Describe your job in a few lines?

I am an executive search consultant in the corporate communications industry.  I work with a whole range of different clients from Government departments to investment banks and blue chip multinational brands helping them to find the best senior level communicators.  No day is ever the same in the world that I work in, you are balancing the needs of companies and individuals, always striving to give the best advice and build lasting, trusting relationships.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

The highlight of my career was being the first company sponsored employee to undertake an MBA.  Through the course I learned the language of business, built an international network of fabulous contacts and friends, and met my now husband!

What was the most memorable occasion you wore a Libby London dress?

Too many to decide! I wear my Libby London dresses when I need feel my best, and really impress.  Whether I am pitching for new business or hosting clients for evening events my dresses suit every occasion.  Probably most memorable was when I wore my red Grove dress to Buckingham Palace to meet the private secretary of a senior member of the Royal household.  As I walked back across the long court yard in front of the palace all of London’s tourists were looking in through the railings and wondering who I was!  I think they were probably quite disappointed as I got closer and they realised I was no one of note…

What piece of career advice would you give to your 20yr old self?

Professional qualifications are an invaluable addition to your ‘kit-bag’.  Pursuing a profession whether it is law, accountancy or engineering will really set you apart – even if you go on to do something else once qualified.  The foundation of a professional qualification will always give you something to fall back on and opens up many more opportunities in the world of work.

Whose style do you admire the most?

This is a hard one; I am not really the sort of person who follows others style.  Of course the Duchess of Cambridge is a style icon; who wouldn’t want to dress like her. I like classic styles with clean lines so the ‘newsreader’ look often catches my eye – Kate Silverton and Natasha Kaplinsky always look great.

What has been your worst office fashion faux pas?

Oh there have been many.  The worst I would have to be a boxy double breasted navy blue blazer with gold metal buttons and shoulder pads.  I wore it when I was in my early 20s.  In theory it could have been okay, if better styled and worn in a different way, but instead it looked like I had chosen it out of a dressing-up cupboard.  I thought I looked very smart and grown up at the time.

Should office wear be fashionable or functional?

Definitely both which is why I adore my Libby London dresses.  And add to that easy to organise in the morning.  There is nothing worse than being late for work and having to think through your outfit and try on different tops, jackets and cardigans to find a match.  A smart dress takes away all of this trouble; a pair of tights and some great shoes and you’re set!

If you had to choose working with all women or all men, what would it be?

Hmm.  I like a mix, I think everyone does, but if I had to choose I would say all women.  I do enjoy girl chat, and appreciate the empathy that comes from other women who understand how you feel.

What’s your fantasy alternative job?

I would love to be an executive assistant or chief of staff to someone famous and powerful in the corporate world.   As well as building my own experiences I do enjoy to live vicariously through the experiences of others, it motivates me to push ahead and become successful in my own right. I love the interest and exposure that you get from being close to excellent people who are influential across companies and networks.   

http://www.taylorbennett.com