Trailblazers and leaders: Khristen Craft

Khristen Craft | Membership and Events Manager | Soho House & Co

How did you get into comms?

It all started from applying for events assistant at Soho House & Co. As I went through the interview process they realised skills in me that I probably knew I had, but had no idea that I could successfully apply for other roles with the same set of skills. They told me that Events Assistant wasn't the role for me and took me through the recruitment process of a Membership Manager.

What does an average day look like?

I'm ultimately responsible for the wellbeing of the members, which means I have to have knowledge and be able to operate in every department. Also means if a department can not resolve any issues they have with members it'll be escalated to me and I'll deal with it. So I'm constantly up and down on site talking to different people, both members and staff, and solving their problems.

For many in our industry home and professional lives have blurred during the pandemic, tell us one thing you learned about yourself/your profession?

Before the pandemic I thought my profession was one of the most secure as people will always need event managers and then subsequently their skills. The pandemic showed me that was not necessarily the case. Even though event managers were definitely still needed, the majority of us had to learn new skills in order to operate in digital spaces and for many it was a very big challenge. I learned that I am way more resilient than I thought I was and I can work under immense pressure. I also realised that I am a survivor, word to Beyonce.

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

NEVER CHANGE. I used to think to myself that I made so many mistakes when I was younger, not that I regretted them but I thought about what could have been If I had done something different. Now I've realised that was all a part of the journey, I always had a bigger plan and where I am now is far ahead of where I actually thought I would be, so how can I complain. I just have to give thanks to God as he always knew what was in store for me.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started working in comms?

How good of a department it is. For me this is a dream come true, I wouldn't change this for anything!

What’s your greatest achievement to date?

Organising the protest for George Floyd in Hyde Park without a doubt. To do something for a cause much bigger than myself is always humbling.

What do you think is one of the biggest challenges facing the comms/marketing/influencer industry today?

There is a lack of innovation. Marketing is probably exempt from this statement, but the rest are following trends and not setting them.

What’s the key skill you think a successful comms/marketeer requires?

Knowing your audience and being able to locate and target your next audience, with swiftness.