What do you do and how long have you been in your current role?
I am the director of Smart Live, a bespoke event management and creative production firm and part of the Smart Group. At Smart Live, we are responsible for turning creative concepts into event reality, with more than a touch of fun along the way. I have been director since May 2013.
Where was your first job? What was the most important thing you learnt there?
I first moved to London in 2005 and worked on hundreds of promotional activations for brands such as Red Bull, Jagermeister and O2. I thought at the time that it was a pretty fun job, but didn’t ever seriously consider it as a career path. After doing some time in recruitment, IT and fitness (yes I used to wear a lot of lycra, shout at people in aerobics classes and get paid for it), I finally ended up working in fundraising events where I learned the importance of clever creativity on a limited budget - something that I still value to this day.
How did you get from there to where you are now?
I worked as an event manager in not-for-profit organisations for almost five years, so making that leap from in-house to agency events with big exciting budgets was practically impossible. After almost six months of searching for my break I decided to take a leap of faith and handed in my notice with absolutely nothing to go to. Through keeping a positive mental attitude and networking non-stop, I found six months of freelancing work around the UK. I said a temporary goodbye to my husband and got on a train to start my agency experience.
During my six months of freelancing I regularly stalked my favourite London agencies until I finally found a home with boutique agency GSP in west London, who took me from producer to senior producer in quick succession. I made great contacts through that time and worked with some brilliant clients on celebrity events, film premier parties, weddings, dinners and fundraisers. I joined the Smart Group in August 2012.
Looking back, did you expect your career path to take the course it has?
Absolutely not. I was convinced that I was either going to be a pop star or a fitness guru so it is quite a surprise to look back at where my career has progressed. I was fortunate to find a company that saw something in me and offered the opportunity to develop my management potential. Hopefully Smart Live will continue to grow and prosper. There is no limit to what we hope to achieve - my team has been the most important part of my journey so far.
Would you do anything differently?
I don’t think there is any point looking back and thinking about how I could change the path I have been down. Every difficult lesson I have had to learn has had a positive effect on me, and every piece of experience, work and life related, has brought me to this place. So it can’t have been a bad way to have done it.
Who has inspired you along the way?
I have been lucky to have had some very strong female leaders so far. I particularly like the warmth that I think women can give in managerial roles and I strive to replicate this. I believe there are misconceptions with some female leaders who feel they need to bark loudly to be seen. In my mind that is rubbish. Treat others as you would like to be treated and generally people will bend over backwards for you.
Have you ever had a job interview that went particularly well or spectacularly wrong?
I will always remember the interview where I was 30 minutes late because I trapped my finger in the train door, panicked and pulled the emergency cord, stopping the whole train and delaying everyone else too. I turned up with a massive bandage on my hand, holding my arm in the air. They asked me who I was supporting on The X Factor. It was a little odd.
Is there a piece of career advice you’ve ever been told that has stuck with you?
It was less career advice than life advice. Always keep a positive mental attitude. Positivity begets positivity. Work hard, and don’t give up. I would say that has been fairly invaluable advice in all aspects of my life.
What career advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
One of the greatest pieces of advice that I would give anyone starting out is to lap up every single piece of information that comes your way. If you listen up and learn from the advice and information you are given by those more experienced, this can take you a long way towards where you want to be long term.
How do you wind down and relax after a hectic day?
One of my favourite things after a hectic day is to go to the gym to unwind, but I am not sure that counts as relaxing. I try to go to the gym every day during the week, as it helps me stay focussed and calm. Another good remedy I enjoy after a stressful workday is sharing a quality bottle of wine with good friends. Friends and fitness are both key.
Want to share your career story with us as part of the ? Email news editor Samantha Edwards to feature in a future How I Got Here.
For more in-depth and print-only features, showcases and interviews with world-leading brands, don't miss the next issue of Event magazine by