Our latest edition of leadership spotlights features digital professional, Beth Francis!
Beth has over 15 years of experience working with various fashion businesses across the UK. She specialises in start-up and scale-up environments; possessing extensive experience working hands-on with founders.
As a leader, Beth believes in the importance of having a good team, and surrounding herself with talented individuals; "taking everyone on the same journey".
Beth is currently the Growth Director at RIXO.
Beth joined us to reflect on her career journey to date, the challenges early in her career and how she overcame them, why sustainability is beginning to be such an important trend, and why hybrid working is so important for team building.
Read the full Q&A below...
Why did you join the Digital Leaders Club?
I find the discussion and support amongst peers thought-provoking, helpful and reassuring. Regardless of industry, business size, or business age, we’re often facing the same challenges (and opportunities).
What's your career journey been like to date?
Quite straightforward really – I studied Fashion Marketing at LCF and went straight into a fashion marketing role, progressing through a handful of businesses to lead me to where I am now.
What is your current position?
Director of Growth at RIXO.
Have you had any interesting moments in your career so far?
Yes, lots. Every role has been fast-paced and varied and has involved me launching new initiatives.
Have you had any challenges in your career to date; and how did you overcome them?
Again, lots. When I was younger, I used to get really wound up about things not working out and spend a lot of time worrying, but I have learned to stay calm and find practical solutions to the problem. I also think it’s key to share the load and get advice from peers, or an external network. I recently engaged with a careers coach, who has been a brilliant mentor for me professionally.
Tell us about your best success story
I have worked with some wonderful individuals, and I am always delighted to see them progress well in their careers; even if I had the tiniest input, I would be happy to see them be successful.
What’s it been like transitioning to a hybrid setup over the past two years?
I have been working hybrid for 15 years (before it was even a thing) so it was a piece of cake for me, and I probably wouldn’t have it any other way. I love being in an office, bouncing ideas off others, and I think it’s incredibly important for development and team building, but I also find the space at home to think and get stuff done hugely beneficial.
What's the coolest/most interesting trend you're excited about?
Sustainability, circularity, and transparency have really taken hold in the last year. There was a point when businesses were acknowledging them simply to tick a box, and I’m not sure the consumer really understood it all, but there seems to have been a shift; people aren’t buying as much, and they want to know the brands they are buying from are doing the “right” thing. It’s a very complex subject to tackle as lots of our jobs are based on selling stuff that perhaps people don’t need, so I am hugely excited by the businesses that are embracing these changes in consumer mindset and trying new things out, like rental, subscriptions, and fabric engineering.
How would your colleagues describe you?
Hard-working, entrepreneurial, and low ego (I hope).
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I have 2 small children, so my hobbies are somewhat limited, but I keep my mind balanced through exercise so am up before 5:30 am most mornings sneaking in a run, swim, or spin class.
What's your plan for the future?
I love what I do, and I can’t imagine doing anything different; however, the world is changing, so I am mindful that my role is going to change with it and I am quite relaxed about what I might end up doing.
What would you be doing (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I am fascinated by human relationships with people, brands, and things, and everyone always tells me their secrets, so perhaps I would have ended up being some kind of therapist?!
Connect with Beth on LinkedIn
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