A Week With #TeamSleek
We believe making greater connections is the key to success in every part of our lives. So we thought we’d help you get to know the team behind Sleek a little bit better by asking them three very simple questions…
This week we have selected Aron, Amy and Naomi to chat with. Get to know them better below!
Aron Bentley - Operations Director
Aron oversees the team that makes our unforgettable events a reality, managing our Project Delivery Team alongside supplier relationships. A critical part of the role is assigning the right talent within Sleek to each brief to ensure we exceed our client's expectations.
That’s your alarm going! Let’s get to work… Which part of your job makes you get up in the morning?
I really enjoy the variety that working for Sleek brings. Monotony wouldn’t suit me and my role allows the opportunity to think about a wide range of key areas of event delivery including creative problem solving, logistics, finance management, nurturing people skills and a lot more. Working with a mixture of long term clients and new business keeps things interesting as well.
We have a really strong, talented team here at Sleek that’s grown a lot over the last 12 months. Our office environment is great to be a part of…everyone gets on really well.
Our team are all very personable and the pace of our agency is fast and which allows individuals to feel both challenged and supported in their role.
Let’s grab a quick coffee together, I’m looking for some advice… What career guidance would you give based on your experience in the industry?
Remember to grow your network and go the extra mile for the people you work with… The events industry is built on connections and Sleek works hard to build personal links with both clients and suppliers. Word of mouth is an important factor in our business growth.
Each Sleek team member has their own personal network to bring to the table so if you’re starting out it’s never too early to start building yours.
I’d also say it’s great to be ambitious and Sleek will always fully support team members’ career aspirations. We want to attract and develop the best talent with a team that put in the groundwork to grow their experience. Nothing is ever wasted and working alongside seasoned colleagues in as many event scenarios as possible will give you invaluable knowledge for when you move to the next level.
Work hard play hard… We are hanging out this weekend! What have you got planned?
If the sun is shining I will hopefully be out on my bike somewhere. If it’s raining then a pub with friends and family might be on the cards! I live close to the river in west London so you might find me walking there sometimes, in the evening tapas in Brindisa, Richmond as a treat is always fun.
Amy Dillon – Project Manager
As a Project Manager, Amy expertly overseas her events from start to finish. From budgeting to timing and liaising with the crew - there are so many aspects to the role which is supported by our team of Project Coordinators. Amy works directly with the client throughout the delivery process to create unmissable experiences.
That’s your alarm going! Let’s get to work… Which part of your job makes you get up in the morning?
I know everyone is saying they love the variety… And I’m sorry but it’s the same for me! You never know what’s going to land in your inbox. Also, the relationships you build with clients and suppliers plus the team make the job what it is.
I think my personality is really suited to a fast-paced agency environment like this, I’ve always found I excel under pressure and there’s such a buzz to the office. I’ve grown so much since joining Sleek, there’s a culture of ownership and freedom to develop your skills which is balanced by really solid support from managers and colleagues.
Also, I love the team we have here, there are lots of great personalities in the office and we genuinely have a lot of fun!
Can we grab a quick coffee? I’m looking for some advice… What career guidance would you give based on your experience in the industry?
Believe in yourself and your abilities, especially when the inevitable challenges come up. No issue is insurmountable and there’s always a solution.
Secondly, be prepared to do the hard graft and not just when you are starting out but throughout your career. There is no hierarchy on site - our founder Jen is the first to start pushing boxes when needed!
The last one is the golden rule… ALWAYS remember to thank your supplier and crew.
Work hard play hard… We are hanging out this weekend! What have you got planned?
Well, you’ll be joining my flatmate and I for an early morning run down the river! For lunch, Tapas or Italian is my pick. Norma on Charlotte Street is amazing - go for the Parmigiana
Also one of my favourite ways to chill out is by simply walking around London with a coffee, taking it all in. I love cities and try to get to Europe for the weekend whenever I can.
Naomi Feld - Project Coordinator
Naomi is one of our Project Coordinators who play a critical role in creating our unmissable events. From detailed research into the very best venues to liaising with our suppliers on the latest in custom builds & digital displays. It’s a role that’s super-fast paced and delivers the nuts & bolts of what goes into a Sleek event.
That’s your alarm going! Let’s get to work… Which part of your job makes you get up in the morning?
What can I say, I love this job! The pace and energy at Sleek really suits my personality and I’m constantly being challenged.
The role is so varied which definitely keeps things interesting… I’m currently part of the team planning for an event for over 12,000 delegates and it’s such a buzz. I’ve also been researching yachts for an incentive event for another client which has been pretty interesting!
We have a great team so I like working in the office but also enjoy that the job gives me the chance to travel… I coordinate familiarisation visits to venues both here and overseas so that can mean trips to some stunning places. It’s definitely a perk of the job. Oh and I love speaking with our suppliers, Sleeks got a brilliant network and they are great to work with.
Can we grab a quick coffee? I’m looking for some advice… What career guidance would you give based on your experience of the industry?
It would be to go for it and don’t second guess yourself. I made a career change to work in events and on reflection, I’m so please I did - I feel I’m exactly where I need to be now even though I was slightly nervous at the time.
I started by volunteering and then moving on to freelance work to build my experience - some of the highlights were working on festivals with The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Florence & The Machine. After returning from a sabbatical in Australia I studied an event management postgraduate diploma.
For anyone starting their career in events I would say get as much hands-on experience as possible, it’s vital plus you’ll make invaluable contacts within the industry. I feel that the experience I gained gave me the opportunity to advance my career by joining an agency like Sleek.
Work hard play hard… We are hanging out this weekend! What have you got planned?
Ooh, well who can say no to a bottomless brunch!? At the opposite end of the spectrum, I also love keeping fit at kickboxing classes (probably best we do that before the brunch).
My favourite food is Italian and Middle Eastern. London has so many amazing restaurants, it’s hard to choose.
In my spare time I like to go for walks in nature…plus watching stand-up comedy is one of my favourite things to do so we’d try and catch a show at the comedy store.