Our Communications Specialist, Tessa Coleman, shares how varied her career has been, and gives us an insight into her adventures around the world.
What is your role at Guernsey Electricity?
I’m on a fixed term contract as a Communications Specialist.
My main focus is to improve our internal communications. A big part of that is the implementation of an employee experience platform which is designed to promote positive work culture and a connected workforce.
Those were a lot of corporate words.
How does your job help keep the island running?
Helping the team where I can, especially with the implementation of our upcoming internal communications.
Encouraging employee engagement is a big part of bettering the work experience of everyone at GEL, and in turn our customer’s experience. From electricity generation, to electrical and plumbing, to logistics and finance; my indirect role supports their direct role to keep the island running.
What other industries have you worked in?
I’ve done a bit of everything.
I know that answer is like saying ‘I listen to everything’ when someone asks what music you listen to, but it is true…
I’ve been in a cycle of saving up to go on a ‘big trip’ and going on said ‘big trip’ which has taken me across Asia, India and South America, mostly solo. Unintentionally and now intentionally, I’ve tried a lot of different things through temporary and fixed term contracts to understand what I do and don’t want in my career.
I’ve worked in digital marketing, PR, social media and brand management in between those travelling escapades (nearly wrote a Freudian slip of ‘escapes’).
Through trial and error in a variety of jobs, I figured out I’m a natural communicator, that I thrive in relationship management, and those things are what I genuinely enjoy.
*Tune in next week for “Another year, another temp contract for Tessa"*
What does a typical day (or week) look like for you?
I like getting into work early – even though I just said I’m a communicator, I’m definitely an extroverted introvert. I love being alone.
I get my priorities in order (only work-related ones) then try to get on with a good portion of work – be it spreadsheets, emails, writing or research. I schedule my diary into time focuses, seeing what I need to do visually helps me.
I try to walk during lunch, read a few pages to give my eyes a screen break. I’m addicted to charity shopping though, so I’ll often go on lunch too. In my head, the money I spend is being given to charity so, actually, I’m doing a very selfless thing…right…?
Recently, my days (and sometimes nights) revolved around The Powering Life for Less Show. I have never been involved in planning an event on this scale and it definitely gave me a newfound respect for people who work in events, especially wedding planners.
However it was really rewarding seeing the work pay off, the event went well and brought many people inside and outside the organisation together – so thank you again to all involved!
Next on the list is a new induction process, enhancing employee engagement and writing content (get excited for internal comms, people).
What is your proudest achievement so far?
Maybe this isn’t the most ‘professional’ answer but truthfully, it’s the work I’ve put into myself and figuring out my own path.
I’ve dealt with chronic illnesses including ME/ CFS which made me feel like a failure for a long time. Now looking back I recognise persevering and getting to where I am now as an achievement, and I’m proud of myself.
What was your dream job growing up? Or what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be on the West End, singing, acting… basically any kind of performing. I daydreamed a lot about singing, still do actually.
I still count myself as growing up, so my dream job has evolved into something else now. I’m discovering what exactly that means for me and how to use the skills I’ve developed during my career to create something I’m passionate about.
What is the most unusual thing about your job and how would you describe it to someone who knows nothing about it?
Analysing the impact of words.
It may seem pedantic or over the top, but different words carry different energies that can be interpreted so many different ways. The wrong combination can be detrimental.
The written word doesn’t have the benefit of nuance, tone, body language etc. to colour in context, so fluffing it up can spell disaster (that pun satisfied me).
Ever been in a text argument? All the misunderstandings? A full stop in the wrong place? Case in point.
New ideas or ways of doing things can be a risk, and sometimes you play a personal game of “chicken”.
There’s a scale of appropriateness with creativity in marketing, and it’s increasingly challenging to convey a message in a fresh way that will cut through the loud and overwhelming world we’re in.
The evolution of marketing, media and social media is notoriously fast, with something as fickle as a new trend or something as serious as a global news development having an impact. It’s a balance and varies company to company, brand to brand, so there’s a lot to consider in comms!
If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day- who would it be and why?
Little Simz – I love her music, it really speaks to me. She’s fulfilling a childhood dream and I want to be front row in her brain.
Who inspires you the most?
I get inspired by people in different ways, like mini inspo bursts.
I’m an observer and people watcher, so if I see someone display kindness or grace, act in a wise or level way, I appreciate it and it serves as a reminder of how I want to be.
One of my favourite words is ‘sonder’- realising that everyone you encounter has a life as complex and full as your own, so I think there’s inspiration around all of us.
On another note, I’ve loved and felt inspired by Freddie Mercury since I was a child, so much so that I have him tattooed on my arm.
I also think Pheobe Waller-Bridge is an inspiration to creativity in general, she completely changed the game with ‘Fleabag’ and what she is achieving in the industry is a cultural phenomenon. Phe-nomenon.
What advice would you give your younger self?
A lot of the most important lessons tend to be cliches, which I think is wisdom hiding in plain sight. To start with, it would be to build a strong connection and trust with yourself.
You’re with yourself all the time, so make it a nice place to be.
The grass is green where you water it.
Make mistakes, don’t fear rejection, failure isn’t a thing. Keep going.
What are the best benefits offered by GEL in your opinion?
The culture was something that was mentioned to me on my first day and has stayed relevant ever since.
I genuinely like everyone I work with; I enjoy being in the office and I appreciate that people across different departments are friendly and welcoming.
I’ve settled in just enough to then move to the other side of the world … 😊
Bonus question – who do you like to follow on LinkedIn and why?
I feel guilty about this one but I’m really terrible on LinkedIn, so I’ll have to pass.
