Get to know Ellie

As our Project Manager extraordinaire, Ellie is the glue that holds Modal's creative chaos together. With a background in event management for major music festivals, Ellie brings a unique blend of creativity and precision to every project she touches. Armed with her colour-coded planning system and an uncanny ability to predict roadblocks before they happen, she shepherds projects from concept to completion with grace and efficiency. Ellie's infectious enthusiasm keeps team morale high, even during the most demanding deadlines. A former competitive swimmer, she approaches project management with the same discipline and determination that once had her training at 5 AM.

How do you keep multiple projects running smoothly simultaneously?

"It's all about systems and communication. I've developed a project management approach that's structured enough to keep everything on track but flexible enough to accommodate the creative process. I start each week with a clear overview of where every project stands and what needs to happen next. Daily check-ins with team members help me spot potential issues before they become problems. But the real secret is understanding each team member's working style and strengths, knowing who needs detailed briefs versus who thrives with creative freedom makes all the difference."

What's your approach to client communication?

"Transparency is key. I believe in keeping clients informed at every stage of the process, not just when we need approvals or have completed deliverables. I've found that clients appreciate being part of the journey, including understanding the challenges we're working through. At Modal, we've implemented a client communication system that provides the right level of detail without overwhelming them with technical jargon. Building that trust means clients feel comfortable coming to us with concerns or new ideas, which ultimately leads to better outcomes."

How do you handle it when projects don't go according to plan?

"In digital, unexpected challenges are inevitable, it's how you respond that matters. When issues arise, I focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. I bring together the right people, clearly define the challenge, and facilitate a problem-solving session. Sometimes this means renegotiating timelines or scope with clients, which can be difficult conversations. But I've found that honesty and a clear action plan usually turn potential disasters into opportunities to strengthen client relationships. Some of our most innovative solutions have come from overcoming unexpected obstacles."

What do you love most about working at Modal?

"The variety of projects keeps things exciting, one day I'm coordinating an e-commerce launch, the next I'm planning a content strategy for a startup. But what I truly love is seeing how our team comes together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. There's a moment in every project when all the pieces start falling into place and you can see the client's vision coming to life. That moment of collective achievement never gets old. Plus, our office playlist is unbeatable, though we're still working through Lewis's obsession with 80s synth-pop!"