March 8, 2022

As part of our International Women’s Day celebrations, we asked you to nominate the most inspiring women across the company. Here we speak to Polly Marquis, Assistant Producer at Virgin Radio, who was nominated by many colleagues.

What is your current role, and your day-to-day responsibilities?

I’m an assistant producer at Virgin Radio, working on the Graham Norton Radio Show on weekends and the Chris Evans Breakfast Show in the week. Every day looks different but is usually a combination of guest liaison, show prep, and in-studio production!

How did you get to where you are today, and what drew you to this career? Did you have a plan?

Saying yes to everything! I started here as a freelancer and before that did a lot of work experience and interning elsewhere. Although one internship did once involve being lost in a field trying to locate a radio station in Northern France (long story). I love radio because it’s so dynamic and there’s something for everyone, being part of that and seeing or hearing the effect it has on people is really inspiring, whether that’s the audience or the incredible team around you!

How did you recognise, and grow your strengths?

Constantly asking for feedback really helped. Taking criticism can be really hard but viewing it as a constructive tool to get better, rather than something to put me down, really helped!

What are the biggest learnings you’ve taken from your career so far?

I’ve definitely learnt to have more confidence in my convictions, when my overthinking can be a strength and when I need to manage it, and that collaborating with people means that many different ideas can come together to create something really great. Oh, and probably most importantly, the technical jargon and studio knowledge that definitely terrified me when I first started out…

What advice would you give your younger self?

Quit doubting yourself – just because someone else thinks differently to you, it doesn’t mean that they’re right and you’re wrong.. Also, never ignore your gut feeling. It’s a tale as old as time, but your intuition is usually right.

What Polly’s colleagues say:

Meera Depala: “It’s her ability to juggle so many spinning plates astounds me, especially her grace, whit and composure.”

Alex Mislom: “They have an exceptional approach to all their work, they’re hugely supportive, they bring constant positivity to every single thing we do, and they’re a genuine motivational force.”