Kathlynn Lee is a Communications and Campaign Specialist at bp. She is also the winner of the 2022 NZACS Peter Jowett Scholarship. This is her story…
The New Zealand Association of Convenience Stores’ 2022 Peter Jowett Scholarship program asked finalists to present an idea on the following topic:
You have been given a project involving category, marketing, and operations. Your task is to take any existing category in convenience other than fuel or tobacco and re-invent or revolutionise it.
This played right into the strengths of Kathlynn Lee, who is a Communications and Campaign Specialist at bp and who has a strong background in marketing. Lee wowed the judges with her presentation and was named the winner of the 2022 scholarship and won a trip to Las Vegas to attend the NACS Industry Trade Show alongside runner up, Fernand Dignadice.
Here we speak with Lee about how it felt to take out the 2022 scholarship, how much preparation went into her presentation, and any advice she has for next year’s finalists.
C&I: Tell me a little about yourself and the role you’re currently in:
Lee: I am an adaptive, creative, and self-driven marketer with a passion for building brands and delivering unique customer experiences.
I am currently a Communications and Campaign Specialist at bp, where I manage the electric vehicle charging and fuels brands and communications for our customers across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to this role, I was in the bp graduate program where I completed rotations in marketing, communications, and external affairs.
I’m also a One Young World ambassador, a role that is tasked with creating an impact in their countries, communities, and organisations. With this responsibility, I have pledged to bring more diverse, inclusive, and equitable customer experiences to brands.
Outside of work you can usually find me at one of the following places: Auckland’s latest restaurants, weekend farmer’s market or the hockey pitch.
C&I: Why did you decide to participate in the Peter Jowett Scholarship?
Lee: Several of my colleagues across the ditch have participated in the Peter Jowett competition and have rated it highly. They commended the invaluable skills they learnt and networks they built internally, so I decided to give it a go!
C&I: How did it feel to be named the winner?
Lee: I feel beyond honoured to have won this incredible accolade and be recognised amongst a very talented group of finalists in this year’s Peter Jowett Scholarship awards.
C&I: How important is the Peter Jowett Scholarship to young people in the industry?
Lee: The Peter Jowett Scholarship is an invaluable experience for those forming their careers as it provides a platform within the business to lead their own ideas, test and learn, while engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders.
C&I: How do you think this experience will help you within your career?
Lee: The experience has given me the extra confidence in myself to lead my own ideas and engage with cross-functional stakeholders with greater understanding.
C&I: Do you have any short or long-term career goals that you’d like to share with us?
Lee: In the short-term, I’m looking to diversify my skillset as a brand marketer to one that has a greater understanding of digital and customer experience, and how that shapes the overall brand experience. Next year I’m looking to begin my overseas work experience in London and seeing where that takes me.
