Aileen Charland was born and raised in Connecticut. She obtained an associate degree at Manchester Community College in 2003 before going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) in 2006.

While attending ECSU, Aileen served as the Executive Vice President for the collegiate chapter of the American Marketing Association. She graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

After graduation, Aileen’s leadership role continued in her community as a director and officer in her condominium association as well as local historical and cemetery associations.

Today, Aileen is a high-performing and enthusiastic business professional working as an executive assistant to the CEO and CFO of TRUMPF North America.

What do you currently do at your company?

I currently serve as an instrumental executive assistant to the CEO and CFO of TRUMPF North America. My role consists of managing and supporting high-level executives to ensure the smooth operation of the organization. I strive to be a partner with my executives and do what I can to alleviate tasks off their busy agendas. My day consists of meeting coordination, monitoring, and implementing processes and policies, executing complex travel arrangements, facilitating and managing high-level projects and confidential information, and liaising and facilitating cross-functional teams.

What defines your way of doing business?

I strive to provide top-notch service to the executives I serve and pride myself on anticipating and staying ahead of their needs. My goal is to always do the right thing for the company and usually the right thing isn’t the easiest or the quickest. Typically, it requires time and effort, which I am ready and willing to bring my best to. I’m also a huge proponent of embracing and fostering teamwork.

What keys to being productive can you share?

For me, the key to being productive is consistently staying organized and minding details. Being productive also requires a drive and sense of enthusiasm and pride in one’s profession.  I tend to find that the busier and heavier my schedule is, the more productive I am.

How do you measure success?

Success is different for everyone. For me, success isn’t only about receiving awards in the workplace or salary bonuses or increases. Success for me is helping my executives be successful with their objectives, knowing that I gave my best efforts to what I was working on, seeing a project through to completion, and coming home to relax because I feel accomplished after days or weeks of hard work.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?

I hope to forever be a student and learn something new every day. A mentor once told me to always do the best I can do, and that is what I consistently strive for.

What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?

I would encourage any and all business professionals to focus on their work ethic and give their best every day. The easiest thing you can do is outwork the person sitting next to you.

What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?

I love to travel and visit warm places. During the warm months, I love to be near the shore and have my toes in the sand, smell the ocean, and feel the salt water. In the late fall and winter, I enjoy hiking. I also enjoy running, weightlifting, and yoga. I adore spending time with my friends and family.

How would your colleagues describe you?

They would describe me as a kick-ass, no-nonsense, ambitious go getter.

How do you maintain a solid work life balance? 

“Work hard, play hard” defines me. I believe there are more than enough hours in the days and weeks to prioritize my personal well-being such as eating healthy, working out, and spending time with the people who matter most and to put in a solid day of work.

What is one piece of advice that you have never forgotten?

Be kind. You never know what people are going through. The level of respect that you would give to the CEO of a company is the level of respect that you should be giving to everyone, regardless of their title.

What is one piece of advice you would like to leave our readers with?

Do the best you can every day and give it your all.