For those of you who do work with us, you know that Patti Knight is the glue that keeps it all together.
For those of you who want to do work with us, or want access to me, make friends with Patti Knight.
Now.
I remember when I got Patti’s resume three years ago. She spent most of her career at Edelman and was the president’s executive assistant. And I thought, “If she’s good enough for Pam Talbot, she’s certainly good enough for me.”
When she came in to interview, Jack Bauer was in the office, and I remember sitting in my office listening to her ooh and ahh over him in the lobby. Talk about winning my heart before I even shook her hand.
I offered her a job that day and, in five days, that will be three years ago.
Hiring an assistant for a double type A, fiercely independent person is a very hard thing to do. I was accustomed to doing everything myself and it was hard to let go. But she was extremely patient, had no problem explaining to me how her job works, and gently, but firmly made me delegate.
I call her my work wife because, well, she is. And everyone needs a wife.
Early in her career here, I noticed the hand soap in the bathroom was low and made a mental note to buy some that weekend. The next day I came into work and the hand soap was filled.
She considers walking Jack Bauer every day a benefit, not a chore. Sometimes I argue with her about taking him because it really isn’t her job, but she loves that time with him, which makes me love her even more. She doesn’t even complain about having to bag his poop.
She manages so much more than me (which she does brilliantly). She’s the office manager, HR advisor, accounts receivables, facilities manager, and executive assistant extraordinaire.
You might be wondering why I’m not keeping her a secret. Well, I hope I treat her well enough that all of the bribes you people will try to give her to come work with you won’t be enough. You can’t have her!
But you can follow her on Twitter and get to know her in the comments here. Trust me when I say, she’s the only way you’re going to get to me.