Meet Melina Collie our talented new Business Director

Written by Lee Colbran - 3 Nov 2022

Culture | 3 MIN READ

We met with Melina Collie, who recently joined us as Business Director. We asked Melina about her move to Fresh Egg, her expectations for the role, and what both colleagues and clients can expect...

Firstly, welcome Melina, describe your career path to date and what made you get into the world of biz-dev?

I've been agency side for over ten years now, having held in-house marketing roles in online healthcare at NetDoctor, and diamond branding at De Beers, followed by many years in travel, looking after a variety of TUI's specialist brands.

Since 2011 and my move to PR/marcomms, I've gained a solid understanding of what makes fantastic, long-term partnerships. I like getting under the skin of a brand and identifying the client's needs to grow their business. For me, biz-dev was the natural next step to client management.

I'm so happy to be out and about again, meeting clients and partners face to face. Nothing compares to in-person meetings. I love getting to know such a diverse range of new people.

Melina Collie, Business Development Manager 

We’re glad you are here, what made you choose Fresh Egg as the next step in your career path?

I'm thrilled to be here! I had been a travel specialist for several years, and it was the right time to learn something new. I think it's important to seize any new opportunity for self-development, and this came at a perfect time when I was ready for a new challenge.

What intrigues you most about business development?

It's always the people 😊. I'm so happy to be out and about again, meeting clients and partners face to face. Nothing compares to in-person meetings. I love getting to know such a diverse range of new people.

Do you have a digital challenge we can help you with?

You’ve got extensive knowledge of the travel sector, are there any learnings from the industry that you’ll use in your new role?

Over the last 20 years, the travel industry has been impacted by many factors, with the latest crisis seeing planes grounded for months. It's been a massive learning about how to adapt business models, marketing, processes and client communications. Every obstacle has been a learning, and all of them are transferable to my new role.

What tips would you have for anyone looking to get into business development?

My advice is to gain as much experience as possible client-side before moving into biz dev. It's essential to be able to put yourself in your client's shoes, and firsthand experience is invaluable.

How important is it to build relationships in your role?

As I see it, the role is all about building long-term relationships. I enjoy that aspect more than anything. We are creating solid partnerships with our clients, supporting the growth of their relationships with their customers. It's all about people and what makes them tick, and it's a fascinating and rewarding role.

You can only use one tool to do your job, what is it and why?

It's definitely a sense of humour. We are all human 😊

If you could use only one website (or app), what would it be and why?

Headspace meditation - it's a brilliant app. Andy Puddicombe's voice can fix anything.

What are you most looking forward to about working at Fresh Egg?

I am working in such a talented and lovely team. I love being back in an office. Zoom proved incredibly useful over the last couple of years, but nothing comes close to being around people in person!