Entrepreneurship
Gef’s 30 Under 30 Winners: Q&A with Chloe Irving
Ten categories. Thirty young visionaries making their mark on the Isle of Man. Introducing the all-new #Gef30Under30 winners: the next generation of our island’s leaders.
First up is the Acantha Entrepreneurship category: these young leaders knocked our judges’ socks off, proving that living on a small island is no excuse for small thinking.
What is your name and age?
Chloe Irving, age 23.
Job title or role in the community?
Director and founder of C Digital.
How did you start your career or role in the community?
At the age of 16, I was accepted on to the much sought after Warner Music work experience program and took this as a huge opportunity. By 2019, I had realised university wasn’t for me, and secured a full-time position as digital marketing apprentice at Warner’s Catalogue Record Label, Rhino. I spent my time at Rhino working my way up the ranks and building relationships with colleagues, seniors, artists and their teams (Fleetwood Mac, Prince, David Bowie to name a few!). This would be the key to my career progression and the start of my C Digital chapter in 2021.
In one sentence, summarise your journey so far as a young and successful person under 30.
I’ve taken some life-changing risks (dropped out of uni, left a secure job in the industry I adore and started up a company during a global pandemic), I’ve trusted my gut every step of the way and I’ve created a career and a company of which I am so proud of.
Tell us about your business/industry; is there something interesting about it that most people wouldn’t expect?
Working in the digital space combined with the music industry, no two days are ever the same. Something so wonderful, that’s simply part of my role, is being able to really get to know some fantastic characters and companies. Social media to me is all about authenticity, so whether I’m drafting content for an A-List celebrity or a local firm, the aim is to embrace the brand’s true self and give their audience the most engaging insight.
Have you experienced any hurdles in your career or community efforts and if so, how did you overcome them?
The digital marketing industry allows me to work with clients globally which is so rewarding! But the issues that come alongside this is the inevitable time-difference. You may find me on an online conference call at 3am, or pacing around for my US clients to wake up, but the growth in my organisational skills has allowed for this to not be a problem. I’m actually thoroughly enjoying a varied and fast-paced work day (even if it’s sometimes more of a work night!)
Who are your role models, either on-island or off, in your sector or outside of it?
Peter Breeden, Director of Charlie B Management, Ex-CFO & COO of Warner Music UK and the very first client of C Digital, who has given me endless support, encouragement and opportunities throughout my career. John Kinley, Manx Music Maestro, whose dedication to literally everything he does (and giving me the confidence and skills in my own drum playing) is what makes him up there with the best. Taylor Swift – the first CD I bought and the reason why my eight-year-old self dreamed of working in the music industry. Her art of storytelling is something that will always resonate with me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
One thing that has always stuck with me is that you never know who holds the key to your next opportunity. Networking and relationship building has been so vital throughout my career.
What, for you, are the benefits of staying on or moving back to the island for young people under 30?
For me it was all about my family. The Isle of Man will always be home, so it’s been at the top of my priorities to find a way to bring my career to the island. Being a bit of a music geek, one of my many favourite things about coming back to the island is our own local music community. I play drums and percussion for Rushen Silver Band, performing in numerous engagements throughout the year. RSB is a family and something I pride myself on being a part of. It’s the people that make a place home, so I feel very lucky to be surrounded by the best.
Another important factor of my work has been how convenient it is to work in the digital space from anywhere. I have clients in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Europe, all connected to my home office on island.
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