I have been working as Head of Security since I was a pup. I am very good at hearing when people are coming to the door, way before they ring the bell and so I can act as a very early warning. I will not be deterred from doing my duty, even if my boss (my boss is my mum really!) is on the phone, I will still bark at the top of my voice to make sure she knows there is someone outside. If she isn't quick to answer I will run up and down the room and in circles and raise the level of my bark until she acknowledges me. I won't stop till the door is opened.

I am usually very happy to see visitors especially if it is one of the team – they always get a special greeting from me. I have learnt how to smile and I wag my entire body at them until I get a cuddle. However I don't like it when the postman comes, not sure I trust postmen.

In between my security duties I have a lovely bed in the boss's office that I can rest in, though I am often found next door with the other ladies as they like to give me digestive biscuits when they have a cup of tea. I prefer shortbread but digestives are good too.

When I get too hot I like to lie down on the leather sofa but even though I may appear to be asleep I am on constant high alert ready to act in case of any danger.

Do not be fooled by my natural good looks and cuteness, I am not scared of anyone, especially black Labradors and German Sheppards – they are as bad as postmen in my book.

I joined Maria’s team in April 2009 and work part-time as Maria’s admin support. My role includes preparing client and speaker contracts and raising invoices, liaising with speakers to update their profiles, mailshots, office administration and some client entertaining.  I really enjoy working in the fast paced environment of the speaker business world.

I have two young children who are now both at school.  Before having my children I worked as an Executive Assistant for large corporate companies such as:- KPMG (at Guildford and then Gatwick), Close Investment Management Limited (in London), Bullfrog Productions Ltd (a computer games studio now integrated with Electronic Arts, at Guildford) and KBC Advanced Technology Ltd (in Walton on Thames).

My past experience has involved organising management and Board meetings, including Board papers.  During my time at Bullfrog Productions Ltd I had to organise and manage off-site meetings at home and abroad, including arranging external speakers to speak within a set budget.  In effect, I was on the opposite end of the speaker search role and often had to deal with speaker bureaus.

I have known Maria as a friend since 1983, we were both young, of course!  We both enjoy dancing and I introduced Maria to modern jive.

I joined Maria's team in April 2010. I work part-time keeping the website up to date, managing the database, arranging speaker travel as well as various other administrative duties.  

I have two children, both at school.  Prior to having time off with the children, I worked for Electronic Arts for 10 years.  My role changed over those 10 years from PA to Facilities Manager and finally to Facilities Project Manager.  During my time at Electronic Arts I organised many events and off sites which I hope will help me to understand the needs of Maria’s clients and ensure they receive the support they require.

The highlight of the Maria Franzoni year has to be the Christmas video, which always means a day of fun and laughter while we record it.

I joined Maria's team in May 2011 and deal with logistics as well as helping with legal work from time to time.

The speaker industry is relatively new to me having trained and worked as a property lawyer in Horsham and Guildford. I have also worked in an International bank in the City and I speak French and Italian (like Maria I have Italian blood!).

I have a young son who takes up most of my spare time although I have recently taken up playing the piano, something I have wanted to do for years. I am also co-chair of the PTA at my son's school.

Maria's gorgeous dog Keaton has won us over and we are soon to join the world of dog owners and become the proud if not novice owners of a miniature schnauzer puppy.

There is never a dull day in Maria's office and we all work hard but have great fun at the same time!