Meet Grace Andrews, the 26-year-old Marketing Director for Steven Bartlett and The Diary Of A CEO, one of the world’s biggest podcasts. We sat down with Grace to chat about progression at work, finding a fulfilling role and her incredible career journey so far. If you’re struggling to find your feet in the world of work, this one is for you.
Melissa: Hey Grace, thank you so much for joining us. Let’s dive right in – can you share what your career aspirations were when you were younger and how they evolved?
Grace: Honestly, I didn’t have a clue. Leaving university, I found myself on this academic treadmill, having studied history because it was my favourite subject in sixth form. I came out wondering, “What’s next?” I was waiting for someone to guide me. So, I took a break, travelled, interned, and explored various paths. My initial inclination was towards broadcast journalism, wanting to be in front of the screen, reporting on international events. I’m quite a creative person. I loved the idea of working in a fast paced environment. And I love breaking trends before anyone else, seeing trends emerge, living for that very fast paced sort of lifestyle
However, the pandemic disrupted my plans. Job opportunities vanished, especially in broadcast journalism where work experience is crucial. Coincidentally, my master’s degree included social media journalism, and I found myself intrigued by social strategy. As I delved into it, I began working with local businesses, helping them navigate the digital landscape during challenging times.
Fast forward, I applied for a social media manager role at the Diary of a CEO with Stephen Bartlett, seeing it as a tremendous learning opportunity. Little did I know that this decision would lead me to where I am now, at 26, leading a fantastic team for one of the country’s largest media brands. It’s a journey I could never have predicted, highlighting how unaware we are, especially when younger, of the vast possibilities in the job market.
Melissa: That’s fascinating. It resonates with the idea that our career paths can take unexpected turns. Now, could you tell us more about your current role?
Grace: Certainly. I am currently the Marketing Director for Stephen Bartlett and the Diary of a CEO. Steven, a Dragon on Dragon’s Den, hosts Europe’s biggest podcast, the Diary of a CEO. When I joined almost three years ago, we had just under 10,000 YouTube subscribers. Now, we have nearly 4 million. The team has grown from three to almost 30, and our podcast is making waves in the U.S., climbing the charts.
The role involves overseeing the marketing strategy for the podcast, which has been an incredible journey. The growth we’ve experienced has exceeded our expectations, and it’s a privilege to be part of a team that is passionate about what we do. The impact we see worldwide and the opportunities to expand our networks make every day exciting.
Melissa: That’s impressive growth. Reflecting on your journey, what stands out as your favourite aspect of your role?
Grace: Oh, it’s tough to pinpoint just one thing. Meeting Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble, was a surreal moment. She’s the founder of Bumble and at the time was the youngest female self-made billionaire but was probably the most humble person you’ll ever meet in your life. She was a guest on the podcast and meeting her felt like a full-circle moment, considering her episode on “How I Built This” was my introduction to podcasting.
On the flip side, the chance to travel globally for events and podcast recordings has been eye-opening. From LA to New York, I’ve experienced opportunities I never thought possible at my age. Yet, the best part is working with passionate people. It’s not just a job; it’s an environment where work doesn’t feel like work. The fact that no one has voluntarily left in the past three years is a testament to how great where we work is.
Melissa: Now, you’re a marketing director, which is quite a leap. How has navigating these promotions been, especially considering it can be daunting, especially at a young age?
Grace: Absolutely. To be totally honest, there hasn’t been a huge amount of time to think about any of it because everything happens so quickly. I went to a shoot today and saw someone I haven’t seen in a couple of months, and she goes, “Oh, you’ve just been promoted.” And I was like, have I? I thought it was about six months ago, but I think it was only two months ago. Everything feels so quick and fast-paced, which is a blessing and a curse because you don’t stop to take it in and process it. But at the same time, it means you don’t stop, and you keep going. And as I said, I love the fast-paced nature of it.
The transition from social media to social media manager to head of social was a natural progression as we expanded. It felt right, matching the growth rate of everything else. Managing more people while essentially doing the same thing but at scale. The latest shift to marketing director happened about a year and a half or two years later. We had evolved from a podcast to a media brand working with major companies and campaigns, from bestselling novels to live events. On paper, the job description was much closer to a marketing director position than managing social media.
The transition happened quickly, about six to eight months before my promotion. We had hired someone from a corporate background, bringing in knowledge and experience but they were struggling to adapt to our fast-paced and chaotic ways. It didn’t work out, and Steve made the decision not to bring in someone senior from outside. He wanted me to step into the role, acknowledging that I needed training and upskilling in marketing over the next six to eight months first. The conversations here have always been transparent, and it’s the fantastic thing about where we work. When we were hiring for that role, I didn’t feel nearly qualified enough, but Steve sat down and said, “Your trajectory in the next year is heading there. What do we need to do to get you there?” It made sense not to bring someone in above me, considering I know the brand better than anyone else.
The transitions were quite different; one was natural and made sense, while the other was about filling a gap quickly. It was an intense process but taught me a lot, pushing me well out of my comfort zone. I’m grateful for that, as it has been a tremendous learning experience both personally and professionally.
Melissa: Amazing. Do you have any advice for someone who is about to have those transparent conversations at work? How do you find the confidence to pursue them, especially when it’s not explicitly given?
Grace: Absolutely. I can share an experience from one of my previous roles. When I was an account exec in a marketing agency, I was essentially managing accounts despite being in a junior role due to under-resourcing. The thought of having a conversation about a promotion made me sick to my stomach, but I gathered data, printed it out, and presented it during a meeting. I showed them everything I was currently doing, compared it to the job description I had, and the account manager role. Some people need to see hard data rather than just talk. It worked. The manager agreed that we were thinking about a similar progression and that I had accelerated the process.
It was a tough conversation, but it naturally led to a pay rise. I’ve been well looked after here, and that was the only time I had to prompt the conversation. I believe there’s nothing wrong with initiating it. A good organisation will lay out what they need to see from you to reach your goals, creating a plan together. Don’t assume everyone will guide you; sometimes, you need to ask.
I used to expect everyone to tell me what to do, but often, they won’t do anything until you ask. Put yourself out there, ask uncomfortable questions, and put yourself in uncomfortable spaces. The worst that can happen is they say no. If you work for a good organisation, they’ll provide a progress plan and guidance.
Melissa: And now, as a marketing director managing a team and involved in public speaking, have you faced gender or age discrimination?
Grace: Luckily, I haven’t experienced gender discrimination, possibly because the creative space I work in is female-heavy. Our team is well-balanced, and I’ve never felt that anything wasn’t fair in every aspect.
However, in terms of age, externally, I’ve felt it, particularly in public speaking events. There are occasions where people might assume I’m more junior until they realise my position. It’s interesting, and sometimes when they know the podcast or recognise Steven’s name, they take me more seriously. It’s the nature of the beast, people can be short-minded. The age thing is noticeable, but I consider it a superpower. Calling myself a 26-year-old marketing director draws attention and has a shock factor that I can use to my advantage. As long as I can block out doubts and use it strategically, it works in my favour.
Melissa: Have you encountered any setbacks in your career so far?
Grace: Absolutely. I’ve had plenty. When I think of setbacks, the sacrifice of all other parts of my life comes to mind. It’s unrealistic to claim you can have it all. I’ve faced setbacks in personal relationships and friendships, making necessary sacrifices to reach this point. As a super social 26-year-old with a demanding job, claiming to have everything is impossible. Women, especially, have additional expectations at various life stages, and having it all is not a practical expectation. Finding parts that bring fulfilment and accepting sacrifices is key.
Melissa: Do you prioritise work-life balance, and have you established boundaries?
Grace: I don’t believe in work-life balance. Work is part of life, and life encompasses everything. I view life as seasons, and my current season is work-oriented due to having minimal responsibilities. I consider my work and life not as opposing forces but as evolving priorities. I prioritize work in this season and adjust as life evolves. Boundaries are evolving and change based on life circumstances. I communicate when I’m online or offline but don’t set rigid start and end times. I’ve learned to set boundaries as my roles, teams, and living situations evolve, and it’s okay for them to change over time.
Melissa: How do you look after yourself, and do you have non-negotiables?
Grace: I focus on a good night’s sleep, nutritious meals, and quality conversations. Phone down during important discussions is non-negotiable. I invest in my health and prioritise continuous learning through podcasts, books, courses, and events. Daily outdoor time, even for a short walk, is essential. Maintaining nice nails is a personal indicator for me too. Keeping direction in my work, saying no to excessive plans, and prioritising listening over talking are crucial. And regular time by the sea serves as a calming space.
Melissa: I love that. My notes app is a crazy place too, but I couldn’t live without it. If you could go back and tell your younger self anything, what would it be?
Grace: I often think about A-level results day. Missing my university offer by a grade felt like my world crumbled. The disappointment and judgment from others created a burning desire to prove myself. I wish I could tell my younger self that everything would work out in the end – because you will make it happen. And not because the stars are aligned and, you know, you’re going to manifest this dream world. But because I had that inner burning passion desire to go and make whatever was going to happen, happen, no matter what the piece of paper said, no matter what the looks the teachers gave you, like, if you want to make it happen, you absolutely will.
Melissa: What’s next? Any big plans for the next one to five years?
Grace: It’s hard to predict, but expansion is on the horizon. Growing the team is a significant responsibility and privilege. The role has evolved from hands-on execution to overseeing and creating career journeys for the team. Expanding into different pillars and overseeing the process from beginning to end is an exciting and satisfying challenge. The goal is to scale what I can do for the team members and be a great leader. In one year, I anticipate a larger team, possibly eight to ten people. Ultimately, being able to say I’ve been a good leader would be the best reward.
You can find Grace on Instagram here.
Disgraceful Magazine 