The Right & The Left is a strategic marketing consultancy based in Manchester.
Founded by Sarah Fleming in 2020, the consultancy now works with the likes of JD, Abiomed, Stonegate Pub Company, Warwick Acoustics, Edwards Lifesciences and Network Rail.
Here, Fleming shares a glimpse into a typical week in her life…
Monday
I’m that morning person. I do my best thinking, writing and workouts in the morning so I tend to swap my routine depending on what I need to get done. Today it’s the gym, followed by a quick sauna before I head into the office.
Through trial and error, I’ve found I’m best if I get out the house on a Monday. It helps get the week started and I find I can block book meetings to focus on projects and what needs to be tackled that week. Today there’s a lot of designing workshops that bring cross-functional teams together to build out integrated thinking and marketing strategies – ahead of some face-to-face sessions in February and March. This is something I’d term ‘in my zone of genius’ – I find seeing the bigger picture for an organisation and being able to find ways to connect the team’s thinking, something I can do almost intuitively.
Tuesday
I’ve been heavily involved in Bloom North, a not-for-profit network in the North West, for the last few years. Bloom North campaigns for equal opportunities for women in the creative, media and comms industry and empowers them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to grow, personally and professionally.
This year I’ve taken over as co-president of the committee with Olivia Waite and today is our AGM and the first time over 60 of our committee members are getting together. Nerves aside, we’re setting out our plan to continue its mission to up-level women and it’s so rewarding to see the energy in the room. I’ve always been a big advocate of paying it forwards: what started as offering to do a bit of mentoring online over lockdown has turned into getting involved in something that’s hands down often the most rewarding part of my week.
Presentation done, Liv and I mull over a few ideas, I chat to a couple of familiar faces before heading home.
Wednesday
I’m working from the home office today after two busy days out and about. The morning starts with a reformer Pilates class (another hobby acquired due to lockdown!). 45 minutes of burn but it sets me up for the day.
First job is clearing a backlog of emails and then prioritising what needs writing, reviewing, and delivering to clients. The shift away from 5 days in an office has allowed us all to re-assess our working patterns and diaries; I’ve by no means got it right but I try to keep clear a block of time for deeper thinking and work at least 2 days a week.
Thursday
Another first today. Bloom North launched its own podcast in 2023, and Liv and I are hosting today as we set out our plans for 2024. An early Pilates session followed by some podcast prep over a coffee with Liv and we’re set to go. We’ve got one of the previous Presidents joining us so it’s a great chance for us all to reflect on how far the network has come in the last 6 years.
We managed most of it in one take, so once the recording sign flicks off in the studio I’m off to a co-working space for the afternoon of a couple of calls and a proposal to finish.
Friday
I’m grateful to be at home today. When I can, I try and keep Fridays clear of meetings. After the gym, I’ve got a couple of quick catch-ups and a mentoring session with my current mentee. It’s great to hear some of the realisations she’s had over the last few weeks and see how much more confident she is navigating her career.
The rest of the day is focused on delivering client work. It’s been one of those weeks where I’ve not had a chance to stop doing and give myself the time and space to think creatively – that’s for next week…
