From Client to Project Manager

Paula, who joined our team in 2023, shares what it’s like being on the other side of the table 

Having spent my whole career working client side, it has been extremely refreshing being on the other side of the fence.  What I have noticed more than anything since working with Comm Comm UK is how much easier it is to create a successful campaign when corporate internal politics and complications that often dilute and confuse messaging, are not present. Whilst there can be lots of deliberation about what you can/can’t say, a consultant will be able to cut through all the noise to create clear, powerful content which meets the brief and project objectives.

If you have only ever worked for an agency or as a consultant, you may never have experienced the politics and accountability for real client-side results - the results that build and develop from small wins over time and the deep understanding of a business that this brings. 

A good consultancy will have mindfully brought many skills and career experiences together purposefully to create the ingredients for successful project management and campaign outcomes. Having cut my teeth with some well-known and iconic brands, I can now see that exposure to both corporate and consultancy roles gives an edge and better understanding and insights to the challenges, motivations and pressure points of each.

Now as a consultant I recognise all-the-more the positive effect that collaboration, strong relationships and effective communication with a client brings, especially in terms of maintaining project deadlines.

I have always believed that a consultant can only ever be as good as the brief that they are given. Once briefed, the client should provide the freedom to the consultant to use the skills that they have been appointed for. The real magic takes place when the client works closely with a consultant to impart their brand knowledge upfront and then lets them use their creativity, rigor and perspective to deliver.

My transition from client to consultant has been smooth mainly because the approach of having a multi-faceted team is embraced at Comm Comm UK throughout the organisation. This balance has been intentionally orchestrated from the top to provide the best outcome for its clients.