Since founding POD LDN, Adrienn Main has quietly established a repute for herself on the earth of artistic manufacturing, crafting standout campaigns whereas championing a extra inclusive and collaborative strategy to working. However the journey hasn’t all the time been easy.
From navigating cultural boundaries as a Hungarian scholar within the UK to pushing again in opposition to office toxicity, Adrienn has discovered when to talk up, when to maneuver on, and learn how to construct neighborhood on her personal phrases. On this Q&A, she shares her evolving relationship with visibility, the facility of peer networks, and why entry – not simply ambition – issues in terms of illustration.
Have you ever ever felt unseen or underestimated in your profession, and the way did you overcome it?
I have been lucky in my profession total, and if I felt underestimated, it was extra so throughout my college years. I had come to the UK from Hungary, so I used to be abroad, and the tutors did not all the time recognize how onerous that was. Nonetheless, I simply put my head down and labored actually onerous to beat it. There was one different time at an company the place my boss would nitpick unnecessarily over small issues to make me look silly. I spoke to HR, however they did not take any motion, so though I beloved the job, I finally determined to maneuver on. Typically you simply need to take away your self from a poisonous scenario.
How do you strategy self-promotion and making your work seen?
It isn’t one thing that comes naturally to me, so I’ve to work at it consciously, and I am nonetheless on a journey. I work with an amazing PR staff at Persuasion, who assist me to craft items to face out within the trade press and on LinkedIn. I additionally take heed to quite a few podcasts and browse books about constructing your private model; two of my favourites are Daniel Priestley, the creator of Key Particular person of Affect, and, in fact, Steve Bartlett, of Diary of a CEO fame. Each supply precious recommendation and instruments for entrepreneurship.
What function has mentorship or neighborhood performed in your profession development?
I have been fortunate sufficient to work with an amazing mentor, Stuart Avery from Greatstate, whom I related with by way of the BIMA Mentoring Programme. It has been actually good to attach with somebody who has been on an analogous journey, from whom I can ask for particular recommendation. He is actually helped me take into consideration how I handle and create the absolute best working atmosphere. To be sincere, I’ve discovered feminine mentorship onerous – I’ve reached out to some folks and have not heard again – however I’ve arrange my very own common brunches for some ‘Kickass Girls’ whom I’ve come throughout within the manufacturing trade. We chat informally about trade points, and it is a nice and relaxed option to community.
What’s one change you’d wish to see by way of illustration within the artistic trade?
As talked about above, feminine networking will be difficult, significantly in the event you’re a small enterprise proprietor with out a funds for occasions. I really like attending trade occasions, so I would wish to see extra of those open to smaller corporations – maybe providing free tickets or particular charges. Startups are the lifeblood of our trade, so extra trade assist for entrepreneurs, please!
