Lucy has more than 16 years’ experience in developing multi-channel, integrated communications strategies and is responsible for leading Kekst CNC’s global digital offer.
Alongside her broader corporate and digital capabilities, she has direct experience in helping individuals build their personal profiles and has developed and executed credible employee advocacy initiatives within key financial and corporate institutions.
I’ve been lucky to have spent my entire career in digital communications. I’ve navigated through the ever-changing algorithms, new emerging platforms (and demise of others), new data sets, new available insights – as well as data restrictions and misinformation and the rise of fake news. It’s these changes that have kept us on our toes as communications advisors and it’s these changes that have led me to genuinely love my job. I feel very fortunate to wake up every day and look forward to finding data-led solutions to the challenges and opportunities faced by corporates and individuals who are trying to manage their own reputations in an ever changing, digitally enabled, digitally driven world.
For the past six years, I have been at Kekst CNC, a leading global strategic communications consultancy part of Publicis Groupe. I am a Partner here and also responsible for leading the digital and insights expertise across our 12 offices. And so, while based in London (and a very proud Londoner), I work with various markets and cultures across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US.
I didn’t have a pre-defined plan as such, but I definitely had a moment early on when I had a clear choice. I had the opportunity to apply either to an events role or a digital one and that decision was helped by a colleague in Boston who ended up being one of my first digital comms mentors. He taught me everything I knew at the beginning of my digital career, and it helped cement my interest in online behaviour, search engine optimisation, data analytics etc.
Since then, my career path has often been paved by influential people – in fact, mostly by colleagues who have inspired me directly or indirectly and helped to make decisions, be interested and ask the right questions.
Honestly, I am not aware of any major career challenges – which makes me either potentially naive or very lucky! But I do strongly believe that you need to have a level of responsibility in your own course of direction, and I’ve worked very hard to try to own that where I can. Even during times earlier in my career where I didn’t feel supported or my voice listened to, I was able to recognise it and put steps in place to acknowledge that a change needed to happen.
I also recognise that career paths should never be set in stone. Sometimes it takes a lot of courage and self-reflection to put changes in place. I once heard an impressive female CEO say that career paths aren’t linear, especially as a woman and especially if you become a parent. But that’s okay.
I am incredibly proud to be (and to be seen as) a senior advisor both to clients and colleagues. To be able to impart trusted advice every day and have an impact is what keeps me motivated.
In terms of a key moment? I was promoted to Partner in September 2020, in the midst of the pandemic and an unsettling, challenging year. I felt very proud of that achievement.
Having the right mind-set and specifically, being enthusiastic, passionate and motivated. You really do need to find the thing (or things) that give you that feeling of self-reward. Give yourself a goal of where you want to get to, but importantly give yourself a goal on how you will get there.
I take that responsibility seriously and have various regular, consistent touchpoints with female colleagues in particular, to help provide guidance where I can. I see these informal catch ups as a great opportunity for me to also listen and learn and to take feedback on ways of working.
Mentoring within the workplace should be a two-way thing. As mentors (officially or unofficially), you should also be looking to get better, to learn and develop. I think reverse mentoring is an underused approach in general.
Better fertility education and accessibility. As a woman in my late 30s who hasn’t had children, I have spent a large part of my career struggling with making decisions and facing choices when it comes to managing the dynamic between motherhood and a career. Can women have it all? Can we have the education, the life experiences, the career, the family? In reality, I don’t know. But I do know that our choices could become a lot easier if we were able to also manage the tick tock-ing of our biological clock.
For example, If I had the option in my early twenties (with both the necessary financial and emotional support), to freeze my eggs, I think that the process of making life choices would have been different. The outcome may very well have been the same, but perhaps the journey to get there less pressured.
Egg freezing may seem like the extreme side of the scale, but I do believe that if we want to empower women and achieve gender equality then we need to talk about our fertility more openly and make options more accessible.
To always remember the value of relationship building – networks, colleagues, clients, within the industry.
At Kekst CNC, we are always striving to challenge the norm when it comes to the application of smart insights and data. This is an ongoing challenge that we set ourselves and something I am personally very passionate about.
If I can help contribute to our continued innovation and empower our global colleagues along in this journey, I will be happy.
May
19may18:0020:30The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business | WBS
19/05/2025 18:00 - 20:30(GMT+01:00)
WBS at the Shard
London, SE1 9SG
This is your chance to engage in powerful dialogue and spark meaningful change in your professional sphere. After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries
After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries over drinks and canapés, against the vibrant backdrop of London.
This event is held annually in collaboration with our partners We are the City, Women Engineering Society, Forte, City Women Network and 30% Chair; We are delighted to welcome a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Dr Dawn Eubanks – Associate Professor of Behavioural Science & EI and Panel Chair
Rukasana Bhaijee – Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times. A DEI leader with over 13 years of experience across media, technology, professional services, and higher education. Formerly led DEI for Google’s EMEA tech division and consulted at EY, Rukasana brings deep expertise in strategy, race equity, and inclusive culture change.
Geraldine Gallacher – CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy, author of Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person, and City Women Network Board member.
Mark Swain – WBS Client Director & Executive Coach, and Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute. With over 20 years experience in leadership development Mark has developed a framework supporting Women in Strategy.
Ben Evans – New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis, ED&I Advocate and Warwick MBA Alumnus (2013)
Together, they’ll share their invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences in fostering fairness and driving success in today’s dynamic and changing corporate landscape.
Key Topics Include:
Whether you’re a mid-career professional, an established leader, or an entrepreneur passionate about shaping the future of fairness, this event will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Free
21may12:0013:00Master the Art of Incredible Interviews | WeAreTheCity & City CV
21/05/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present a
Do interviews leave you feeling uneasy, underprepared or unsure of how to showcase your best self? Are you stuck in a loop of missed opportunities, wondering how to stand out and seal the deal? You’re not the only one. On average, people apply for 27 roles before they land just one interview.
But don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Whether it’s been years since your last interview, you’re chasing a promotion or new role, or simply trying to stay sharp, this free one-hour masterclass will give you the edge to win your next role. Your interview isn’t just a conversation – it’s a marketing pitch where you’re the product. Discover how to demonstrate your value, convince employers you’re the best investment they can make, and leave them thinking, “We’d be foolish not to hire you.”
In this jam-packed session, Victoria McLean, Founder & CEO of City CV, guides you through the art of wowing interviewers. With a proven track record of helping people at all career levels secure their dream roles, Victoria brings decades of expertise, countless success stories and award-winning career strategies to the table.
What you’ll learn:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
23may10:0012:00Online* Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop FREE | Karen Ellis - Postnatal Recovery Expert
23/05/2025 10:00 - 12:00(GMT+01:00)
With former Midwife, Karen Ellis. *Available on replay. Exactly how to rebuild strength in your pelvic floor after pregnancy. All the information you should have got from
All the information you should have got from your midwife about how to recover your pelvic floor PROPERLY after having a baby and how to exercise SAFELY so you can smile with excitement and enjoy the moment when your toddler takes your hand and pulls you towards the bouncy castle instead of the feeling of dread taking over as you decline their invitation.
You are a mum who;
And so you can have dry knickers!
Free