Introducing Aspa: From Chemistry Labs to Marketing Success

As our client base continues to expand, we are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our team, Aspa, who joins us as our Digital Marketing and Communications Senior Executive. Look inside Aspa’s career journey and how it led to Grand Scale.
 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do for Grand Scale.

Absolutely! My journey into the world of marketing wasn't your typical, run-of-the-mill path. My academic background is actually in Chemistry with a focus on the Environmental sector. While getting to experience being in the lab and running experiments was interesting, what intrigued me most wasn't the hands-on work in the labs, but rather the process of crafting compelling reports and presentations to communicate the research and the scientific findings. This realisation led me to pivot into marketing and comms and focus on learning how to leverage the power of storytelling to convey complex information.

Along the way, I have had the opportunity to contribute to the business support ecosystem, having worked within the Local Enterprise Partnership and Growth Hub networks, which is something I’m quite passionate about.

Having witnessed firsthand how strategic communications can play a crucial role in helping businesses grow, I’m thrilled to be a part of a strategic marketing education tech business like Grand Scale. As their new Digital Marketing and Comms Senior Exec, I hope to play my part in empowering even more ambitious spin out and start-up companies to commercialise, launch and scale their innovation.
 

How did you hear about Grand Scale?

I discovered Grand Scale through LinkedIn while actively exploring opportunities that resonated with my background and passion for supporting businesses. What immediately caught my attention was Grand Scale’s commitment to fostering innovation in the tech sector. The remote nature of the position further intrigued me, as it reflected a forward-thinking approach to the future of work that perfectly aligned with my values.

This combination of a visionary mission and a remote-friendly work environment made Grand Scale stand out as an ideal fit for my skills and aspirations.
 

What attracted you to Grand Scale?

Having worked for both a Local Enterprise Partnership and a social enterprise whose missions have been to enable inclusive growth, create high quality jobs and improve lives, I feel very strongly about working on projects that have a purpose and can deliver a positive impact.

When I came across Grand Scale, the first thing I noticed was that the team’s work focused on supporting and empowering cutting-edge innovation companies all across the UK. Engaging with founders, Ro and Leanne, I realised that this commitment was not just part of their professional ethos but rather an integral part of who they are. Their genuine passion for making a difference through their work was in complete alignment with my dedication to driving meaningful change and this is what immediately drew me to the role.
 

What are your strengths? What do you love about marketing?

Troubleshooting has consistently been a core strength of mine throughout my career. Sometimes I do wonder if it's just a personal thing or maybe a shared skill all us Millennials picked up from navigating the rapid tech changes of the 90s and 2000s. Either way, I take great pride in my resourcefulness and dedication to delivering even when facing unexpected challenges.

This skillset seamlessly aligns with what I love about marketing. The dynamic nature of the industry, with its ever-evolving challenges, allows me to apply my troubleshooting skills in real-time.

What I find particularly intriguing is how marketing is often misunderstood. While the creative aspect is visible, there's a strategic and problem-solving dimension that often goes unnoticed. Beyond the bells and whistles, marketing is about focused, data-driven decisions, strategic planning, and navigating complexities to deliver impactful solutions and this is what genuinely excites me about the field.
 

What's the best marketing advice you've been given?

I think the best piece of advice I have been given is to “stay curious and don’t be afraid to have a play with it”. It reminds me of the fearlessness we see in children who play and experiment without inhibition. Unfortunately, as we grow, that willingness to simply have a go, even when unsure of the outcome, tends to diminish. However, it is in embracing this childlike curiosity that we find the essence of innovation and continuous learning.

Adopting this mentality is all about not being afraid to step into the unknown and have a play with new ideas, tools, processes and technologies. Whatever the end result, every experiment, every attempt is a lesson that enriches our understanding and ultimately contributes to our growth both as professionals and as individuals.
 

Tell us a fun fact about you.

In the morning, you'll find me immersed in all things Marketing and Communications! However, when the sun sets and my workday transitions into the evening, I become my family's dedicated IT Support.

Yes, you read that right – I've earned the unofficial title of the go-to tech guru at home! Whether it’s setting up inboxes or troubleshooting technical issues, they enjoy the full spectrum of tech support. What adds an extra layer of amusement is the fact that most of them live abroad, which means I often times have to use the same tech tools and tricks as our beloved IT departments.