Hey Katy, let’s start with the serious stuff. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever had?
Back in my twenties, I worked with GOLD79 Co-Founder, Soff, at another agency. Something that I had drilled into me there, from the outset, was the importance of setting client expectations. It’s something I live and die by to this day. My way of working is very honest. If I don’t think I can deliver it, I won’t promise it. That’s how I roll.
A solid personal rule. So what makes your perfect work day?
Because I’m lucky enough to work part-time, I have a fairly unusual work-life balance, making this an interesting question. I think my perfect day would involve a gym class, getting a hot chocolate, and then fitting all my work around that. I’d probably finish up by meeting a friend for a shopping trip too. I consider myself a bit of a hot chocolate connoisseur, so a guilty pleasure trip to Starbucks or Café Nero definitely features.
Nowadays, we know you as a PR superstar, but were you always in public relations?
I actually started out in comms as a press officer working for a big IT and tech company. But honestly, I was mis-sold the job. I was recruited based on the fact that I spoke fluent French, and I accepted because I wanted a job that let me practice using the language. Unfortunately, I didn’t use my French once in that job! It was a real shame because I’d done a whole French Business degree. In the end, it was an interesting job and I learned how to develop a thick skin, but it was a little disappointing.
Oh wow, I didn’t know you could speak French. Let’s fast-forward to this job now. What would be the best way to get on your good side at work?
Just deliver! I can be quite chilled in some respects, but in others, even I would admit I have zero tolerance. There’s nothing worse than when somebody tells me they will do something, and then other work takes priority and then they don’t, so it just gets dropped. That drives me insane. Either tell me the deadline isn’t realistic, or you need help, or make sure you deliver on time. A positive and willing attitude gets you a long way too.
What’s your proudest work achievement?
We got an amazing piece in the Sunday Times on behalf of one of our property clients, Berkeley Homes a couple of weeks ago that is probably one of my recent PR achievements. We’ve had a couple of pieces in there before, but nothing of this scale and prominence. The piece was huge – a double-page spread – and the client was happy, which is the important thing.
If you weren’t such a PR and comms maestro. What would you be?
Probably an interior designer. My love for interiors has definitely come from working with Berkeley for 20 years. I’ve viewed some beautiful show homes and it’s rubbed off on me along the way, and is now a real passion of mine.
My partner is also an interior decorator, so every so often he helps me bring my ideas to life at home. I also do quite a lot of stuff for my friends and get involved with their projects. One of my best friends has just taken on a massive renovation, so, I spend my spare time stripping walls, painting and helping her but I would absolutely love to have a project of my own. If somebody threw us some money, we would absolutely buy a doer-upper and flip it!
So you’ve got a keen eye for interiors, but what else do you do in your spare time? Are you much of a traveller?
I love to travel, I’ve got so many dream destinations – a mix of winter and summer locations. In winter, I love to ski, then in summer, I’d love to go somewhere like Thailand. Somewhere with beach bars and amazing sea swimming. The ocean is one of my biggest passions. I love to surf too. Yes, any destination that’s perfect for water sports is definitely my thing.
What are the three things you couldn’t live without?
Skiing definitely, my French fluency helps that hobby a lot – I can get on pretty well in the French Alps. Chocolate would be number two, and then, oh my God… sunshine! I love sunny weather. I couldn’t live in Iceland or any country where they have no daylight through periods of the year.
You certainly are a ray of sunshine personified, so that’s no surprise! I get a feeling you’d be great at karaoke – have you got a go-to song?
I’m glad you asked. It’s Queen, Don’t Stop Me Now. I sang it on my 50th Birthday and I’d probably describe it as the soundtrack to my life too!
Fantastic! I’m sure you’ve got great stage presence! Now, one final fun question to finish off – who would you like to play you in your biopic?
Maybe Kate Winslet? I like the sound of that – she’s got a great vibe to her!
Brilliant chatting with you Katy. We can’t wait to see your next interior design project come to life – you’ll have to share some pics with the team.
If you’re enjoying Getting to Know GOLD as much as we are, keep your eyes peeled. We’ll be profiling more members of the team in the coming weeks.