A conversation with Heleen Vink - Assistant to the CEO and CFO at IKEA


#372: A Conversation with Heleen Vink - Management Assistant to the Deputy CEO & CFO at Ingka Group | IKEA

In this spotlight, Diana Brandl explores how service skills evolve into strategy as Heleen Vink shares her path from hospitality to supporting the CEO of Ingka Group (IKEA), the calendar audit that reset priorities, and the systems that protect deep work and drive stakeholder engagement. Heleen and Diana also outline how to build an internal assistant network and keep balance through community and creativity.

Topics covered:

  • hospitality foundations shaping executive support
  • moving from generalist skills to a stakeholder specialty
  • the structure and roles inside a lean CEO support team
  • how to run a calendar audit and turn data into priorities
  • setting non‑negotiables like protected work‑alone time
  • building an internal assistant network with clear purpose
  • learning by doing: speeches, reports, and projects
  • finding your voice and influence with direct feedback
  • sustainable work life balance through support systems
  • music as a tool for confidence, presence, and renewal

Listen to episode 372 on your favorite podcast app, or stream via the show notes → leaderassistant.com/372

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