We recently caught up with Account Executive Gus Vaughan Williams to discuss his career before joining Byfield, what he’s enjoyed most about the role so far, and how he spends his time outside of work.
Q: What first drew you to legal PR, and what made Byfield stand out to you when you were looking for your next role?
The legal industry is one of the UK’s greatest assets, and to be part of it was a fantastic opportunity.
It’s a world of its own, and one where there is always more to learn. I arrived at Byfield almost four months ago without having scratched the surface of the industry, and it’s been a real learning curve.
Byfield stood out as a close-knit agency where you know everyone, and you get to work with everyone. It’s a place where we’re all rowing in the same direction.
And for the first time in my career, I’m not the only Gus.
Q: What were you doing before joining Byfield, and what skills or experiences have you brought with you into the role?
I’ve come from tech PR, having spent 15 months in a similarly vast industry where it’s about getting to grips with complex trends and spelling them out in an accessible way. And just like the tech industry, in law you never know who, or what, is going to be creating the next headline.
They’re lively, ever-evolving worlds where keeping your ear to the ground is key.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you as an Account Executive?
News. Emails. Calls. The day kicks off in that order, and every day you can expect to speak to, or hear from, someone new – whether that’s my colleagues, clients or the media.
There’s always a fresh perspective brought to the table – and then it’s about how we can champion these viewpoints.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about the role so far?
The people. Law is a lot about personal reputation, and in my role, I get to work with a lot of individuals to support the promotion and protection their own brand. Each meeting, call and email is different.
There aren’t many jobs where you can to jump from chats on whistleblowing and sanctions to media rights and the Winter Olympics.
Q: What have you found most interesting or surprising about working in legal PR since joining the agency?
The importance of Movers.
I hadn’t quite realised just how closely the industry watched where, when and why people move from firm to firm.
Q: How do you approach working with your account teams and supporting more senior colleagues?
One of Byfield’s greatest strengths is collaboration. Senior colleagues aren’t beyond reach, and often the projects and opportunities we work across are a joint effort, where everyone has their sleeves rolled up and is willing to pitch in.
Q: Since joining Byfield, what’s something you’ve learned or achieved that you’re particularly proud of?
I braved the 56th floor at 22 Bishopsgate.
Q: Looking ahead, what skills or areas of the business are you most keen to develop as you grow at Byfield?
Strategic thinking around communications and seeing the bigger picture.
Often, especially in my role, you can find yourself with you head in the detail and on delivering every day for clients and colleagues. In the near future, and with more experience in and know-how of the industry, it’s a skill I’d love to develop.
Q: And finally, how do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I’m a Charlton Athletic fan – and season ticket holder.
It’s taught me to appreciate Tuesday evenings at home.