MILKING IT: IVY KODJOVI
Interview by TMILKY
Introducing Ivy: Burberry Global DE&I Partnerships and Strategy - Senior Manager & My Mentor!
What milk goes into your drinks?
Coconut or Oat milk are my go to
There’s several myths about working in fashion. Some true, some that are hearsay. What’s something you’d say to those who think it’s an impossible goal?
When you work in fashion you get to be surrounded by creative minds for sure! Yes, we hear a lot of stories around how unique fashion can be, although there’s something so fascinating about problem solving, building out operations and ways of working that allow creative people to thrive in their creative individualism. Working in fashion isn’t an impossible goal, there are definitely some areas in Fashion companies that do not require people to have a fashion background to be amazing at their job. For example like the Finance or Tech team.
You have a track history of being a mentor - and a fabulous one, at that. Did you have a mentor to enter the creative industry?
Thank you No I didn’t have a mentor to get into the industry, Linkedin was my friend. But I would highly recommend that people invest time or money or having a mentor/coach throughout their career regardless of what stage they’re at. There’s value in receiving help to push you in a thriving direction.
Talk to me about why you do what you do.
I love working with people, period. I have an introverted analytical mind, I love everything human psychology and why people act, react, get triggered or feel joy. I knew I always wanted to work in an environment where I can influence a culture – make it a great one, for the people. Careers are so valuable, and to be able to be a part of a HR/People Team that can shape people’s livelihood is pretty awesome. My daily responsibilities change so often, in a nutshell I partner with employees throughout their employment lifecycle to ensure they can develop, help them with resolving issues, role model a great culture and there’s emphasis on developing and executing strategies that keep great talent in a company as long as possible.
Jumping from job to job seems like the norm for many young people. How do you stand out when the competition is as smart as you?
I know this isn’t easy, especially when there’s seasons that feel like the job market has turned on it’s head. I saw a really cool and creative way that a person who was looking for a job Showed up on Linkedin recently. They are a producer, and they made a video campaign of themselves! Showing off all their amazing skills. This person really stood out because there was no cv, no website, no portfolio but through the medium of film they triggered emotions and that made them memorable. Now I am not saying, every person must make a video campaign lol. Tanya, I feel we’ve never had a time like today where the internet is so victorious. Showing up online with a personal brand is a way to stand out. It might feel cringe, but once you get over the cringe mountain… you’re winning.
What’s one thing you’ve evolved about yourself to be a better employee?
Being humble. Being a sponge in the right environments. Whether it’s Shadowing people, approaching someone who’s made me think differently, learning new skills that not only upskill me in the World of HR but life skills too. The reason why elevating my learning outside of work is so important, is because at the end of the day it also shows up at work anyway!
What’s one thing you evolved about your routine to serve your creative side?
Funnily enough, even though I am a creative person, my routine is the total opposite. To not let my chaotic mind run wild, I need to structure my day, evenings and weekends so I can get everything that’s fulfilling to me done. Meal prepping for the week ahead, creates more time for me to be creative in the evenings. Planning my projects at work with productivity apps, allows me to get thinking time back. Using notice to design a 12-week year, means I show up for myself and I am accountable.
Life in fashion is exciting, tiring and electric. Sum up your experience at your new role thus far - in the least words possible.
A phoenix comes out from within when I feel like I am in an environment where people have the same morals. I am feeling energised to do the work that counts, within a team who not only work with their heads but hearts too!
