Rory Currie - My first few months at Cardew

What were you doing before you joined Cardew, and how did this lead to the job?

Prior to joining Cardew I completed a master’s in Political Thought and Intellectual History at Cambridge, having previously graduated with an undergraduate degree from the University of Sheffield. While I loved studying, I was ready for the next step which led to me applying to Cardew.

The biggest change from my time as a student to working in strategic communications is that the audience is much more diverse. Rather than presenting a paper to a room of academics, you are tasked with drafting and contributing to messages with a range of stakeholders in mind, including clients, consumers, regulators, investors and the media.

What does an executive do?

It has been said by almost everyone who has contributed to this blog that no two days are the same.

While I spend lots of time monitoring updates in the healthcare world (my primary area of focus), my week could include anything from transcribing a select committee appearance, surfing social media platforms to understand how a client is being viewed, compiling a coverage wrap to, even, writing a blog!

Why Cardew?

The company’s relatively flat structure allows you to forge working relationships with experienced people from the minute you start.

As part of a close-knit team, you are encouraged, and expected, to contribute. While this can, at first, seem daunting, being charged with responsibilities from the moment you begin ensures you learn quickly and the days move even quicker!

What about the culture?

Cardew is a very friendly place. From the minute I joined, I was made to feel welcome by my colleagues, with each taking time out of their busy day to help get me up to speed.

The emphasis on continuous learning was made apparent to me early on. Within a month of my employment, I was lucky enough to go on training which allowed me to deepen my knowledge of aspects of the business world.

The opportunities to learn have not just been external, with our directors regularly chairing ‘lunch and learns’ since my arrival. During these, alongside a team lunch, I was introduced to the worlds of M&A comms, crypto, and Westminster. 

With regular companywide check-ins, everyone is aware of the work their peers are doing and how they can support each other to ensure it is best in class.

What does it take to succeed at Cardew?

From my perspective you must be organised. To stay on top of the large variety of workstreams across different clients (often in different time zones) you must be disciplined with your time.

Interpersonal skills are also important. Accruing credentials is great but, as I have learnt, ensuring you can communicate effectively with others is just as important.

Things you’re looking forward to …

Continuing to help clients navigate a changing world and working with talented people along the way!