Linda Blank

Like many business school graduates, I was a generalist and therefore ended up in consulting.

I started off at Accenture, where my role was to provide strategy advisory services to FTSE500 corporates from a variety of industries, including FMCG, retail, healthcare and financial services. Having tried many different industries and functions, I developed a focus in digital transformation and business model innovation strategies. I was part of a new global team of 12 people within the Accenture Strategy arm, helping big businesses develop new growth strategies using digital business models, often seeking inspiration in start-ups.

After nearly four years at the company, I wanted to go somewhere smaller and actually try and drive growth through my own efforts, so I joined SUITCASE Group, a travel media start-up consisting of SUITCASE Magazine and SUITCASE Creative Studio. As a Chief Operating Officer my role is really versatile and includes growing existing revenue streams like exciting partnerships with established luxury brands; coming up with new business ideas and creating an actionable plan for the strategic direction we set. I love my job because I’m really proud of the product we have created and it allows me to bring structure as well as organisational, strategic and financial skills to the creative industry.