What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Be very clear on what you need to do in order to get what you want… and write down your goals. I really believe that by giving positive energy, you’ll get positive back.

What future opportunities do you think marketing and communications will create over the next five years?

Working in a truly integrated way, marketing and communications will be at the forefront of building innovative, interactive ways of engaging audiences and creating communities.

What is your most trusted news source?

I read as many different news sources as I can. During lockdown, I’ve been enjoying an excellent short news bulletin called Sensemaker Daily from Tortoise media.

What has had the most influential impact on your leadership career and why?

Early on in my career, I created an experiential workshop for a group of senior leaders to remind them about putting customers at the heart of decision making. It taught me the vital role of comms in being the voice of the customer. More recently, I’ve been lucky enough to watch rockets full of OneWeb satellites being launched into Space – a totally awe-inspiring experience and demonstration of teamwork

What is your biggest takeaway from covid19?

The critical need for good connectivity. Not just for some people, but for everyone. We all need reliable internet connections for everything from working, shopping, connecting the kids to their teachers, having zoom drinks with friends, making online exercise class or a remote medical appointment.

How are you planning for 2021 and beyond?

I’m focusing on the things that really matter to be resilient – being well, being kind, being part of a community and being sustainable. I’m taking that into my work life with ideas like wellness programmes for colleagues and building closer communities with our customers.

What career advice would you now give to yourself 10 years ago?

10 years ago, I left a mainstream role to start my own business. It taught me that I could rely on myself and trust my own judgement, but more importantly to gather a great team. Now, I’m able to put all these experiences into the job I love.

What’s the toughest interview question you’ve ever asked or been asked?

I can’t remember at all – job interviews go by in a blur! I always ask interviewees to talk about what they are most proud of and to tell me about a work experience they don’t want to repeat.

Who is your business hero and why?

My work goal is to start a movement by changing behaviours and standing for something that is meaningful, resonates with audiences and has longevity. There are not enough high profile female entrepreneurial role models or women CEOs in the public eye. Those I really admire are my friends and colleagues. These are role models who can rock at work alongside juggling the family, life admin and carving out time for friends.