So, you’ve come to meet Harriet, or Haz, as we call her.
What can we say about her? Team player, leader, hardcore competitor, brilliant creative and above all, problem solver. Haz fears no challenge. Chuck her in a room full of clients with a one-word brief and she will still excel. She gets shit done, and she does it well.
Haz has always had this attitude. She’s been training with the Army since age 11, volunteering on the side and a keen football player. It’s brought her a first in Graphic Design at UAL, landed her internships at BBDO and Canary Wharf Group before securing a full-time role at Havas where she's very rapidly rose through the ranks. It’s made her a winner, but someone who always has the team in mind.
And it’s meant a real creative force behind some of our latest and greatest projects.
Enough from us, let’s hear from Haz herself...
What is something people don’t know about you?
I once trialled for the British Para-Cycling team.
What made you get into this industry?
I always found school hard. I didn’t understand subjects which had one answer, where you are either right or wrong. But being a Graphic Designer allows me to find a variety of different creative solutions. I can tell stories and communicate a range of emotions. I love how an answer to a problem isn’t just black and white.
Who do you admire?
I remember watching Matthew McConaughey’s speech after winning Best Actor at the 2014 Oscars, and no, my role model isn’t Matthew. But he spoke about his hero and who he chases. He said that it’s him in 10 years’ time. Ever since listening to that speech I have tried to keep the same mentality.
Every day, every week, every month, and every year of my life, my hero is always 10 years away. I’m never going to be my hero; I’m not going to be able to attain that. But it keeps me chasing. And it makes me be the best possible person I can be.
What is the best part about your job?
Easy – solving a problem with a beautiful solution. When you see all the hard work come together and the client is happy. A smile of achievement spreads through the agency. There’s no better feeling.
What is your perfect holiday?
I can’t sit still. Sitting by a pool all week is not for me. The perfect holiday would have me immersed in the culture away from the tourist attractions, it should always be an adventure. And of course, that means trying the local cuisine. The food’s always better on holiday… I don’t make the rules.
You’ve got a day off. Ideal way to spend it?
This year, I’ve put a lot of focus towards my mental health. It’s made me love life’s little moments. A long dog walk, being with friends, family and the people I love. Even just relaxing and enjoying my own company. You can’t beat the little things.
A TV series/film or book you’d highly recommend?...and why?!
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
I was only about 14 when I read Purple Hibiscus, and it isn’t for the faint hearted. The characters defy traditional gender roles and expectations. The journey of empowerment and resilience can be seen throughout the whole book. The novel addresses important social issues, including domestic violence and the often-oppressive nature of extreme religious practices. Throughout we are prompted to reflect on these issues and the impact they have on individuals and as well as society. The novel is beautifully written with vivid descriptions, well-drawn characters, and a compelling narrative that captures the reader's attention.
It's truly inspired me, and I encourage everyone to read it.