You probably know us for our brilliant client work, but who are the brave souls behind it all?
Every month we profile a member of our team so that you can find out more about us!
In the spotlight: Sam Rowe
Sam is firstlight’s business development lead, heading up new business and marketing activity, as well as recruitment.
Tell us about your career to date
I’ve officially now been in comms for 15 years – does this make me an industry veteran?! I’ve always worked in b2b and corporate although I have dabbled in consumer too. As fun as that was (trying to cook a lasagne in the office dishwasher was a highlight) it wasn’t where my heart lay. I knew I was far better suited to getting stuck into business challenges and finding new ways to solve them and tell their stories.
Having always worked for small agencies, I joined firstlight six years ago, impressed by its creative approach to b2b and corporate PR, the heavy-hitting clients on its roster and the lovely, supportive team.
What do you like about working here?
When I joined firstlight I was actually unable to start on my intended start-date due to being stuck in hospital on an ill-fated holiday. But when I told Paul the news, he told me that firstlight would still pay me from that date and to take as long as I needed, as I was now part of the family. I think that sums it up.
As well as two promotions over the years, neither of which I had to push or ask for, firstlight created a new role for me when I came back from maternity leave. This enables me to work part-time, super flexibly, around my son, which has been a brilliant help.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
I look after firstlight’s new business, marketing and recruitment. An average day could see me working on award entries for the agency and our work, vetting CVs and interviewing as well as pulling together creds, case studies and proposals for new business.
Tell us about activity that you’ve worked on that you are particularly proud of?
It’s been a while since I worked on client work now, although having worked with the likes of the Home Office I have been involved in some brilliant campaigns in the past! But over the past nine months it’s been great creating and shaping a new role for the agency. From shaping our employer brand to ramping up our marketing activity, it’s been a fun challenge to take on, and there’s still loads to get stuck into.
Outside of work, what are your hobbies?
Most of my time outside of work is now spent running around after a busy 20 month old and picking up toys he has posted through the cat flap. But I also love calligraphy – when I get a chance (or need an emergency birthday card) I’ll try to get a bit of practice in.
Where is your favourite place in the world?
I love Italy – I’ve been to so many different parts and they’ve all been so brilliant that I still want to go back again. I’m lucky enough to have ventured to Hawaii too and went to see the sun rise at Haleakalā, Maui’s highest peak. I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever seen.
