It took time, research, coordination, constant follow-ups, and understanding different time zones and business styles. But being able to see suppliers successfully deliver for events is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work. It is the kind of success that shows how meaningful consistent effort can be.

But my role doesn’t end there. Pearl Lemon is known for being a place where you learn how to wear multiple hats — in the best way. Outside of my Executive Assistant role and catering sourcing responsibilities, I also assist with Pets Let’s Travel and tattoo supplier sourcing when needed. These tasks require flexibility and the ability to understand new workflows quickly. I’ve learned to transition smoothly from one task to another depending on what the company needs most at a given moment.

My Executive Assistant role to Deepak has also been one of growth and responsibility. Working closely with a founder means being exposed to decisions, priorities, and strategic thinking at a high level. It also means adapting to fast shifts, managing time effectively, and being one step ahead whenever possible. I handle administrative communication, coordinate schedules, help with documentation, and manage internal processes to ensure things run smoothly behind the scenes. One of my key ongoing responsibilities is managing admin emails, including setting up new team accounts, creating system access, and handling password resets. It might seem simple from the outside, but it plays an important role in keeping operations running efficiently.

If there is one thing I admire most about Pearl Lemon, it is the emphasis on trust and independence. You are given space to take ownership of your work. You are entrusted with responsibilities that matter. There is no micromanagement — instead, you are encouraged to figure things out, to experiment, to ask questions, and to continuously improve. That level of trust builds confidence, and that confidence shapes you into someone who believes in your own ability to deliver results.

Another aspect that stands out is the diversity within the team. We work with individuals from different cultures, backgrounds, and parts of the world. That diversity is one of Pearl Lemon’s strengths. It allows for different perspectives, collaborative learning, and a working dynamic that feels global. It has helped me grow in communication, adaptability, and cultural understanding.

There have been days that were tough, days when tasks piled up, when priorities changed instantly, or when unexpected issues required immediate solutions. But each of those moments strengthened me. They taught me that challenges are opportunities to learn — and that no skill is developed without a bit of difficulty along the way.

When I compare who I was before joining Pearl Lemon to who I am now, I see growth in every direction. I am more confident, more decisive, and more proactive. I know how to manage responsibilities, organize tasks, work under pressure, and navigate challenges more effectively. I have gained experiences that I know will benefit me for a lifetime.

Being here for almost five years is something I am genuinely grateful for — because it has never felt stagnant. I have always been encouraged to grow, to improve, to try new things, and to keep progressing. And that is why I see myself staying here long term. This company has become a part of my professional identity, and I want to continue contributing to its growth as it continues to shape mine.

In the end, Pearl Lemon is not just a workplace. It is a learning environment, a space for development, and a platform that challenges you to become better every day. If you are willing to put in the effort, to learn continuously, and to embrace challenges with an open mind — this is the kind of place that will help you grow, just as it has helped me.