One Day With… Danielle Bounds, Sales Director, ICC Wales

Danielle Bounds has been with Celtic Manor since 2010 and has recently taken on the role of Sales Director for ICC Wales – the brand new, state of the art convention centre in the grounds of Celtic Manor in Newport, South Wales. Her impressive track record includes playing a key role in the successful delivery of the 2010 Ryder Cup and 2014 NATO Summit at Celtic Manor, and she is now responsible for driving the UK and international sales strategy for the exciting new ICC Wales, putting Wales firmly on the map as a leading player in the business events world.

What does your morning routine look like? 

Well, no two mornings are ever the same as I have a one year old who is like a whirlwind! Today for example, I woke at 6.30am after only 3 hours sleep as he is teething. It gives a new meaning to ‘fuelled by coffee’. I checked my emails before he woke and then ducked in the shower. I get him up and dressed first and dress myself last to try to avoid wearing his breakfast. I get him to nursery and am in the office for 8am. I always write my to do list the day before, so I am organised. Sometimes meetings or client appointments start at 8 so it takes a lot of time management. 

Where is your favourite place to grab breakfast on your way into the office? 

I make a double shot coffee at home and drink it in the car. A luxury would be avocado on toast with poached eggs, but I can never have this midweek. Note to self: I should meet more clients for breakfast!

What’s your favourite lunch spot? 

At the moment it’s our Sensory Suite overlooking the build site of ICC Wales. Prior to our hard hat tours we offer clients a taste of Wales lunch, it’s delicious and I don't have to prepare lunch the night before... a lovely treat.

What’s the best thing about your job? 

Being involved in the ICC Wales project from the beginning. Being a part of the client focus groups deciding what we would build and now seeing that building come to life. It is going to be amazing and I love sharing the story with people. 

What is the most random thing on your desk? 

There isn't really anything random as I like to have an organised and tidy desk. However, I do have a pot of 40 pens of various shapes and sizes and colours. I LOVE stationary.

What is the best piece of advice you have received? 

You can do anything but not everything. 

Who was your last email from? 

Our Head of Event Management about our M&IT Awards sponsorship. It’s going to be such an amazing event. 

What’s your ‘to-do’ list looking like today? 

There are only 5 points on it today as it’s ‘Wonder what it’s like Wednesday’ where we offer hard hat tours to clients. So I will be with clients for most of the day. 

What part of your day do you look forward to the most? 

That coffee in the car on the way in. I have time to think and plan my day and brainstorm. 

What’s your best piece of advice for anyone looking to get into the events industry? 

Reach out to key personnel at companies that you want to work for. Send personal communication and be tenacious, don't give up. 

Where do you go to get away from it all and unwind? 

On holiday, I love to travel and unplug. I like to have lots of holidays and breaks planned to look forward to during busy times. 

What’s your favourite hotel and why? 

Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai – my go to place for a luxurious break. 

What’s your favourite motivational song to start the day? 

Sian Evans & DJ Fresh – Louder. Did you know that Sian is Welsh? 

If you could steal someone’s job for a day, who’s would you choose? 

The personal shopper at Selfridges in London – it would be great to shop for others and spend their money rather than my own.