Trailblazers and leaders: Claire Quansah
Claire Quansah | Head of Client & Business Development | Social
How did you get into marketing/comms?
For as long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated by the power of communications and how, if used effectively, it can have a real impact on people. From persuading them to take action or changing their view on an issue. At university, I was always the person who loved to debate and take the more challenging side just to see if I could make an impact, but never really knew where those skills would apply in the real world (outside of law, which definitely wasn’t for me).
So after a bit of research, I decided that PR might be for me and I successfully got a place on the graduate training scheme at Golin. It was such a good experience to join the agency at a time when it was growing quickly as it meant I was able to gain so many different skills and work with some brilliant people. I was lucky enough to work with some amazing brands like Oracle, EMC, Orange, Tetra Pak, and St Ambulance.
What is something that you do every day without fail?
Read and watch the news. It’s always important to know what’s going on in the world around you and to see how it’s being covered by different outlets.
What is the best piece of advice that you’ve received? And who gave it to you?
Growing up, my mum would always tell us ‘nobody is better than you’. Regardless of their fancy job title, or expensive things, it doesn’t make them a better person. I went to a high school where I was surrounded by a lot of wealth and privilege, but that mindset really stopped me from feeling less worthy and proud of who I am. I’ve certainly taken this into my professional life too as I find I’m not easily intimidated by too many people.
What is a tool/hack that you would recommend to anyone starting out in PR/Comms/Marketing?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make connections. I don’t really like the term ‘networking’, but there’s no harm in trying to meet new people and maybe learn from each other. Even after some 17 years in the industry I find that there are plenty of people out there still willing to have a quick chat if they can help you to understand something better.
What’s your greatest achievement to date?
I’ll always say that I’m proud of myself for being a Black woman and mother in a senior role. I embraced motherhood quite early in my career, at a time when flexible or
part-time working wasn’t really ‘a thing’ and I didn’t know of many other Black women in the sector. So I had to learn to juggle quite quickly, not only for my own career progression but so as not to let the side down (if I’m completely honest). Thankfully I’ve gone on to have an enjoyable and varied career, working with some brilliant brands and clients, whilst still being able to attend assemblies and swimming lessons etc.
Is there a particular comms campaign that you’ve seen in your career that you didn’t work on but wish you had?
‘Long Live the Prince’ for the Kiyan Prince foundation was such a powerful way to tell a story and raise money for an important cause. It worked strategically, creatively, and emotionally. And as the mother of football lovers, it was the perfect tribute to a talented young man. Everyone involved should be forever proud of themselves.
What’s the key skill you think a successful PR/comms/marketing pro requires?
Always try to understand the business view or the bigger picture. Rushing into creative ideas and tactics can distract you from what the business is actually trying to achieve. Sometimes the best ideas aren’t deemed a success because they didn’t achieve the business goal.
In three words, describe your approach to your role/work?
Flexibility, listening, curiosity.
What’s a question every PR/marketing pro should ask themselves?
Always ask “why?”. Why are going in a particular direction, why does it make sense for this particular brand or business, why do our customers do X and not Y.
