This week Karen Lambert, Managing Director of Happy Creative, runs us through a week in her working life. To suggest another senior media or creative figure for A Week In My Life, please email david@prolificnorth.co.uk.
Monday
Every week starts with a gathering of the 10 Happies. We chat about the week ahead, share forecasts, news, aims and discuss live projects. Our Creative Director ensures we are ready for the week so we are put through our paces with a creative challenge, run by our designer. This time it’s identifying film titles from emoticons. There are prizes too – I win a box of maltesers in 3rd place. Great start to the week!
Along with one of our account managers, I have a conference call with our newest client, based in Jersey. It’s our first Channel Island client and we’re thrilled to be providing marketing and design support to launch an exciting new app.
The afternoon brings two 1-2-1s with members of my team. I normally do two or three of these each week. It’s valuable time spent together in which to explore ideas, review numbers and generate ideas and plans for the weeks ahead.
Tuesday
I enjoy an inspiring day with the Academy for Chief Executives. I have been a member for seven years now and find it extremely valuable to spend time out of the business with like-minded individuals where I am challenged, inspired and supported in equal measure.
Wednesday
We are on site with one of our newest clients. I am facilitating a “getting to know you” session. We dig deep into the brand, operations, benefits and personalities. I am accompanied by my department heads (creative, web, PR, marketing) which gives us the necessary depth in questioning and ensures thorough understanding. These are always powerful (and enjoyable) sessions.
Thursday
Myself and my Director of Strategy are London-bound today and on the way I receive a call from one of our charity clients with an urgent request to design and build a microsite for tomorrow to support an event they are attending. I set the wheels in motion at Happy HQ to make sure it’s delivered.
In the client meeting on the 32nd floor of the Shard we talk inbound marketing strategy and tactics. We are quite literally taking the helicopter view. On the way back I finalise plans for Happy’s 12th Birthday on 1st September. A dozen years in business is something I am immensely proud of and it’s worth celebrating.
Friday
It’s an early-morning breakfast catch up with a client who has some exciting news about the development of their business. I return to Happy HQ to darkness in the office and as I open the door I am greeted by the dulcet tones of The Happies singing “Happy Birthday” brandishing cake and candles. After blowing out the candles we eat chocolate cake together and I am touched by their kind card and gift. It’s a Happy tradition to celebrate everyone’s birthday (even the boss’ apparently)
Fuelled by cake I begin writing a marketing proposal for a medical client who wants to generate brand awareness and leads. I love that the fundamental aspect that no matter how much the landscape and technology changes, marketing can make a massive contribution to a business’ performance.
Before heading home (in a week that’s gone so fast I think it can only be Tuesday), I read the weekly reports from The Happies and look forward to my birthday weekend. It consists of Sheridan Smith at the theatre, my football team Burnley away at Chelsea and birthday cocktails. That’s what I call a happy weekend.
