Can you tell us about your career journey? 

I studied modern languages and literature at university and when I graduated, I wanted to live in a French speaking country. I had already lived in France during my ERASMUS year, so I thought let’s try Belgium! I first moved to Liège where I did an English teaching placement in a primary school. I wanted to quickly get abroad again and continue developing my language skills. As I was figuring out my next move, I started looking into the European Institutions in Brussels, and the career possibilities here. I applied for an internship at a Think Tank, got it, and moved to Brussels. This got me into the world of EU policy and politics, where I’ve stayed ever since. So, a slightly different journey to those who studied political science or international relations. I sort of ended up in Brussels, and I am so pleased I did. 

Following my internship, I worked at a Trade Association, and then at the UK Permanent Representation to the EU. After this, I moved to POLITICO, joining the business development team. This is where my career started its trajectory towards a commercial rather than policy profile. I held a few roles at POLITICO, including in product management, marketing and communications, before moving into senior commercial roles at a political risk firm and a large public affairs agency. I’ve recently decided to go freelance, leveraging this blend of policy, political and commercial expertise, which is quite unique in the bubble. 

Networking is a key skill in the Brussels bubble, and you’re quite the champion. What’s your secret to networking like a pro? 

Connecting on a human level, adding value to people, and regularly putting time and effort into building and nurturing my network.  

Networking for me is not about having a specific agenda in mind with a specific person and targeting them at an event. I think this is how many people in the EU bubble see networking and why there can be a nervousness around it, and a perception of it being transactional and disingenuous.   

For me, networking is a professional skill that you should practice regularly and work on throughout your role or career. If you approach it like this, you’ll be amazed at how strong your connections are, and how many people are willing to help you when you need it. 

I actually give corporate trainings on Networking and I’m seeing more and more interest. Organisations are realising what an important skillset it is, particularly for public affairs, and are keen to support younger professionals with the tools they need. It’s also important to recognise that in-person networking isn’t for everyone. I am extroverted and love meeting new people at events, but I appreciate that this isn’t the case for everyone. Luckily there are broader ways to build a network, it doesn’t have to be the dreaded cold approach at an event. 

How did the idea of Wine&Poltics come into your life? 

Last year I was following the twists and turns of the European elections, as we all were. I was meeting up with contacts to share insights and intel and I thought to myself, “I know so many people working on this topic, I might as well get everyone together for a drink at the same time”. So the idea stemmed from there, and I brought together contacts from the European Parliament, Commission, Industry, Political Groups, National Governments, Think Tanks, etc to discuss Election-related developments.  

The concept proved pretty popular and has grown organically into something I host regularly. So many people come to work in Brussels because they have a deep interest in politics, but we end up working in policy roles where our focus becomes quite industry / policy specific. Wine&Poltics offers a space to take a step back and reflect on broader political themes. To debate, engage and challenge, with those who may be across the political divide, in a relaxed and informal setting (and all over a glass of good wine), 

Can you demystify sales for our readers? 

Sales is about building relationships, and finding solutions to problems. You need excellent people skills, determination and resilience. Sales empowers you with a skillset which will make you impactful in any professional context. I am always exasperated, for example, when I hear that a project isn’t moving because ‘I sent them an email, and I haven’t heard back’. You send another email. You pick up the phone. You don’t give up. Quite a few of the business development team from my time at POLITICO went into policy or politics related roles afterwards. When we reflect on our experience there, we all agree that the skills we picked up in sales were some of the most valuable we’ve learned, and have served us well in our professional endeavours thereafter.  

You have a background that’s quite different from the conventional Brussels profile. Has this been an advantage or a challenge for you? 

I’ve never felt at a disadvantage because my studies weren’t linked to EU affairs or politics. Starting out in Brussels I needed to partner and collaborate effectively across nationalities and cultures, to deliver results working with stakeholders of different levels of seniority, to solve problems in a fast-paced environment. Certain soft skills were equally if not more important. The fact that I didn’t yet know what a trilogue was didn’t hold me back, and I picked up the EU-related knowledge I needed along the way. It depends on the type of position you are interested in, of course, but I broadly think that if you are smart, you can learn substance. Soft skills are harder to teach – so understand where your strengths are, and leverage them. 

I should add that there are more diverse and interesting profiles in the EU bubble than mine. I know someone who used to be an artist for example, and someone who spent a long career in sales before moving to Brussels. Both are now in senior roles at Trade Associations. These examples show it is possible to transition to the world of EU affairs from other specialisations. 

What’s your approach to work? How do you balance productivity with a fulfilling personal life outside of work? 

I am a big fan of the gym. I believe exercising makes us more productive and better equipped mentally to handle stress or challenging situations, so I always prioritise finding time for that. 

Generally, I think finding a balance between work and personal life doesn’t only depend on the amount of hours you work. A fulfilling personal life can include work – it depends on what your priorities are, and how you view that separation (or symbiosis). I’ve done quite a few different roles during my career so my approach is also to find satisfaction and fulfillment in the work that you do, as much as you can. If a role is no longer motivating you, challenging you or fulfilling you to a point where that balance does not feel right, make a change.  

What are you most excited about for 2025? Any big goals or projects? 

I’m motivated to grow Wine&Politics further. Our societies are becoming increasingly polarised. It is more important than ever to be able to have candid discussions, to strive to understand different perspectives, and to be open to engage with those who have a different opinion to our own. If I can help foster a culture of healthy debate, even within our small bubble here, at least that’s something. 

Is there something you’re working to improve in yourself? A skill, a new habit, or even a new hobby? 

I am exploring moderation and public speaking training, it’s an area I’d like to get into more. I’ve done quite a bit of public speaking but have never had any professional training or feedback, so I am keen to see how I can improve. I am known for speaking incredibly quickly, so I definitely need to keep that in check (as well as the Scottish accent!). 

What would you like to see more of – and less of – in Brussels? 

In the bubble: more diverse profiles, bringing more diversity of lived experience and thought. 

In Brussels generally: less garbage on the street.  

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