Meet senior project manager Sam Docking, who’s lived the high life with celebs, embraced the chaos of newborn twins and is now getting to grips with some lovely new clients here at 44…
Hi Sam. Tell us how long you’ve been with 44 and what your role is.
I started freelancing as a project manager here back in 2019, finally joining the team properly on 1 June 2022 – my wedding anniversary. I’m hoping it’s the beginning of another long and beautiful friendship!
Where were you before joining 44, and what did you do there?
Before freelancing, I was at home with new-born twins and a toddler – managing different kinds of schedules and deadlines. It brought a whole new meaning to the word multitasking.
Before that, I was the internal communications manager for telecoms company Arqiva for eight years. I was responsible for developing and delivering a range of internal communications to build strong engagement in Arqiva’s purpose, vision, values and goals.
It was a really varied role, from celebrating the digital switchover by lighting up the Crystal Palace transmitting station tower with Sir David Attenborough, radio star Chris Evans and professor Brian Cox, to handling business sales and relocations, and going to the top of Emley Moor radio tower in Yorkshire. The Emley Moor Mast is spectacular – a Grade II listed building and at 330m high, it’s taller than the Eiffel Tower.
What’s fun about the job – and what’s the biggest challenge?
Getting to work with such an incredible bunch of creative people is one of the most enjoyable parts. There’s never a dull moment. Oh, and the awards ceremonies!
The biggest challenge? My desk is right next to the place where everyone’s holiday treats and the boxes of chocolates from clients are left, and I have a very sweet tooth! It’s a daily challenge – I’m writing this while ‘tidying’ up a tub of Cadbury Heroes…
What do you get up to in your spare time?
You’ll find me in a playground with the kids whatever the weather, dressed like Joey from Friends in all of Chandler’s clothes. Or at home with visitors (we should have a revolving door!). Or eating. Or pretending to be a jogger.
What do you like to watch on TV?
Formula 1 is a firm fixture in our house, although it’s usually saved for once the kids are in bed. We spend Sundays avoiding the TV, radio and social media – it’s never the same watching when you know the result!
On other days of the week, I love a gritty Netflix documentary or comedies such as Catastrophe, A League of Their Own and the brilliant Fleabag.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Includer. List-writer. Friend.
And what three words would your friends use?
I asked one of my oldest friends and she said: ‘Generous, thoughtful and fabulous’. I owe her a drink!
Which three people − real or imagined, alive or from the past − would you invite to join you for a drink and a bite to eat at your favourite haunt?
Musician Dave Grohl. Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge. And Queen Elizabeth II.
And finally, is there anything special you’re looking forward to this year? Any big plans, goals or ambitions – inside or outside of work?
I’ve got a few new clients to get to know. I love getting under the skin of a new business and finding out what makes them tick.
At home, I’m on a mission to run 5K in under 30 minutes. I’m a plodder but I love a challenge. You’ll see me trying hard not to air drum to the Arctic Monkeys while pounding the streets near my house.
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