How I got to be… Mhairi Campbell, Traffic Manager

Years of experience: 17

Places you have worked before: John Lewis, Branded (previously Magnet Harlequin)

Favourite all-time advert: Something totally OTT like the Baz Luhrmann Chanel advert.

What do you have to take to a meeting: Coffee! Notepad and pen.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to do something creative, I thought I would be a fashion or interior designer. There was a brief interlude when I applied to study biochemistry but then I decided to go to art school and studied Textile Design.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self career advice, what would you say?

You don’t always need to know what’s next, don’t think too far ahead.  Follow your gut instinct, if something feels right then it normally is.  Take opportunities that come your way, don’t overthink things, and learn from each experience. Take risks and move out your comfort zone whenever you can.

What is your favourite project you’ve worked on in your career so far, and why?

I wouldn’t say there is a particular project that stands out, more a period of time. My time living and working in Hong Kong was a huge learning experience and moving overseas was the best decision that I have made. Working and building a team in a country with such great cultural and environmental differences was at times incredibly challenging, but very rewarding.  Being pushed far out of my comfort zone in the first few years really forced me to question the way that I work, my tolerance of things and develop greater empathy for other people and how they work.

If you could work in any other industry, regardless of qualifications or experience, which one would it be and why?

I have always wanted to run my own small business, either a small café with amazing coffee, delicious home baking and a focus on local produce, or I would like to run yoga retreats in Bali or Thailand.

Where do you look for creative inspiration to keep you up to speed?

I do spend far too much time scrolling through Instagram, but I am still quite old school and love printed media.  I will happily spend hours flicking through Vogue, Wallpaper Magazine, Conde Nast Traveller, or my many cookbooks!

What made you apply to be a Traffic Manager at Catch A Fire?

I was really attracted to the company’s values and B Corp status. As soon as I read the job advert, I had a good feeling about the company. My gut instinct was that I should apply, and throughout the recruitment process, I was reassured that it would be a great place to work.