Manolo Blahnik CMO Jodie Blake on the Power of Saying No, and Staying Curious

Jodie Blake talks about integrity, self-belief and the importance of broadening one's horizons.

Generosity has fueled Jodie Blake’s career in communications, allowing her to progress and to take others on the journey. She’s dealt with success, and failure, by sticking to her values, no matter how uncomfortable that can be.

Earlier in her career, Blake “took a gamble on a job,” but quickly realized that it wasn’t for her. “I was unhappy with the company culture and knew it wasn’t the right fit. Being in PR, your instinct is to fix things, but you can’t always do that” said Blake, who eventually quit. “I had to give myself grace on that one.”

The decision was right and led her to Manolo Blahnik. Her golden advice to colleagues in PR is to take responsibility for their careers, “upskill” as much as possible. “Be curious, learn more, experience more, and understand the wider business and the role you play in it,” she said.  

Stretching her horizons has led to mentoring. She and her colleagues regularly do career counseling with underprivileged teenagers, part of an outreach program with the British Fashion Council. Blake also takes time for herself, checking in regularly with a business coach who helps her with all the challenges that leadership inevitably brings.

A version of this article appeared in the June 3 print issue of FN, as part of the “Women Who Rock” special section. On June 5, FN and Two Ten Footwear Foundation honored these women at a live event in New York City.