Interview - Cecilie of LFA Agency
This week we talk to Cecilie Olsen, the Senior PR Manager and guru at our PR agency LFA. We first met Cecilie when we shared a studio with LFA in Brixton and we bonded over our mutual love of dogs!
Q: What does a typical day at work involve?
I usually arrive at 8. I like to get in before everyone else so that I can prepare ahead of the day while I listen to a podcast (usually Adam Buxton or a crime documentary) and drink a big cup of coffee. As sad as it might sound, I thoroughly enjoy a bit of solo ‘quiet-time’ in the early mornings!
Every Monday we have a meeting talking through each of our clients and what we should focus on for the week. This can range from what features and publications to target, what angles to play on, what products to pitch, influencer outreach, any events coming up etc.
Some days I might have a meeting or a catch-up with a client (or a potential new client). Other days I might be putting together a social media content plan for one of our clients, or I might be working on the monthly marketing strategy and calendar for LFA looking at what we can do differently etc.
I usually leave the office at 6ish, however, I occasionally have a late evening (often with Rosie and Milo) accompanied with a glass of wine (or two). I’m a night owl so I often get very productive in the evenings!
No days are exactly the same and I feel very lucky to have such a varied role working with such great brands and people.
Q: What was your first job?
A summer job as a kitchen assistant in a canteen for a corporate company when I was 15. It was a very non-glamorous job, chopping vegetables, making sandwiches and doing the dishes!
Q: What is the key lesson you have learnt working in PR?
Oh, so much! To mention a few things; the importance of forward-thinking, and effective clear communication. How to best manage expectations. And that you should never assume anything. It has also given me lots of invaluable insight into the ins and outs of running a business, enabling me to step into the shoes of different brands and viewing things from their perspective. So interesting!
Q: What has been your proudest moment so far?
Ah, tricky question! I feel like whatever I’d answer here it will sound slightly ‘cliched’, haha. But perhaps doing a bit of a ‘career-shift’ in my mid/late 20s. As much as I enjoyed my old roles and loved my colleagues, I always knew I wanted to do something a bit more creative. Alongside my then full-time job I did a couple of internships within PR and social media which enabled me to gain some great experience before I moved jobs. When I started out at LFA I started out as a freelancer which felt a bit risky at the time coming from secure full-time jobs. However, taking a bit of a ‘risk’ definitely paid off!
I also try and regularly challenge myself and step out of my comfort-zone, So earlier this year I did an improv-course which was absolutely terrifying, but felt so good afterwards!
Milo, Cecilie's favourite member of the LFA team!
Q: What is one item you can’t live without?
While it might be a very boring and cliched answer, coffee! The first cup of coffee I have in the morning brings me so much joy, ha. I’m a real caffein-fiend.
Q: Dog or cat?!
Dog! I’m a crazy dog lady and can’t wait to get my own dog very soon.
Q: What is your favourite MAiK Product?
Ooooh it’s so difficult to choose! But if I have to pick one I’d say the White Check Tray OR the Cacti Socks (If I’m allowed to pick two!)
