RAPP hosts ongoing Curiosity Lab sessions where members of the agency present a topic they are passionate about, both work-related and other. This series serves to inform, stimulate and develop greater familiarity and comradery across the business while celebrating the fierce individuals around us. Here is an interview with Elena Morgan about her inspiring lab about what makes her tick.
What has ‘made’ you?
I grew up in a place called Charlton Village in Shepperton. It was a place full of kids to hang out with and everyone got up to a lot of mischief — knock, knock run, building forts, making fires, running through fields of wheat kinda fun! All the local kids went to the local comprehensive school but I went to Staines Preparatory School- a very strict private establishment where academia was EVERYTHING. We wore bright yellow blazers and straw hats — much to the amusement of the local kids.
These primary school years were pretty defining for me — I found it tough. We were ranked according to academic ability from the start and if you weren’t academic or really sporty; which I wasn’t, you were thrown to the bottom of the pile. These formative years left me with a sense of wanting to prove my worth with a big batch of imposter syndrome to keep in check.
I wasn’t terribly interested in school until University. For the first time, I was hearing lecturers that inspired me and challenged my idea of the world. One lecture looked at depictions of Saartjie Baartman, known as the “Hottentot Venus” (1789–1815). Her body was paraded around Britain and France her entire life exhibited as a freak show. Even after her death, her remains were in a Museum in France until 1974. She was a symbol of being “other” on so many levels — through colonial exploitation, racism and, of course, sexism. I found this fascinating and upsetting. It highlighted so much injustice, issues that continue to this day.
Who or what inspires you?
Strong women in leadership positions who empower other women. These women bring their entire authentic selves to a leadership position. They bring to the fore any struggles they may have had as a working parent or with self believe and show what you can achieve despite your struggles. Hearing these stories from women in power inspire other women not to hold back, to believe in themselves and to have a voice. I have just finished reading Michelle Obama’s biography and she is a great example of this.
What have you learned that you intend to pass on?
Don’t stifle vulnerability — Vulnerability opens up creativity and creates more meaningful, honest relationships. In an attempt to always control and hide any imperfections, you are creating armour that stops a whole ton of good feelings coming your way. Be real.
Chart your successes — Do it just for you, so you know your worth when it comes to personal appraisals or client deep dives.
Realise your choices — More often than not, stress levels are a result of not feeling in control. I’m trying to make a conscious effort to realise that I have choices, if something isn’t working, what needs to change?
