My career journey

My comms journey began in the media industry at EMAP in 1995. A brief stint selling ad space in the Trade division was followed by four years in the Magazine and Radio divisions, where I advised agencies and direct clients on the merits of using various print and broadcast channels in the marcomms mix.

I started my first management role in Scottish Power's Interactive Telecom division in1999. Leading a team of nine, I advised major UK media owners and marcomms agencies on how to leverage telecom technology in campaigns to engage audiences, conduct research, gather insight, and generate new revenue streams.

I moved agency-side in 2001 where I found a passion for content creation, copyrighting, and working with designers to develop results-driven outputs. Combining this with savvy media-buying and low-cost creative solutions, I delivered more with less and in 2004 launched my own marcomms agency supporting SMEs.

I joined the Civil Service in 2009 and spent 5-years in government communications. I established and led new comms functions, led high-profile change and reform projects, worked on cross-government projects at No10, and introduced new ways of working, including conceiving and creating an in-house creative shared service, which became known as Design-102. 

Time spent in The Home Office and National Crime Agency led to a move to policing in 2014. My first executive role, I was responsible for leading the communications and engagement function and was a member of the force executive leadership team. I established a new integrated comms function, developed and oversaw strategic and tactical delivery, and provided counsel to chief officers. 

Between 2017 and 2022, I worked with two industry associations in the automotive and sports ground sectors, supporting both during times of change. Leading comms functions and ghost-writing for CEOs, I developed strategies to strengthen reputation, increase engagement, and work more effectively with government to increase influence.

I began providing interim and consultancy services in 2021, operating both independently as 'The Comms Lady Ltd' and as an Associate for the global, award-winning consultancy firm, Baringa. I provided specialist communications, corporate affairs, stakeholder management, and business change expertise to support high-profile projects and transformation programmes. 

I spent 18-months providing interim strategic support across Buckinghamshire Council's Planning, Growth & Sustainability Directorate, working closely with the corporate director, service directors, councillors, and cabinet members. As strategic communications lead, I was an active member of the PGS Management Team, advising, delivering, and overseeing communications on a wide range of issues spanning housing, infrastructure, planning, the economy, and the environment.