Lucy Daramola’s Post

Day 1 of MAD//FEST done and it was 1000x better than last year! I attended with my partner in crime Danielle Le Toullec and we had a blast! I will let the video do the talking… 🎬🎬 #MadFest2024 #MadFest24 #MadFestLondon P.S. MadFest has WiFi! For tips on how to navigate MadFest this year - see my post in the comments below👇🏾👇🏾

An ‘Idiots’ guide to MAD//FEST…💡 Idiot is a slight exaggeration - but you do not want to be that person who planned their entire MAD//FEST agenda, to find that you cannot gain entry due to capacity! It happens… So if you’re going to MAD//FEST this week, here is a list of NEED-TO-KNOWS based on my experience from last year! - Get there early: The demand is high and like any venue, once it’s at full capacity, the doors close and it’s a ‘One in and One out’ situation. Secure your tickets for all 3-days on day 1. - Start your Day with Breakfast & Eat Before You Arrive: There are various refreshment spots dotted around the venue, but it’s likely that you will be forced to decide between lining up for a coffee/breakfast snack and grabbing a seat at a talk. The coffee & croissant can wait! - Screenshot Tickets (QR code) via the App Tonight: Download the MAD//FEST app now, as it houses your ticket, agenda for all days & a map. Screenshot your unique QR code and save it! Some people had issues with 4G/5G last year, which made app connections sketchy! - Select your Top 5 Talks: Familiarise yourself with the agenda and bookmark 5 talks that you want to attend. It’s HIGHLY unlikely that you will be able to attend back-to-back scheduled talks, as guests queue up 15-30 minutes before the start time. So make sure you have at-least 30-45 mins between your top 5 talks. - Lunchtime Madness: Your ticket includes 1 free meal per day, but don’t rely on this filling your belly! Again, the queues are VERY long and depending on how much patience you have, I skipped the free food rush last year. MAD//FEST have some great food partners this year but, plan ahead. - Pack Light: You will be on your feet, more than your bottom, so if you can, transfer all work-related tasks to your mobile. I tend to go for a side bag, packing essentials only. Cloak rooms can be an annoyance when you’re ready to make your escape! - Expect to see Everyone and No One: This event is a HIT and MISS in terms of seeing people you know or want to connect with. And it’s not because they didn’t attend, they are likely to be in the same venue but due to the crowds and set up, you can easily miss them in-between navigating the talks, food, stands and toilets! - Have a ‘Wing Person’ not a ‘Crew’: Either show up solo or agree to go with 1 person vs. a group. It’s impossible to navigate this event with a group of people - you will definitely lose someone. Be prepared to navigate the event alone at times if needed. And that’s it… Enjoy and lean into the ‘MADNESS’! Having zero expectations is the best mindset and don’t forget to have FUN! See you tomorrow ✌🏾✌🏾 #MadFest #MadFest24 #Networking

Dear Sales Hiring Managers / Heads of HR / Sales Recruiters Are you struggling to inject some energy into your sales team? Is your talent pool ‘booming’ but with the same type of people? Are you in need of some rock stars? This is not a DE&I post. In fact, this is the very opposite. I’m about to give you some FREE advice. With most advice, you can either take action or ignore it BUT it will cost you not to act… In the world of sales, trust is paramount. People buy from those they trust. But what if the odds are stacked against certain salespeople? Research on trust development often emphasises how similarities between people influence trust allocation. But what about those who don't fit the mold? Black People. Imagine a black salesperson in your organisation, consistently exceeding sales targets. I KNOW MANY!!!! Yet, they face unique challenges. Most decision-makers they sell to are non-black. Statistically, the odds aren't in their favour. Despite these challenges, they continue to sell, thrive, and excel. Their resilience is commendable. Their strategy - unique. I know a vast network of talented black salespeople who: - Think Creatively - They approach the sales cycle uniquely - Lack Full-Time Employment - Yet, their potential is immense. - Face Interview Hurdles - Due to perceived "lack of corporate experience." - Struggle to Secure Roles - Even after securing interviews. - Waiting to Prove Their Value - They're waiting for the right opportunity. - Challenges in Buy-In - Organisations hesitate because they look, sound, and ‘feel’ different. The job market is chaotic, the economy volatile. Perhaps it's time to hire differently…?!?! Different outcomes await those who don't fit the status quo—those who stand out, look different, and think uniquely. Finally - a reminder to you all. This is about sustainable business growth. This is about driving value for your organisations. This is about hiring GREAT talent that achieve the desired business outcomes. #HireGreatPeople #BlackSalespeople #RockStars #ThinkDifferently

What an evening… WACL (Women in Advertising & Communications Leadership ) 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 5 Star Event! Let’s start with Sinéad Burke - the AMAZING guest speaker! Sinéad you are such an inspiring, thought provoking and funny woman. Last night, I left The Dorchester charged up ⚡️⚡️⚡️and ready to make some bold changes. Thank you for igniting me… 1 - First of all, inspired by Sinead's words, I've decided to no longer "whisper" about being a disabled person. I proudly own my identity as a disabled woman. As she put it, you're either disabled or not—simple and empowering. 2 - Going forward, I'll provide upfront accessibility information for any meeting or event I host. And I'll always ask: "Do you require any additional access requirements?". And Nishma Patel Robb 🪩⚡️ - you are a charismatic, bold, powerful (glittery) rock star! Thank you for hosting such a fantastic event; your words and spirit truly touched me and your drive to support ALL WOMEN is magnetic! EMMA WHITFORD was the cherry on top…🍒 Thank you for making my evening extra special. It’s impossible not to smile around you ✨✨✨ And finally - Ravleen Beeston thank you for arranging the Microsoft Advertising table! CC: Theo Theodorou Andy Laird Corina Chercheja India Romy Sinclair Raman Jhooti Constantia Papageorgiou Supriya Dev-Purkaystha (She/Her) #WACL #AccessForEveryone #WomenInLeadership #FemaleLeaders