Ambassador profile Steph Bridgeman, Experienced Media Analysts

Describe your role as an ambassador

We are working to bring together and connect IoD members in Lancashire and the North West via a series of in-person and virtual knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.

What is your job?

I am the founder and lead consultant at Experienced Media Analysts. I lead a team of experienced freelance media analysts who advise PR and marketing teams on the effectiveness of their communications activities.

We analyse media coverage and other media signals such as social media performance, web metrics and internet search behaviours. This helps our clients to be more strategic in their communications and enables them to demonstrate the value they bring to their organisations.

Other roles I am a board member at the International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication. I lead AMEC’s Academics and Educators Special Interest Group which brings professional practice and HE/FE teaching closer. I am co-creator of AMEC’s Foundation Course in Measurement and Evaluation.

I am a former independent board member at Nelson & Colne College Group, Accrington & Rossendale College and Hyndburn Studio School.

What do you do to relax outside work?

I am interested in the role of the media in shaping public perception. I also enjoy walking in the Pennines and arial yoga (this involves hanging upside down, a bit like a bat, which is great for the old bones!)

How long have you been an IoD member?

Since December 2021

What part of IoD membership do you value most?

The chance to link with business owners and leaders outside of my niche industry helps me to understand the language of other boardrooms better, which elevates my consultancy offering.

What are the top three things about your branch area?

Collaboration, humour, no egos.

If you could give one message to the Prime Minister, what would it be?

The social contract between the government and the individual has been torn up recently; the government has not done a brilliant job of micro-managing our health, family nor our businesses. Put the power back into the hands of the people and prosperity may have a chance of returning.

What are you most looking forward to in the next 12 months?

Getting back to meeting people and networking in real life. My first boss taught me that people buy people; we need to get the human connections back into our professional practice.

What advice would you give to yourself when you started out in business?

You started your business ‘by accident’ with no plan, and this has affected growth and sustainability. Good planning leads to better execution. Results and business impact are then much easier to measure. Practice what you preach!

Would you like to raise your profile and get closer to the North West business community? We are looking for members to join our regional committee as IoD ambassadors.

As an ambassador you will be a ‘go to’ person for members and other directors. You will provide thought leadership, support and guidance. Interested? Contact [email protected]