Let's make something neat
Hi there, I'm Sarah.
Welcome to my business.
I'm the Founder & Principal of Neat Business, a virtual administration & business services firm based in the Greater Toronto Area.
With over 15 years in senior Executive Assistant & Project Management roles at some of the world’s leading professional services companies, I’ve seen first hand that excellent support is critical to enabling the kind of growth and success business owners strive for. Pairing a secure foundation (your back office) with professional, client-focused service and engaging content (your public face) is a recipe for efficiency and agility -- freeing you from distraction & allowing you to dig deep on what matters most.
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​ Throughout my career, I've had the immense privilege of working with with some incredible Canadian leaders on client projects spanning many spaces, including Technology, Cybersecurity, Financial Services, Mining, Retail, Aerospace & Defense, and more.
This journey has shaped me in countless ways: I've up-levelled my skills, and honed critical business learnings, like:
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How to interact with clients of all levels, from individual entrepreneurs to the biggest of global brands
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How businesses run behind the scenes
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How external relationships are developed and cared for
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How new business is nurtured & competitive work is won
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How to deliver excellent results on a truly polished, professional level.
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​It's also helped shape my personal business values: Leading with empathy, embracing positivity & innovation, delivering with excellence, and striking a balance between the practical and the aspirational.
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Now, I’m turning my focus to growing my own business while supporting other Canadian business entrepreneurs & administrative professionals in the process. I hope you’ll join me for the ride.
-Sarah Murray.
Experience
My admin career began in 2007 with some early contracts in the publishing industry (fun fact: this included Harlequin, whose global headquarters were based in Toronto!), and as a junior bookkeeper & admin assistant with boutique designer of high-end home fixtures.
In 2010, I moved to the world of Bay Street, where I would stay for the next 15 years. This is a snapshot of my time since then:
2015 - 2025
Executive Assistant / Project Manager
Egon Zehnder
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EA to Leader of Global Cybersecurity Practice & the Canadian Technology Officer Practice (covering executive search, advisory, and leadership & development)
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Client liaison & point person for critical, complex scheduling (internal & external), project administration and documentation
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Liaising with senior executives and board members as part of general executive search engagements
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Aided Relationship building, proposal writing & development, proposal resources, general research, and Business Development initiatives
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Member of Global Training Team (2022): Coordinating and delivering specialized, ~30min - 1 hr online training to newly joined colleagues (x-roles and functions) from around the globe.
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Member of Global Executive Assistant Working Group (2020-2022)
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EA Global Learning representative (researching, leveraging, creating, hosting, and delivering learning & development content and communications (i.e., webinars, Town Halls) for network of global EAs
2014 - 2015
Executive Assistant | Finance, Analytics & Risk
CPP Investments
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EA to Managing Director of Finance, Analytics
& Risk -
Provided operational and administrative assistance to group Directors and wider Investment Finance & Governance team
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Responsibilities included executive support, internal communications, portfolio administration, event planning and office operations.
2011 - 2014
Executive / Manager Assistant
PwC Canada
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Supported a large team (15-20) of consultants helping financial services clients improve their digital, operations, regulatory and technology practices.
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Outside of administrative duties, assisted in proposal development & content creation, technical documentation, white paper coordination, and fundraising.
2010 - 2011
Investor Relations Coordinator
Greystar Resources
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Worked virtually with teams in Europe, North, and South America coordinating investor relations communications and complex review processes including translations, legal, technical and regulatory approvals.
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Provided full Executive Support to Vice President, Investor Relations.
2010 - 2010
Reception & Administration
Detour Gold
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Supported general office administration across business lines while assisting office manager and managing all Reception activities.
Education
I am a big believer that experience is some of the best education around. I've been blessed with countless opportunities to learn, stretch, and grow as part of my daily roles, but I'm always grateful for the chances I've had to study new interests & build new skills.​​​