My first career started in hospitality were initially I worked as a food runner in the independent restaurant trade and over time worked my way up to become a waiter, sommelier and event coordinator. When I moved to SKYCITY to run the shifts at the SKY TOWER as a duty manager and team member I was given my first taste of what it means to manage teams of people. It was at SKYCITY that i also gained exposure to retailing and learned the principles of, merchandising, visual merchandising and general retail process. During my time at university I had an opportunity to take the reins of a major student based charity. During my degree i shifted my role from waiting tables to managing a customer service team at SKYCITY. This exposed me to a different type of management role and taught me a lot about managing teams of staff as well as the principles of running an effective retail outlet. My first marketing role was for George Weston Foods and it has been a fantastic company to work for as it has allowed me to develop a very wide range of marketing, project and leadership skills. From a marketing perspective i've developed strong, brand management, brand development, shopper - consumer insights, media and in-store communications, digital and social strategies and tactics, shelf-back strategies and experienced in engaging internal and external stakeholders, all gained from my prior marketing roles at George Weston Foods.