Emily Hakner is an associate director of product at marketing intelligence platform BOSCO, founded by Leeds-based digital marketing agency Modo25.
SaaS platform BOSCO helps brands and agencies spend less with ad platforms like Google and Facebook and make more money, using its AI and machine learning to reduce media costs and increase sales.
Emily joined the agency in 2021, previously working as client director at several agencies including drivvn and Summit.
She shared all the lessons she has learnt…
Which single daily habit or practice could you not do without?
Alongside a coffee in the morning, a daily habit of mine is walking – in the morning, at lunchtime or evening, getting outside and moving is essential for me.
What’s been your luckiest break?
In my final year of university, one of my friends convinced me to go to the careers fair and I went along mainly for the freebies – but ended up landing my first role within a digital marketing agency. I didn’t even know what the acronym of my job title meant but I started that summer. It’s a choice that has brought many opportunities and developed into my career for the last decade.
What’s your best failure?
It was quite serious at the time but I had a car accident in my early 20s – thankfully I was completely fine but it was an event that changed my perspective on everything. Following the accident, I became so much more confident and focused on taking any opportunity that presented itself. Life really is too short to think ‘what if’ instead of ‘when I did…’.
What is the best investment you’ve ever made, either financial or time?
Financially this would be my house… however, from a time perspective this would be my friends. I am very lucky to have a solid group of friends around me, some still from primary school. As you get older life gets busier, but we continue to prioritise spending time together and it’s always some of the best times. Having a strong support network around you (who also enjoy wine) is completely priceless.
Which book would you recommend others to read and why?
‘How to be interesting’ by Jessica Hagy. It’s a fun take on a development book and who doesn’t want to be interesting?
What one piece of advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
To trust my instincts more – through experience, I’ve learned that your instincts typically ring true.
Who or what has had the single biggest influence on your working life?
I think working from a young age, (something highly encouraged by my parents). I have worked at seaside caravan parks, pubs, and fish shops all through my teenage years and I learnt so many things. Mainly to listen, understand the value of money and the ability to speak to anyone from any walk of life – we had so many different customers.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people.
I enjoy putting myself to the test physically – taking part in marathons and other long-distance events.
How will the COVID crisis change work for the better?
COVID has changed many workplaces for the better offering more flexibility with working from home and people not feeling on as much of a hamster wheel all the time. However, Modo25 whom I work for are pioneers in flexible working, from the beginning we have always had a four-day working week with flexible hours and the ability to work from home or in the office. Personally, I love working in the office, I’m so much more productive and enjoy seeing the team.
What does success look like to you?
Being happy and content for me is the ultimate success. Extending this to work, I enjoy the growth phase of businesses; growing revenues, teams, and products and helping people to develop their careers and reach their own goals is the ultimate success.
