This Spotlight is with the fab Kirsten Ed!
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
The first job I ever wanted was to be an astronaut. I went slightly closer to Earth at age 11, as I was sure I was going to grow up to be a ski instructor. Once I was asked what I’d do in Summer as this was a Winter job, and I said I’d be a scuba instructor! Very different to where I’ve ended up – but I still ski every year, and I am nearly qualified as an Open Water diver.
What did you do before being part of the Mando team?
I got my start working for a catalogue company, I did customer service, then partnerships and then operations. We worked closely in partnership with national newspapers, and I learnt about the importance of brand synergy with similar audiences. After this, I did my Prince2 and got my project management qualification, but really I fell in love with making things work on the inside of a business – processes, systems and clarity of communication.
What do you do in your free time?
I’m always planning a holiday of some kind, I love to travel, and I think planning where to go, what to do and what to eat is so much fun. I also love days out around London, trying new restaurants, live music and theatre. Then on rainy days, you’ll find me happy watching some tv shows or playing video games, comfy inside with my 3 cats.
What is your favourite part about Mando?
While I find the work really interesting, especially the operational side which I am more involved in than ever, the best part has to be the people and the culture! It’s nice working for a company with such a good, friendly, fun group of people – who are all absolutely stellar at their jobs. It’s a good atmosphere and everyone really pitches in together to make it a great place to work. Small but mighty! It’s an added bonus that Sea Containers has a rooftop cocktail bar overlooking the London skyline. I am also continually learning about amazing small brands that we partner with – I now use gruum and Estrid all the time, who we have worked with across multiple brands over the last few years.
If you could choose another role in the company, what would you like to do?
It’d have to be Mark’s job – Director of Risk is clearly one of the cooler job titles out there, plus I love working with excel, numbers and stats. I don’t work very closely with the Promotions team presently, but it’s really interesting every time I learn more about what they’re doing.
You work with Excel as part of your job, what tip would you have for people starting with it.
My biggest advice for anyone trying to use Excel is to never forget the power of a good Google! Of course, I know formulas that I use all the time off the top of my head, but there are so many things that Excel is capable of that a quick Google as a learning tool or as a refresher is so valuable. I also absolutely love the format painter tool for all Microsoft purposes – just so nifty.
Can you share with us your favourite London restaurant and a small shop that you frequently visit?
I always love trying to eat at new places – anything with good reviews, interesting food and small plates is immediately a yes. Goodbye Horses, Little Duck The Picklery and Angelina are all so good. And I have to shout out Assa, a Korean hotpot place in Soho which is super delicious and great value for money. Small shop wise… I am more likely to go to my local market in Coal Drops Yard to pick up small bits from independent sellers. I am adding to a print wall in my hallway and Coal Drops Yard will often have independent artists for an art fair, which is dangerous for my wallet.
If you were a cocktail, what cocktail would you be?
I have to say my favourite – a pina colada! Something about loving hot weather, tropical vibes and colourful accessories. It’s a good mood drink.
