Zoe Leahy - Land & New Homes Director, Clothier Lacey
Did you always envisage a career in the Media Industry?
My parents have always worked in the industry – my father worked at P+G and my mother worked in advertising and PR and has had her own company for more years than I can remember, so I guess it was inevitable really. I had also worked in the business over the years during holidays and in between jobs, so it was an easy decision.
What has been your career path so far?
I did a ski season in Val d’Isere with VIP Ski immediately after graduating in International Business Studies. My time in Val combined my passion for skiing with my passion for cooking – it was hard trying to settle down after that. Nothing seemed to compare with the allure of the slopes and the lifestyle generally, so I decided to go back to university and did a Masters in Event Management – it seemed like making some kind of life decision – a course related to what I thought I would end up doing, but nothing too taxing!
After completing my Masters, I then set up my own company providing social media support but it was a little too early for many business owners who did not fully understand its potential. I then found myself a few years later at Ravensworth Digital which provided a design and print service to estate agents and property developers up and down the country. It was great fun, working with my mentor, Suzie Pattison, and we travelled all over the country together. It was bought by Zoopla in 2017 and I became Land & New Homes Manager, which was a national role. I was there for seven years in total and joined Clothier Lacey just over two years ago to head up the Land & New Homes division.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
I am easily distracted. Even my nursery teacher could not keep up with my rapid progress from sandpit to baking, to colouring in, playing with clay and then back to the sandpit – she swore she would not admit a two-year-old ever again. Settling down to homework and revision was always challenging with TV so much more interesting, so the pace of the media world therefore suits me.
Who do you respect most in your industry?
My mother, Philippa Clothier – well I would have to say that! I really admire how hard she has worked and how many people have benefited from her support and wisdom. She must have given employment to at least 200 people over the years, many of whom have gone on to set up their own companies and create jobs. Clothier Lacey will have been established for 25 years next year, which is an amazing achievement. She is still very much dedicated to the business and has great stamina, frequently working late at night when everyone else is ready for a good night’s sleep.
Which fictional media character can you most relate to?
Jeff Daniels, who played the role of Will McAvoy in The Newsroom, an American political drama, because I am fascinated by American politics and because he was determined to speak the truth and stand apart from those who would parrot the party line.
What is your greatest strength?
I think my greatest strength is my physical strength – having fun fights with my younger sister was a regular pastime and I was also a keen gymnast from the age of six so I have been strong ever since, which has been a great asset playing hockey and skiing. Friends would say I am also very loyal.
What is your biggest weakness?
I often speak my thoughts without thinking of the consequences – those who know me have grown to expect this – and find it quite amusing and cringeworthy by turns. I think clients appreciate my honesty – usually! Oh, yes, and Tik Tok is another weakness – I wouldn’t care to add up how much time I spend on TikTok. It drives my family mad.
What has been your proudest achievement?
I have been told, by many, (including my English A-level teacher) that I am recklessly relaxed. To that end, I honestly cannot recall one single event that I can say was my proudest achievement. That moment is yet to come.
What are your future career aspirations?
I will take over the business at some point in the future, if my dear mother ever decides it is time to slow down! We have complementary skills and work well together (most of the time).
How do you see your industry evolving in the next 10 years?
AI has to be the technology changer with the most impact – we could all be out of a job soon – it is both amazing and scary. It fascinates me – I want to know more and more about it, being the office geek.
How do you like to unwind?
Chilling on the sofa watching TV with my husband and Indie – our adorable tabby cat – and usually scrolling through my phone. I also love a good book but have started to listen to podcasts more often these days.
