An in-depth chat with our new Account Manager, Rhea Zakir

In the fast-paced world of strategic digital marketing, there are individuals who thrive on innovation, creativity, and building strong relationships with clients. One such rising star is Rhea Zakir, our newly appointed Account Manager at Next Chapter. Rhea’s journey into marketing was not a predetermined path; instead, she stumbled into it, discovering her passion and knack for the field through a unique experience during her university days.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Rhea Zakir to learn more about her journey into marketing, her thoughts on AI’s impact on the industry, and her ambitions for the future. Read on for first-hand insights into working behind-the-scenes in marketing agencies.

Q: How did you get into working in marketing, was it planned or did you stumble into it?

A: I knew I wanted to pursue a career in marketing after completing university, but I wasn’t entirely sure which role would be the best fit for me. It was during my final year at university that I had the opportunity to work on an undergraduate consultancy project for a small business, where I delved into market research and provided strategic recommendations. This experience helped me realise that I preferred working with teams and clients over the technicalities of finance and investment management, which was my initial background. After returning from a year-long trip in 2021, I was approached by a recruiter for my first digital marketing job as an account executive. From there, I gradually climbed the ladder, becoming a Junior Account Manager before my current role as an Account Manager, where I work closely with disruptor brands.

Q: What was it about the industry that attracted you?

A: The dynamic and fast-paced nature of the marketing industry is what truly captivated me. It’s a field where you are never bored, and there’s always room for creativity and new ideas in crafting unique campaigns. Working with various brands and engaging with diverse individuals is also a major plus for me. I’ve always had a desire to travel, and though it may not always involve international trips, the opportunity to meet clients in different cities remains immensely appealing to me.

Q: Working in an agency and with so many clients, you have to wear many hats – what would you say is the number one key to being a successful account manager at Next Chapter?

A: Among the various hats I wear, I believe the number one key to being a successful account manager at Next Chapter is being organised. Keeping things well-structured and efficiently managing tasks is crucial to meet the diverse needs of our clients and maintain seamless operations.

Q: If you could meet yourself 50 years in the future and only ask them one question, what would it be?

A: I would ask, “What’s one piece of advice you could give to me?” Gathering insights from my future self would undoubtedly help me navigate through the years to come.

Q: AI is the talk of the town at the minute, do you think we’ll all be out of jobs soon?

A: Personally, I don’t think so. AI is an incredible tool that enhances our abilities, and I find it useful in assisting me with my job. However, I firmly believe that the human touch and personal connections we establish with clients cannot be replaced by AI. In marketing, AI can certainly be leveraged to generate ideas and expedite processes, but it cannot entirely replace the unique skill set we bring to the table.

Q: People say don’t meet your idols, but if you had the chance, would you?

A: While I don’t have a specific idol, there are individuals I genuinely admire, such as Kim Kardashian and Grace Beverley, both successful businesswomen.

Q: What’s the one brand you would love the opportunity to work with? And why?

A: We Are Talais a brand I would love to collaborate with. Not only do they offer my favourite clothes, but I also resonate with their business ethos and commitment to inclusivity. Following Grace Beverley’s journey on social media has been inspiring, witnessing her businesses flourish while consistently striving for improvement.

Q: To date, professionally what is your proudest achievement?

A: My proudest achievement would be successfully completing my university education. It laid the foundation for my career and equipped me with valuable skills.

Q: What would be your specialist subject if you were on Mastermind?

A: “How to remain calm in a stressful situation.” Maintaining composure in high-pressure scenarios has been a valuable skill in my professional journey.

Q: If you met someone on their first day working at Next Chapter, what would be your 5 top tips to help them settle in?

A: I would advise them to:

1. Get to know their team members, fostering a strong support network.

2. Ask questions, as curiosity leads to learning and growth.

3. Familiarise themselves with the processes, making tasks easier to handle.

4. Not worry about their current knowledge of clients and channels, as experience will build over time.

5. Stay organised and take notes, ensuring efficiency and a smooth onboarding process.

Rhea Zakir’s journey into marketing exemplifies how sometimes, the best career paths are stumbled upon unexpectedly. Her passion for creativity, client engagement, and organisationsets her apart as a successful Account Manager at Next Chapter, where she continues to excel and make a significant impact in the marketing world.

We can’t wait to see Rhea’s growth within the team at Next Chapterand are excited about the collaborative work we will produce for our current and future clients. Get in touchto start a project together.