IWD: 60 seconds with Laura Cutler

60 Second Q&A with Laura Cutler

What was your career path like? Did you always want to work in this field?

I originally wanted to be a paediatric physiotherapist but during what was supposed to be my gap year before going to university, I got a job at Withers LLP in their marketing department and fell in love with the City lifestyle and with marketing. I continued to work full time and attended night classes to get my Chartered Institute of Marketing qualification. I've now spent nearly 15 years as a professional services marketer.

What do you wish someone had told you early in your career?

You don't have to say yes to everything. You're part of the discussion for a reason, share your views, ideas, and recommendations. Saying no is ok if you have an alternative solution and you're willing to guide and coach people through a new way of thinking.

What tips do you have for all the women coming up behind you?

You don't have to act like a man to be successful in a 'man's world'. Likewise, you don't have to be like an accountant or a lawyer to be a successful marketer in that field. Equality, diversity and inclusion is a destination that we're all working towards so be yourself and play your part in making the change.

What woman inspires you and why?

This is a hard question. At the risk of sounding like an Oscars acceptance speech, I would say my mum, my sister, my friends, the women I've worked with or been mentored by and my dance teachers and fellow dancers, they're all so inspiring in their own way.

Where do you see the future taking you?

I'd like to travel more with my career to experience different cultures and ways of working. The rate of technology advances and shifts in preferences means there's always something new to look at or adopt. My future will be an educational one personally and professionally.