Article by Natalie Trice, Senior PR Director, Fox Agency
However, the world of work has carried on and while career paths might not have gone to plan, that doesn’t mean that progression and positive change can’t happen, because they can.
Looking back over the past 22 months, I’m a world away from where I imagined I would be before Covid hit, in a really good way. Like many of my peers, the path hasn’t been straight forward, and if I’m totally honest, not every step has been easy.
No one could have predicted the impact of Covid, including me. One day I was in back-to-back meetings, with a portfolio of clients who were in the press day in day out, and the next my inbox was full of emails putting the breaks on projects people could no longer afford. Panic set in, pivoting became the norm for every small business owner, and life went into free fall.
On reflection, this gave me the time to reassess my career and consider what made me happy, what parts of my work gave me the most satisfaction, and what I really wanted to do. As I walked on the beach with my dog during that sacred hour of freedom we were given and spent time with my kids in between home schooling sessions, it dawned on me that I missed being part of a team. I craved being around people with whom I could exchange ideas and brainstorm creative campaigns, as well as sharing the experience and skills I’ve gained from 24 years in the world of PR.
As with most things, change didn’t happen overnight, but as I write this piece today my career has taken a turn for the better, and my new team at Fox Agency is awesome.
As well as working with innovative global, tech brands, I am now part of a bunch of incredibly talented people who are building careers in PR and who I know have huge ambition and limitless potential. I always say that PR isn’t ER, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t constantly juggling multiple deadlines, meeting KPIs and exceeding expectations (often our own), which can be stressful, but it is also exhilarating when you smash targets and see results in the press. I want to ensure that the Fox Agency PR team not only have the skills and resources they need to do their jobs, but that they also have the confidence and resilience that are vital when collaborating with multiple stakeholders and the media day in and day out.
I am loving being part of a team who deliver greatness, which is what we do at Fox Agency, so if you are thinking of starting anew in 2022, don’t let the pandemic put you off, rather, let this be an opportunity to see what’s out there.
This is a great starting point, and it can be a hard question to answer honestly. Yes, you might hate where you are, but your partner has been made redundant and you have to pay the bills. It could be that you love your job, but your boss is a nightmare and is constantly putting you down, or your colleagues are using WFH as an excuse to not pull their weight. Whatever is going on, make a list of what you love, what isn’t so good, and what your dream career looks like. You may finally feel confident enough to be a manager, you might decide to retrain as a teacher, or you may have realised that as a budding entrepreneur, the 9-5 grind isn’t your bag and it’s time to fly solo. Be honest because that is the only way you will be able to truly move ahead, and once doubt is put to one side, it’s amazing where your ideas and ambitions can take you.
When is the last time you looked at your CV? I know that when I was applying for new roles, I had to dig mine out, dust it down, and update it to reflect who I was and what I’d done. I’m not saying you need to put in every task you do at the moment, or the first Saturday job you had, but adding those extra details could set you apart and open doors that may otherwise have stayed shut. Maybe mentoring junior members of staff during lockdown has strengthened your team, the side-hustle you started in 2021 is really taking off, or it could be that you’ve been key to your company securing new business at a time when the competition is failing. Don’t rush this exercise, you get one chance to make a good impression, so take your time, and ensure your CV stands out for all the right reasons.
Depending on what you want to do next, there will be people you already know who could help your dreams become a reality. ‘I’m looking for a new job’ might not be the best post for social media if your boss is following you, but if you do it the right way, you can start networking today. From asking for references and testimonials, to contacting past bosses and colleagues and letting them know you are looking for a new role, there’s an entire world out there waiting to help you start anew.
The question is, are you brave enough to make it happen for you in 2022?
July
10jul17:3023:00Rising Star Awards Ceremony 2025
10/07/2025 17:30 - 23:00(GMT+00:00)
The Londoner Hotel
38 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DX
Now in their eleventh year, the Rising Star Awards continue
Now in their eleventh year, the Rising Star Awards continue to be the first to spotlight the achievements of women below the Senior Management or Director level – showcasing the female talent pipeline and the next generation of future leaders.
The awards also recognise the efforts of senior leaders who champion gender equality and put the spotlight on a “company of the year” that actively supports its female talent pipeline above and beyond industry norms.
The team at WeAreTheCity are excited to announce that we will be holding our Rising Star awards celebration for all winners, sponsors and judges on the evening of 10 July at The Londoner, Leicester Square.
Over the course of the evening we will be networking and celebrating the achievements of all of our 2025 winners, whilst enjoying the very best in entertainment from our live singers and strictly stars. An evening not to be missed!
For more information visit: wearethecity-risingstars.com
26julAll DayTessy's Brunches Presents: Engage HER
26/07/2025 All Day(GMT+00:00)
Stanley Stephenson Lounge
Crystal Palace Football Club, Holmesdale Road, London, SE25 6PU
Engage Her – July 26, 2025 Event Summary: Engage Her is a dynamic event focused on fostering meaningful connections and building a supportive
Event Summary: Engage Her is a dynamic event focused on fostering meaningful connections and building a supportive community of women. Through interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and engaging discussions, attendees will have the chance to share experiences, learn from one another, and grow together. This event aims to create a welcoming environment where women can support each other in their personal and professional journeys.
Highlights:
• Engaging workshops and interactive sessions encouraging active participation.
• Networking opportunities to expand personal and professional connections.
• Panel discussions with industry leaders sharing insights and experiences.
• Community-building activities to foster lasting relationships.
Mark your calendars for Engage Her on July 26, 2025, a vibrant event designed to connect and inspire women. Participate in interactive workshops, network with like-minded individuals, and join discussions with industry leaders. Build meaningful relationships and grow within a supportive community. Engage Her is your opportunity to connect, learn, and thrive together. Don’t miss out—register now!
Indulge in a sumptuous spread of delicious treats crafted to tantalize your taste buds.
Tickets are available for £50 and the event is open to all women. Let’s come together and support each other as we navigate the challenges of life. We can’t wait to see you there!
Tessy’s Brunches (www.tessysbrunches) is dedicated to creating a platform where unseen women become visible through networking and mentoring opportunities. Our mission is not only about recognising women but understanding and addressing their unique challenges.
Our aims are rooted in three core principles: Empower, Engage, and Elevate. We seek to empower women by inspiring personal growth and self-discovery. We aim to engage by fostering meaningful connections and building a supportive community. Finally, we strive to elevate by enhancing professional development and personal fulfilment. Through these pillars, we are dedicated to helping women overcome barriers, realize their potential, and achieve both personal and professional success.
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