Next up in our Getting to Know You series is Laura Porter managing director, proud Northerner and an invaluable member of the management team. Laura’s role includes jobs throughout the entire business spanning fiance, sales, recruitment and HR.
But obviously, you only want to find out whether she approves of pineapple on pizza. Find out more about Laura and the projects she works on at Chief Nation below!
Laura Porter: MD by day, party animal by night.
You’re a Managing Director here at Chief Nation. Could you tell us what this means for you and your team?
I am one of the MD’s alongside Craig and Richard. As an MD of a small business, it’s very hands on and you cover every job… Sales, recruitment, finance, resourcing, HR – you name it! My main focus is to make sure we achieve what we set out in our business plan. But if the staff, customers and suppliers are happy, you’re halfway there!
Walk us through your average day.
I’m an early riser and right now we’re in lockdown, so I’ve been at my computer for 8am most days – which suits me perfectly! I like to start off reviewing my to-do list and catching up on emails, then it’s checking in with the teams and catching up with the management crew. Afternoons are spent speaking with clients, scheduling in work and liaising with suppliers and staff. At the moment my box room has been transformed in to a CWO : DIGITAL studio, so you’ll sometimes see me there in the evening taking part in an event.
Curveball: favourite movie and why?
SISTER ACT – It brings back the happiest memories of my childhood. I watched it every week with my Gran. I was due to see Whoopi play Deloris Van Carter in the West End in August but it’s now postponed until August 2021!
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
In the wake of COVID-19, we had to pivot our entire event programme over to virtual events. There was a lot of work to be done in a short space of time, but we did it! We’ve now launched CWO : DIGITAL in the UK, US, Netherlands, France and Sweden, with 60+ events confirmed in the 2020 calendar.
And the most rewarding part?
Working with the team! I love agency life and the vibe in the office – we work hard and have a laugh. I miss going to the office every day! Right now we should be having meetings on our sunny roof terrace.
If you were a wine, what would you be?
One of my favourite places on earth is the South of France – especially the Languedoc region. With that in mind, I’ll be a delicious glass of sparkling of Mauzac (a grape almost exclusive to Limoux) please!
Do you have any hobbies? How do you unwind at the weekend?
I can’t unwind unless I’m organised so mornings are spent doing chores, cooking & keeping fit. After noon, I’m ready for fun – socialising with friends and family is always at the top of my list. I don’t like the party to end!
Languedoc, South of France – Laura’s getaway
Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?
No. Unless I’m hangry, then OK.
What’s been your biggest accomplishment at Chief Nation?
This year saw me become co-owner of Chief Nation – the agency I love!
Finally, what’s your favourite drink?
Have you got a pen? I could go on for days! Let’s cap it at my top 5, shall we?
- Wine – I wouldn’t be a great advocate for CWO if this wasn’t top of the list! I love working with our wine speakers and suppliers, my appreciation and knowledge of wine grows more and more.
- Lager – Nothing beats a cold pint in an iced glass on a hot day, nothing!
- Coffee – Can’t start my day without it – 2 glorious cups per day.
- G+T – I adore gin and tonic. It is my Mum’s drink and the first alcoholic drink I fell in love with. You also can’t beat a gin-based martini. Heaven!
- Water – The Daddy of all beverages…
