Welcome to the Boost Employee Spotlight! Each month, we feature a different member of the Boost team and their story. This month, meet Claire Gowdey, Senior Manager of Events Marketing.
What is your role at Boost? What does your typical week look like?
I am the Senior Manager of Marketing Events at Boost, and my responsibilities include identifying suitable events for Boost, working on developing Boost-owned events, and planning and executing all of the events we choose to participate in. The level of involvement per event can vary based on several factors, but every single one requires a great deal of attention and thoughtfulness to ensure we are making the most of our investment and that we are achieving the most significant outcome.
What do you wish more people knew about your role?
Oftentimes, people think of events as parties with delicious food and the occasional lavish centerpiece, which can certainly be part of it. However, there is also a great deal of strategy, careful consideration, analysis, and meticulous planning that goes into a successful event. Not to mention that the events industry and technology that support it are constantly evolving so it is a job in itself to stay educated on what the latest trends are and ensure we are one step ahead.
If done correctly, an event can grow a brand, increase top-of-funnel awareness, spark a new lead, or grow an existing relationship. I hope to have the opportunity here at Boost, to demonstrate how lucrative (and fun!) a successful event can be.
How did you get started working in the insurance industry?
I started my career in event sales before joining a boutique NYC event planning company. In these roles, I planned everything from bar/bat mitzvahs to galas, birthdays, corporate retreats, weddings, and everything in between! I have been lucky enough to plan some incredible events and meet some very talented people, however, I quickly realized that I wanted to focus on events with measurable goals, defined budgets, and the need for strategy.
Looking for more work-life balance, I moved into the corporate world, and I’ve spent the last 5+ years planning conferences, team-building trips, top client events, and lots of other exciting events. Now, I get to bring those skills to the insurance industry.
I joined Boost because I was excited about the opportunity to be a part of a company in its early stages where I can help drive its success and growth. My experience planning events in various industries has given me a valuable perspective and I plan to bring those best practices to the events I coordinate at Boost.
What are some of the highlights of your time at Boost?
In the past two months, I’ve spent much of my time getting up to speed on all things Boost—past, present and future. However, I would say that the highlight of my time here thus far has been working with the Boost team. Everyone is enthusiastic, talented, and working towards a common goal: Boost's success. It is a refreshing and exciting place to be!
What’s one thing you’re excited to work on / hope to accomplish at Boost?
There are lots of things to look forward to in this role, including establishing best practices and increasing the ROI resulting from events. From an internal event standpoint, I look forward to eventually planning team-building retreats where we can all strategize for the future and get to know one another better.
If you enjoyed reading about Claire’s experience and are interested in working at Boost, let us know! We are hiring and would love to hear from you.
Check out our open roles and find out why Built In named Boost one of New York City's best places to work.
