Luca Bradley

An experience I am truly grateful for, is my time with advertising giants Ogilvy where I was provided with my first substantial exposure to the international advertising business environment and confirmed my passion for marketing as both an art and a science.

I was fortunate to work on, and witness projects for globally recognised brands such as Dove, Bic, BP and Cadbury's, where I witnessed first hand how marketing strategies must be carefully calibrated to resonate across different cultural contexts. The experience was revelatory, demonstrating how consumer behaviour, cultural values, and communication preferences vary dramatically across both different markets and equally countries.

At 16 I was hungry. Hungry to learn and earn my first pay check.

Working as a waiter at Cote Brasserie provided invaluable professional development opportunities that translate directly to any workplace environment. In terms of communication, I honed the ability to actively listen to diverse customers, articulate complex menu information clearly, and adapt my communication style to different personalities and situations.

My teamwork skills were sharpened through the collaborative nature of restaurant service, where success is entirely dependent on seamless coordination between the front-of-house and back-of-house teams. I learned to anticipate colleagues' needs, support team members during busy periods, and maintain workflow efficiency while contributing to a positive team dynamic. The fast-paced environment required me to be both self-reliant and collaborative, understanding when to take initiative and when to seek support.

Conflict management became second nature as I managed expectations during busy periods and resolved issues diplomatically whilst maintaining service standards and navigated customer complaints. I also developed the emotional intelligence to de-escalate tense situations, find creative solutions to problems, and maintain composure under pressure, skills that are essential in any professional setting.

Whilst studying for my A-levels and simultaneously pursuing a career in semi-professional football, I took on the role of being a part time football coach (FA Level 1).

Coaching football provided exceptional leadership development opportunities that translate directly to professional environments. I demonstrated strong leadership by motivating diverse team members, setting clear expectations, and inspiring players to achieve both individual and collective goals. This experience taught me to lead by example, adapt my leadership style to different personalities, and maintain team morale during both victories and setbacks.

The role also developed my strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities as I analysed opponents, adapted game plans in real-time, and made quick decisions that impacted team performance. I learned to assess situations rapidly, weigh multiple variables, and implement solutions while managing time constraints and competing priorities.

Additionally, I developed strong organisational and project management capabilities through planning training sessions, coordinating schedules, managing resources, and ensuring all logistical elements supported team success. These experiences demonstrate my ability to balance multiple responsibilities while maintaining high standards and driving results through others.