On Friday 11 September, Chloe Samways of Norwich BID was named Role Model of the Year at the inaugural East Anglian Marketing Awards.
The award, presented by Stephen Walters of AskStephen, recognised Chloe’s commitment to supporting others, building community and creating opportunities for the people around her.
In this interview, Chloe reflects on the surreal moment she heard her name called, what being a good role model means to her, the people who have shaped her career, and why community is so important to her as a marketer.
Q: Huge congratulations! How did it feel to be named Role Model of the Year on Friday?
A: Crazy, in the best possible way.
When I got the shortlisting email, I was genuinely shocked, but to then hear my name called out and see it up on the big screen felt completely surreal. It was one of those moments I’ll never forget, my colleagues and friends cheering me on, a million thoughts going through my mind, and trying to remember who to thank in the speech (ha!)
It is still a bit of a blur, but I feel incredibly grateful and proud.
Q: Your nomination talked a lot about your integrity, kindness and commitment to others. What does being a good role model mean to you?
A: For me, being a good role model is about making people feel seen, supported and capable. I always want to give people the time, encouragement and opportunity to do something they’re passionate about, even if they do not feel completely confident yet.
It is about leading with kindness, being honest when things are difficult, celebrating others properly, and creating space for people to grow.
I do not think being a role model means being perfect. I think it means showing up, listening, sharing what you have learned, and helping others believe they can do brilliant things too.
Q: Who has been a role model to you throughout your own career?
A: I left university after just six months with no real plan, other than knowing I wanted to surround myself with people who were passionate, creative, curious and kind.
I have been seriously lucky to have people believe in me, give me opportunities and encourage me to keep going when I was still figuring things out.
My current work colleagues are incredibly talented, hard-working, passionate and kind, and I learn from them every day.
I think different people become role models at different stages of your career, and I am grateful to have had so many people who have shown me what good leadership, creativity and generosity look like.
Above: Chloe Samways [right] accepting her trophy from Stephen Walters [left] of AskStephen, the category sponsor.
Q: What are you most proud of in your work at Norwich BID?
A: It is a real honour to work for an organisation that champions my home city and the place I love.
I am proud that the work we do helps shine a light on Norwich, its businesses, its creativity and the people who make it such a brilliant place to visit, work and live.
The best part of the job is definitely the people. Over the last four years, I have loved seeing relationships grow between businesses, communities and individuals, and seeing how much can happen when people genuinely work together.
Norwich has such a fantastic community, and being able to play even a small part in supporting and celebrating that is something I am really proud of.
Q: How important do you think community is to a successful marketing career?
A: Incredibly important.
Community is where you grow, connect, learn and develop, but it is also where you find encouragement when things feel hard.
Working in digital marketing can be really tough sometimes (those keyboard warriors can be brutal!) and over the last few years I have found a wonderful community of people who have kept me going.
It’s so helpful to be able to sit down with people who understand the industry and say, “we’re all in this together”.
Marketing is about people at its heart, so building genuine relationships and learning from others can make you a better, more resilient individual.
Above: Chloe Samways’ reaction to being named Role Model of the Year, alongside colleagues from Norwich BID.
Q: What’s one piece of advice that you find yourself giving to other marketers again and again?
A: Build a community, set boundaries and have fun.
Those three things sound simple, but they make such a difference.
Find people you can learn from, ask questions of and be honest with. Protect your time and energy, because marketing can be fast-paced and noisy, especially online.
And remember to enjoy it, some of the best ideas happen when you are curious, playful and willing to try something new.
Chloe’s Advice for entering awards
A nomination can be the biggest confidence boost, whether it is for you or someone else, and the whole experience is such a joyful reminder of how much talent, kindness and creativity there is in the East Anglian marketing community.
Q: What do you think the marketing industry could do better when it comes to supporting and developing people?
A: I am a big believer in giving people opportunities and saying thank you or well done when someone has done a good job.
Support doesn’t always have to be complicated, sometimes it starts with taking the time to reply, encourage or open a door for someone.
If a young person who wants to get into the industry has taken the time to email you, respond to them if you can. If someone you know or work with has done an amazing job, tell them.
The industry could be better at making development feel accessible, human and encouraging.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering entering the EAMAs next year?
A: Do it.
Enter the awards, tell your story, back yourself, and while you’re at it, nominate that work colleague too! The EAMAs are the perfect excuse to do both.
It doesn’t have to be a big moment, it can simply be a chance to pause and look back at the work you’re proud of.
A nomination can be the biggest confidence boost, whether it is for you or someone else, and the whole experience is such a joyful reminder of how much talent, kindness and creativity there is in the East Anglian marketing community.
Q: Finally, what do you love most about being part of the East Anglian marketing community?
A: I love how supportive, creative and generous it is.
There is a real sense that people want to see each other do well, whether that’s through sharing advice, cheering each other on, collaborating on projects or simply making someone feel welcome.
The East Anglian marketing community is full of people doing brilliant work, often with a lot of heart behind it, and I feel lucky to be part of that.
It makes the industry feel less competitive and more connected.
Why We’re Sharing This
The East Anglian Marketing Awards are about more than celebrating great campaigns and brilliant marketing work. They are also about celebrating the people behind the industry and the contribution they make to the communities around them.
Chloe’s Role Model of the Year win is a brilliant example of that. Her reflections on kindness, community, encouragement and creating opportunities for others capture exactly the kind of contribution we want the EAMAs to shine a light on.
We’re sharing Chloe’s interview to celebrate her achievement, but also to give other marketers a glimpse into the people and values that make the East Anglian marketing community such a special one.