Rachel Harris – Why I’ve always advocated for data-driven marketing

Rachel from Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing tells us how she got into her role at Standard Chartered

My career started at a digital consultancy, where I learned digital strategy, measurement, search engine optimisation (SEO), social listening and campaign optimisation. I like to think back on it as a second degree – 3 years of studying digital marketing & analytics.  

It was hard but lots of fun, and I got to work with some of the world's biggest and most recognised brands.  

I joined Standard Chartered in 2017 and spent my first 2 years managing the group’s social media channels. My years in consultancy definitely didn’t prepare me for what it felt like to be the one responsible for pushing the button and sending campaigns live, especially at such a big organisation and at a global level, it can be scary stuff!  

I’ve always advocated for data-driven marketing and making smart decisions using data and overtime at Standard Chartered we got the backing to build a data analytics system in the team.  

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced when working?  

Working within a global organisation means it’s easy to just focus on your team and area sometimes and fall into working in silos. I’m always looking for ways to connect & partner with different teams across the world who are working towards the same objectives. 

If you didn’t do the job you do now, what would be your other career choice?  

I love animals so would like to have been a vet. 

Are there any skills you’re trying to learn?  

French! My partner’s family live in France so I spend a lot of time there.  

What’s the best part of your daily routine? 

I try as often as I can to go for a walk at lunchtime. It’s a chance to reset following a morning of meetings and catch-up on my favourite podcasts. 

What’s been your most memorable experience with Standard Chartered?  

I attended a (virtual) leadership forum in 2020 where I worked alongside the leadership team to shape the bank’s strategy for the next 5 years.  

What drew you to a career in banking?  

The world is being reset and banks need to innovate to make change happen now (not by 2030, 2050 or another time in the future). I want to help drive that change from the inside.  

What advice/hints and tips, would you give to someone looking to work at Standard Chartered? 

Research the bank’s strategic priorities & the things it cares about by visiting the website or reading the latest annual report. 

What’s your professional / personal goal for 2022? 

Enable people across Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing to use data in their day-to-day so smart, data driven decisions are at the centre of everything we do.