Jackie has worked in the media, communication and marketing field for 30 years and is regarded as one of the world’s leading communication strategists. She is currently leading communications for World Athletics, the number 1 Olympic Sport.

Before joining World Athletics in 2016 she was the Chairman and group CEO at Good Relations, an integrated PR, brand communications and CSR agency. Prior to that Jackie directed the communication strategy and implementation for the world acclaimed London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games for 7 years after leading the successful bid’s international and domestic PR and Media campaign from 2003 to 2006.

Jackie has lived and worked in the UK, Australia, Singapore and now Monaco and has run campaigns across Europe, the USA, Asia Pacific, Australasia, Africa and the Middle East. She has designed and directed marketing, communication, media and sponsorship programs for some of the world’s biggest brands and events, including Visa International, the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Cadbury, the 2002 Manchester and 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Coca Cola, Samsung, Mars and the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

She brings a depth of international experience having worked across a number of countries and for leading international businesses. She also has significant expertise in crisis communications, strategic planning, vision and message development and implementation, digital communications, stakeholder, internal and public affairs management and media relations across the globe.

Jackie has worked at the highest levels of Government and business and has a proven record for managing and getting the best out of large teams; she is results driven, strategic in planning and creative in execution. Jackie has received numerous accolades for her work in the UK and overseas and was awarded an OBE by the Queen in the 2013 New Year’s Honours List for services to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2020 for service to sport.

What would help to make women’s VOICE in society to be moreheard?

Women often have a different point of view to men or a different way of reaching the same goal. When you are a lone voice in a room full of men then it is daunting and can feel intimidating to voice your views. But if you are at the table you have earned the right to have a view and have it heard. Confidence, self belief and self value are key to delivering your message. But equally important is that men around the table provide an environment that does not intimidate women and they seek out all views not just their own. Leadership in organisations and at meetings is critical.

Sources of inspiration:

Each individual needs to find role models that suit them and their style. I have seen too many women adopt male traits or mirror women they believe are strong and this not the way. We each have our own style. We need to identify it, nurture it and believe in it.
My favourite quote is from Winnie the Pooh (the movie rather than the book I fear). Said to Pooh by Christopher Robin: You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think
My favourite poem is: Still I Rise by Maya Angelou. If you are ever lacking in confidence, read this poem

What inspired me the most last year?:

The way my team at World Athletics rallied and delivered in this most difficult year. In the annual reviews I asked each member of my team to tell me what they had learned about themselves during this Covid 19 crises and the months of lockdown. It was inspiring listening to them and rewarding watching them realise how strong and resilient they were but how they were not afraid to admit defeat or ask for help.

What I would like to read about myself:

That I am an expert in my field (not a female expert in my field), that I have a valuable contribution to make in my chosen field and that I can and have advanced my profession.