What do you do and how long have you been in your current role?
I'm the business development manager at Penguins and I’ve been here since October last year. I develop, maintain and grow existing client relationships and generate new business across all sectors for Penguins; in the UK and internationally. We supply more than 300 events a year, providing professional and creative conference management, AV production, product launches, award ceremonies and other business critical events.
Where was your first job? What was the most important thing you learnt there?
Following a year out in industry from Manchester University, I was offered a full-time job as event manager at Uncommon Cooks in Greenwich. It was a fantastic starting point and gave me an insight into the industry. The most important thing I learnt was that it’s all about the detail and in the planning – don’t take anything for granted.
How did you get from there to where you are now?
By a wonderful winding road of account management and event management starting at Uncommon Cooks. I then worked as part of the start-up team for Cheers Restaurant in London, where everyone really does know your name. We were flown out to the original Cheers bar in Boston to train with its management team. It was a fantastic time and I even learnt to rollerblade there. I then moved to Concerto Group for nearly nine years, I was director at Eventuality Events and after seven years moved to CCD Global Events. Now I’m at the fantastic event agency Penguins in Windsor.
Looking back, did you expect your career path to take the course it has?
Back then I had no idea which direction it would go in, I just enjoyed doing what I was doing and still do.
Would you do anything differently?
Absolutely not, I believe in fate.
Who has inspired you along the way?
I would say my father for his entrepreneurial streak, strong work ethic, never-ending energy and enthusiasm and the capacity to turn negatives into positives. He even won the Queens Award for business. We can all learn a lot from him.
Have you ever had a job interview that went particularly well or spectacularly wrong?
I love job interviews. I like the interaction and always surprise the interviewer by asking too many questions; one person said he felt like he was being interviewed. It is your one and only chance to stand out and shine, showing what you are capable of, so I seize the opportunity and make the most of it. It has served me well so far.
Is there a piece of career advice you’ve ever been told that has stuck with you?
Just go for it and believe in what you’re doing.
What career advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Enjoy what you do and do it to your best potential. Never stop asking questions and remember there is no such thing as a silly question
How do you wind down and relax after a hectic day?
I love to run, come rain or shine, or I am equally happy with a glass of red in my hand.
Want to share your career story with us as part of the ? Email associate editor Rachel Bull to feature in a future How I Got Here.
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