What is your role & how long have you been on the team?
My role is Senior Marketing Executive and I’ve been at Rapid for just over three months.
What are some key trends you are seeing in the industry right now?
User-centred. I love how big brands are utilising user-generated content more than polished, high-end content. To me this makes brands much more relatable and as a marketer, opens up so many doors to endless, fun and exciting opportunities on socials.
Marketing with purpose. I previously worked for the B-Corp accredited company Danone which is a fantastic company for its CSR and sustainability awareness, so over the last few years, I’ve become so aware of brands’ purpose and how they increasingly want to make a societal and environmental impact.
What is your favourite area of marketing to work in and why?
I honestly enjoy everything about marketing (ha, nerd!). I think it’s cool how it’s such a broad career and how every week, month, year is going to be different, with new trends coming through. I love strategy, starting a campaign from scratch and collaborating with the team, bouncing ideas off each other. It’s a cool environment to be a part of.
What inspired you to pursue a career in marketing?
I was always quite creative in school and I loved creative writing. My cousin Richie did CAM at UU and I always thought it sounded cool. Since then I’ve always taken inspiration from him, he has taught me so much. It’s great having someone as close to go to with countless marketing questions and advice. Sorry not sorry!
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Everywhere. A big part of my role at the moment is social media management so tracking social media trends on TikTok and Instagram is perfect for drawing inspiration from. I also find taking breaks every few weeks/months from work helps with inspiration, especially if I’ve been travelling, surrounding myself in different cultures!
What does your day-to-day look like as Senior Marketing Executive at Rapid?
As cliche as it sounds, every day is different! I like coming in a bit earlier to get my life in order before the craziness kicks in. This is when I make my daily list – I’d be lost without my lists and desk planner! I get so excited when I can stroke something off! I have a bowl of porridge and a coffee or tea first thing. I check my accounts’ socials and once that’s done, I sort of just let the day take the reins.
What’s your office pet peeve?
Not being able to find a laptop charger or when there are no tea bags left!
What do you get up to when you’re not in the office?
I am pretty active. I’m a retired competitive swimmer, so I love getting into water when I can- a true water baby! I play Gaelic football and I’m currently on the running train at the moment so I love a wee run in the evenings or the weekends. I also do a bit of Crossfit too.
I, like everyone else, absolutely love going for coffee and I love nothing more than going down home to the lovely Rostrevor at the weekend!
Do you have any advice for being authentic and creative in an industry that’s always changing?
Keep on top of industry trends and have an awareness of what’s being put out there. Stay tuned in and keep exploring and trying new things. Expect the unexpected too – it’s a user and consumer’s world out there!
Are there any big lessons you have learnt or pieces of advice you have been given that you have carried through your career?
Take each day as it comes and use every opportunity to learn! I aim to always try upskill and do something different, as this will set you apart from the rest. What I’ve loved about my career so far is that everyone, no matter what team or department, has taught me something valuable. So wherever you work, immerse yourself in that setting.
If you could go back to the you who first started working in marketing, what is one piece of advice you would give her?
Don’t hide behind anyone. Be confident in your thoughts and ideas, they’re just as important as someone else’s!