Lisa Agafonova
Executive Support for Those Who Lead

Wisdom You
Can Rely On

Eight years as the direct right hand to directors of leading Sydney law firms, the President of the New Zealand Law Society, and global brands like Coca-Cola. I don't just manage tasks. I understand the world you operate in.

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Lisa Agafonova

Built on experience. Refined by life.


For eight years I served as the direct executive assistant to the directors of two leading law firms in Sydney. Not just any support role. I was in the room, across every brief, fluent in the jargon, the syntax, the stakes. That depth of understanding is what set me apart then, and it's what my clients value most today.

When I moved to New Zealand to visit my parents, I didn't plan to stay, but life had a beautiful surprise waiting. I fell in love, and New Zealand became home. My career kept growing: I became the Executive Assistant to the President of the New Zealand Law Society, and went on to support senior leadership at Coca-Cola and other major corporate organisations. Each role broadened my perspective and grew the networks I bring to every engagement.

Then came the most important chapter: motherhood. I dedicated three years to bringing my daughter into the world and watching her grow into the confident little person now thriving at Montessori. That time taught me something no boardroom ever could: how to prioritise what truly matters.

Now, I'm stepping back into the professional world with the same expertise and relationships, enriched by AI tools I've picked up along the way, and a clarity that only comes from experience. I'm selective about who I work with, because your time is valuable, and so is mine.

8 Years in Legal
2 Countries
AI Enhanced
Selective

Strategic Support, Real Results

I don't believe in billing hours. I believe in solving problems. Every engagement is scoped around the outcome you need, quoted upfront, and delivered with the precision that comes from years in legal and corporate leadership.

✈️

Travel & Logistics

End-to-end travel coordination with the detail and foresight that comes from years of arranging complex international itineraries for senior partners. Flights, accommodation, ground transport, visas, contingency plans. You just pack and go.

"Sydney to London conference trip for two partners, fully handled, door to door."
Fixed per-trip package
⚖️

Case Commitment

For major litigation or transactions, I embed as your dedicated coordination partner. My fluency in legal jargon, processes, and stakeholder expectations means nothing falls through the cracks, because I've lived it from the inside.

"Six-month major litigation support: a dedicated project EA who knows the case inside and out."
Fixed monthly engagement
📋

Practice Operations

Setting up or optimising your practice management systems, email workflows, document templates, and AI-assisted processes. I bring both the operational experience and the modern tools to build something that actually works.

"Complete practice operations overhaul: systems, templates, and workflows in four weeks."
Fixed project fee
🤝

Strategic Retainer

An ongoing partnership built on trust. Priority access, proactive management of your calendar, communications, and operations, with the kind of anticipation that only comes from someone who understands your world.

"Like having a Chief of Staff who anticipates your needs before you do."
Monthly retainer

Concierge Tasks

One-off requests handled with the same care as ongoing engagements: event coordination, research briefs, presentation preparation, client entertainment. My network and resourcefulness mean everything gets handled properly.

"A partner dinner for twelve at short notice? Consider it done."
Per-task fixed fee

How Pricing Works

Every engagement is scoped and quoted upfront. No hourly tracking, no surprise invoices. You'll know exactly what you're investing before we begin. I tailor the scope to your needs so you only pay for what actually moves the needle.

I work this way because I've seen what happens when support is transactional. The best results come from clarity, alignment, and mutual respect for each other's time.

International timezone work available, priced separately on request

I take on a limited number of clients to ensure every engagement receives my full attention and expertise. If what you've read resonates, let's talk.

Request a Conversation

Not Just Any Assistant

The professionals I've worked with don't need someone to take notes. They need someone who understands context, anticipates needs, and brings solutions before problems surface. That's the standard I work to.

⚖️

Legal Fluency

Eight years embedded in leading law firms means I don't just follow instructions. I understand why they matter. The jargon, the timing, the nuance. It's second nature.

🌐

Established Networks

From Sydney's legal community to NZ's Law Society to global corporate environments. My professional networks open doors and add real value to every engagement.

🤖

AI-Enhanced

I've put real time into learning AI tools that make me faster and more thorough: quicker research, smarter workflows, and a level of preparation that wasn't possible five years ago.

💛

Wisdom & Warmth

Experience teaches you when to push and when to listen. I bring the thinking of someone who's been in the room, with the personal investment of someone who actually cares about your success.

Lisa doesn't just manage, she elevates. She brought a level of understanding to our practice that most people take years to develop. Her calm under pressure and attention to detail made her indispensable. We were fortunate to have her.
Senior Partner Leading Law Firm, Sydney

Is This the Right Fit?


I work with a small number of clients at any given time because the kind of support I offer requires real investment and attention. If you're a legal professional or business leader who values precision, discretion, and someone who actually understands your world, I'd love to hear from you.

lisa@velden.co.nz
021 085 65340
Auckland & Waikato, New Zealand

Availability

Remote work or on-site by arrangement. Currently accepting a limited number of new engagements across the Auckland and Waikato regions.

International timezones available, charged separately

Start the conversation

Thank You

I've received your message and will review it personally. If it looks like we'd be a great fit, I'll be in touch within 24 hours to arrange a conversation.