Hi Gemma, ready to chat work? What’s your idea of a perfect weekday?
I’d arrive at the office to the news that we’ve won a pitch with glowing feedback. I’d have fresh coverage in my inbox, and the whole team would be buzzing with enthusiasm. We’d start the day with a brainstorm – something to get everyone’s creative juices flowing – then I’d spend some time researching what’s got the industry talking, innovations, trends, commentary and new ways to approach things.
At lunch, I’d escape my desk and take the time to go for a walk, get some fresh air and reset. In the afternoons, I love the opportunity to meet client contacts and partners, to share ideas and updates.
That does sound like a good day – and one thing that would make it even better is a hot drinks order. What are you asking for?
My office tea routine is a lady grey in the morning, strawberry and mango in the afternoon. But after going caffeine free a couple of years ago, if you’re going to La Bottega round the corner from the office I’m now partial to a decaf mocha. Iced if it’s sunny, please!
Oo tasty. When you’re back at your desk, what’s your favourite kind of client to work for?
Travel is my favourite industry. I’ve been lucky enough to work with travel clients for most of my career. One of my favourite briefs was promoting theatre breaks, as I love the theatre and we hosted some incredible experiences for the media. In my own time, I love to explore and take holidays around the world. Working for travel clients feels like a chance to indulge my personal interests at work.
Now, onto teamwork. If a colleague is looking for the way to get on your good side, what would you tell them?
I love positivity. From giving upbeat feedback to remembering to look for the good when things don’t quite go our way, a positive mindset goes a long way. I love working with people who hype each other up, raise the whole team’s spirits and build everyone’s confidence. I find that positivity can trick the mind into making it easier to achieve things that otherwise feel out of reach.
If you didn’t end up in PR and comms, did you have a plan B in mind?
I’ve had all sorts of career goals along the way, from sound engineer to events management to journalism. But while I was doing work placements at The Journal newspaper in Newcastle, PR was recommended to me, and I went for it. Now I think psychology might have been a good alternative path, and I’m interested in studying more in that area. Floristry is another personal love that I’m keen to build on. Having a creative outlet is important to me.
We’ve got a strong picture of Gem at work, but what about in your spare time? What or who are you currently listening to?
I’ve got Chappell Roan on repeat at the moment. I love her retro sound. You’ll probably find me pottering around singing HOT TO GO or Femininomenon.
Oh yeah, that’s a fun one, she’s got great style too! Have you got any particular style influences you look to?
I love it when people have fun with their clothes, like adding splashes of colour and not being afraid to dress up with velvet and sparkle. Christmas is a great time of year for my wardrobe. I’m regularly inspired by my friends, and influencers.
We know you love to work with travel clients – have you got any good travel stories of your own?
Well, you could say I ‘survived a shark attack’! I was open water kayaking in Byron Bay on a trip to Australia when a siren went off. My group were jumping in the ocean and ignoring whatever the siren was, until someone came speeding over to us in the most aerodynamic kayak I’ve ever seen. I heard the word “shark” being discussed with our group leader and thought it must be a joke, to encourage us to have a race. We were instructed to head to the closest shore, but our surfing lesson came a little late and we got wiped out in the waves. It was a scramble back to a beach, unsure whether the shark was real or close to us, and a hike back to our starting point. It was at this point that the tracking helicopter came into view, and TV reporters ran over to us. We had been the last people in the water after a fatal attack on a swimmer much closer to the bay than we had been. It was pretty shocking. The beach remained closed for a few days, until we saw dolphins jumping and nature welcomed people back to the water.
Wow, that’s quite the adventure! Have you got a dream destination you’d like to visit in the future? I’m guessing no shark-infested waters!
Multi-stop holidays with chance to do lots of exploring are my favourite. I’ve been lucky to go on some incredible road trips, like driving up the Mississippi Delta with my best friend. I’ve got a lot of dream destinations still to discover. Canada is on my list!
That does sound like great fun. When you get home, have you got a comfort meal?
A Margherita pizza with pineapple. You can skip the ham. I know it’s going to be a controversial one, I’ve even had pizza places question my order.
Thanks for sparing the time to chat with us, Gem! It’s been great to learn more about you.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Getting to Know GOLD, where a new team member will be answering our questions.