Last month we spoke to Product Designer, Josh Richardson about his role at HeadBox, his favourite tools to use at work and how he’s adapted to working from home. This month it’s the turn of Associate Account Director, Grace Louisy. Here she talks about how her and her team have adapted to the pandemic and what her goals for 2021 are.

Can you tell us a little bit about your role as Associate Account Director?

I run our Account Management function at HeadBox, responsible for delivering all event sales for our HeadBox Business customers. Our team of dedicated Account Managers work alongside event bookers to make brilliant events happen. We consult, inspire and deliver bold ideas; ultimately to save our customers time, money and stress. This is more important than ever in 2021! 

As the Associate Director of the team, my role can vary between management, understanding new products with our Tech team, engaging with our Friends of HeadBox suppliers, strategising with our Marketing team and of course, working with our customers. I am very lucky that I love my job – no ‘Sunday-night dread’ in sight!

What is life like at HeadBox? How has it changed over the last year?

HeadBox has been a part of my life for three fabulous years. Our products, ideas and environment have drastically changed but our culture remains the same. To date, it is the most forward-thinking, hard-working and dynamic place I’ve ever worked. There are big personalities, lots of laughs and a new challenge every day. 2020 was an extremely difficult year for the events industry, and HeadBox, like everyone, has had to adapt in order to thrive. 

Last year we pivoted towards virtual and hybrid technology for social and business events, with a goal to bring one-of-a-kind experiences to peoples’ homes. We created unique events through technology, delicious catering, bespoke activities and inspiring entertainment. That said, none of this would be possible without our great network of venues and suppliers who are flexible, innovative and driven to continue their services to our customers. 

How do you look after your wellbeing when you’re working from home?

I live in a Victorian ground-floor flat in London with a tiny living space, so I completely empathise with those who were not prepared for the WFH life. I have a couple of daily mantras which I stick to come rain or shine. I sit facing a window to bask in as much sunlight as possible and I am a firm believer in ‘tidy desk, tidy mind’. I added plants to my ‘workspace’ (corner of my bedroom) and I walk twice a day, for fresh air and a break from screen-time. I sit down for lunch, even if only for five minutes and I never eat at my desk. 

One of my 2021 New Years’ resolutions is to not work in the evenings. And last but not least, I love trash TV for escapism. Some people light candles and run a bubble bath, some read a good book, I watch Below Deck and imagine I’m on a superyacht in the Caribbean. There’s no such thing as a guilty pleasure!

What skills do you need to do your role?

Top skills for account management are organisation, creativity and a can-do attitude. Top skills for account management at HeadBox – a good sense of humour! It’s inevitable in events that unexpected things happen and things go wrong, you need buoyancy and an ability to look on the bright side. 

How did you get into account management?

My path to account management was a little unusual, I’ve worked as a concierge in a ski resort, as a youth worker for a charity and even in a fish and chip shop. All of the skills are transferable, you need a strong work ethic, a desire to help people and a love for solving problems.

What do you like most about your team?

Although I am biased, I love the Account Management team. Our team is collaborative, funny, creative and kind. Our industry is a busy one, so we probably spend more time together than most teams! We love celebrity gossip (my favourite), discovering new restaurants and bars; and we have shared more than a few laughs over a bottle of rosé. In particular, we have worked so closely over the last year dealing with the impact of the pandemic. 

In March when the events industry faced an unknown future, we took a leap of faith and completely evolved our offering, resulting in one of the busiest Christmases in HeadBox history. I’m really proud of the success we’ve achieved and the solutions we’ve found; I couldn’t have done it without them. To see how far we’ve come, listen to our attempt at a podcast recording last summer when we had absolutely no clue!

What are your goals for the year ahead?

Goals for 2021 are huge, as always! It’s an exciting year for HeadBox, with new technology, new HeadBox Business customers, new suppliers, new venues and a new global reach (hello Sadie and Ali at HeadBox Australia!). One goal for the Account Management team is to create even more innovative ideas for virtual and hybrid events, and deliver these on a larger scale. My personal goals are to continue the great work of our Diversity and Inclusion committee, survive Veganuary and to finish Below Deck season eight 🛥

Thank you, Grace! Join us for the next instalment of ‘A Day in the Life’ in February.