In this series on Chief Nation, we’re shining the spotlight on our esteemed colleagues. We’re a diverse group of talented, hardworking individuals contributing to an exceptional culture. So, who are the people behind the faces that greet us every day over Teams and in the office? We take a look at the stories, both before and after joining Chief Nation, of some of our best and brightest.
Today, we chat to Andrea Garcia, one of our brilliant Digital Campaign Managers. Here’s a little about her journey so far at Chief Nation.
“At Chief Nation, I see a lot that I can still do within my role. I’d like to do more as part of the wellbeing team and in other engagement groups. I’d also like to do more with regards to delivery and explore some of the exciting new products we’re working on.”
— Andrea Garcia, Digital Campaign Manager
A continental leap of faith
“When I arrived in the UK, I did degrees in Business Studies and did my Masters in International Business Studies, but back in Colombia I’d already studied Marketing and Advertising, more along the creative side of things.
“When I moved here, about 15 years ago, I barely knew any English, so I had to learn that. During my studies I had so many part time jobs, many of which were in cafes and restaurants, like everyone does. After studying my BA, I also worked for a charity called Thames21, who helped promote cleanups during the 2012 London Olympics.
“My first big job here, before moving into marketing full time, was at an optician. I started as an assistant in their labs. Occasionally, I’d have to call customers to tell them about delays with their orders, which they were often not happy about. Imagine dealing with that not understanding English well, I had to use a script! From there, I moved into management roles, which I quite enjoyed, because I got to know a different side of the business.
“From there I moved into my first marketing role at Marcus Evans. One of my bosses there gave me my first real chance in marketing, and I’m so grateful that they saw my potential. That was also my first experience with online events, moving there during the first lockdown.
“Moving from abroad also makes it a bit more difficult, especially when you’re looking for a role that requires you to write, requires you to read, to talk to clients. I feel you’re quite often overlooked.”
Becoming a Chief
“I left my previous job because I couldn’t see any progression for myself there. I wanted to progress very quickly, and sometimes that means stepping away to find something else. It was also an opportunity to learn more about the digital aspect of marketing, which is why I thought Chief Nation would be a good fit for me. When I started, I went straight into a Digital to Human™ (D2H) campaign, so I got to learn a lot, specifically the work we do on LinkedIn and working with the Content Team. Chief Nation also looked like a great small agency, and the perks were a nice touch, too.
“When I started my role as Digital Campaign Manager by taking over in the middle of a D2H, for IBM, it was both incredibly interesting and challenging. I’m finishing up my second D2H, this time with Sitecore, while managing end-to-end campaigns for our Chief Wine Officer events as well.
“I definitely feel more confident managing D2H campaigns now. Before I felt like I was just following instructions, but now, after starting the Sitecore and EPAM D2H, I’m able to help shape it and understand why I’m doing things a certain way.
“At Chief Nation, I see a lot that I can still do within my role. I’d like to do more as part of the wellbeing team and in other engagement groups. I’d also like to do more with regards to delivery and explore some of the exciting new products we’re working on.”
“I’m really grateful for feeling like I belong, which can be extremely difficult as an immigrant. I also feel that there’s a certain level of respect here that I really enjoy. We’ve got so many people from so many places here, I love it.”
— Andrea Garcia, Digital Campaign Manager
Loving the culture
“Coming from a very corporate environment before, it was instantly obvious how young and vibrant the culture felt at Chief Nation. Personally, I tend to be a bit square and serious, something extremely useful in many situations, but I really enjoy seeing my colleagues. Whenever we’re together, there’s a willingness to take shared breaks, go for a coffee, get a snack, and that comradery has been amazing. I’ve managed to make close friends here and being a person who can sometimes be closed off, and naturally anxious with all that it brings, meeting up with people at work relaxes me and gets me out of my own head.
“Everyone is just so friendly and so welcoming.
“I’m also very happy with the way Chief Nation is actively trying to bring in more diversity. Personally, I really struggled with this when I moved to the UK; it even got to the point where I thought having a ‘strange’ surname was why I wasn’t getting called back for job opportunities. I hope Chief Nation continues building this wonderful, diverse group of people we have.
“Going forwards, I also want to continue working on the mental health side of things for as long as possible.
“I’m really grateful for feeling like I belong, which can be extremely difficult as an immigrant. I also feel that there’s a certain level of respect here that I really enjoy. We’ve got so many people from so many places here, I love it.”
Are you a Chief in waiting?
Being a Chief means you’re constantly striving to bring industry giants together to drive business forward. At Chief Nation, we’re always looking for new talent to help us broaden our ambitions.
If you’re passionate about B2B marketing, love the idea of a four-day work week, two office pups, competitive benefits, regular staff socials, and hybrid work as standard, Chief Nation might be just the place for you.
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