Tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I did a music degree at the University of Sheffield as I thought music would cover a lot of different skills and topics such as being creative, performance and there’s lots of analysis of music, from a psychological point of view, historically and mathematically.
How did you get into media?
I started applying for marketing jobs as I had done some marketing experience with the music academy in Sheffield and also studied it as a module related to the arts – the woman that picked up my CV from Carat had a background in art and music, so I think she could relate and got the job from there. I was there for 3-4 months before coming to All Response Media, after they lost an account I was working on and they planned to move me to, what was then the other Carat “North”. I had made some contacts through working there and social events, and they suggested there was a job at All Response Media. I was persuaded after the interview to go with All Response Media and that was almost 5 years ago.
What’s a typical day like for you as Account Manager?
I’ll catch up with the team with what’s going on that week and that day from a status point of view and see whether we need to delegate workload around. I’ll also touch base with clients and check if they need anything else from previous requests – analysing what else we need to do and having catch up meetings with the team. I’ll also make sure I’m keeping on top of campaign results and see how to move forward with day to day strategies, but also forward thinking and developing the brand, whether that be with wider analysis or creative planning. Importantly also, having catch up meetings with the team on their development, any ideas they have and a general catch up too!
What’s your favourite thing about your role?
The variety – the fact that we get involved from a data perspective and have an opportunity to work with a variety of media, not just TV inspired me when I first joined. I also enjoy – speaking to clients regularly and the value of speaking to senior guys in the agency. You get to dip your toes in a lot of areas, which I appreciate.
What’s your favourite thing about working at All Response Media?
The transparency amongst teams and the office, as well as clients – our communication, is pretty good across the teams and the rapport we have with clients. I’m never too worried about what not to tell them, they know we are on their side and want to work together as a team.
What’s your favourite thing about the Leeds team?
I think we’re a strong unit – I’ve seen it grow considerably and change over the past few years for the better. There’s a nice community feel in the office and we do spend time together after work. There’s a lot of potential to grow as well – I first started out as a Media Executive and now I’m an Account Manager in just a few years.
What do you like about living in Leeds?
I grew up around East Anglia way and I was completely foreign to cities – then I ended up studying in Sheffield which is still a small city so, Leeds was a step up to get to experience somewhere that has more of a buzz about it. It’s also not too far away from home or my friends in Sheffield. I think Leeds is also growing and there’s so many new bars, restaurants and things to do now. I just bought a house here too so I’m planning on being here for a while!
What’s your most memorable moment at All Response Media so far?
I got to go to Orlando to present strategies to key stakeholders at Visit Orlando, and it was such an incredible week getting to be immersed in Orlando life, not just from a day to day perspective, but also experiencing the theme parks (meeting Aladdin and seeing Harry Potter was a dream!) and the food. The best and weirdest experience was our Mangos night out!
If you could work in any other department or team across all the other offices, which one would it be and why?
I think it would be great to be closer to the data team – but to be honest I really like Leeds and working offline here.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I used to do commission painting portraits dogs and people and I used to play the piano, hence the music degree!
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why?
Marmite crisps, my iPhone for podcasts and music and a really good book.
If you could compare yourself to any animal which would it be and why?
I really like bears – I think I can be a bit grouchy at times!
What’s your favourite thing to do in Leeds in your spare time?
Go walking in the parks and national trusts sites – there’s some really nice scenic places to go up to and walk around.
