We spoke to Jack Lynch (Move Manager) and Catrina Kemp (Marketing Executive) who recently attended the FEM EMEA EMMAs award ceremony on behalf of Icon. As relative newcomers to the global mobility industry, for both of them it was their first experience of an industry event.
Can you both introduce yourselves?
J: Hello! My name is Jack Lynch. I have been here at Icon for coming up to four years. Initially working across all our relocation and moving services simultaneously, I transitioned over to the Icon Move team close to a year after joining, where I have operated since.
C: Hi! I’m Catrina, Marketing Executive at Icon. I’ve been at Icon for two years. Through my role I get involved with everything to do with Icon’s marketing — our social media, newsletters, content management, brand management, podcasts etc.
How did you feel about representing Icon at the EMMAs?
J: It was a very proud moment for me. It felt like the accumulation of all the hard work which I have put in to this date. And it is special to have been trusted to represent the company and to be the face of Icon for an evening.
C: It was my first industry event, so I was quite nervous at first. I talk about Icon and about the industry every day — but behind a computer! The idea of talking in person with people who have been in the industry for years — decades, even — was quite daunting at first. But as soon as I was there, I think I settled into conversation quickly and it was so refreshing to hear so many different perspectives and ideas.
Were there any topics that came up in conversation that interested you?
C: Sustainability and technology both came up in conversation. I think it’s really interesting how these conversations have changed quite rapidly, even in just the two years I’ve been in the industry. Sustainability has gone from something that was nice to have, to something that is really at the forefront of everything we do at Icon. I am sure that technology will be the same — it’s getting to the point where someone who doesn’t have anything to say about technology is essentially left out of the conversation. It was very cool to see the trends that we’ve been experiencing within Icon being discussed by others too.
J: A topic of interest of mine is cross-cultural competency and challenges assignees face in making the move to a country with a different culture to what they are used to. So it was interesting to discuss the modern workplace and how individuals’ needs have changed more recently, and areas we as an industry can adapt our approach.
What was your highlight from the night?
J: It was terrific to meet new faces, make new connections and to learn new perspectives and insight from others who have successfully operated in the industry for some time. But if nothing else the true highlight would be Icon Move receiving the highly commended nomination for International Moving Company of the Year. Whilst we did not win the award, it was great to see that the efforts put in by the team over the course of the year had been recognised, and that we are on the right path to where we aim to be.
C: I enjoyed the whole night, but there was something that stood out to me — other than Icon being recognised in the International Moving Company of the Year category, of course. I loved introducing myself to people, telling them I was from Icon and seeing their face light up. “Oh yes, I know Icon!” they’d say. It was great for me to see firsthand the awareness that the industry has of Icon and the good reputation we have amongst our peers.
Any final comments?
J: Again, it was fantastic to be able to represent Icon at a wonderful evening. The organisers put together a great event, and hopefully we will be back soon to pick up some awards!
C: I had a lot of fun and also (importantly) gained some valuable new insights into the industry. It was great to meet new people and make connections. We’ve interviewed quite a number of people in the global mobility industry through our podcast, and meeting them in person felt a bit like meeting a celebrity! It was quite surreal when someone introduced themselves to me and I realised that I actually knew them, although they didn’t necessarily know me. I look forward to (hopefully) having the pleasure of meeting them and others again at events in the future. Many thanks to the organisers for putting on a fantastic event!
