What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career so far?
Look after yourself. Before I became a Special Adviser, a Conservative Party veteran told me to remember that (despite it sometimes appearing otherwise!) positive working relationships in Westminster are formed through doing good work and gaining trust – not spending every night in the pub.
Remembering this piece of advice helped me keep (relatively!) healthy – mentally and physically – during some of my most difficult days at the Home Office.
It’s boring, but you can’t be the best version of yourself at work without maintaining healthy habits.
What is your favourite part about your role?
The diversity of my clients. I work across a range of sectors including tech, utilities, education and criminal justice. It means no day is the same and you’re always learning.
What has been your favourite experience at Portland so far?
Easy – the people in Portland’s amazing public affairs and policy team. Every day, I am blown away by the intelligence, enthusiasm and kindness of our consultants. It is a huge privilege to work with such a great group of people.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self-starting out in comms, or to someone entering this field of work?
Network, network, network. Our industry requires us to immerse ourselves in the worlds of politics, media and business in order to provide the best advice and insight.
This can feel daunting when you start out – especially if at first, like me, you don’t know anyone else in the industry. It gets easier the more you do it!
What do you do to switch off from work?
I’m originally from the beautiful Scarborough in North Yorkshire, so I try to get back home as much as possible. Nothing relaxes you like fresh sea air!