Name: Chloë Downes
Company: SHFT
Job Title: Founder & CEO
Chloë Downes is an award winning marketeer and the Founder & CEO at SHFT, an influencer talent management agency shifting the industry and bringing back the true meaning of the word ‘influence’. Throughout her career, Chloë has maintained a focus on making the industry a fairer place for creators by hosting events and workshops giving them the tools needed to navigate the industry. Inclusivity is at the forefront of Chloë’s work and she has been vocal throughout her career about the need for diversity, not only in influencer campaigns but also, in the industry itself, especially in senior/management positions.
Question 1: Who would you say is someone pivotal to your journey so far?
Mercedes Benson. I found my first job using her platform, SocialFixt. Without that job post, I would have never even considered working in influencer marketing
Question 2: Who would be your ideal mentor, and why?
Sharmadean Reid as she’s an incredible business woman who built in a space that you don’t see many Black women in and also ensured that she created spaces where women like her can learn, network and develop
Question 3: What advice would you give the next Trailblazer looking to break into your field?
Understand your vision and mission and then find people who align with your values and build a community. Community and contacts are everything in this industry
Question 4: Who would you like to spotlight as your Trailblazer?
Charlotte Stavrou (née Williams)