Mariam on working at PML

Tell me about a typical day in your role

As one of our Area Sales and Activation Managers for London, there isn’t a typical routine. It’s different every single day and that’s what I really love about it. Some days, I could be in head office for meetings, or at home. Other days, I’m working in the field with my team. In fact, I don’t think there is a single day that has been the same for me since I started with PML, and I’m coming up to a year now. It’s been exciting.

I love the office-based days, because it gives me a sense of pride and belonging. It’s a lovely working space and it highlights who we are as a company. Being in the field enables me to spend time with my team and meet new people, whether they’re retailers or consumers. 

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

I manage a team of five people and the most rewarding part is being able to make a positive impact every day, being able to support and develop those individuals to be the best they can. Working with my team is so satisfying because we’ve built such strong relationships with each other. That applies on a personal level, too. We’ve got to know each other as friends. 

What does gender equality mean to you?

For me, gender equality is being empowered to get to where you want to be in life, whatever your gender identity. I think it’s important that women don’t lose sight of what they want and maintain their independence.

I think this has been instilled in me by my family. My mum’s been an absolute rock to me. As people, sometimes we have doubt and wonder if we’re doing the right thing. When it comes to making decisions and going for what I want, the first person I pick up the phone to is my mum. She has always empowered me to do what’s best for me.

What’s your go-to book?

One of my favorite books is “Good Vibes, Good Life” by Vex King. The book is all about self-love and how that is the key to unlocking your happiness and greatness. I believe that you can only give the best to the world if you give the best to yourself.

For me, PML is a place that enables you to do that. There’s so much help available for people in the company. If you need to reach out and speak to someone, there’s not one person I can think of in this organization who would turn you away. It’s an immensely powerful thing to be part of something like that.

Define a great leader—What are three traits you think great leaders possess?

For me, it’s all about confidence, communication, and integrity. As a leader, you need to have confidence within yourself. When you’re speaking to other people communication styles are so important for building relationships. Integrity is also a massive factor for me.

As with anything in life, you start as you mean to go on. When I started at PML, I spent a lot of time learning about the company core ethical values: Honesty, respect, and integrity. Not only does this help you with work, but with your personal life, too. You change and develop as a person.

How important is diversity and inclusion at PML?

When it comes to diversity, we have quite a lot going on. When you look at our teams, we have a mix of cultures, people from different places, and different skill sets. PML is very diverse and welcoming; you’re not expected to be a certain way. It’s amazing to be part of a place that understands different people from different cultures. 

Has job flexibility enabled you to pursue passions and find work/life balance? 

I love horse riding. During COVID-19, I got back into it because there wasn’t much more that we could do! I also enjoy yoga, going to the gym or spa, and most well-being activities. My other passion is cooking. It’s a way to unwind from the day. Lots of people feel that cooking is a chore. For me, it’s the opposite.

My role can be quite intense at times, I usually begin my day early to get a head-start. However, I benefit from having autonomy in my role so I can make decisions like this for myself. I can achieve a good work/life balance and I don’t struggle at all with childcare or anything like that—I’m very lucky.

What opportunities are there to grow in your career and as a person?

The guidance you get when you first start with PML is spot on. You can get to where you want to be in your career and figure out how you want to progress further. There is so much opportunity for progression, it’s simply down to you to make the most of it all and take control of your personal development.

I like to take the initiative and talk to my regional manager about what I’ve been considering and what I need to develop further. There's so much support available around that. In addition, if you don't understand something, you can reach out and always, always get help.

What advice did you receive early in your career that has stayed with you?

The best advice I’ve had is to never forget who you are as a person. My colleague told me, “You've been brought on board for having the experience and knowledge, and that’s why we've hired you.” It’s an immensely powerful statement to listen to.

How are you recognized for your work?

What PMI offers financially is fantastic. Of course, we have to go to work for that reason. But at the same time, there’s a lot more that on offer. Benefits such as private healthcare and private dental care, a company car if needed, and so on. There’s also an online portal that offers discounts at lots of different companies. I feel so looked after by the company and I’m happy to do my job because of this.