After graduating with a degree in English Literature, Language and Linguistics, Katie started her career in recruitment but soon tapped into her creative capabilities when she moved to Unlocking Potential, working in the marketing and events department.

After leaving Unlocking Potential, Katie worked in the digital marketing sector, managing a development team responsible for producing websites and digital marketing campaigns for some well-known brands in Cornwall as well as national companies. In her spare time, Katie is part of the team which runs the only TEDx event in Cornwall, TEDxTruro.

Katie, tell us more about your role:

I am a senior Business Development Manager, working with a variety of businesses across the Unlocking Potential programmes. I also support the management team to achieve our targets and the other Business Development Managers. I get involved with finding mentors and coaches to work with as well as designing and running specialist labs.

What experience have you had working with businesses?

I started my career at Unlocking Potential 15 years ago, when I joined pretty much straight out of University. I began as a Project Assistant and gained experience in events management, PR and marketing – managing this for Unlocking Potential before I left to join a small digital marketing agency. During my time I worked with businesses from all sectors and all sizes and this gave me a huge range of experience. In my last role as Project Manager at Jarrang, leading a team of developers, I worked with local, national and international business – so this expanded my experience even further. I particularly enjoy working with companies in the IT sector and work closely with organisations such as Software Cornwall.

What do you most enjoy about working with businesses?

I enjoy the variety, getting to know so many different business owners and companies. Every day I discover something new and exciting happening in Cornwall.

How do you stay inspired?

Being outside – it might be walking on the beach with my family or going for a run on my own, being outside is great for getting perspective!

What was the first concert you ever went to?

Pulp in Cardiff when I was 14. It was the night after Jarvis Cocker had stormed the stage at the Brits when Michael Jackson performed and mooned the audience. We didn’t know if the gig would go ahead after he was escorted away by police!

What fashion faux pas did you have as a child?

I think that anyone who’s ever worn a shell suit has regretted it (or should do!)