How I got to be… Sera Bennett, Account Manager

Years of experience: 12

Places you have worked before: AXA Health

Favourite all-time advert: The original Coca-Cola “Holidays are coming” advert. For me, Christmas started once I heard that advert!

What do you have to take to a meeting: A bottle of water

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I had big dreams… I wanted to be a shopkeeper. Well, maybe more of a cashier. There was something magical about scanning the products, looked so satisfying. Fast-forward to today, and I get to live out that childhood dream every time I use a self-checkout!

What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned in your career? 

When I first joined Catch A Fire and transitioned into marketing, I felt like I was starting from scratch. I came from a job where I’d been at for 10 years, with the last 4 as a trainer, teaching people and being the one who was ‘in the know.’ Suddenly, I was the new person in a completely different industry, and it was a huge shift. But looking back, I’m amazed at how much I’ve grown – going from being a Junior Account Manager to an Account Manager and shedding that imposter syndrome along the way. It’s been a journey of gaining confidence, learning fast, and realising that I do belong here.

What motivates you to keep working hard in your job? 

The pride I feel when I see a finished asset – after all the hustle, running around, and back-and-forth that goes into production. It’s so rewarding to see everything come together and go live, especially when clients are happy with the journey and result. I also get a lot of satisfaction from encouraging and supporting others along the way. For me, it’s about continuous learning and growth – gaining more understanding with each project and constantly pushing myself to improve.

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

One of my favourite projects has been the “Skip The Cow” shoot. The higher production value and bigger budget really brought a sense of organisation and control, which allowed me to refine my skills in a more structured environment. I was involved in the campaign from start to finish, and got to work closely with the clients, spending the whole day with them and tackling various tasks along the way. The project was a great mix of collaboration and hands-on work, and I also had the chance to meet new crew members and learn from them. One small but memorable takeaway was the tip about holding your hands up for a few seconds before filming—it makes your hands look nicer on camera. Try it yourself with one hand and compare it to the other… promise you’ll see a difference!

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

I’ve never really known exactly what career I wanted to pursue, but I’ve always loved working with people. I’d describe myself as a people person—sunny, happy, and always eager to meet new faces and learn about their stories. Given that, I think if I could work in any other industry, I’d love to dive into something like travel blogging or content creation. It would combine my love for travel, exploring new places, and meeting people with my passion for sharing experiences. Plus, it would be the perfect way to combine work with adventure!

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself through your career? 

One thing I’ve learned about myself through my career is that I’m very quick to react. I thrive when I’m challenged, and I really enjoy getting into the nitty-gritty of a project, understanding the ins and outs of the client or process. I’m a hands-on person, always wanting to be in the thick of things, working with the team to get stuff done. While being reactive can be a strength in fast-paced situations, I’ve realised I need to take a step back sometimes, pause, and think about the bigger picture before jumping in.

What made you apply to be an Account Manager at Catch A Fire?

I was feeling unchallenged and uninspired in my previous role, and I knew I needed a change to grow and build on my experience. During a chat with my best friend Zara, who was already working at Catch A Fire, she mentioned there was an opening for a Junior Account Manager in her team. At the time, I had no idea what that was, let alone how it fitted into the world of marketing! After an informal chat with her boss, it quickly led to a face-to-face interview. A few days later, I was offered the job, which I happily accepted at an awards night – such a surreal moment!

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