CYNTHIA SEID
NOVATO,CA
Summary
Knowledgeable [Desired Position] with proven background in running successful businesses and driving growth. Leveraged strategic planning and operational excellence to achieve significant milestones. Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills to enhance team performance and operational efficiency.
Professional with experience in business leadership and management, prepared for this role. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Skilled in strategic planning, financial oversight, and operational efficiency. Reliable and adaptable to changing needs, ensuring consistent performance and growth.
Experienced with strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership. Utilizes innovative approaches to streamline operations and drive growth. Track record of building strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure business success.
Results-driven business professional equipped with strong foundation in managing and scaling enterprises. Expertise in strategic decision-making and operational management has consistently led to business growth. Known for fostering team collaboration and adapting to evolving business environments with ease.
Astute Business Owner experienced in operations management, competitive analysis and financial management. Demonstrated success in growth and innovation. Capitalized on new trends and technologies to boost business initiatives and reach sales objectives.
Results-driven [Job Title] with forward-thinking approach centered on company success and competitive growth. Demonstrated record of success in building successful teams and managing profitable operations.
Creative Business Owner with exceptional background spent in [Industry]. Proven leader with engaging demeanor and success working in most demanding environments. Talented in training and mentoring successful teams.
Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Collaborative leader partners with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Dedicated [Industry] professional with a history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level [Job Title] position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Professional communicator with commitment to delivering impactful presentations and fostering audience engagement. Adept at creating compelling narratives and facilitating discussions that drive understanding and motivation. Known for collaborative spirit and ability to adapt to shifting priorities and audience needs.
Experienced with public speaking, delivering compelling narratives that engage and inspire audiences. Utilizes storytelling and persuasive communication to connect with diverse groups. Track record of adapting presentations to audience needs and fostering collaborative environment.
Experienced public speaking professional with proven track record of engaging audiences and delivering impactful presentations. Adept at crafting compelling messages and fostering team collaboration to achieve results. Strong adaptability to changing needs, ensuring reliability in dynamic environments. Skilled in communication, audience analysis, and persuasive speaking, with focus on driving positive outcomes.
Knowledgeable [Desired Position] with proven ability to engage, inspire, and educate diverse audiences. Leveraged persuasive communication and storytelling to drive audience connection and motivate action. Demonstrated expertise in public speaking and content delivery, fostering collaborative atmosphere and adapting to varied audience needs.
Energetic [Type] professional bringing robust background in engineering messages to boost company image and preparing supporting professionally written materials. Driven to craft targeted messaging to promote and inform general public of events, promotions and campaigns. Experienced in leveraging detailed analytics reports to monitor and document success.
Professional [Job Title] with [Number] years of experience in devising successful media strategies and orchestrating special events. Meticulous in managing and carrying out special events by arranging for media presence, composing written documents, booking photographers, reserving event venues and preparing eye-catching graphics. Highly adept in authoring speeches, press releases, and marketing materials.
Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Brings fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions.
Tech-savvy innovator with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and passion for continuous improvement. Skilled in identifying opportunities for technological enhancements and implementing effective solutions. Adept at leveraging new tools and methods to solve problems and enhance productivity. Excels in adapting to fast-paced environments and driving technological advancements.
Professional trainer with strong background in developing and delivering effective training programs. Skilled in instructional design, curriculum development, and performance assessment. Strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving results. Known for reliability, flexibility, and fostering positive learning environment.
Knowledgeable [Desired Position] with solid background in delivering engaging and effective training programs. Developed and implemented comprehensive training materials that enhanced employee performance and productivity. Proven ability in instructional design and group facilitation.
Experienced with creating and delivering comprehensive training programs tailored to diverse audiences. Utilizes engaging instructional methods to facilitate effective learning and skills development. Track record of enhancing team performance through interactive and collaborative training sessions.
Motivated Trainer eager to help new hires advance in knowledge and abilities to meet career goals. Engaging and hands-on instructor with more than [Number] years of related experience and superior planning and time management abilities.
Enthusiastic training professional successful at developing training plans and supplementary materials to help students excel. Works under strict deadlines and makes independent judgments about effectiveness of training. Comfortable with remote training technology and methodologies.
Supportive [Job Title] with detailed knowledge of industry practices and skill to provide long-term success for companies. Trained in [Software] use and negotiation. Known for goal-oriented mindset and [Skill].
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Business Owner, Professional Speaker/Trainer, Coach, Author
Advanced Etiquette
10.1992 - Current
- An entrepreneurial start-up providing services in international business protocol and social etiquette that was built from the ground up, reaching six figures in revenues within ten years.
- Developed all office procedures and processes and created an operations manual as team members were added.
- Hired and managed 1 to 3 part-time employees and often utilized the support of student interns. Result: In 1995, received a youth community service award for having engaged nine student interns in one year by the San Francisco Small Business Network
- Coordinated extensive travel arrangements throughout the U.S. and globally, including securing visas and letters of invitation for international business and personal travel; thus, I chose to ensure my own travel agent’s license for greater effectiveness
- Interacted with company executives, managers, and staff from all over the world
- Developed an extensive client base serving Fortune 100+ companies, schools, and hospitality-related companies, as well as private individuals
- Established online/virtual operating systems to entirely run the business while living and working abroad for 30-60 days (utilized Skype, Google Voice, TeamViewer, JoinMe, VPN, and other applications)
- Maintained all company financials in QuickBooks, including the passing of two complete IRS audits with no penalties or funds owed, for which I am most proud
- Regularly created PowerPoint presentations and periodic Excel reports
- Highlight: I am extremely enriched, knowing I improve people’s lives by bringing back the lost art of civility, etiquette, and manners, which translates to displaying respect, consideration, kindness, honesty, and integrity.
- Please be aware: From 2012 to 2023, I worked in temporary positions while caring for my husband with dementia. After his passing in late 2021, I revived Advanced Etiquette to generate income until I found the proper role. I seek an employer who values my unique combination of entrepreneurial business ownership, administrative skills, and diplomatic protocol experience, and who will make me the Jane of all trades, the right- and left-hand of my employer. While resumes are limited in providing a complete view of a person’s capabilities, I believe in-person interviews best showcase a candidate’s ultimate fit for the role. Please consider inviting me for an interview.
- Used QuickBooks to produce monthly invoices, reports, and other deliverables.
- Led staff and vendors in providing high level of service for owner and guests.
- Promoted team productivity by keeping supplies organized and well-stocked.
- Organized logistics and materials for each meeting and took detailed notes for later dissemination to key stakeholders.
- Wrote reports, executive summaries and newsletters.
- Screened personal and business calls and directed to appropriate party.
- Streamlined operations and prioritized tasks, allowing senior staff to increase productivity.
- Created and managed office systems to efficiently deal with documentation.
- Upheld strict timetables by maintaining accurate, balanced calendars.
- Coordinated events and worked on ad hoc projects.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
- Took notes and dictation at meetings.
- Greeted arriving visitors, determined nature and purpose of visit and directed individuals to appropriate destinations.
- Handled logistics, catering, agendas and travel arrangements for meeting and event planning for board of directors, president and executive vice president.
- Updated and maintained confidential databases and records.
- Worked with senior management to initiate new projects and assist in various processes.
- Managed mail and both incoming and outgoing correspondence, mail, email and faxes.
- Filed paperwork and organized computer-based information.
- Improved team communication and collaboration through coordination of weekly meetings and distribution of agendas.
- Improved document management and accessibility with creation of centralized digital repository.
- Contributed to development of internal policies and procedures, enhancing organizational effectiveness and compliance.
- Managed complex calendars for senior executives to facilitate efficient scheduling and meeting planning.
- Increased office efficiency by developing and implementing inventory management system for office supplies.
- Contributed to budget management by tracking expenditures and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Enhanced executive productivity by managing email correspondence and prioritizing critical issues.
- Streamlined communication between departments, resulting in more effective project coordination and execution.
- Enabled timely project completion by coordinating resources and timelines across multiple departments.
- Enhanced executive decision-making with comprehensive research and detailed reporting.
- Facilitated onboarding of new employees, ensuring smooth transition into company culture and workflow.
- Supported HR activities, facilitating hiring process by scheduling interviews and liaising with candidates.
- Assisted in preparation of high-stakes presentations, contributing to successful project pitches and client meetings.
- Enhanced efficiency of meeting outcomes by preparing detailed minutes and action items.
- Streamlined office operations, leading to more organized environment by implementing digital filing systems.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information, upholding company's privacy policies and ethical standards.
- Fostered positive work environment, organizing team-building activities and events.
- Supported strategic planning sessions, providing logistical support and compiling necessary background materials.
- Negotiated with vendors for cost savings, securing high-quality services at reduced rates.
- Coordinated international travel arrangements, ensuring seamless logistics for executives attending global conferences.
- Handled payroll processing tasks accurately while maintaining strict adherence to deadlines for timely payments.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors leading to improved contract terms resulting in cost savings for the company.
- Supported business and hospitality needs of corporate partners and staff during meetings and company events.
- Updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze, and report on performance and sales data.
- Used advanced software to prepare documents, reports, and presentations.
- Facilitated training and onboarding for incoming office staff.
- Screened calls and emails and initiated actions to respond or direct messages for managers.
- Proactively identified areas requiring attention or improvement aligning priorities effectively in line with executive preferences.
- Contributed to budget management by monitoring expenses and providing detailed expenditure reports regularly.
- Delivered exceptional organizational support enabling executive focus on high-level strategic initiatives fostering company growth.
- Collaborated on special projects to improve overall business operations within the organization efficiently.
- Aided in the recruitment process by screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and assisting with candidate selection.
- Improved office efficiency by implementing new filing systems and document management processes.
- Assisted in the development of company policies and procedures, contributing to a more organized work environment.
- Ensured smooth daily operations through consistent maintenance of office equipment, troubleshooting issues when necessary.
- Enhanced productivity by organizing travel arrangements and coordinating accommodations for executives.
- Prepared and edited presentations on behalf of executives for both internal meetings and external conferences.
- Supported executives in decision-making processes by conducting research and presenting findings in clear formats.
- Screened calls and emails and responded accordingly to support executive correspondence.
- Provided professional administrative support during board meetings, including agenda preparation and minute-taking duties.
- Coordinated events for staff members, promoting team-building activities and boosting morale within the workplace.
- Answered high volume of phone calls and email inquiries.
- Managed office inventory, tracking supplies and placing orders to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate effective communication throughout the company.
- Streamlined executive communication by managing emails, phone calls, and scheduling appointments.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Maintained confidentiality with sensitive documents, ensuring proper storage and distribution as needed.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Analyzed workflow processes to identify bottlenecks, recommending strategic improvements for enhanced productivity.
- Led special projects that improved operational efficiency by introducing innovative organizational tools and practices.
- Mentored junior administrative staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
- Implemented project tracking systems to monitor progress and drive accountability across various initiatives.
- Managed confidential documentation, ensuring compliance with company policies and data protection standards.
- Coordinated cross-departmental communications, enhancing collaboration among teams and stakeholders.
- Streamlined executive scheduling to optimize time management and prioritize high-impact meetings.
- Developed comprehensive agendas for executive meetings, facilitating efficient discussions and decision-making processes.
Special Event Administrator
Roots of Peace
01.2022 - 01.2022
- Planned and executed all events for an international 25th Anniversary celebration held at multiple locations in Napa, CA. The event resulted in extensive media coverage and was a finalist of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
- Organized a panel discussion with dignitaries from the San Francisco Counselor Corps and the United Nations
- Orchestrated an elegant donor lunch, a salon opera concert, and a wine-tasting reception at a private home
- Arranged an evening diplomatic panel event with international speakers, leading to an intimate dinner with the organization’s founder
- Responsibilities included coordinating all (6) venues for the day, organizing guest lists for each event, arranging accommodations and airport transport for speakers and special guests, setting seating arrangements, managing volunteers, and ensuring proper setup of country flag and other display materials at each event.
- Processed event invoices and paid bills
- Highlight: Being of service to a great organization and producing a great series of events to rave reviews in under two months.
- De-mining non-profit
Executive Assistant
MIG, Inc.
01.2019 - 01.2019
- Booked and coordinated all travel (domestic and international)
- Maintained the calendar for the firm’s founder and CEO; interacted with all division and department leaders to coordinate work
- Coordinated and submitted monthly expense, time, and sales reports
- Produced executive board and other meetings, special events, and reports
- Maintained company files, both electronic and file folders
- Coordinated the CEO’s book promotions at conferences and other outlets
- Produced special events and company celebrations
- Highlight: Enjoying a company where all birthdays and work anniversaries were celebrated, and learning how to juggle the calendar of a busy executive, overseeing all operations, and being active in many outside community projects.
- Multifaceted Architectural Firm
Business Consultant/Executive Assistant/Office Administrator
450 Architects, Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Initially hired on an interim basis to organize operations, enabling a permanent, full-time office manager to be hired.
- The contract was renewed to assist with transitioning the business to a new co-op model of ownership
- Standardized office processes primarily using QuickBooks, Archi Office, and other electronic systems:
- Created an HR system for recordkeeping, initiated ADP employee payroll processing, employee benefits management, and full charge accounting operations, reconciling monthly bank statements, expense reports, and monthly, quarterly, and annual budgeting
- Created an Administrative Handbook and Personnel Manual
- Maintained company calendar, coordinated staff, client, and group meetings
- Made travel arrangements for brief Bay Area and international trips
- Maintained company files, both electronic and file folders, including the company’s CRM
- Highlight: My ability to utilize countless executive office skills and the ability to work with a group of young, committed architects, all willing to learn new styles, to be a success.
- Architectural firm specializing in schools and other sustainable community projects
Executive Assistant (Contract)
Salesforce
01.2017 - 01.2017
- Supported three top senior executives: Real Estate, Operations, and Design, requiring constant juggling of their time
- Heavy scheduling of each exec’s global appointments and management of their calendars
- Extensive international travel arrangements using Concur Travel, building full itineraries for air, ground, accommodations, business meetings, meals, and conference/video calls
- Primary use of Google tools and other Salesforce peripherals, i.e., Quip for collaborative content sharing
- Managed partner and affiliate documents and processed building and online access
- Coordinated multiple virtual and in-person team and client meetings, meals, and unique events, in-house and off-site
- Performed numerous special projects as requested by other team members
- Highlight: Working in an extremely fast-paced, ever-evolving company/business enhanced my EA skills immensely.
- International cloud-based software company
Executive Assistant/Office Administrator
Michael Rex Architects
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Provided executive support to the Owner/Principal Architect and eight Project Architects.
- Managed all scheduling of the Owner’s personal and professional calendar, plus six Project Architects (using Outlook); arranged and confirmed in-person and conference call meetings (via Skype and Free Conference Call)
- Answered and screened all incoming calls, website inquiries, and correspondence
- Arranged personal travel for the Principal as requested
- Interfaced with Clients regularly to arrange meetings, send and receive documents, type and finalize client meeting notes, and other architectural information
- Created PowerPoint presentations
- Traveled to City and County Planning Offices to submit Plans and other documents for permit approvals
- Planned and produced office birthday, anniversary, and holiday parties
- Processed staff time through age timesheets and reviewed billing statements
- Purchased all office supplies, equipment, and services
- Produced equipment inventory tags for all assets throughout the office
- Established systems toward going paperless, including the use of Amazon Web Services, Dropbox, and VPN services to back up and access files from outside the office
- Provided Business Manager support by coordinating all credit card purchases and invoices received for timely processing and payment.
- Highlight: Working among a group of long-time professionals in a tight-knit office environment. translates to displaying respect, consideration, kindness, honesty, manners, and civility.
- High-end boutique architectural firm
Education
MBA - MDE Program
Anderson School of Business
Los Angeles, CAMusic And Interior Design
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CAundefined
Rudolf Schaeffer School of Design
San Francisco, CASkills
- MS-Suite: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access G-Suite: Mail, Calendar, Meet, Docs, Sheets, Hangouts
- App Tools: AWS Web Services Concur Travel VPN Dropbox QuickBooks FreshBooks
- Archi Office Go-To- Meeting Skype ACT Infusionsoft/Keap (Integrated CRM) iPhone, tablets, and computers
- Languages: English, Cantonese (basic conversation)
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
- Customer relations
- Driven and determined
- Entrepreneurial personality
- Relationship building
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Business planning
- Employee training
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Performance improvement
- Project management
- Business development
- Business administration
- Purchasing and planning
- Strategic Decision-making
- Professional networking
- Operations management
- Bookkeeping
- Quality assurance
- Staff hiring
- Sales planning
- Sales development
- Accounting management
- Strategic planning
- Start-up operations
- Business marketing
- New business development
- Policies and procedures development
- Staff management
- Public speaking
- Coaching and mentoring
- Process improvement
- Task delegation
- Vendor relationship management
- Incident response
- Human resources management
- Organizational development
- Staffing oversight
- Consulting
- Contract management
- Resources allocation
- Talent allocation
- Employee development
- Corporate governance
- Cross-functional team coordination
- Verbal and written communication
- Entrepreneurial leadership
- Sales oversight
- Decision-making
- Customer service management
- Team leadership
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Marketing strategies
- Business management
- Effective leader
- Scheduling
- Goal setting
- Business leadership
- Performance improvements
- Employee scheduling
- Customer retention
- Records organization and management
- Administrative management
- Direct sales
- Staff training/development
- Operations oversight
- Process improvements
- Calendar management
- Issue resolution
Accomplishments
- Earned the highest-level trophy at [Number] consecutive high school [Sport] tournaments.
- Named “Coach of the Year” by the [Organization name] in [Year].
- Received numerous commendations from supervisors for team building, mentoring and leadership skills.
- Achieved [Win]:[Loss] record in [Year].
- Built [type] program from the ground up, with [Number] athletes and $[Amount] yearly budget.
- Achieved [Result] by introducing [Software] for [Type] tasks.
- Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
- Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
- Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
- Oversaw the school's [type of sport] program.
Affiliations
Fill in later...
Certification
- The Protocol School of Washington | 1991 – Present
- Emily Post Institute | 2008 – Present
- WBENC Certified MWBE | 2023 – Present
- Travel Agent’s License | 2005 – 2016
- Real Estate License | 1979 – 1986
- Notary Public | 1979 – 1986, 2015
- Series 22 | NASD Membership | 1987 – 1990
Languages
Chinese (Cantonese)
Elementary
Interests
- Volunteering for community initiatives to give back to local communities and make a positive impact
- Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration
- Food Tourism
- Learning new cooking techniques and expanding my culinary skills
- Participating in cooking contests and challenges to showcase culinary skills and creativity
- Knitting and Crocheting
- Fundraising Events
- Volunteer Travel
- Participating in cultural exchange programs and homestays
- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
- Cooking
- Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
- Historical Exploration
- Mindfulness Practices
- Wine Tasting
- Volunteer Work
- Personal Development and Self-Improvement
Timeline
Special Event Administrator
Roots of Peace
01.2022 - 01.2022
Executive Assistant
MIG, Inc.
01.2019 - 01.2019
Business Consultant/Executive Assistant/Office Administrator
450 Architects, Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2019
Executive Assistant (Contract)
Salesforce
01.2017 - 01.2017
Executive Assistant/Office Administrator
Michael Rex Architects
01.2015 - 01.2017
Business Owner, Professional Speaker/Trainer, Coach, Author
Advanced Etiquette
10.1992 - Current
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Rudolf Schaeffer School of Design
MBA - MDE Program
Anderson School of Business
Music And Interior Design
San Francisco State University
Personal Comment
While my recent experience has been as an entrepreneurial business owner rather than an Executive Assistant, I have gained versatile skills that far exceed those typically required for an EA or Office Administrator role. This background enables me to approach tasks with both a support and a business owner’s perspective, offering unique value from having worked in both capacities that cannot be conveyed in a brief resume. I request permission to continue the interview process to the next level, which will better determine a fit between us. Thank you!
Awards
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