5 Minutes With… Michelle Ruddenklau
Did you always know you wanted to be a Content Strategy Manager?
I’ve actually had a very varied career, so my pathway to what I do now is not very conventional! I have backgrounds in TV production, high school teaching and museum education & exhibition development before I moved into on-trade PR for spirits brands. I don’t think I ever knew exactly what I wanted to do but I’ve loved every pathway so far and taken the transferable skills with me each time.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There is no typical day…. I am lucky to work flexibly at Accela, spending two days per week in the office with the team, which I love. Days may involve external client meetings, running events, hosting media for tastings and popping into the bars we have as clients to catch up with their teams - no two days are the same!
Which aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
I love overseeing the content from the team; not only does it allow me to exercise my editing skills but it keeps me abreast of all the activities across our diverse client portfolio. I also love writing content and working creatively with brands on campaign ideas.
What is the biggest challenge facing leaders working in Communications today?
I think there is currently a big issue with ChatGPT and how the industry accommodates this going forward.
Biggest achievement at work so far?
I have a long-standing relationship with BACARDÍ brands from when I lived in the UK and I’ve been able to build on that here now at Accela with their local team in Singapore - I love keeping that continuity with a global team I know so well and being able to still do campaigns across their portfolio.
Best career advice you’ve ever received?
In any situation, always be the person who finds solutions, not problems.
What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever had?
Anything involving fresh tomato, feta and olives eaten in the early evening sun, with cold white wine, in Greece.
Where are you most looking forward to travelling next?
As I write this, I’m flying home to the UK tonight to see family and friends for a while.
What is your soundtrack of choice?
Too many to list, but New Order always features somewhere.
