Laura Redman, Senior Account Manager, will soon be celebrating 5 years at Bedrock. Here, she reflects on what the last 5 years have meant to her.
I can’t quite believe I’ve been working at Bedrock Healthcare Communications for 5 years already! I arrived fresh-faced, ready to embrace agency life and learn new skills. Today, I am sat here (not so fresh-faced) able to talk about some amazing experiences, having had the opportunity to work across a broad range of projects in a variety of therapy areas – the reason why I joined Bedrock in the first place.
Over the last 5 years, I have worked on projects that help tell compelling stories, which drive a change. What better way to tell a story and stimulate conversation than by producing a short film. Working closely with our client, Celgene, we produced ‘This is Axiom’ to explain complexities of managing healthcare and challenge existing perceptions. This project was a joy to be involved with, and I even managed a short cameo on screen! It was such a fantastic insight into the film industry and the tricks of the trade and, better still, it was award-winning work. In fact, it has won 10 awards across the healthcare and film industry (watch it here: https://thisisaxiommovie.com/). It will be one I talk about until I am old and grey, I am sure!
As well as working on award-winning projects, I have learnt that insights are critical to designing and delivering compelling communications. While working on a multiple sclerosis (MS) project, I spent a few months travelling the UK, meeting and interviewing patients so that we could develop impactful materials, which other patients could benefit from. It was incredibly humbling listening to their stories and how they cope with the limitations caused by MS with such positivity. One woman told me how she had faced the difficult decision of stopping her treatment to have a baby, terrified that her condition would deteriorate as a result. Having access to the right information, along with support from her healthcare team, allowed her to make an informed decision and highlighted how important this industry is in empowering patients.
I have also been incredibly lucky to work among some of the most inspiring and talented people I have ever met (or in some cases, yet to meet. Thanks lockdown!). I have learnt new ways of thinking and working through regular team best-practice sharing sessions and have been inspired by the ideas and creativity generated. I wouldn’t be where I am today without such a great bunch of people supporting me along the way.
Finally, I must mention the many social events we have had over the years. At Bedrock, our Christmas parties, games nights and bake sales always bring together the team for a laugh.
Five years at Bedrock: top five moments
Laura shared her reflections on the last 5 years at Bedrock, but what about the social events from the past 5 years? Here are her top five moments (in no particular order):
- Christmas at Chewton Glen – the most spectacular setting for a Christmas party and one I will never forget.
- Channelling my inner Mary Berry for several bake sales – I have enjoyed baking lots of sweet treats over the years and am even more proud that this has contributed to several amazing causes, including the Alzheimer’s Society and Macmillan.
- Communique awards – it is true when they say the Bedrock team love to party. Arriving home as the sun was beginning to rise is testament to that!
- An evening at the theatre – this is one of my favourite things to do, so I thoroughly enjoyed a night with the Bedrock ladies watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show. We are so lucky to have a social committee that regularly (restrictions permitting!) organise events throughout the year.
- Lockdown treats – we are incredibly fortunate that, despite being at home throughout lockdown, the company has made everyone feel included and appreciated with surprises arriving on our doorsteps every now and then. These little treats have been so wonderful through the doom and gloom, and it’s been a great way to unite the team when we can’t be together.
