I started my career at a PR agency as a Facebook user when Facebook was only available to select university students/alumni. Why am I telling you this? Well, it was this unique insight coupled with a curiosity and ambition that would shape my career.Not long after joining the agency, Facebook became publicly available and other channels emerged. “Social media” was born — and I was eager to use it for the benefit of my clients. But not everyone was so keen. Clients refused to invest and bosses failed to see the value, so I would often (agree and) create brand channels then manage them in my own time as “added-value.” This sounds crazy now doesn’t it? But having that autonomy allowed me the space to learn, grow, and carve out my own place in the competitive world of comms as an expert in integrated marketing. After surviving Vine, Clubhouse and Google+ (GenZs, look it up), today, I advise and train everyone from household brands to politicians on their social media strategies, and lead a team to deliver social media campaigns that excite me. As a managing director, I’m very hands-on and have the same energy and determination I had back then when it comes to fighting for what I believe in. My day job involves client oversight, new business development, brand marketing, HR, operations and finances so I choose to still manage social media communities in my own time, through my:🌊 Just-for-fun creative outlet @thegowergoodlife (Instagram) where I share the best of Gower and document family life by the sea.🤠 Passion project @westernightsuk (Instagram / TikTok) — a space for country music fans in Wales and new club night. Would love to connect with positive, collaborative people in similar leadership roles to share ideas and knowledge with.