People choose to work at Centaur for lots of different reasons – the strength of our brands, our location, or the opportunity to do different things. We have selected a number of people who have shared their own personal story of why they joined, what they love and what they do.
This group is a small snapshot of the unique talent we have and is representative of our ambition to create a diverse and talented workforce, inclusive and welcoming of race, gender, sex, age and disability.
What unites us all is a desire to do the best job possible, so that we can continue to develop world-leading content that helps our customers excel at what they do.
Zara Paes
My job and what I do
The start of my year is dedicated to preparing the Group’s financial information for the Annual Report, but in general my role is very broad. I respond to all the business’s needs and requests for financial information, analysis and understanding.
Why did I join Centaur?
I joined Centaur in 2017 having previously worked in a big corporation. I was ready to be part of a smaller organisation where I could get to make a bigger and more direct contribution to people and projects, and have a much wider variety of things to get involved in – Centaur did not disappoint!
What do I love about my job?
I am constantly presented with new opportunities that are outside my day to day. I’ve learnt a lot in a short space of time and have worked, in some capacity, with every team within the business. I’m always challenged and never bored in terms of work, but none of what I do would be possible without the people that surround me. I’m supported by kind, hard-working, hilarious, weird and wonderful people!
Portia McNamara
My job and what I do
I am the Senior Digital Project Manager. I am the interface between digital development and the brands – my role is to ensure that the commercial, content and marketing strategy and ambition of the business is supported by a digital product development that adds value and delivers the work on time. I work within a small but perfectly formed team!
Why did I join Centaur?
I joined Centaur in 2014 from the Press Association. I knew that Centaur would enable me to develop and grow quickly – back then, we were 90% print, but it was clear that the strategy was to grow our digital capabilities and touchpoints for all our audiences. The exposure I would get to making this happen, and having a voice, was made very clear to me in the interview process, and I was wise enough to believe it!
What do I love about my job?
It seems crass to say this, but it’s true – I work with some wonderful, talented people. They make me laugh, push me to my limits (good and bad) but generally make me feel that my professional life has purpose and opportunity. I look back at some of the developments I have played a part in; the mistakes have enabled me to develop my skillset; the successes have made me proud to be part of such a great team.
Sonal Dalgliesh
My job and what I do
I am Head of Delegate Sales and Recruitment for Xeim awards and events across Marketing Week, Design Week, Creative Review, and Festival of Marketing, the largest global event dedicated to brand marketers.
Why did I join Centaur?
I joined Centaur from the Financial Times in 2006, attracted by the portfolio of household-name titles across the business. My first role was Senior Account Manager on The Engineer portfolio where I progressed to Commercial Director. In 2015, my team won Sales Team of the Year at the Centaur Awards, shortly before I left for maternity leave.
I returned to work looking for a new challenge and moved internally to the Econsultancy Training and Advisory team as Head of Project Management. This was a great role: exciting, challenging, fast-paced and every day was different. I particularly enjoyed working collaboratively with global brands to deliver their training solutions.
In late 2018, I took maternity leave and returned in 2019 where Centaur supported my return to work and flexible working. Looking for my next challenge, I joined Xeim to help grow its Delegate Sales and Recruitment business.
What do I love about my job?
I love my job and the company I work for. My role allows me to work with so many different divisions within the company: from sponsorship, content, events and marketing. I’m exposed to so many amazing talented people whom I can learn and grow from. I love that I work for a company that genuinely cares about the staff and their well-being. I have been fully supported as a working mum, with flexible working that allows me to balance work with home.
