Pam has been apart of the Marketing Mentor Program twice as a Mentor, in 2020 and 2023. Before starting her own consultancy in Marketing Strategy and Career Coaching for marketers she worked with established FMCG brands, before being a CMP in a social enterprise. Engaging with Pam, we seek her invaluable insights and expert guidance to deftly navigate the challenges and opportunities present in a thriving career.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your career. How did you get to where you are today?
I enjoyed working in FMCG for many years, and led the marketing across many iconic brands such as Solo, Schweppes, Cottees, Yellow, Heinz, Golden Circle and Devondale. In those roles, I did everything from designing new packaging, making huge budget TV commercials, to sitting in supermarkets and I loved that I could be super creative, but also have hard numbers to measure the impact of my work. Then seven years ago, I made a big career pivot and to work in social enterprise, in the health sector. Being a CMO for a Social Enterprise was an incredible and rewarding experience. In my time there I revolutionised the ecommerce channel which not only created more income but allowed us to help even more people. Last year I started my own business, a consultancy specialising in Marketing Strategy and Career Coaching for marketers.
What does a day in your current role look like? What do you enjoy the most about it?
As a consultant, each day is different. I love the variety of working across industries and helping each business uncover their challenges and finding solutions. One day I could be facilitating a work shop, Coaching a newly appointed Marketing Manager, with the next day working on Brand launch, reviewing a client brief or attending a photo shoot.
Is there anything that you wish people knew about either your role or industry?
Not everyone can be a marketer. Everyone can have creative ideas, but marketing is a skill it involves understanding the consumer and brands, it involves research, analytics, strategy and experienced innovation.
What is a career challenge you have faced and what did you learn from it?
Getting up after role rejection, is tough, it’s hard and I think it happens to everyone, my coach helped me and kept encouraging me to keep throwing my hat in the ring and learn from each experience. I’ve learnt to be resilient and welcome all feedback to help my growth.
Which practical skills have been most valuable to you throughout your career?
I was fortunate that Cadbury Schweppes (now Mondelez) invested in their young marketers and taught us the importance of presenting and negotiating. When running projects or proposing company change. you have to have the ability to communicate and sell – you need to share the vision, get all stakeholders on board and fight for money and talent resource. These are vital skills that have really deteriorated since Covid and I encourage all that I mentor and coach to embrace and continually improve.
How do you maintain a work-life balance? What do you enjoy outside of work?
Each day, once you’re done, log off the computer and go for a walk to signal the end of the day (I try not to take your phone, which drives my family crazy!)
I also love spending weekends at the beach, for me the ocean is soothing and revitalising.
Have you had a mentor during your career? If so, what is the best advice they gave you?
I’ve had a few mentors and career coaches and the best told me to always put myself forward for new opportunities, don’t think of my limitations but what I can bring to the role/project and the new lense I can bring.
Are there any career development activities, courses, or events you would recommend?
Keep learning. Most companies dedicate a Learning and Development budget to each employee, how are you using yours? If they don’t have anything organised, seek out a course or get a career coach to help you identify your goals and roadmap the next few years.
What is your career aspiration and how are you working towards achieving it?
Take every opportunity, never be afraid to take a sideways step to move companies or departments to increase your experience and add to your CV. Never stop learning and adding experiences.
Why is connecting with a network of other women in marketing important to you?
I wish I had this network when I was starting out, to get advice, to help navigate the politics and personalities of big corporations. I think it is so important to get impartial advice from someone outside of your team.
Where do you find creativity, inspiration, and motivation in challenging times?
Through my network, those I have worked with through my career who I now count as friends, people of all ages, backgrounds and departments.
I also think it is important to attend conferences, trade shows and industry events, to get new idea’s and see what others are doing.
Do you have a favourite quote that has inspired you, either in your work or life?
You only regret what you didn’t do…….
What are you listening, reading, and watching for education or entertainment?
To Listen: Imperfects Podcast…
To Read: The Bullshit Strategy…
To Watch: One Day Netflix, tear jerker…
