Hi, I'm Becky
Project Manager in the Global Partnership Team and former Team GB gymnast, London
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My journey so far…
As a child, I loved gymnastics and was always cartwheeling around the house with my sister. My parents put us into classes to burn off some of that energy. From the moment I started, I fell in love with the sport and quickly progressed. By the age of seven I was training with girls who were 10 years older than me, so my coach recommended that I move to a more advanced gym.
When I was nine, I won my first national title, and realised I had a real shot at going to the Olympic Games. The next few years were really hard work, with 20-30 hours of intensive weekly training on top of my studies. Although I missed out on some social activities, I really enoyed my busy gymnastics schedule and liked the academic side of school as well.
By the time I was 16 all that effort paid off, when I qualified to compete at the Olympic Games Beijing 2008. Competing on that stage was mind blowing and I still get goosebumps thinking about the roar of the crowd. Our team finished in ninth place, which was the highest finish for Great Britain at the time. Although I thought I’d train for the Olympic Games London 2012, I decided to go to university instead. I’d focused so much of my childhood on sport that I was ready for something new. I got a scholarship offer from Stanford University in California, which was a fantastic experience. It gave me the chance to study while continuing my gymnastics career in a less high-pressured environment.
"I'm passionate about sport, which makes the work I do feel very special. Working as part of a team to make an impact is important to me, and together we reach new audiences with our content."
Work that matters
After graduating in mechanical engineering and retiring from gymnastics, I stayed in the states for a year to work for a product design firm before moving to London. I loved working in a creative environment, but preferred project management to design. I found a job as a studio manager with a sports advertising agency before joining Deloitte’s in-house creative agency, 368, two years ago.
I’m now a project manager in Deloitte Global’s Partnership Team, focusing on our 10-year partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Currently we are working on marketing and advertising activities ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. My main project has been a campaign called The First Effect, which shines a spotlight on athletes who’ve done something for the first time, showing how it paves the way for others. For example, Nicola Adams, who was the first female boxer to win Olympic gold and has been a catalyst for change in women’s boxing, with participation increasing by 50% worldwide.
I'm so passionate about sport and the Olympic Games, it makes the work I do feel very special. It’s fast-paced and it’s great to know we‘re helping to drive innovation and reach new audiences. The team I work with is incredible and everyone is so supportive of each other.
Highlights from my week
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| We launch our co-created campaign with the IOC, The First Effect, which has a great reception across social media. | I have a call with our global team to discuss preparations for Paris 2024. We talk about our roles and answer questions that the team have. |
I attend an AI event looking at the ways that AI can impact and benefit sport, including the opportunities it presents, as well as how we can manage any risks. |
I present The First Effect to communications teams across our global network, so they can then activate the campaign in their own country. |
Today I’m working with the UK’s Green Room podcast team about an exciting project we have in the pipeline. After work I wind down and order a takeaway with my partner. |
My weekend looks like
I‘ve recently taken up tennis and bouldering, which is a lot of fun. Having focused on gymnastics for so long, it’s nice to have the flexibility to try new things. I also love a weekend lie-in and a chilled out morning with my cat, followed by a walk and going out for dinner.
3 things I've learned
Success isn’t linear
I’ve failed a lot of times throughout my sporting career, as well as in the workplace. The more you can see that as a learning opportunity, the easier it becomes to be resilient.
Follow your passion
I’ve never had a clearly defined career path, but I always find if I’m open to new challenges, it opens opportunities. I’ve had some great roles through exploring and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
Celebrate the personal wins
It’s really easy to get caught up on a goal that might be quite far away. Don’t forget to celebrate the smaller goals you meet along the way- even if they might not be externally recognised.
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Becky's book recommendation
Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus
"Lessons in Chemistry follows the story of Elizabeth Zott, who becomes a cooking show host in California in the 1960s, after losing her job as a chemist. The novel explores sexism and the treatment of women, but it’s a really empowering book and a lovely story. It shows the importance of self-worth and not letting anyone else tell you that can’t do something."
