What do you enjoy the most about working at Spreckley?
Working at Spreckley has given me the chance to work across a variety of different sectors and industries. I used to work in-house and I found it quite restrictive, so this definitely keeps it interesting.
Now I get to try my hand at a few different things which I think is important, especially as I am still in the early stages of my career.
And I also love the team, I felt very welcomed when I joined and it’s been great so far.
How did you hear about Spreckley and why did you want to join?
I was recruited via May and Stephens which I think is the case for most people on the team. I already had some experience in B2B tech and knew that it was an area I enjoyed working in. As I’ve mentioned, I also knew I wanted to be back at an agency.
Secondly, first impressions count a lot and I really enjoyed the interviews I had with Sean (Spreckley’s favourite Mancunian account director). It was a fairly seamless process that only took two weeks.
I once interviewed for a job at a well-known media organisation and was left waiting more than a month and a half for any kind of answer or feedback. I ended up clocking out of the process, but Spreckley didn’t waste any time and wanted me to join as soon as I could.
What’s been the most exciting PR campaign you’ve worked on and why?
I’ve only been here for about six months so that’s a hard one to answer. I do some work across a number of accounts that focus on renewables and net zero which I’ve loved. It’s great having the chance to talk about the topics that matter and where the values align with my own. It makes it much easier to write for them when you already have an interest in the things they’re striving to achieve.
At my previous job, I worked on a campaign for a whitepaper about the state of management in the UK. We did research with YouGov and planned a six-month PR campaign that led to a range of amazing results, including coverage in broadcast and national press. That whitepaper was an endless source of content and it was a joy to work on.
What was your first job?
My first real job was when I was at university in Liverpool. I moved over from Portugal, where I grew up. I did some hospitality work for an agency, waitressing and bartending at various events around the city. My first ever shift was behind the bar at Aintree races, serving lots of people that were all having a great time. I also did a few shifts at Anfield and a couple of Christmas parties.
If you weren’t in PR, what would you be doing instead?
I have two answers. If I wasn’t afraid of blood I’d like to be a vet. I love animals and always said when I was younger that I wanted to work with them, but my stomach couldn’t handle it and it didn’t work out. I don’t think I’d be able to cope with imparting sad news either.
Beyond that, I have always had an interest in video production and have some experience video editing. I’d love to work in the film industry. I did some modules at uni that were related to film and video editing. But then I also did some work in public relations which is how I ended up here.
Tell us one thing about you that surprises people?
I used to dance. I did dance for about 10 years, covering everything from ballet to contemporary. We’d even choreograph our own stuff. I lived in a small town in Portugal and once a year they’d let us do a showcase in the local theatre. We planned all the costumes, lighting and staging ourselves which was an incredible experience.
I haven’t danced since I moved to the UK for uni though. Maybe one day I’ll pick it up again but I’m probably too stiff now.
What’s your favourite thing to do outside of work?
I love music and spend a lot of time planning to attend or attending concerts and music festivals. Most of my travel plans are based around music actually. I recently went to Lollapalooza in India to see Green Day and Louis Tomlinson. Last year I went to Pinkpop in the Netherlands. I’ve travelled around Portugal a lot going to the various festivals too.
I haven’t got any trips in the diary at the moment but I’m going to see Pitbull this year at the O2. I’ve seen clips of his concerts online and they look like a really great time, so I had to be there.
I want to go to BST Hyde Park to see Olivia Rodrigo if I can but unfortunately haven’t managed to get tickets yet. Robbie Williams is playing in London too.
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
To be earnest quickly, my grandparents. They played a big part in my upbringing.
Other than that, it would have to be One Direction. I learnt English by learning the lyrics to their songs and watching their interviews. They probably brainwashed me into moving to the UK. I’ve met a few of them but Louis was always my favourite. I still make sure I’m at his solo shows.
What’s your go-to lunch on Leather Lane?
I go to Ptooch a lot. They do a lot of middle eastern inspired food. It’s one of those places where you pick your size and buy a box, then fill it with whatever you want. It was originally £5 but it’s just gone up to £5.50 which is still great value for money. They have a good mix of everything and you can walk out with something different every time.
You can fill up the box as much as you like as long as you’re able to close the lid. I’ve never seen anyone push the limits too far before. We all behave ourselves.
What’s something you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before?
I’d like to jump out of an aeroplane. I’m not an adrenaline junkie but I’m partial to a thrill. I like rollercoasters and jumping out of a plane seems like the next logical step.
I’ll settle for bungee jumping. I know there’s a place in Portugal that offers it but I’ve no idea where I can do it in the UK. I know a few people that have done it there and they’ve all had good experiences. It’s cheaper back home anyway. Everything is cheaper back home.
Favourite quote
It’s a line from a poem by Fernando Pessoa in Portuguese: ‘Tudo vale a pena quando a alma não e pequena’
It literally translates as ‘Everything is worth it when the soul is not small.’ To me, it kind of means as long as you have a big heart and an open mind then anything you try is worthwhile. It’s something my grandmother used to say to me. And I like that it rhymes.