Tell us about how you got to where you are today, what interested you about MI and the role?

I started out in recruitment back in Colchester where I’m from. I managed a year, but being honest, it really wasn’t for me. In the search for something more fulfilling, I decided I wanted to move to London and find a job in media. I had a friend working in media who spoke highly of the industry and it seemed like it would suit my skillset and personality. I found the job at MI (via a recruiter!) and came on board as an Account Executive almost five years ago now. I have basically grown up with MI, having progressed during my time here to Senior Account Manager.

What is the biggest difference between MI when you started to now?

I don’t think it is that different, which I would say is a positive. The things I enjoyed about MI when I started, I still enjoy doing today. I have worked directly with clients the entire time, building and establishing relationships, some of which are now five years in. MI has always had a good culture and great people which hasn’t changed. It’s a big part of why I like working here.

What does a typical day look like for you? You were previously an account manager, how has it changed since you stepped up to senior account manager?

I became a senior account manager in March this year and, there’s definitely more responsibility (which is a good thing). As AE and AM, you need a bit more direction from those above you, but I’ve found that as a SAM I am trusted to make strategic decisions and take accountability with clients and my team. I work closely with the Account and Business Directors which helps me strive for where I want to be in the future. I have been getting involved more in new business opportunities and pitches which is something relatively new to me, but it is a great to be trusted to come into the process on these. It’s nice to have the added responsibility and it has given me more confidence. I also feel like I am growing with other peers in the industry who are now at similar levels to me and have gone through the ranks which is a nice feeling.

What is your proudest or most memorable moment at MI?

It would have to be contributing to the pitch process for a big charity client, which earlier this year we found out we had won! I was brought into the pitch team from the very beginning, worked on the strategy for the brief and presented on the day. It was great to see end-to-end the hard work and dedication from all members of the team and wider company that goes into a new business opportunity. When it results in a significant win – even better!  Another proud moment was presenting to one of my key clients, Kindred, at their offices in Gibraltar in front of our CEO. From the feedback I got, it was really well received! It always feels good when your efforts pay off, even though it can feel quite high-pressured at the time.

What top tips would you give to someone looking to work in a client services account team?

You really don’t need to be a certain type of person. Even within a media planning and buying agency, there’s a variety of roles that suit different people and personalities. It’s a friendly environment that embraces people as long as they show they care. I would say it’s important to keep yourself organised, show you care about the work you’re doing and results you are achieving for clients. Results are ultimately why you do everything when you work in an account team. But overall, it’s all stuff you can learn.

Are there any lessons you have learnt from during your time in media? Or any mistake you have you learnt the most from?

I’ve certainly learnt the hard way on a few occasions, as I think most people do. The mistakes that matter, you learn from the most. It’s not necessarily bad to make a mistake in a way because you can learn, it’s just important you own the mistake. Once you’ve built a good relationship with clients and even your internal teams, they are likely to be understanding – people are human.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Bad communication and not keeping people updated, which will put me (or the team) in a difficult situation. It’s sometimes hard to find the time to respond when you have a busy workload, but it’s important to prioritise communication, even if it’s just a brief acknowledgement. Also, anything out of my control I find difficult. Sometimes you just need an understanding team to vent to (swear to) and get it off your chest.