This month we’ve been lucky enough to spend some time chatting with Nana Crawford, Social Media Manager at the British Red Cross.
You may have seen her work on TikTok, which recently won a Drum award for the Best use of TikTok. This reflects the hard work Nana and the team put into using TikTok as a channel to engage with a different audience. Supporting facts not fear, helping educate people about what was happening with Covid, and how the British Red Cross was helping people cope.
What was your first-ever job?
My first job was in Sainsbury’s as one of the people who does all the online orders. I was a massive fan of Supermarket Sweep – so it was a dream come true.
It helped build my confidence in what I could do. It really helped me appreciate the need to concentrate and focus. My memory got crazy good. I can still tell you where the mushroom ketchup is. It got to the point where I would re-write my Dad’s shopping list so that he’d find it easier to get around and find what he needed.
Who would you most love to share a coffee with / go for a drink with?
Right now it’s got to be Kamala Harris. I’d love to listen to her talk about her journey and hear more about her vision. I’d love to be part of helping her make that happen.
I really loved how she held her own in the debates and refused to allow people to talk over her. I love how she would calmly but confidently say “I’m talking”. It’s something that’s stuck with me and changed the way I act in meetings. It’s helped me find the confidence to be heard.
Highlight of your career (so far?)
It’s not getting the award but the journey getting there. When I started at the British Red Cross I was able to build my own team – around a vision I had for what we could achieve. I’m so proud of the team. It’s amazing to work with them and hear their crazy ideas which always turn into something amazing.
Nature or nurture?
Got to be nurture. I wouldn’t be where I am without my parent’s support. My Dad had a pretty clear view of what he wanted me to become – something in medical, legal or accounting.
But they let me chose my own path (textiles), supported me and could see how much I enjoyed it. They let me make my own mistakes and supported me anyway. They always encouraged me to keep doing what made me happy.
Best advice you ever heard or received?
This was from my aunt and is along the lines of “whatever you decide you need to be happy with it before anyone else”. She believed that the last person you want to disappoint is yourself – as you have to live with it long after everyone else has forgotten.
What talent do you yearn for?
I’d love to be able to roller skater – but my balance is rubbish.
It would be great as I’d be able to get where I need to go, quicker and with more style. When I see them on Insta, they all look like they’re having the best time. I wonder if I could start skating around the office from meeting to meeting.
What is your favourite brand and why?
Nike. I love everything about them. Their bold campaigns. The messaging. Just do it – rings so true to me. And of course, I’m a huge Serena Williams fan.
What book do you most recommend to others?
I’ve really enjoyed “Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race” by Reni Eddo-Lodge. What I took from it was an understanding and appreciation for Black British culture that I didn’t get at school. It’s a fascinating insight into our history in the UK.