Meet Gordana Pavlovic, one of our brilliant Senior Account Managers here at Clone. With a background in marketing and a passion for creating unforgettable brand experiences, Gordana brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to her role.
What does your average day look like as a Senior Account Manager at Clone Media?
An average day? Well, that’s a tricky one to define! My role has the foundations of a typical sales job – quoting, calls, and keeping in touch with clients. But it’s so much more than that. I try to implement a strategic approach, especially with marketing heads and HR leads. At Clone, our core value comes through exceptional customer service, so I focus on meeting those needs. I love booking face-to-face meetings; they’re invaluable for building strong client relationships.
I primarily work with Clone, but now I manage both Clone and Swag accounts. Cross-selling is a big part of my job. When I’m working with a Swag client, it’s a great opportunity to introduce them to Clone’s services. We aim to work as an extended arm of our client’s marketing or HR departments, providing comprehensive support.
What do you enjoy most about your role as a Senior Account Manager?
The partnerships I’ve built with some of our bigger clients are truly rewarding. They come to us with exciting ideas, like organising retreats that involve sending various items to destinations like Portugal or Tenerife. I love these bespoke projects where clients have a budget to showcase their brand image. The collaborative approach is incredibly fulfilling.
But it’s not just about the clients. Working at Clone is a joy. The team here is fantastic—supportive and harmonious- and they make my workday brighter. Finding a workplace where you get along so well with everyone is rare, and I feel lucky to have that here.
What inspires you about branding, print or design?
I’m inspired by clients who have sharp, well-defined brand guidelines and take pride in presenting their brand. It’s a creative challenge to represent that through promotional merchandise. We’re not just talking about standard promotional items – we create executive gifts and unique pieces that really resonate with people.
Working with eco-conscious brands like Chilly’s, Ocean Bottle and Tony’s Chocolonely has been particularly inspiring. Our industry has a huge focus on sustainability, and it’s been a great journey advising clients on eco-friendly options and practices.
What are the most promising trends or innovations that you expect to shape your industry in the future?
Sustainability and eco-focus are definitely at the forefront of our industry right now. It’s motivating to work with people who genuinely care about these issues, not just ticking boxes. We’re committed to aligning our practices with these values because we understand our business’s impact on the world.
Another key trend is the shift towards high-quality, meaningful merchandise. We’re moving away from the perception of promotional items as disposable trinkets. Instead, we’re creating usable, desirable products that people proudly use or wear. These items serve multiple purposes – brand exposure, customer acquisition, staff retention – and play a crucial role in our clients’ marketing strategies.
What’s been your most favourite or most interesting project to work on?
I absolutely loved working on the retreat and wellness project. It’s great to see companies investing in their staff’s wellbeing, and it’s exciting to be part of creating those experiences. I also really enjoy our apparel projects. There’s something special about seeing people’s reactions when they receive a high-quality branded hoodie or t-shirt. It’s all about exceeding expectations and creating a positive association with the brand.
Can you share a challenging project or problem you recently tackled?
The sales team certainly faces challenges (tight deadlines! Eek!), but our incredible Client Services team often handles the trickier aspects of our projects, as issues can sometimes arise during production. They’re the unsung heroes, ensuring everything runs smoothly throughout production and delivery.
What inspires you outside work? What do you get up to?
I’m passionate about travel and feel fortunate to explore new places often. I’m also into home improvement, although my current project – tackling a damp issue – is more functional than fun! Cooking is another hobby of mine.
One of my biggest passions is event planning. Outside of work, I run a small live music events business with my best friend. We organise cultural and collaborative events called IDENTITY as a networking platform for creatives in Reading. I’ve since helped start, plan, and run the Every Little Thing Festival, and I also consult and strategise for the JFE Community on their upcoming event. I also enjoy using my planning skills within Clone for the staff socials and team days, but also outside of work for charitable causes, particularly those focused on suicide awareness. Contributing to such important initiatives and giving back to the community is rewarding.
And, of course, I enjoy a good social life! My colleagues often joke that I always have a story to share on Monday mornings. I believe in making the most of life in and out of the office.
From strategic branding to making a difference in her community, Gordana brings passion and energy to everything she does. She’s just one of the talented, multifaceted individuals that make Clone such a special place to work.
Get in touch with our team, and let’s bring your brand vision to life. Who knows? You might even get to work with Gordana herself!
