Kate Blackadder

I’m lucky to partner with our Marketing team to craft NKD’s story and identity, and with our Business Development, Innovation and Solution teams to co-create concepts with new and returning clients. Together, we shape strategy into stories that impact engagement, leadership and team capabilities – all to make the world of work better.

Favourite learning moment

It’s not tied to one moment, but each time I get to see first-hand the outsized impact of our programmes on our client teams. Seeing our creative design approach in action, and just how closely we collaborate with our clients to understand what will work in their environment to create breakthroughs and experiences that shape their culture and how people show up at work – for each other and their own development.

My experience

After getting my start in Advertising in London as an Executive Assistant to two Creative Directors, I spent over 20 years as a Client Service Partner in consumer ad agencies in Perth, Sydney, New York and Chicago, before taking a forced career-break during COVID. I served as a mentor for a new generation of talent, which I continue to do today, and through these conversations and encouragement from my mentees reflected on what was next for me. I knew I wanted to combine my experience in creative agencies with finding a way to create real-world impact, enabling the teams that are tasked with delivering brilliant brand experiences to customers every day to thrive. This led me to NKD in 2021.

Projects I’ve worked on

I’ve collaborated on a truly diverse mix of client challenges, from Customer Experience programmes for airlines, and embedding values, behaviours and standards for luxury resorts, to culture transformation programmes for postal networks and global life sciences innovators. Each one showcases people’s potential and ability to thrive when given the right tools and opportunity.

I’m proud of the initiatives I’ve been able to introduce to NKD. We were one of the first organisations to become a Bloody Good Employer, to help tackle period inequity at work, and we continue to support the 10,000 Interns Foundation, who help kickstart careers through access to paid internships for underrepresented students and graduates in the UK.