Our latest Leadership Spotlight features Claire Wilson!
Claire’s experience in digital to date has seen her lead various organisations across different sectors; including Retail and Beauty. Claire possesses extensive knowledge of the eCommerce realm; including eCom supply processes and customer acquisition. Claire has worked with organsisations such as Barclaycard, Waitrose & Partners, and Orveon Global where she was Digital Director.
In our Q&A with Claire, she discusses her roles in digital strategy made her a ‘thinker’ and a ‘doer’, the challenges she sees in digital leadership when it comes to competition with Commerce platforms, what she learned from setting up her own business in 2007 and her interesting career alternative to digital!
Read our Q&A with Claire below.
Why did you join the Digital Leaders Club?
I’m a huge fan of peer support, we’re all often facing similar issues as the digital world continues to evolve, so to be part of such an experienced network is invaluable.
What's your career journey been like to date?
It varies based on the role – but always digital. I’ve worked for a variety of companies and sectors - from large corporations to VC backed startups, from Finance through to Beauty. I’ve been lucky enough to work in Digital Strategy roles as well as Trading roles which makes me both a ‘thinker and a doer’.
What do you love about working in digital?
Every day is a school day! I can genuinely say I learn something new every day.
What are the common challenges you see in digital leadership?
The increasing demand on DTC teams to keep delivering growth greater than that of the brand, in addition to competing with new/ improving commerce platforms (retail, TikTok shop etc) is a tough challenge right now. We need to view digital growth holistically, rather than chasing metrics from each individual digital channel – otherwise, we risk spreading digital teams too thin.
Have you had any interesting moments in your career so far?
Yes, when I set up my own business in 2007 – sendathought.co.uk, it was the original concept of gifts that fit in letter box-friendly packaging, that was the prime proposition of the business. It delivered PR in the Daily Mail and Metro to name a few publications (yes paper – not digital!) and gave me a true understanding of the importance of cash flow. Every day was an interesting moment – particularly when needing to fit 3 pallets of stock into the spare room of my London flat to prepping the range for QVC!
What’s it been like transitioning to a hybrid setup over the past few years?
It’s been life-changing - in a positive way! I moved out of London 14 years ago and have since been restricted to locally based roles due to me and my husband finding a 5-day London commute with two young children too much to juggle! However, when hybrid working became a ‘norm’ it opened up London-based roles again – which I have taken full advantage of!
What's the coolest/most interesting trend you're excited about?
The pace at which Shopify is developing its offering – it’s democratising great eCommerce sites for brands big and small. Now a great site isn’t just dependent on what brand has the biggest dev budget.
How would your colleagues describe you?
My mantra is ‘work hard and be nice to people’ – so hopefully something along the lines of that I work hard and I’m kind!
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I diligently carry out the role of ‘mums taxi’ at weekends, and enjoy a peloton class when there’s a spare window of time.
What's your plan for the future?
I await to find out!
What would you be doing (for a career) if you weren’t doing this? I would be a counsellor – the mind is such a powerful tool, and it’s usually the only blocker that stands between someone from achieving their goals.
Connect with Claire on LinkedIn