Have you got amazing directional skills? Can you keep calm under extreme pressure and deadlines? Are you able to organise a team of people to produce maximum productivity? Have you answered yes to all of the questions?
If so its time that you meet Sade Salami, Managing Director of Fresh Strawberry. Working in an extremely busy and competitive environment, Sade tells us how to steal her job.
Name: Sade Salami
Job title: Managing Director
Company: Fresh Strawberry
What does your job role entail?
So, there’s several layers to the roles of my ‘job’. Essentially my company, Fresh Strawberry, manages and produces events for Google, where we are based – I know, we’re very lucky! My job as MD is quite varied and most of my time is spent delegating, planning and overseeing the general operations of the company. Last year we ventured into the online world independently and produced a reality series called Status London, so as you can imagine, my role has quadrupled in the last year, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Describe your working day or week?
My day usually starts at 6am. Depending on whether it’s an event day or not, it could be a 5am start – it really just depends… Once I’m up I’ll start on my to do list for the day then head into work where I’ll grab breakfast before getting into it.
On non-event days, sometimes the whole day will literally be blocked out with back-to-back meetings – usually to consult or advise on the event planning process and lots of decision-making (that’s why breakfast is important). On actual event days, depending on the scale of the event I’ll dip in to oversee that everything is going smoothly and ensure that everything is being delivered and most importantly, that the client is happy.
What key skills do you need to do your job?
As with most jobs, communication is key, except in Events it’s absolutely crucial to have strong skill set, both verbal and written. I’d also say that time-management, being able to work under pressure, strong organisational skills and being a team player are all very necessary.
What made you decide to go for this job role?
Funnily enough, the position I started at didn’t initially exist, so it was basically created out of a need for the role. When I first started I knew very little about the corporate side of events management, but the demands of the department allowed me to demonstrate (okay, show off) my natural skills – organisation, management etc and so you could say the role was created by me. This is something I like to encourage in my team and to those I mentor. If something is broke, fix it, find a solution…you never know what opportunities will come from it, or vocation.
Best part of your job?
For me, it’s the satisfaction of being able to execute something and see the results in a short period of time, then doing it all over again! I like to get things done, and see plans come to fruition…oh, and it’s pretty cool when the client is super happy too, of course.
Worst part of your job?
I genuinely can’t think of an answer to this one…I love my work! I’ll have to come back to it, sorry….
Most memorable moment at work?
Working on the Google’s Top Black Talent was cool. It was really rewarding to work on the project because you could see that the programme had a positive impact on the career paths of the mentees who took part.
If I’m choosing a course to study, what type of course suits this job best?
To be honest, it’s more about the mindset than the qualification. If you do want to study Events Management, that’s brilliant – but I’d say that experience is the biggest teacher and you can learn so much nowadays through apprenticeships.
Does work experience really help you to get the dream job?
I can’t stress how important it is to get out there and get experience in what it is that you think you’d like to do – that way, you get a first-hand personal account of what it’d be like in the actual role. Not to mention that It looks very impressive on your CV and shows that you are committed.
Give us a tip on how to steal your job.
The number one thing I always tell me team is to never assume. Even our motto is ‘we listen, we create, we deliver’. Don’t make stuff up either – think with the end-user in mind. It’s also about working smart and finding solutions – new, innovative ways or systems to make your work easier and more effective. Just seriously staying on top of your game.
Follow Sade on twitter @SadeSalami
