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The Kiwi & The Kombucha

6 min read by Levi Clucas 25 Oct 2019

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It seems only minutes ago that we welcomed Be and Emma into the StrategiQ family, but it’s time to welcome another pair of fantabulous additions to the StrategiQ family! This time around, we’re saying hello to local business extraordinaire Sam Parnell and our new Head of Production, Tyler Webb-Harding. So, let’s find out a little more about our two new team members…

First up, it’s Superwoman Sam!

Sam has always been in the marketing and digital sphere, having run a development agency with her brother for the last seven years, where they developed the software platform ‘Echoleft’, designed for charities to improve their fundraising ability. Previous to her dev agency, Sam spent some time in technical sales, selling EPOS, Adhesives and RFID (not all together). She’s highly regarded in the Eastern region as a community leader so has a wealth of close connections and friendships in the area.

Sam’s role at StrategiQ is to bring together those real-life connections and her digital and technical marketing knowledge, spending most of her time seeking and creating opportunities for our clients. Describing herself as a ‘rabble-rouser’, Sam’s keenness and enthusiasm, along with a wealth of sunshiney, happy energy, makes her the perfect fit for bringing exciting opportunities and projects to the team and our clients.

A bit more about Sam…

When she’s not brightening everyone’s day and grabbing life by the kahunas, Sam is a doting mum of two kids. Starting to embrace the ‘empty nest’ life as her kids grow older and more independent, she loves a dinner out and a good old-fashioned chinwag with her friends. Living her best life, as always!

If that’s not fun enough, she also loves to brew kombucha (a fermented drink made from sweetened tea) which she describes as the weirdest part of her she’s happy to go public with. I know you’re all wondering what could be weirder than brewing mouldy tea but sometimes it’s best not to ask…

via GIPHY

So why did Sam choose to join StrategiQ?

“StrategiQ’s core beliefs align perfectly with my own. Honesty and transparency are imperative in our sector and I wanted to work for an agency I can trust. I was keen to get back into commercial work and that’s why I started looking for a ‘real’ job. I chose StrategiQ because I admire how much every person cares about the clients and their business growth.”

We’re so excited to see how Sam grows the business in her own way – welcome to the family!

Next up, let’s meet keen kiwi Tyler!

Tyler started out his digital career with a degree in visual communication (like interpretive dance, but digital) and continued gaining experience in digital both brand and agency side in the years that followed. Tyler’s international experience spans over a decade and has seen him hone his eye for design and digital marketing skills while refining his focus on commercial delivery objectives. Tyler’s key strengths mean his project management skills span across many disciplines, which of course is perfect for an integrated agency!

So what does Tyler get up to in his spare time?

Tyler’s main passions are burgers, his lovely kids and working towards a more sustainable lifestyle for his family. When he’s not planning projects like a pro, Tyler particularly enjoys going for walks with his family around sunny Suffolk, cooking incredibly elaborate meals using every single utensil in the kitchen, and watching the rugby. Tyler is a natural-born mover – his go-to move being the worm (because who’s isn’t?) – but he’s got mad skills doing the Haka and was voted “most likely to start an unwanted breakdancing circle” in 2006 at Burnside High School. Bet you haven’t got a chance against this guy…

via GIPHY

He’s also definitely NOT Australian. Luckily, he has provided us with a quick guide to help us out when we’re not sure what on earth he’s talking about…

Quick working with a Kiwi translation guide

Kiwi British
Chuck the jug on Put the kettle on
Yeah, Nah Yes
Sweet as Cool
Chips Crisps
Dairy Cornershop
Pin Pen
Ben Bin
Crook Poorly
How’s it How are you today?

So why did you choose us?

“I could see that StrategiQ was growing fast and producing some amazing work. I was very interested to understand what made them tick. After meeting with Nick W and Andy it was prevalent why. They do genuinely want to do the best for their clients and I wanted to be a part of it! In typical kiwi fashion, I have rolled up my sleeves and gotten stuck in.”

Welcome to StrategiQ, Tyler!

Fancy becoming the next one to join this bunch of wonderful people? Why not take a look at our careers page for more info on what we’re after or just get in touch for a chat – we’re always keen to talk to passionate people!

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