Clara Bertrand
Clara is a Brand Marketing Manager at Pictet - a leading Swiss private bank
Location: London, UK (originally from France)
Title: Brand Marketing Manager
Company: Pictet
Sector: Financial Services
Degree: MA Marketing and Online Media from ESCP Business, BA in Communication, Corporate Communications, and Media Studies from IE University
How does your usual day look like?
I set my alarm for 7:30am and leave for the office around 8:20am, heading towards Moorgate. During my commute, I usually take care of personal errands and mentally prepare for the tasks ahead.
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At 9 am, I begin my day by checking emails and reviewing morning meetings. In the afternoon, I prefer to allocate time to projects that require concentration, writing, or creativity. The nature of these projects can vary greatly, but I often collaborate with graphic designers, film producers, and writers.
By around 5 pm, I wind down and sometimes meet up with friends for a drink in the city or attend networking events with my colleagues from work.
What are the things you like the most about your job?
The creativity, the entrepreneurial mindset that comes with it, meeting exceptional personalities and working with smart individuals.
What are some of the skills you utilise the most in your day-to-day at work?
Planning and being organised. As well as listening to others. Reading the room and staying curious and humble.
What was one of your happiest days in your career and why?
It was a day in Geneva Switzerland when I got to travel with my former manager, and we had an entire day of meetings together and really cool projects that involved senior individuals in the company. It was fun because I got to share it with a colleague that I absolutely love working with, and sharing those moments with someone is even more precious.
What was the toughest career decision you ever made?
Choosing whether a member of the team should remain or leave.
What is something you had to learn to become better at your work?
Containing your emotions and not to take things personally. It is business.
How did you get to become a Brand Marketing Manager?
I started off as a social media officer but slowly the projects I started taking on required more time and project management. I had to give up some of my responsibilities to focus on my objectives.
What's the one piece of career advice you have for anyone interested in following your footsteps?
Research the company you want to work in as company culture and team members is perhaps 80% of what will make you happy in your job.
What's your number one productivity hack / when or how are you most effective?
I am most productive in the afternoon with a glass of wine or when I am left alone and no one is bothering me in the office.
What makes you gracefullyBOLD?
Patience and keeping the eye on the ball.
How do you spend your weekend or downtimes?
Going for brunches with my friends, play tennis with my boyfriend, or go on a weekend get way in the countryside of England. I always switch off my work phone.
How do you deal with stress and build resilience?
Having a trusted person, typically my bf or father to talk to as they always give the best advice.
What would have been your alternative career path or alternative University degree?
Becoming a doctor in heart surgery.
What's one of the last things you learnt?
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, isn’t true. When there’s a will there’s always a way.
If you could time-travel and meet any leader, who/where would that be?
Simone Veil (read more about her here), or Napoleon.
One word answers & quick fire round. Let's go!
Your superpower: Persuasiveness.
Favourite restaurant: Les Editeurs , Paris Odeon, France.
Favourite fashion brand: Max Mara (but can't buy it just yet).
Favourite beauty product: La Mer.
Favourite perfume: Chloe Nomad.
Book recommendation: 'How to own the Room' by Viv Groskop.
Next holiday destination: Southern Spain.
Your hobby: Horse riding.
Who inspires you: My mom and dad.
Thank you Clara for sharing your journey & wisdom with us!
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