Cat's Mother of the Month - Kate Etteridge
This month you're in for a treat because we've got an exclusive interview with the wonderful CM that is Kate Etteridge - AKA the powerhouse behind so many successful music/entertainment campaigns out there and Head of Music & Entertainment at Dawbell :)
While we get to sit back and enjoy all the effortless-looking campaigns of our favourite events/artists, there’s a team working tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all happen. It’s likely you’ve got Kate and her to team to thank!
If you're wondering who to book your next CM meet with and are interested in all things PR & Media navigation, look no further. Take a seat and read our interview with Kate!
What do you typically get up to as Head of Music & Entertainment at DawBell?
My role encompasses many different areas of the business, so no one day is ever the same!
Alongside my own client campaigns such as The BRIT Awards and ABBA Voyage - where on any given day I could be pitching to or liaising with journalists, speaking with the client to discuss strategy and plans, writing press releases, working on creative and editorial ideas - I also take a lead role along with the other Heads of Departments across finance, new business, HR and training & development, as well as overseeing campaign and project work for our 30+ team.
How did you break into this area of the creative industry?
I started off doing unpaid work placements a few years after graduating at a few London based music PR companies, and one internship turned into a full time job. I stayed at that company for nine years increasing my responsibility on project work and developing my skills, before moving into a Head of Press role at DawBell, which then evolved into the role I currently hold.
Can you tell us about a career defining moment for you?
I’ve experienced many career defining moments - something I really don’t take for granted. Getting to work with ABBA on the launch of their new album and digital concerts last year was a real career highlight - it was a very emotional experience being in the room with Benny and Björn as they announced their plans, after a few intense months of working in complete secrecy and planning every single detail down to the letter, and it was such an incredible buzz feeling the magnitude of what we had some part in accomplishing, I’m so excited to see the shows when they open in May.
What challenges have you come across working with different clients and how have you overcome them?
One of the things I continue to remind myself is that clients are people too. It’s easy to try to do everything you can to please a client, to avoid any confrontation or conflict, and perhaps agree to do something that actually you can’t control, but it’s counter productive being a yes-(wo)man and actually much better to just have a conversation with your client if there’s an issue, and be honest and upfront with them. Everyone is under different pressures and it’s important to try to step back and look at the bigger picture.
What advice would you give to someone who would love to work in this field?
Demonstrate your passion and that you’ll work hard for a job - perseverance pays off, and by making yourself stand out by getting involved in freelance work or helping out some friends, you’ll be ahead of the competition. It also helps if you take the time to do your research, find the right person to contact for careers and job opportunities at companies you want to work for, go on their social media or website and reference that in your application. It shows you’re not approaching the job search cookie-cutter style which is always a plus. And above all - be nice! Friendly people go a long way.