What is it about the world of marketing which really interests you?
Consumer psychology is certainly one aspect of the industry which fascinates - how do you take someone who’s never even heard of a brand and turn them into a loyal - die-hard - fan? That journey from awareness to obsession is what I find truly powerful.
However, the most fascinating thing about marketing, to me, is just how misunderstood it often is! People tend to think that for those who work as marketers that it’s all about social media - making a fun TikTok - or throwing together a quick logo on Canva. Marketing is SO much more than that. To me, the discipline's like magic - it's a heady blend of branding, PR, strategy, advertising and so many more elements which most people don’t even realise fall under the umbrella of marketing.
How do you keep up-to-date with the world of marketing?
My biggest single source of inspiration and knowledge probably has to be LinkedIn. There’s nothing I love more than seeing successful marketers share their insight with younger professionals and those just starting out - what I see often feels like a masterclass in real time.
What sort of skills do you think are important in the business world?
There’s lots of research showing that soft skills - think leadership, communication, and attention to detail - are some of the most important qualities employers look for. However, if I had to pick one thing, in my opinion the most valuable skill is problem-solving - and I think it’s often misunderstood. It’s not just about having ideas, it’s about being able to identify an issue, confidently speak up about it, and propose, test and apply a solution (ideally one that’s cost-effective and practical too).
I'll add a second key thing - the ability to market yourself is also crucial. Building a strong personal brand and knowing how to network can open doors and help you land the job of your dreams.
Who in business inspires you?
A year ago, I'd have probably said Sir Alan Sugar (yes, I am a fan of The Apprentice!). However, at an early careers event recently, I heard a story which completely changed my perspective. It was from a woman called Grace Andrews - and, if I haven’t got your attention yet, she’s now the Brand Director for 'The Diary of a CEO', working alongside Steven Bartlett.
What made her story so inspiring was just how relatable it felt. She spoke about not hitting her goals after graduation and the fear of not getting hired - something so many of us students approaching the end of our studies may relate to. But it was her perseverance, creativity, and refusal to give up that eventually got her noticed by someone as influential as Steven.
Grace's talk honestly gave me the wake-up call of a lifetime and she's now my single biggest inspiration.
Do you have a particular career path in marketing in mind?
I used to feel like I had it all figured out - that I knew exactly where I was headed. But the truth is, we live in a time where things are uncertain, and it’s not always possible to be picky. In an ideal world, I'd love to work towards being a Brand - or Creative - Director for a major fashion or beauty company. As a starting point though, I'm hoping to work in a specialised marketing or creative agency, because I truly believe that’s where my strengths lie.
What challenges and opportunities do you foresee in the business world of the future?
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is probably the obvious answer - it both excites and terrifies me, depending on how you look at it.
Realistically, I’d argue we’re already at a pivotal point where AI has the potential to replace entire marketing departments and agencies. But at the same time, it’s the human connection that we still crave - and that can’t be replicated by a machine. On the other hand, working with AI during my placement year in a marketing team has certainly allowed me to tap into a whole new level of creativity. It takes care of the more mundane tasks and frees up time to focus on what really matters.
As long as our moral compass doesn’t swing too far, I believe we can build a future where AI supports us, not replaces us.
What’s one thing about the world of business you know now but didn’t 12 months ago?
Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Dr Tabitha Sindani at Greenwich Business School. The insight I’ve gained into the informal business sector has completely changed my perspective - I never realised how much knowledge, strategy, and innovation exists in that space.
Here’s an example - if you sell on Vinted, Depop, or eBay - you are an entrepreneur. Not all entrepreneurs look like the Silicon Valley stereotype. In fact, street vendors, vintage sellers, and hawkers are often overlooked in business research and planning. Tabitha taught me that this should never be the case. Now, I see entrepreneurship - and opportunity - everywhere.
What's your top business 'hack'
I haven’t put this into action fully yet, but my top business hack would be don’t overthink it.
A lot of people believe you need the perfect idea, a proper office, a full team, and a polished plan to get started - but you really don’t. Just start. Take small, consistent, steps and build from there. You’ll figure things out as you go and eventually get to where you need to be.
If your personal brand were a fashion item, what would it be?
Probably an elevated basic - which, in fashion terms, is like a simple white T-shirt, but with a twist which makes it stand out. That represents my personal brand perfectly - I’m adaptable, I can fit into different environments and come up with ideas wherever I am and I also bring a creative flair which sets me apart. It’s that little edge that makes me a valuable asset.
Finally, would you rather be on the Apprentice or Dragons' Den?!
I guess it depends on my current circumstances - right now, I’m not planning to launch a business (just yet), so The Apprentice would be the perfect choice. Even if I got fired in Episode 5, it'd still put my name out there and give me a platform to eventually launch something of my own. Plus, I’ve always wanted to go on The Apprentice. Sir Alan - if you’re reading this, I’m your next business partner... you just don’t know it yet!!
