As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A nurse, but I soon grew out of that phase when I promptly fainted at the sight of a pool of blood! Thereafter, Wonder Woman, because she had the coolest costume and an amazing head of hair! In university, living in the UK, I was fortunate enough to gain invaluable international work experience in Montreal and Kuala Lumpur. Those opportunities inspired me to start my career in marketing.
Where did your career path actually take you once you started working?
My marketing experience spans more than 17 years within the professional services market in the UK and Canada. In the UK, I worked within the property development and construction industries as well as in law firms. I have been a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, a UK-based international marketing organization, for many years now.
What, if anything (or anyone) inspired you to get started in the legal arena?
A former Marketing Director encouraged me to join her at DLA (now DLA Piper LLP) many years ago. At that time, DLA had recently undergone a merger. The challenges associated with combining two very different working cultures was both enlightening and inspiring! I will always look back at this time as one of the most memorable and rewarding in my life.
What is the primary responsibility of your current role?
I work closely with our Marketing Director and the senior management team to help execute the firm’s marketing strategy.
What do you love about your work?
We have an AWESOME marketing team! I work with people who are very talented in their individual roles, the working environment as a whole is enjoyable, and there’s always someone around to offer support and assistance when needed.
What inspires you?
I have always been motivated by the desire to do well in whatever position I’ve held. I enjoy it when results of my work give added value to the firm.
What is your biggest challenge at work?
Helping our clients – the lawyers – realize the vast potential and added value a good marketing campaign can do to enhance their pitch for new firm business.
What advice would you offer others entering the field?
What makes marketing the best career in the world is that it is continually evolving. The best marketing career advice I have ever received is to never stop learning and experimenting. There’s always a new insight, a new tool or a new tactic being introduced. So keep learning. Gain as much experience as you can in a variety of environments, as any experience is a good one. Maintain a positive attitude. Be approachable and unafraid to voice any of your ideas.
When did you join the LMA and how has it helped your career?
I joined the LMA in May 2008, shortly after I moved to Toronto. I have enjoyed seeing the LMA continually evolve over the last few years. It has been invaluable in providing me with an excellent networking community. Recently, I have taken a more proactive role, and have joined the events committee. I enjoy helping out, along with my fellow committee members Lindsay Everitt and Carla Vasquez.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? What are you passionate about outside of your work?
Spending quality time with my husband and two (fast-growing) kids. We love having the time to enjoy and explore our new home and country!