A pivotal moment in my career was the L'Oréal International Distribution (LID) pitch. Joining the pitch team with less than 24 hours' notice, I was trusted by my team to get involved in a high-stakes scenario. This involved rapidly absorbing months of pre-existing pitch materials, including learning about new markets such as Nigeria and its complex legalities around marketing and seamlessly integrating into the final presentation team in Paris. We faced fierce competition from eight other leading agencies, all vying for this prestigious global account. My objective was not simply to win the business, but to demonstrate a profound understanding of LID's intricate needs, proposing innovative paid social strategies tailored to their target audiences and emerging markets.

The on-site "hackathon" in Paris was a true test of my abilities. Under intense pressure and with limited time, I led the presentation of a data-driven strategy for the Azzaro brand. This strategy focused on leveraging first-party data to deliver personalised campaigns across diverse markets, including Nigeria, Poland, and Italy. I confidently articulated complex concepts, ensuring the LID team grasped the nuances of our approach. The positive feedback received during the presentation affirmed the effectiveness of my communication and the strength of our proposed solutions.

Against formidable competition, L'Oréal ultimately selected Wavemaker as its global agency partner. This victory was a testament to our collective hard work and innovative thinking. L'Oréal specifically cited our "creativity" and "humanity" as key differentiators, highlighting the value of my contributions and ability to build genuine connections under pressure. This win not only solidified our relationship with L'Oréal but also established London as their global and centralised marketing hub, further amplifying the impact of our success.