This biz's brightest new talents tell their stories. This week it's the turn of WildKat PR director Olivia Brown.
How did you break into the biz?
I undertook a placement year at WildKat whilst studying a BA in music at the University Of Leeds. I was warmly welcomed into the company, and any initiative displayed was rewarded with more responsibilities beyond just making a good cup of tea. By the end, I’d developed the skills to network confidently within the industry and was managing my own set of clients. This led to me continuing to work for WildKat on a freelance basis during my final year. I then joined permanently as a junior account manager in June 2014.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The music we’re able to experience will continue to be the best thing about my job. Whether I’m wandering around an East London warehouse, in a box at the Royal Albert Hall or sitting in on a primary school violin class, it’s the music itself, along with the efforts of those keeping it alive, that makes me love my job. It’s so rewarding and so much fun to work at such an innovative company. We’re constantly finding new ways to bring classical music to the public, and it’s been great to shift some tough perceptions. We also have extra company perks; six-hour working days, an annual ski trip and office yoga!
What’s your proudest moment?
I was promoted to director of the London office when I was 26, which was a huge moment for me, because it’s mostly unheard of in our industry to be in a directorial role as a young woman. This has led to me having an active role in our European operations, and I’ll lead on the launch of our Paris office this summer, which we’re excited about.
What’s the best thing about the classical sector?
It’s constantly evolving and there’s more positive disruptive change than ever. Our industry is becoming more welcoming, more inclusive and is taking more risks both on and off stage. The reputation of classical music is going through a major transformation; film scores, music for advertisements and Spotify playlists are all helping to bring in new ears. This acknowledgement of the genre makes for an exciting time, and I’m glad to be contributing to that.
What’s your wish for the biz?
That it continues to be more open to making bold changes, as well as sharing and being more collaborative. Our sector needs to work together and empower each other if we’re to create positive, impactful change. WildKat was founded on passion and innovation, two ingredients that have also been the driving forces behind the industry’s responses to challenges. I hope it remains this way, my wish is that we respect the traditions of this industry, whilst also allowing space for fresh ideas.
OLIVIA’S RECOMMENDED TRACK:
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