14 November 19 Meet Claire.

As a senior copywriter, Claire brings almost 30 years of industry experience to the August Manchester office.

In that time Claire has been a junior, a senior, a freelancer, an agency director, and a consultant. Now, she’s the newest member of the August team!

A creative and strategic thinker, Claire has worked on a wide range of projects with many clients including Pyrex, Weston Park Hospital, British Glass, Dechra, Morrisons, Meadowhall and Sefton Council.

Claire loves crafting a sharp headline or refining long copy, however her true talent is realized when she has room to think creatively while addressing complex organisational problems.

We sat down with Claire to chat through the joys of Iranian cooking, the buzz of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, digital psychology, and why Epictetus’ attitude is, well, epic.

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What’s your number-one grammar pet peeve?

‘They’re, their, there’ and ‘your and you’re’. I would be very unpopular if I were to correct this every time I want to on social media.

If you won the lottery, would you still work?

Yes, but the work would have to be meaningful. There are so many problems in the world that need the creativity, passion and drive that I could bring to them if I didn’t have to earn a wage.

Is the pen mightier than the sword? Why?

Let’s rephrase the question: is an implement that can move you, motivate you, make you laugh, cry, inspire you to do amazing things, educate and persuade you to change your opinions mightier than an implement that can only threaten and kill? Of course!

The hypnotising power of the almighty pen. (via giphy)

What’s one of your favourite things about Manchester?

You can’t escape the buzz of this amazing city. There is always something going on, whether it’s a show to inspire you, culture to move you, or simply taking in the incredible entirety of the Northern Quarter, Manchester makes me feel alive.

Do you cook? If so, what’s your specialty?

I love to cook creatively. My speciality is always trying new things, experimenting on my family. Currently Iranian flavours are my favourite culinary treat, although I am also staring to experiment with Japanese flavours.

What is one skill in the world of digital you hope to improve this year?

I am fascinated by psychology and how people interact with and within digital. I think we can always learn more about this, no matter how much we think we already know.

Where have you never been in the world that you would love to go?

Oh, I would love to go to many places. My favourite way to learn about places is to live them for a while. Not just visit as a tourist; sitting in a café and people watching is the best way to experience the world and the cultures within it.

Here’s to the universal value of people watching. (via giphy)

What is your all-time favourite quote?

‘It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.’ – Epictetus.