We sit down for a cuppa with Senior Account Director Rebecca Paddick, who spills the tea on podcasting for the public sector, tech for education in 2024, and life as a former journo… 

1. How long have you been in the Mantis team at Ruder Finn and what’s your role? 

I’ve been at the agency for six years and I am a Senior Account Director, which means I oversee my PR campaigns from creative brief to implementation to delivery. I made the switch from journalism to PR six years ago, and I’ve never looked back. Although it’s a common switch, it is a huge adjustment and a steep learning curve, but I’ve really enjoyed the challenge, and I’m still learning so much about the public sector, tech trends and agency life today. I’ve also been able to bring my knowledge of the media into my role, and I’d like to think I’ve helped other members of the team by providing some pitching guidance too.

2. What do you enjoy most about working at one of the world’s largest independent global communications and creative agencies? 

The crucially important topics we get to delve into. The Mantis team at Ruder Finn specialises in public sector technology, so we have clients developing ground-breaking innovations across health and social care, central and local government, and education, to name a few. Our clients are making a positive impact on our public services, and we’re helping them tell their stories to the right audiences.  

3. You are our resident podcaster, what’s the best thing about creating new episodes for the Tech To Transform podcast? 

As a former journalist I’m naturally very inquisitive (some might say nosy) … so I love nothing more than having a whole hour of someone’s time and asking them a list of questions. Our guests are truly leading experts in their fields, they know everything there is to know about the topics we cover, and their responses are interesting and valuable to our listeners. 

4. You have a background in edtech, what tech developments can we expect to see in education over the coming months? 

It’s all go in edtech at the moment… AI is a gamechanger, not just for teaching and learning, but for the many important teams working to keep schools and MATs up and running. I’m interested to see how AI will further support MIS, as well as how it can enhance things like learning and engagement analytics in schools and universities.  

 5. Finally… how do you take your tea? 

There is only one way… Yorkshire Tea, no sugar and a splash of milk… which goes in the cup FIRST!