5 Minutes With… Jen Stewart
As Senior Account Manager, Jen covers anything from working with clients to develop creative strategies to tell their story, pitching new stories, and planning events and hosting tasting sessions. She also works to bring in new business and enjoys the creative element of developing the pitches.
Since COVID-19, a lot has changed, but Jen has enjoyed working with clients to come up with creative ways to engage with target audiences and get their message out. She loves the fact that in PR, typically no two days are alike! Before Accela, Jen was with a large network agency in Singapore.
Before moving into the world of PR, Jen had a couple of different jobs, including chalet hosting in the French Alps after she graduated from university. For six days a week, she was responsible for running a fully catered 18-bed chalet, this included cleaning nine bathrooms, nine bedrooms and cooking breakfast, two cakes and a five-course dinner each day. Sounds brutal, but for her and her fiancé, Tom, it was such an amazing experience, and worth it to be able to ski that much!
Did you know all your life you wanted to be in PR?
No, not really. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do an internship at a PR agency here in Singapore. That was my first experience in the PR world, and I really enjoyed the creativity and diversity of the industry. After that role, I secured a full-time position, and the rest is history…
What is your proudest moment at Accela?
I always love the feeling at the end of a client event. From receiving the campaign brief, to execution and then sharing the final wrap-up report where we’ve smashed our KPIs. It’s such a satisfying feeling to see the project come to life, and to reflect on how it has grown and evolved. Also knowing that the event was a success and seeing a smile on your client’s face always makes the late nights and hard work worth it.
What do you like most about working at Accela?
What I love about Accela is that the service we offer is professional but personable. With this, we often end up feeling like an extension of our client’s in-house teams, as opposed to just a service provider. This provides a great opportunity to feel a part of so many amazing companies, and for our clients to feel like they have the expertise to lean on. The role also provides an opportunity to meet so many incredible and interesting people.
How would you describe Accela’s company culture?
Fresh, fun and forward thinking.
What do you see in the future for the PR industry?
We’re currently navigating through unknown territory with the COVID-19 pandemic. Like a lot of industries, PR has suffered over with marketing budgets being cut across the board. However, as we eventually move into the recovery phase, brands will be looking to get business back on track, share their diversified offerings and work to get their message out. This is where PR can really add value, with quick wins, so I am confident that for the immediate future, PR is going to be on the up.
What’s your favourite cocktail?
I love most things with gin, and I definitely wouldn’t say no to a French 75 or a classic G&T.
Where did you take your favourite trip?
I’ve been fortunate to have traveled to some pretty awesome places, but a recent trip to Jordan was definitely a highlight. We hired a car and planned out the itinerary ourselves, visiting some incredible places along the way and even spent a night sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum.
What’s on your travel bucket list?
I’d take anywhere right now really! After home – the UK, Argentina – to visit my dad’s side of the family is up at the top of my list.
