Knowledge exchange: ‘It’s so exciting seeing a project from ideation to completion’

Working in-house at Tao Group Hospitality helps these marketing colleagues thrive in their roles

 

Alix Pickard, director of marketing, Tao Group Hospitality

 

How long have you worked in hospitality?

 

I’ve worked in hospitality for 19 years, starting out PR agency side at the wonderful Mason Rose, managing press for beautiful hotels such as the Ritz Carlton, Gstaad Palace, the Mark hotel, the Hempel, La Mamounia and Royal Mansour, among others.

 

What’s the best part of your job?

 

Working in-house gives access to every part of the restaurant. There is nothing more exciting and satisfying than seeing a project from idea inception to completion, working with each individual department along the way.

 

What advice would you share with those early in their careers?

 

Read as much as possible. Meet as many people as possible: your little black book is integral to a successful – and interesting – career. You never know how you may be able to help each other along the journey.

 

Who has been your best mentor and why?

 

I’ve had so many. Natasha Robinson was my first boss and ignited my passion for food and travel; Claire Ashman, whose love and knowledge of all things brand is unrivalled; Andrew Jobes, who fixed a commercial head on my shoulders. My father is my longest-standing and greatest work mentor, always there with the soundest and wisest advice.

 

Have you mentored younger people joining the industry?

 

Absolutely. We’ve had numerous interns in our marketing department who I’ve taken great joy in mentoring and helping spread their wings.

 

What have you learned from younger colleagues?

 

The main thing I’m seeing at the moment is a boldness: they’re unafraid to ask questions, to ask for feedback, and to speak up. That’s incredibly important in a noisy industry…

 

What do you think working with a diverse age-range of people brings to your workplace?

 

Joy and profit. Joy, because diversity is what makes life interesting. And profit, because bringing different experience from various stages in life allows us to achieve – and surpass – our goals.

 

Lauren Dodds, marketing manager, Tao Group Hospitality

 

How long have you worked in hospitality?

 

I’ve worked in the hospitality industry for five years. I always knew I wanted to be in marketing and work with luxury brands since school. Following my degree in business management and marketing, I went into marketing for beauty brands, which I loved. However, after four years, it was time for a change and I decided to follow my other true passion, food and drink, and I have never looked back.

 

How did you get into the industry?

 

My first role in the industry was with English sparkling wine brand Nyetimber, as trade marketing manager. I joined at a really exciting time, when English sparkling wine was being recognised for its quality across the globe and as a producer, Nyetimber was making real headway in the premium sparkling wine category. I managed some incredible activations and campaigns, some of which are still some of my proudest achievements.

 

What’s the best part of your job?

 

Working across different brands, with distinctive and unique identities, and being able to bring the brand essence to life through a variety of activations. It’s so exciting seeing a project from ideation to completion and so satisfying seeing guests and the team enjoying the result.

 

Who’s inspired you most since joining the industry and why?

 

I worked with a fabulous lady called Meredith O’Shaughnessy, whose innovative creative thinking and energy was second to none, and we created some amazing experiences for luxury drinks brands together. I have also learnt so much from Alix, who is also hugely inspiring. Her incredible network and clear, strategic vision has enabled us to execute some fantastic partnerships and really drive projects forward.

 

What have you learned from more experienced colleagues?

 

Always have a clear plan; talking to people is far better than mass email threads; stay calm and strong and do what you love!

 

What do you think working with a diverse age-range of people brings to your workplace?

 

A wealth of experience, dynamic energy and innovative thinking. It’s a vital ingredient for success.