Job Ladder

Chief Executive, Future Talent (September 2013 – present)
Moving to Future Talent was a landmark decision in my career and I am enjoying the new challenges in my first role as CEO. There had been some uncertainty: should I stay in marketing, stay in the arts, step up or move sideways, but now my future seems clearer; after all, I have at least 25 years of working life still to plan for.

Director of Marketing, Rambert Dance Company (2006 – 2013)
An exceptional company, and my own personal development would grow exponentially over the next seven years. I had joined an organisation undergoing an element of change, having launched a multi-million pound capital campaign for a new HQ – completed this year. Everyone should work for Rambert if they get the chance. In terms of best practice, they are second to none.

Head of Sales & Marketing, Watford Palace Theatre (2003 – 2006)
In 2002, after only a year at the Palace Theatre, it closed for a major two-year refurbishment. This was a challenging period but it did give the remaining team the opportunity to consider how they would like to re-structure the staff for the grand opening. Do I stay as Marketing Manager, a very functional role, or re-structure and position myself as a marketing strategist? This was a pivotal moment in my career; if I had shied away from change, I believe I was accepting, in terms of progression, that this was as far as I would go.

Marketing Manager, Watford Palace Theatre (2001 – 2003)
My move to Watford was very much a side step, a change that brought a very welcome pay rise and the opportunity to work for the subsidised sector. What I didn’t realise was the imminent plan to shut the theatre for two years and refurbish it.

Marketing Manager, Theatre Royal Windsor (1999 – 2001)
My time in sales had shown me that although it was satisfying being on the receiving end of the work of the marketing team, what I really wanted was to be creating the reason for audiences to pick up the phone and make a booking.

Box Office Manager, Theatre Royal Windsor (1997 – 1999)
The Theatre Royal re-reopened in January 1997 under the auspices of Bill Kenwright. When the new Box Office Manager pulled out leaving a vacancy, I stepped in.

Box Office Assistant/Telephonist /Administrative Assistant, Theatre Royal Windsor (1993 – 1996)
Two months after leaving university with a history degree and having already built a relationship with the theatre, I landed my first full-time role as a Telephonist/ Administrative Assistant. It was certainly not my dream job but it was a job, and in an environment I adored, the theatre. Within a year I had transferred to the Box Office. But in 1996 the theatre closed making its entire workforce redundant.

Usher and Bar Staff, Theatre Royal Windsor (1992 –1993)
Ushering at the Theatre Royal as a casual employee turned out to be that all important role which launched my life in the performing arts, the first of many which have helped shape my career.