CAREERS
CV STORIES SADIE GROOM The founder of Rise – which works towards gender equality in the broadcast media and entertainment technology sector – and the Bubble Agency tells us all about her career
Definition: How did the Bubble Agency originate, and how would you sum up its ethos? Sadie Groom: I was 26 when I set up Bubble in 1999 – I’d always had an entrepreneurial side. In some ways, I think it’s easier when you’re younger as you’ve got nothing to lose. I went to the bank and asked, what do I need to do? That’s been something I’ve always done throughout my career: asked for advice. Bubble is all about passion, giving back – and being results-driven. If my clients aren’t making money, we’re not going to get paid. It’s simple; that hasn’t changed. Some things have changed: we’re a lot more global now, we’ve got an office in LA and we’re more process-driven. We’re a multi-million-pound business now, not Sadie’s little PR company! Def: How did Rise come about, and what kind of work does the organisation do? SG: Around 2017, I started organising some talks about gender equality, and then we began the mentoring programme, which really cemented what we were doing. The programme is now global, and in this year alone, we mentored around 200 women across the world. One thing I’m proud of is our safe car initiative to help women get home safely after IBC. Then there’s the Rise Awards – which just makes me cry. It means so much for these women to be given a spotlight and to be recognised. In terms of the future for Rise – my aspiration is for it not to need to exist! Def: What excites you about your career? SG: The talent and the variety is exciting. Launching the LA office, launching into new sectors and working with new
which is probably why I’ve always sought out mentors and advisors. Def: How did you build your network, and what advice would you give others? SG: I love Sheryl Sandberg and everything she did with Lean In – but I say jump in! I’m not full of confidence, but just saying yes is the big thing. You also need to read the room: see if people are in a conversation you can break into, or you can’t. Be interesting, and be interested – that’s how you will build your network. Find out what makes people tick. Def: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the industry right now? SG: The biggest immediate threat is the writer’s strike – and what that’s doing to the rental houses, resellers, PR agencies, even the unit drivers in LA – everyone. I also wonder how attractive we are, as an industry, to new talent. There’s a lack of diversity and the salaries can’t match – for example, tech companies. We need to look at how we can make our industry more appealing to newcomers. Def: And what is the biggest opportunity on the horizon? SG: I say this touching wood, but we’re recession proof(ish) as an industry. During the pandemic, what did people do? They watched more content. The fact my son watches videos all day is a good thing – obviously, I try and encourage him outside – but it’s content, and content isn’t suddenly going away. People are so willing to help. The amount of support we get for Rise is huge; people are always asking how they can help, which is positive and a big opportunity.
RISING STAR Ever the hard worker, Groom is a leading light always pushing for change
clients. I love working with new team members. And the explosion of content is interesting, too. It’s always exciting times, but you’ve got to make it exciting. If you don’t have that excitement, nobody will. Def: What has been your proudest career moment so far? SG: Starting Bubble in a very male- dominated industry. I feel I’ve created a community with it. And through working with Bubble, I’ve had the opportunity to start Rise and run AVIXA Women’s Council in the AV sector. I probably wouldn’t have been able to do that if I hadn’t had the flexibility and confidence owning your own business can bring. Def: Is there anything you would do differently, if you had the chance? SG: I would probably have gone into business with someone else. Being a business owner can be quite lonely,
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