CAROLA OOSTINJEN · INTERIM EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
As an interim assistant, I step in quickly when extra support is needed. I bring order to demanding calendars, keep commitments on track and organise the flow of information. I work independently, with attention to the people and relationships within the organisation.
Let's get to know each other
01 / HOW I SUPPORT YOU
I quickly familiarise myself with the organisation, its people and the way it works. This helps me identify where support can make an immediate difference. From that understanding, I take ownership of what is needed, set priorities and keep progress on track. People know where they stand and commitments do not get lost.
I support C-level executives and leadership teams with demanding calendars, clear priorities and confidential communication. I think ahead, identify potential bottlenecks and make sure important matters receive the time they need. I also keep track of appointments, actions and preparation, helping the working day remain manageable and reducing last-minute surprises.
I prepare meetings carefully, organise documents and track actions, deadlines and recurring commitments. I also coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, keeping an overview when several interests or calendars come together. This ensures information reaches the right people on time and makes clear what still requires attention.
I look for ways to make recurring work simpler, clearer or more efficient. That may involve a better workflow, a useful template or appropriate digital support. Where it adds value, I use Microsoft Copilot or other AI tools. Always within the organisation’s guidelines and with careful human oversight.
More about my experience with AI02 / THE PERSON BEHIND COOS
Personal in my approach, professional in the way I work.
I'm Carola Oostinjen. I live in Amstelveen with my family and am a mother of two. In life and at work, I am warm, down-to-earth and positive. I connect easily, listen carefully and believe it is important that people feel at ease.
At work, I combine that personal approach with calm, clarity and a practical mindset. I move easily between executives, colleagues and external contacts, remain sensitive to the context and take ownership of the practical details.
As an interim assistant, I am used to entering new organisations. I quickly get to know the people, culture and way of working, ask the right questions and bring structure without needing to take centre stage. This creates support that fits the client.
Would you like to see my full CV? I am happy to send it on request.
03 / MY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Since 2014, I have supported executives, managers and teams across a wide range of organisations, from media and financial services to recruitment and the public sector.
Every assignment is different. I am used to getting up to speed quickly, understanding relationships and sensitivities, and creating clarity in a new environment. I move easily between strategic priorities and practical delivery, bringing calm, continuity and reliable support from the outset in a way that fits the organisation.
My role goes beyond traditional executive support. I also bring creative thinking to presentations, internal events, communication and practical organisation. When a request does not fit a standard process, I find a suitable solution and take ownership of the delivery. That broad approach makes me an all-round PA.
APR 2025 TO SEP 2026
Initially assistant to the CEO and CFO, later to the MD and CFO. Personal support at executive level.
JAN 2023 TO MAY 2025
Supporting regional managers and later the capacity programme lead / manager. Complex diary and inbox management, meeting preparation and communication.
SEP 2022 TO DEC 2022
Supporting the CFO and, in part, the CEO. Diary management, business travel, document management and communication coordination.
JUL 2021 TO AUG 2022
Improving recruitment processes, coordinating complex interview schedules and managing the recruitment database and inbox.
DEC 2020 TO JUL 2021
Complex interview scheduling, coordinating interviews and decision meetings, database administration and recruitment inbox management.
FEB 2020 TO NOV 2020
Supporting the CFO, managing complex diaries and business travel, and coordinating document signing and approval.
2018 TO 2019
Complex diary management, business travel, internal events and facilities support. First point of contact for the organisation.
2016 TO 2019
Executive support, organising and minuting meetings, office management, and designing pitches and programme formats.
2015 TO 2016
Diary management, revenue overviews, correspondence, agreements and following up action points.
2014 TO 2015
At the time, FourOne Media was a subsidiary of FremantleMedia. I supported the CEO with complex diaries, business and personal travel, meetings, contract administration and practical project support.
References are available on request.
04 / SMARTER SUPPORT WITH AI
As an interim assistant, every assignment takes me into a new organisation with its own people, culture, systems and ways of working.
My foundation is years of experience in executive and management support. I manage complex diaries, meeting preparation and follow-through, communication, travel and practical coordination independently, with clarity, discretion and sound judgement.
AI is not a requirement for me to do my work well. It is an additional tool that I use only when it fits the assignment and the organisation.
Some clients already use AI extensively, while other organisations deliberately take a cautious approach because of confidentiality, policy or the systems available.
I therefore start by listening, observing and understanding the existing way of working. Together with the client, I establish what is permitted, what adds value and where human review remains essential. My own judgement, discretion and responsibility always remain central.
Where AI adds value, it can support meeting preparation and summaries, information structuring, clearer communication and the smarter organisation of recurring work.
Professional judgement first.
Technology where it helps.
This allows me to work independently in a wide range of assignments and use new tools selectively when they genuinely improve the work.
Curious how I use AI carefully in practice?
Explore my insights and approachVISION · METHOD · EXPERIENCE
05 / MODERN EXECUTIVE SUPPORT
Insights into how I make executive support smarter and more manageable: from decision-making and briefings to AI-supported workflows, always with human judgement in control.
APPLIED EXPERIENCE · MICROSOFT COPILOT
How I bring my Copilot experience and adapt to every client’s systems, licences and working agreements.
APPLIED EXPERIENCE · MEETING INTELLIGENCE
How I combine recording, transcription, source checking and structuring without handing decision-making to AI.
VISION & PRACTICE · AI IN EXECUTIVE SUPPORT
We know Copilot and ChatGPT. But what else do assistants need in terms of secure connections, plugins and clear boundaries?
06 / LET'S GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER
Looking for support for executives, management or a team?
Tell me what is needed and I will gladly explore what would fit your organisation.
