Hear from Ada John, Brand & Partnerships Manager, as she shares her career journey at the Financial Times. From choosing the FT as her first employer to developing her skills in a role she truly enjoyed, Ada steadily grew in confidence, creativity, and capability. Her story is one of intentional growth, where early experience in events paved the way for a successful transition into strategic brand work.
Can you share a bit about your journey with us?
I joined the FT through the graduate programme and began my career in the events team, where I was lucky to work on a wide range of B2B and B2C events across the financial and banking sectors. Over the years, I progressed from events executive to events manager which was a journey filled with incredible learning, resilience, and creativity. Most recently, I’ve moved into the brand and partnerships team, where I now manage strategic brand activations and media contra campaigns. It’s been a brilliant transition and a natural evolution of my FT journey.
Looking back to when you first joined through the Graduate Program, what motivated you to choose FT and the Events team to start your career?
The FT felt like the perfect place to start. A globally respected brand with a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to innovation. I was drawn to the events team because it offered a unique mix of creativity, project management, and editorial alignment. I loved the idea of curating experiences that brought our journalism to life, while also learning the ins and outs of the business behind the brand.
Can you share some key milestones or proud moments that shaped your journey from Executive to Manager in the Events team?
Some standout moments include managing high-profile events such as the Global Private Banking Awards and Financial Adviser Service Awards, navigating complex logistics while keeping everything under budget. I’m proud of how I helped elevate the event experience year after year whether that was through innovative formats, sharper branding, or building strong supplier relationships. One particularly memorable moment was programming a live ballet performance at the Natural History Museum. It was a beautifully unexpected touch that left a lasting impression on our guests.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career growth within the FT?
Claire Pratley, Hannah Lockwood, and Elaine Delfino have all played pivotal roles in shaping my career at the FT. Each of them inspired me in different ways, including through their leadership, creativity, and encouragement. Their support gave me the confidence to step up, take on new challenges, and grow into each new role.
What were some of the biggest lessons you learned while working in the events team, and how are you applying them in your new role in the Brand team?
Working in events taught me the value of patience, meticulous attention to detail, and how to stay calm under pressure, especially when things don’t go to plan. These lessons are already proving essential in my new role, where I’m juggling multiple stakeholders, timelines, and creative outputs. I’ve learnt how to trust the process, be solution-oriented, and maintain a level head when things get hectic.
Transitioning to the Brand team is a big move. What inspired you to make this transition, and how has the experience been so far?
I wanted to explore a more strategic side of the business and get closer to how the FT shows up in the world beyond events. The brand team offered a chance to shape how we tell our story through partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborations. It’s been brilliant so far. I love the mix of commercial thinking and creative storytelling.
What skills or perspectives from your events background do you think will bring unique value to your role in the brand team?
My events experience gave me a deep understanding of our audiences, editorial ethos, and how to build brand moments that truly resonate. I bring a delivery mindset, strong stakeholder management, and a passion for creating engaging experiences. Whether it’s through a live event, a podcast partnership, or a festival activation. I’m also well-versed in working to tight deadlines and budgets while maintaining a high standard of output, which definitely comes in handy!
For young professionals starting their careers with us, what advice would you give based on your own growth and transitions within FT?
Be open to learning and don’t be afraid to put your hand up. Sometimes the best growth happens outside your comfort zone. Build relationships across teams, ask questions, and take pride in the details. The FT is full of opportunities if you’re willing to be proactive and adaptable. And don’t forget to celebrate your wins, big or small!
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