1. What’s your career background, in brief?
Just like the world of PR, my background has been rather eclectic. My career really started when I took a year’s placement with McLaren Automotive as part of my PR degree while at Bournemouth University back in 2011. As the internal PR assistant to the global PR manager, the regional managers – spread over five continents including North America, Asia and the Middle East – and the head of communications and PR, it’s definitely safe to say that I hit the ground running!
Fast paced (just like McLaren’s supercars) from day one, this job was an amazing insight into the world of in-house PR. I was lucky to be able to take on so many exciting projects during the launch of the company’s first mass-production car, the MP4-12C, from journalist track days to factory tours in the world-renowned McLaren Technology Centre.
I used this automotive experience in my previous agency role, working with the likes of Volvo and Peugeot on both consumer and B2B campaigns. However, after graduating, I first moved into another in-house role for a food, facilities and uniform services company, which sparked an interest in the B2B channel. This ultimately led me to take up the position of account manager for Whiteoaks International and move into the technology space.
2. What’s the most challenging job you’ve ever had?
Working in retail – mainly because being 17 and having to reluctantly give up your Sunday to work in Primark will always seem like the worst thing in the world. However, given Primark prices, the biggest challenge was trying to stop people haggling for items of clothing reduced to 50p when it looked like 30p…
4. What apps, technology items and gadgets can’t you live without?
Spotify – which I guess also means my phone – as I definitely couldn’t live without music!
5. What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Quite simply to do what makes you happy.
6. Name one thing about your job that gives you a sense of satisfaction or makes you leave the office smiling…
I think no matter what job you’re in, knowing the client or customer is happy is always a rewarding experience. My team (Team Taurus) always keep me smiling though!
7. Do you personalise your workspace?
I like to have a tidy desk and just keep out what I need during the day. The only thing that sets my desk apart is probably the variety of snacks/teas I keep on there; peppermint tea, peanut butter, a piece of fruit and cashew nuts are usually firm staples.
8. What’s the first thing you do in the office in the morning?
I usually come straight from the gym in the morning, so I’ll eat my breakfast while checking emails with a big cup of coffee!
9. What are you reading, watching or listening to at the moment?
I’m currently reading ‘Why we Sleep’ by Matthew Walker, a professor of neurosciences – it’s probably one of the most eye-opening and fascinating books I’ve ever read and would definitely recommend it. The book delves into everything from what really happens during deep REM (which I discovered stands for rapid eye movement) sleep, to why our sleep patterns change across a lifetime as well as the scary links it has to a lot of major diseases. He also did a great podcast with Joe Rogan for those who’d prefer to listen all about it.
I’m on the lookout for a new series to watch though, so if anyone has any suggestions on that, let me know!
