Caroline MacDonald has contributed to The Female Edge, a non-for-profit book on female entrepreneurs following the publication of Alison Rose’s review on the topic.
“I’m twenty-four, newly arrived in London, with a degree I loved under my belt. … I secured the management role at a wine bar, and within a year I turned it around from loss to profit. It became clear to me immediately that I wanted to make a difference through my entrepreneurial skills.
“Years later, I am the partner in a comms firm, and it became clear that I wanted to do things differently. My own agency was born, and I’ve managed it ever since – with a growing team, and a growing list of global clients.”
Excerpt from The Female Edge.
Caroline shares her experiences in different industries and how they led her to found PR and digital marketing agency, OggaDoon.
This book has been created as a direct response to Alison’s findings on the low level of women entrepreneurs in the UK. This is despite the UK being the start-up capital of Europe. 13 unique entrepreneurial stories from a variety of women and sectors.
Alison Rose, Deputy CEO, NatWest Holdings and CEO, Commercial & Private Banking, was the lead for an independent review of female entrepreneurship commissioned by The Treasury. Her review revealed the barriers faced by women starting and growing businesses and identified ways to support this untapped talent.
Following this report, the government announced a plan to increase the number of female entrepreneurs by 2030, creating nearly 600,000 additional female entrepreneurs. Up to £250 billion of new value could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as UK men (Rose Review).
The Female Edge is available on Amazon for 99p with all proceeds going to the Women’s Resource Centre.
Climate change is a hot topic these days. Not only is it part of our home lives, but it plays a big part in our working lives too. That’s why many of the world’s biggest companies are making climate action a part of their strategy – bracing themselves for the prospect that climate change could substantially affect their overall profit within the next five years. So how does that impact businesses like Prophecy Unlimited? Matt Healey, Head of the Sustainability Group, and all-round Greta enthusiast, talks through some of the achievements they’ve made in making Prophecy more climate-friendly.
I started the Prophecy Sustainability Group in an effort to take more responsibility for what’s going on in our world. It was about using my own initiative, not waiting for permission or moaning about why things weren’t being done. I was probably influenced by Greta and messages like, ‘If not now, when? If not you, who?’ which featured on the Glastonbury Festival bags in 2019. After sending a few emails and asking for people to get involved, we formed the Sustainability Group. Our biggest win of 2019 was linking up with other agencies – we are 10 agencies in total – to share findings. Now we are working to make sustainability a key pillar in our 2020 group strategy, so going well beyond our office of 100+ to now influence 900+ employees, their friends, family and clients.
The main aim of the group is about starting conversations. I gave up meat a few years back and some people’s first opinion was, ‘what, you don’t eat meat?!’ Then after a chat I discovered that they too are cutting down their own consumption, or eating better quality to reduce their impact. Working in an agency, especially in Bristol, you find we are mostly like-minded people. Initiatives like collecting crisp packets and single use packaging from landfill have been hugely successful. We have a chat group for selling/sharing unwanted items. We have real plants to make the office a better environment to be in. Our use of plant-based milk is on the up. We hold monthly chats to discuss the latest sustainability topics, what people do in their day-to-day lives and cool initiatives they have seen. We provide employees with a station in our building for reusable, cups, containers and bags. And we have started conversations with local businesses to get discounts when we use reusable containers for their food. We are even taking on the big stuff like where our office gets its electric from!
There is no denying that sustainability is a hot topic within any organisation. Increasingly, we’re seeing brands asking questions in pitches about what our views are on sustainable development and social responsibility. Rightly so, sustainability is becoming an everyday part of our lives and our clients.
It also makes for a better place to work, an environment where change is embraced and encouraged, where we question where the rubbish goes and not simply accepting it’s out of sight and out of mind.
All in all, we can of course always do more, but we have made a great start and will continue to talk, share and change what we can, for the ‘greater good’ (Hot Fuzz 2007).
We will cover the best way to collaborate and work with other freelancers and give you tips on how to agree reasonable terms with your clients. The talk will also provide guidance on GDPR and relevant data legislation, best practice policies, and the impact of the new IR35 legislation for freelancers who operate via a personal service company, and their clients.
The workshop will be run by Bristol Media member and lawyer, Rebecca Steer, from Steer and Co. All attendees are welcome to a free of charge follow-up call on any specific contract or legal question.
This legal workshop is recommended for Freelancers, start-ups, existing SME’s, and anyone involved in either running or setting up a small-medium sized business in the Creative, Digital and Tech sectors.
This workshop will be held between 3-5pm on Tuesday 21st April at Zone, The Brew House, Tower Hill, Bristol BS2 0EQ. Tickets are £25 +VAT for Bristol Media members, £40 +VAT otherwise. Places are limited. Tea/coffee will be provided.
There will be a Q&A after the session, plus time to chat with Rebecca directly if you’d like to discuss specific issues affecting your business.
A specialist commercial, media and technology lawyer with considerable in-house counsel and private practice experience, Rebecca Steer is a leading expert for Technology, IP and Media and is ranked as one of the top 10 lawyers in Bristol and the South West for IT and IP.
One way we do this is via face-to-face depth interviews and usability tests – exploring a problem or a design concept with the people we are designing for.
Depending on the project we might be out and about visiting users, hijacking a meeting room or using a research lab – a space designed specifically for running user research with tools technology and space that make it easy for teams to observe and participate.
And it’s the group observation and participation that a research lab facilitates that is so valuable.
You and your team probably know more about your sector, business, service or product than we ever will and this means that you will see the research interviews through a different lens. Observing the sessions with our research and design team will enable you to see behaviours in new light, understand why people are doing certain things and empathise with attitudes.
Maybe you are the person responsible for commissioning research so you’re already keen to observe, but what about your team and other stakeholders in your organisation?
When we ran research exploring the student experience for University of Surrey we used a lab so that multiple people could observe. The project team were able to invite stakeholders who wouldn’t otherwise have been involved.
Because each of the observers brought a different experience and agenda to the session they were able to see the research through their own lens – development, marketing, UX design, and content. At the end of a day of watching just five depth interviews the group were buzzing with ideas and inspiration for new ways to achieve goals.
Matt, Head of Digital Channels at Surrey, told me: “It’s rare for some of the stakeholders in content and marketing to meet our audience so it was hugely valuable for us as a group to get inside their minds. It made people challenge assumptions, explore language and gave us an opportunity to reflect on the way we do things. It also re-surfaced some things we already knew about but that had slipped down our priority list!”
Similarly when we ran research for a high-street retailer, the product team prioritised issues on a wall throughout the day and the developer made changes and improvements to the site as we worked.
Stephanie is Programme Lead Content Design for Scope. She told me that when content designers have observed Scope’s in-house user research, it has refreshed their commitment to the work they are producing. Seeing the direct emotive response of the people they are writing for helps re-connect content teams with the purpose of the work.
– Reconnect with users and re-energise a team
– Add context to the research team observations
– Interpret user behaviours and attitudes based on your service expertise
– Spot new opportunities
– Collaboratively prioritise insight
– Dig into the insight by asking questions at the end of each interview
– Help refine the interview guide as the day evolves, so we focus on the most valuable areas.
To make it easier to tap into the value of observed research, we’ve invested in building a research lab at our new studio in the Arnolfini on Bristol’s waterfront with space for up to ten people to observe. If you’d like to work with us on a research / design project or if you’d like to hire the lab please get in touch:
020 7193 8952
Imposter Syndrome: How to thrive when your fears try to take over your goals
I have spent the last 15 years working closely with the CEOs of Amazon and Google as their Executive Business Partner and Chief-of-Staff. Along the way, I have learned their methods for accomplishing astounding goals. This is the time of year when everyone is focused on goal setting and making this their best year yet. So why is it so hard to make it past the first month?
Let me confirm that everyone experiences imposter syndrome, an overwhelming fear of not belonging, of being a fraud. 99.9% of the time imposter syndrome should be ignored because, in reality, your ability and worth are second-to-none. But that’s easier said than done, right? However, I know from experience that there are ways you can turn imposter syndrome into your greatest asset.
Yes, I have been privileged to have had a seat at the table with some of the most talented people of our generation. However, the other side of that coin is that I have consistently been the dumbest person in the room for nearly two decades. I am, in reality, fairly smart but I have worked daily with Nobel laureates, heads of state and world-changing CEOs to accomplish things never done before. In order to not only survive but flourish in that environment I have had to face my fears of looking stupid and create foolproof ways of taking back control.
Here are my five top tips for overcoming imposter syndrome paralysis:
1. Be Open
Shining a spotlight on your greatest fear has a way of making it disappear. It is also empowering to be open and honest about your goals and ambitions. Whilst scary to share your crazy dreams, the earlier you bring your tribe into your journey, the earlier you can get their additional support.
I have made the mistake of trying to walk a new road alone and I can assure you that it’s always better to invite others along, even if they don’t quite understand the full vision immediately.
2. Be Purposeful
Create your own individual compass. What are your values? What does success look like and mean for you? What is the larger purpose outside yourself that motivates you? I have found it helpful to diffuse personal anxieties by focusing on what I am trying to accomplish and how these struggles move me closer to that desired end result.
Personal anxiety is selfish. That sounds harsh but, honestly, that anxiety may cause you to spend more time thinking about your own discomfort than the larger mission at hand. Personally, this thought gives me the wake-up call I need to get over myself and push forward into more constructive thoughts and energy.
3. Be a Novice
There are actually huge advantages to being underestimated. If you find yourself as the newcomer, allow yourself the freedom of creative thinking in ways that experienced people do not. This can be a major advantage for innovation and problem solving; you can come at things from a different angle because you’re not encumbered by tradition. So, raise your hand and volunteer an idea – even if it isn’t adopted your peers will start to see you as someone who is creative, ambitious and collaborative which in itself is a huge win.
I have also found it helpful to be the one to ask the “dumb” questions. Ironically, they have often led to the breakthrough moments that the seasoned experts in the room needed in order to see things in a different light and refocus on the core issue at hand!
4. Be Bold
You need to teach people how to treat you. I have found this to be true in every part of life; friendships, relationships and professional environments. Not once in my life has someone come to me saying, “I have noticed an untapped talent of yours and know how to maximise your impact”. That’s never going to happen, that is your job.
Layout your growth plan; that next promotion, running your first marathon, starting your own business or leading a project above your current pay grade. I must warn you that this is often first met with confused silence but do not be deterred. Stay the course and show people that you are serious. You will see a difference in the way you are treated and people will come to you with opportunities, mentorship and support you wouldn’t have received otherwise.
5. Be Proud
Despite all my big talk in this article so far, let me reassure you that I have experienced more than my fair share of crippling fear, anxiety and disappointment. In fact, I met one of my best friends while we were both silently crying in the ladies room at Google during our first month on the job. In these moments, it’s helpful to have a reserve of positivity to call upon. That can be a friend, a mentor or a catalogue of past successes.
During my 12 years at Google, I started labelling emails that included praise and positive feedback which I could pull up anytime I needed motivation and reassurance. By seeking out and savouring this feedback, you will build a network of trusted peers and mentors.
These five tips to overcoming imposter syndrome are simple in principle but often need to be repeated several times to accomplish your biggest goals.
Oprah Winfrey once interviewed Michelle Obama and asked her how she got over being intimidated at tables filled with powerful men. The First Lady responded, “You realise pretty quickly that a lot of them aren’t that smart.” Let me assure you that this absolutely true. So, raise your hand, speak up, share your dreams and know that you belong at that table just like anyone else. It’s likely every single one of them, no matter how senior or experienced, is sitting there wondering if they are the dumbest person in the room. So let’s bond over this common fear, collaborate and bring out the best in everyone. You are unique and that fact alone entitles you to a seat at the table.
This article by Ann Hiatt, Armadillo’s Non-Executive Director, first appeared on Thrive Global on January 16th 2020.
February has been a busy month for the OggaDoon team – we’ve shared our expertise for not one, not two, but five news articles so far and we’re not showing any sign of slowing down.
First, Emily Perkins’ monthly guest column in Startups Magazine was published, sharing how nothing gets deleted on the internet, and what this should mean for your crisis comms.
Then we brought our expertise to investment fundraising and your pre-investment checklist in our guest blog for TechSPARK, praised on LinkedIn by Ashley Wheeler for its insight.
Our founder and CEO Caroline Macdonald shared why tone of voice was so critical and how startups should be using it to their advantage in her guest post on Startups Magazine, which you can read here.
Our focus took a data turn as Emily shared her recommended essential marketing tips with Databox in their latest blog on KPIs and measuring traction.
And last (so far) and by no means least, Emily continued to share investment expertise with TechSPARK and highlighted the ways investors could get nervous about your brand – and what to do about it.
The OggaDoon team holds a wealth of experience, and these are just snippets of the insight we can bring to your business. Get in touch now to discuss how our expertise will accelerate your business’ growth.
**TWO PLACES LEFT – BOOK HERE**
Presenting work can be a challenge for even the most experienced presenter. Creative industry professionals come up against numerous obstacles when presenting work – extensive rounds of internal approvals, the confidence to present an effective message, and not to mention the client’s ability to kill the creative idea in one fell swoop. But how do you ensure your work sees the light of day?
Led by former TBWA Executive Creative Director Tom Evans, during this 1-day course you’ll learn how to present your work persuasively to increase the odds of your ideas making it to the outside world. It’s an ideal workshop for those looking to develop (or brush up on) skills for creative pitching, where you’ll emerge as a more confident and more competent presenter.
The 1-day workshop is on Tuesday 31st March from 9.30am – 5pm at Foot Anstey, Glass Wharf, Bristol.
Tickets £249 +VAT for Bristol Media members and £349 +VAT for non-members. Places are limited to 15 so book early to avoid disappointment. Lunch and refreshments are provided.
The BMAA was hugely successful last year and, after recently announcing Okori Lewis-McCalla as this year’s winner, we’re keen to hear from businesses who would like to support the initiative in 2020.
16% of Bristol’s population is from a BAME background, but these groups are still vastly underrepresented within our creative sector. Diversity and inclusion is somewhere on the agenda for most businesses but it’s often difficult to know how to make a difference.
The BMAA was launched in 2018 in memory of Ben Martin, a local agency MD who passionately believed that success was achievable regardless of background or education. The Award supports young people from underrepresented backgrounds by offering them work experience and opportunities with local creative businesses (as well as a trip to SXSW for one lucky winner).
This year, Okori and 3 runners-up have been selected to participate in the programme. Okori is currently preparing for SXSW in March, after which he and the runners up will start their paid internship programme with sponsoring agencies, taking their first steps into professional life. During their work experience they will be coached and supported for employability, setting them up for their future career within their chosen area of interest.
Marissa Lewis-Peart won last year’s BMAA and completed over 5 months of internships with 16 different agencies, gaining valuable experience across a range of creative sectors.
“Nothing compares to gaining real industry experience and I’m so glad to have been given this opportunity. Winning the Ben Martin Apprentice Award provided me with connections to people within the industry and the rare opportunity to experience some of the biggest creative agencies in Bristol. The experience and support really helped me to feel more confident in getting ready to start my career.” Marissa said.
Alongside Bristol Media, the headline sponsor for the 2020 BMAA is ADLIB with continued support from Babbasa. ADLIB are very excited to join the initiative as this year’s key sponsor.
“We all want to make our industry more diverse and inclusive, but when you run a small business it’s not always easy to know how to make a practical difference. By coming together as the Bristol Media community to support the BMAA, every member business, regardless of size, can do their bit to help young people get that all important foot in the door.” ~ Chris Thurling, Chair, Bristol Media
“Diversity and Inclusion isn’t a tick box exercise; it requires an engaged commitment to drive change and live and breathe an all-inclusive environment. Building a diverse and inclusive team is proven to drive increased employee engagement, creativity, innovation and profitability (and that’s just for starters). We have founded the True Diversity initiative with the mission to help Technology, Data, Marketing and Creative businesses identify where they are at on their journey towards diversity, what they could improve and how to go about making those adjustments.” ~ Nick Dean, MD, ADLIB
This year, we’re looking for agencies and businesses to be involved as corporate sponsors, to provide additional funding and further reach for young people. The BMAA will offer corporate sponsors the chance to promote their workplace diversity and inclusive work environment, highlighting their company values and adding to their attractiveness as an employer. Sponsors will have access to an exclusive workshop and branding opportunities.
The package costs £350 and includes but is not limited to:
To be involved in supporting this fantastic initiative, please contact Alli Nicholas at Bristol Media at [email protected].
We’re immensely proud of the role we’ve played in leading this initiative and have seen first-hand the impact it has had on both the BMAA Winner and the agencies involved. Thank you to the growing list of agencies who have already joined this initiative – Armadillo CRM, Tallt Ventures, McCann Bristol, Mr B & Friends, Oakwood, Immediate Media, Epoch Design, Halo, Torchbox and Diva Agency – who have committed to making a difference.
Following on from the success of Vaughan + Company’s Park Street and Queen’s Road ad for Bristol City Centre BID, which launched December 2019 and achieved a combined reach of over a quarter of a million people through Facebook and Instagram, the creative studio has now been commissioned to produce a second film to celebrate Bristol’s Old City.
The aim of the film will be to highlight the rich, cultural history in the heart of the city and the variety of hidden experiences on offer; from its charming markets and quirky cafes, to undiscovered shops, bars, gig venues and more. As with the Park Street and Queen’s Road production, Vaughan + Company will focus on bringing a unique perspective to the stories seeped in this distinctive, lively, historic side of Bristol.
Keith Rundle, Operations Director for Bristol City Centre BID says:
“The Bristol City Centre BID are producing this short promotional video to help support our levy payers in the Old City, one of Bristol’s most iconic areas, and are delighted with the appointment of Vaughan + Company following the success of our previous work supporting local businesses in December 2019.”
In addition to this, Vaughan + Company will handle all social media management and reporting for the project, with ambitions for the Old City film production to achieve similar success to Park Street. The film will launch across social networks Facebook and Instagram, as well as local press, to an estimated quarter of a million Bristolians this spring.
Claire joined the team as the Content Strategy Director in 2017, bringing with her a wealth of international experience. She earned her stripes in marketing and communications roles with large financial services firms, most recently as Head of Communications for AMP Capital in Sydney. She enjoys nothing more than using words to simplify complex ideas and make them accessible for all audiences.
Claire has an instinct for great content which works hand in glove with the commercial skills she has honed in her corporate roles. She works with clients to design fully integrated communications strategies which support their goals – helping them to create high quality, engaging communications and content time and again.
In her new role, she’ll bring this experience, expertise and passion to a number of new projects, as well as leading Stratton Craig’s team of writers as they continue to expand the business.
Darren Clare, CEO says “Claire is instrumental in demonstrating our belief that the right words drive our clients’ business outcomes, this is an exciting step forward in the next phase of our business growth.”
Claire added “I’m excited about this opportunity to help our clients in new ways. We have a team of outstanding writers at Stratton Craig and I’m thrilled to be working more closely with them to keep delivering brilliant work for our clients.”
Hear more from Claire here
Stratton Craig is a specialist writing agency that’s been helping companies to communicate for over 30 years. Its team of experienced account managers and expert writers bring their love of language to help businesses develop and deliver content and communications strategies that build understanding, inspire trust and create growth.
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