As the Founder of Bees Knees Marketing and a Chartered Public Relations Practitioner, Rosie Hamilton brings both strategic flair and authentic leadership to the business world. From her first days as a junior secretary in the City of London to steering her own marketing agency, she’s learned that success comes from creativity, self-awareness and a clear plan, not just talent alone.
What was your first job and what did you get paid?
I worked as a junior secretary for an international firm of stockbrokers in the City of London. My boss was terrifying and called me Miss Hamilton, never Rosie! I was paid £5,500 which works out at £22K per annum in today’s money.
What do you always carry with you?
My phone -and if it’s a longer trip my Kindle. I’m a big fan of Australian crime fiction and also podcasts.
What is the biggest challenge facing businesses?
Many businesses are feeling the impact of economic uncertainty, with inflation and rising operating costs . They’re also juggling several connected challenges such as making sense of rapid AI changes, climate change and dealing with ongoing talent shortages. AI presents huge opportunities but is also making cybercrime much more powerful and effective.
What are your top 3 business qualities? Strategic, creative and authentic.
What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?
Don’t assume that just because you’re talented that you’ll be good at running a business. Find a good business coach who will help you build your foundations for growth. If you set out without a road map you won’t get anywhere.
Who do you admire most in business?
I really admire Richard Branson because he’s authentic and manages to combine leadership with humanity. Also he’s not afraid to take risks.
If you were Prime Minister what would you change to help businesses?
Many members of the current UK Cabinet have never run or managed a private business or started their own company. So if I was PM I’d change my team, reduce the cost of doing business and do more to help companies invest, innovate and grow.
