Susan Adams is Associate Director at Coulson Partners, a strategic advisory firm founded by Andy Coulson. She completed the joint Birkbeck and Central Saint Martins MBA programme in spring 2019.
How has your life changed during the COVID-19 crisis?
Well, my world has become much smaller for one, in terms of both people and geography. Thankfully work has continued almost as normal, and my laptop has become a window into far off and previously unknown places – including the living rooms and home offices of colleagues and clients. It’s been good I think for all of us to share a bit more of ourselves and seeing – not always intentionally over zoom – each others’ partners, kids and dogs.
How has the lockdown affected your work/company you work for?Being a strategic advisory firm, we could move quickly and smoothly to home working so in practical terms we continued uninterrupted really. All our clients have been affected in one way or another by Covid, but it’s not all crisis communications. We needed to be agile – getting across Government announcements, major staff safety and customer service challenges, monitoring industry-wide developments – all while staying focused on the big picture, long-term strategic goals. Context is everything when you’re trying to build trust and connection with audiences that matter to you. Some of our clients have been able to make such a positive contribution in a difficult time, and it’s great to be a small part of it.
Did you learn lessons about your work/life balance at Birkbeck that can be applied to the current situation we are all in?
Yes, that you have to have one! I also discovered when I work best and when it’s simply pointless sitting in front of the computer waiting for inspiration to strike.
Why did you choose Birkbeck to study at? What did you study and why?
I was looking for an MBA with a difference – the Birkbeck collaboration with Central Saint Martins offered that, as well as a powerful combination of two globally respected, pioneering institutions. With the world of work changing so much, and the need for leaders to adapt and change too, the MBA seemed to bring together the best of the more traditional business school with art school innovation. I also needed a programme I could do while I was working full time, and Birkbeck is the best place for that.
What were the highlights of your time at Birkbeck?
Definitely the people. Students, lecturers and staff. To be challenged constantly in such a supportive space.
What, do you think, makes Birkbeck special?
There’s something special about the opportunity it gives us to get on in our lives when we might not otherwise have the chance – whether that’s getting into university for the first time, making study possible alongside family or work commitments, or doing your second or third degree for enjoyment in later life. I loved doing my dissertation at the Library, there seemed to be a real sense of a collective endeavour to go places.
Where has studying at Birkbeck taken you/How did your qualification help you?
It took me to the job I have now at Coulson Partners. But it’s not just a piece of paper, it helps me do my job with confidence, and to hold my own with some of the smartest and most demanding people I’ve worked with. Every day I’m thinking strategically, ambitiously and creatively for clients and also helping to grow a business I really believe in. Without the Birkbeck experience I’d still be giving it a good go, but possibly not enjoying it as much as I do.
What advice would you give to current students?
Make the most of it. And take a lot of confidence from the fact you’re already on the first step to the next stage of your life and career.
If you would like to tell us what you are doing during lockdown and be featured on our next blog, please email alumni@bbk.ac.uk
