Daphne Damato is a Bay Brand Manager at the Hudson’s Bay Company in Toronto. She’s a graduate of Sheridan College and worked at Dot Patio and Home as a Marketing and Sales Retail Coordinator before joining HBC.
What does the ‘average’ day of a Brand Manager at HBC look like?
Apart from assisting with managing the Bay’s branding and marketing initiatives, my job is mostly focused to broadcast advertising for the Bay, specifically within radio.
I am usually on the hunt for great stories, brand launches and new products from our merchant and marketing teams, which are then developed into great radio ads and recorded in studio with Bonnie Brooks or other celebrities and radio talent.
I think the key to getting your dream job, (or getting into your dream company) is really wanting it. You have to show that you deserve the job and that you are capable and willing to make it happen.
What is the most challenging and the most rewarding part of your job?
They seem to be both in same…choosing what we are going to talk about on air is extremely important to us here at the Bay, which in turn makes it the most challenging.
The hardest part of my job is making sure we pick the right story and angle to present to Bonnie Brooks. We ensure that each ad reflects The Bay’s Pride, Passion and Integrity while presenting our customers with exciting and relevant content. What we record has to be something that the Bay really believes in and something that our customer will believe in as well.
Getting to this point takes a lot of time, effort and creative energy, but once the final record is complete, there is great satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. I love hearing the final spots on air!
Hudson’s Bay Company seems to have outmaneuvered many of its competitors. Many have had to downsize, close their doors for good or have been acquired by US department stores. How has HBC remained so strong?
The Bay has seen much change over the past few years – We have renovated many of our stores, brought in better and more fashionable brands all the while improving our service levels across all aspects. Our customers have noticed and love these changes; which in turn, has allowed us to remain competitive while providing our customers with what they value most.
I have learnt that anything is possible, as long as you are willing to believe and work hard for it.
You entered HBC back in 2006 as a Strategic Coordinator. What did the hiring process look like at that time for you and can you share any tips with people who might be going through the hiring process now?
Wow, has it been that long already? I went through a total of 3 interviews before I was hired at HBC. The first interview was a phone interview with our human resources team, which focused on my skills and requirements for the position. The second was an in-person interview with the executive of the department and the third was my final in person interview with my direct report. These last 2 interviews looked more for how my skills can benefit the company as well as ensuring my personality and ambitions fit that of the company’s direction.
I think the key to getting your dream job, (or getting into your dream company) is really wanting it. You have to show that you deserve the job and that you are capable and willing to make it happen.
Show you are interested by taking the time to customize your resume for the particular job you are applying for; don’t send a resume that has irrelevant information or a generic objective and opening letter. Also, make sure you do your research on the company and job position and don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn about their culture.
You speak 4 languages. How helpful has having several languages under your belt been for your career?
Canada being bi-lingual, French has been the most useful language for me. I have required it in all my positions with HBC and the Bay, especially now working in broadcast as we record both in English and French.
One language you speak is Maltese. Are you able to use it often in Canada?
Not unless I am talking to my parents or calling my family back home! I have not needed it here as it is not a well known language and there are not that many Maltese people living in Canada.
Hudson’s Bay Company seems to have several names in use (Hudson’s Bay Company, HBC, and The Bay), does that make your life as a brand manager difficult, or was that a strategic decision?
Each name is used in a different way with strategic branding guidelines to ensure a consistent message to the customer.
How do you approach productivity? What tools (apps, gadgets, etc) do you use to help you stay productive?
I couldn’t live without my email and VPN access to our server as I am often not in the office but need constant access to our files, information and people.
Do you have a good work-life balance?
I try to maintain a good work/life balance as I believe it is the key to living a happy, healthy life and allows you to be your best at work.
Although at times, the hours at the office can be long and arduous, I make it a point that when I am home I dedicate my time 100% to my family and household.
Can you share a personal or business challenge that was hard to deal with and how you overcame it and what you learned from it?
Immigrating to a new country and adapting to new cultures, ideas and influences is always tough, no matter how young or old you are. I came to Canada 1999 with my parents (at 18) looking for a new future. It was a challenge to get my life in order and to find direction. Although the first few years were tough, I made it through school, had great job opportunities and experiences and am now starting a family of my own. The experience has given me a new perspective on life and had broadened my world. I have learnt that anything is possible, as long as you are willing to believe and work hard for it.
What is your favourite quote of all time?
There are two quotes which have really stuck with me over time.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” -Charles Darwin
And
“One may walk over the highest mountain one step at a time.” – John Wannamaker
What is one thing that your coworkers, clients or friends may not know about you?
I love to spend hours working on my vegetables and roses in my garden. It helps me enjoy the outdoors, while getting personal satisfaction from watching everything grow.