Say Hello To Our Newest Partner – Ashlee Bloom!
We are so excited to announce the appointment of our incredibly motivated and talented Marketing Manager, Ashlee Bloom. Ashlee’s promotion brings our total number of partners to 12, and demonstrates our commitment to the growth of the firm.
Whilst we could list you all the things on Ashlee’s CV that prove how much value she brings to the table, we thought it would be better to instead ask her some difficult questions that will give you a little more insight into who Ashlee really is, and why she’s such an important part of our firm.
When did you join Raffingers?
I joined Raffingers in 2019, and it was quite the jump from heading up the marketing division for a global darts brand! I can’t believe how quickly time has passed since joining, no day is ever the same...except for how busy we are!
What or who inspires you to get out of bed every morning?
I am inspired by everything and everyone. I genuinely love what I do, and getting to wake up every day and make an impact on the lives of our clients and team is incredibly heart-warming and rewarding. In the world of marketing, you are ultimately inspired by forming deep connections with people, it makes waking up with a spring in my step easy.
What made you decide to get into professional services?
Honestly, I had no intention of getting into the professional services industry until I got headhunted and interviewed by my fellow Partners, Lee Manning and Andrew Coney. Lee and Andrew both explained the direction they wanted to take the firm, and how they wanted to challenge the long-ingrained stereotypes of the accountancy industry and I just knew that I wanted to be on that journey with them.
What’s your ‘Why’?
My why is to form true connections with people through the power of great marketing.
Where’s the most interesting place you have travelled to?
I’m incredibly lucky to have travelled to some amazing places, but one of the most interesting was probably Teotihuacan in Mexico, the site of the Mesoamerican pyramids built in the pre-Columbian Americas. It’s honestly mind-boggling to me how they used to create that level of architecture without the innovation and machinery we have today, I just find it so fascinating.
Who would you invite to a dinner party and why?
It would have to be P.T. Barnum (the ‘Shakespeare of Advertising’), Jennifer Laurence (she just seems like great fun to be around), Daphne Guiness (I'd be looking for some style tips), Catherine the Great (I’ve been watching ‘The Great’ on Amazon Prime and she is a woman who I want to sit down with!), and Kris Jenner (let’s face it, she could be the best female businesswomen and marketeer of our time).
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
This quote was from A Cinderella Story movie, and it has stuck with me since I first watched it... “Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?
At Raffingers, continuing to drive rapid growth for the firm and cultivating a culture that allows people to unlock their potential.
If you could share one piece of advice with your younger self, what would it be?
Take a breath and enjoy each moment.
What do you think makes a great working culture?
If you and your team can truly be themselves in the workplace, then you know you are on to a winning culture. Too many companies have expectations of how their team members should act at all times, however when your team is completely comfortable with themselves, their leadership, and their colleagues, only then will you have complete empathy, honesty, trust, and positivity throughout your culture.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Empathetic, uplifting, approachable, and kind. I don’t mind getting my hands dirty to help people and believe in finding solutions instead of problems.
How do you maintain a positive work/life balance?
I have always struggled because so much of my personal life involves gathering ideas and inspiration for my professional life. With that said, I am due to have my first baby in a few weeks time, and whilst I never really ‘check-out’ of work, I am looking forward to spending time with my baby while on maternity leave so I can return fresh to focus on taking Raffingers to new heights as Partner.
What’s next as the newest Partner at Raffingers?
I’m not allowed to say much, but what I can say is that there are some incredibly exciting launch announcements that will be made when I return from Maternity leave in September, followed by a strategy for 2023 which I believe will take us to a new level. As for this year, I look forward to watching my dedicated marketing team, Charlie Horne, Tim Dickinson, and Andrea Mouskoundi thrive in their roles from a distance as I take some time away, and seeing how they execute the plans for this year.
If you want to find out more about Ashlee Bloom, check out the Official Press Release here, or click here to connect with her on Linkedin.