Meet Jess

Hey Jess! Tell us, what’s your job role?
J: Head of Strategy

What did you want to be when you grew up?
J: A lawyer, so I could buy my Mum her own house – or work in the House of Parliament. I’m not sure I’m a personality fit for either.

We’d be here for it. What are you responsible for at Punch?
J: I lead everything on Strategy and Marketing: from social media, internal comms and digital platforms, to long-form content, editorials and speaking opps, I am there. My fingers in all the pies! I also manage my team of four, get involved in client meetings, and support on pitches – which I love.

I actually worked at Punch back in 2016 – the first marketing hire they ever made. I built up the team, learnt on the job, left for a little while, and now I’m back with a bang! This agency is so special to me, it feels insanely right, like a full circle moment for me.

Sounds like your days are super busy. What do you love about being Head of Marketing & PR?
J: I’m a word-nerd. Anything to do with writing, or presenting communication strategy is my happy place. Something I get so excited to do too is work on “brand” – developing a tone of voice, brand personality, vision and values, the whole shebang – it gets me all fired up!

What’s the thing you’re best known for at Punch?
J: I think my energy? I’m a pretty positive person and I like to bounce around being “enthusiastic” (code word for annoying). I’m also great at answering questions on the fly and coming up with quick solutions so the people around me can do their best work!

During your many years at Punch, what’s been your favourite Punch project to work on?
J: I’ve been absolutely LOVING working on the new Punch brand. Developing a new brand voice, tone, and vibe for our agency to take us on the next big leap in our journey. It’s proper exciting, and has been great to be involved in something I’m so passionate about, gives me a real buzz!

That does seem like super exciting project. Getting personal now, where’s your favourite place?
J: Villa Orabelle in Dubrovnik – my heart is there.

Amazing. So, if you were going to be an animal, what would you be?
J: A polar bear – they look cute and cuddly, but they’ll eat you if they’re hangry.

Noted. What would you say your lifestyle is like?
J: Taylor Swift is my lifestyle – she is everything to me. Swiftly (heh) followed by my husband, three kids, and two dogs, Howard (7) and Ringo (17!). We live quite rurally and spend a lot of time on long, muddy walks, watching new movies, or playing video games together.

I love music and can play four instruments – currently learning (badly) the guitar. I’m a big reader, so you’ll often find me curled up in our conservatory with my nose in a book. And if not there, then I’m asleep.

Other than anything and everything Taylor Swift writes, do you have a saying you love to live by?:
J: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think” – Winnie the Pooh, one of the greatest minds of our time.