The Indian Association of Secretaries & Administrative Professionals (IASAP) celebrated Administrative Professionals (AP) Day on 27th April, 2024 at a gala event in Mumbai. A panel discussion was held on this year’s AP Day theme, ‘The Influential Assistant: Shaping Strategy, Steering Success’. The Panel comprised Dr. Vaishnavi Sharma, Independent Economist; Bapsy Patel, Asst. VP & Head, Facilities & Admin., Tata Realty & Infrastructure Limited; Maria Pontes, Past President, All-India, IASAP and Retirement Lifestyle Coach & Author; and Rashna Ardesher, Hon. Secretary, IASAP and Executive Assistant, Ernst & Young LLP. Zarine Commissariat, Past President, All-India, IASAP and Board of Director, Lions Club of Bombay Queensway, moderated the Panel.

The panelists were introduced by Binaifer Daruwala – VP and Treasurer, IASAP, and Kashmira Gamadia – Immediate Past President, IASAP. Bapsy Patel shared her wisdom on the need to keep oneself upgraded via various educational tools, especially soft skills, and that, “Attitude always trumps aptitude.” Rashna Ardesher emphasized the importance of prioritizing work for multitaskers, dealing with work pressures, cultivating important skills like listening, problem-solving and decision-making, and being flexible. Dr. Vaishnavi Sharma shared how Secretaries or Admin Professionals were the unsung heroes in corporate leadership, whose invaluable support allows the seniors to focus on critical issues and keep the going smooth.

Dr. Vaishnavi Sharma and Bapsy Patel then unveiled the IASAP Newsletter – The Professional Secretary, compiled by IASAP Past President and Editor, Moti Vazifdar. IASAP Governing Council member – Kashmira Pastakia (EA, HDFC Securities), delivered the vote of thanks as the meet concluded with a sumptuous lunch.

IASAP is a 52-year-old, non-profit association, headquartered in Mumbai with a presence in 6 other cities, serving the secretarial community via national and global programs.