Getting to know... Mae Reddaway

In the latest instalment of Bdaily's Getting to know feature, which looks at the person behind the business profile, Mae Reddaway, managing director of London-based influencer and social marketing agency SEEN Connects, talks about her passion for helping shape behaviours, the joy that comes with winning as a team and channelling the competitive edge gained from days as a swimmer to push towards new goals...

We know you as the managing director of SEEN Connects, but who is the person behind the title?

At heart, I’m someone who’s endlessly curious about people – how they think, behave and connect. 

I’ve always been drawn to psychology and economics, and while I originally thought I’d go into HR, I ended up in media agencies, where I discovered I could blend both passions in a different way. 

I’m proactive, probably a bit of a sponge – I’ll happily sit in with different teams just to learn. 

I’ve had brilliant mentors, and feel a real responsibility to always keep growing and help others do the same. 

I care deeply about creating a culture where people can do great work without burning out. 

And I’m resilient. 

I went through COVID-19 alone, became a mum at 28, and have worked hard to find balance. 

Titles aside, I’m someone who wants to lead with empathy, learn constantly and believes that kindness and ambition can absolutely go hand in hand.

Did you always want to work in social marketing/the influencer landscape?

When I was younger, influencer/social roles like this didn’t exist, so it wasn’t on my radar. 

But as soon as it started gaining popularity in my world, I was completely hooked. 

I became an influencer for a time, and that experience gave me a unique lens on the whole industry. 

I understood early on the power of community, authenticity and how meaningful content could shape behaviours. 

That genuine passion never left me, and it’s informed how I approach my work now, from strategy and partnerships to how we support talent. 

I can’t imagine doing anything else now.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

The absolute best part is when we win as a team. 

There’s nothing quite like celebrating a big moment together, looking around and seeing that collective pride and joy. 

I love that sense of shared achievement. 

On the flip side, the toughest part is having to be the bearer of bad news. 

Whether it’s about client changes, restructuring or something else, those conversations never get easier, especially when you care about the people involved. 

But I always try to approach it with honesty and empathy.

That balance of leading with heart while making the hard calls is one of the biggest challenges of the role.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Without a doubt, my proudest achievement is being able to raise a child and lead a business at the same time. 

I had my baby pretty young, and there were definitely moments where I wondered how I’d keep my career going at the pace I wanted. 

I’ve been lucky enough to build a support system, set boundaries and prioritise balance. 

It’s about choosing what matters, being present in both worlds, and making peace with imperfection. 

How do you relax outside of work?

Honestly? Doom-scrolling social media. 

I know it’s not the most mindful answer, but I’ve always loved social – it’s part of my DNA, really – and it’s become my go-to form of escapism. 

Whether it’s design inspiration, funny reels or just disappearing down a niche content rabbit hole, it’s my way to switch off and decompress. 

That said, I try to balance it out with time offline too, especially now I’ve got a little one running around.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know...

I was a competitive swimmer in my teens, which meant lots of early mornings and endless laps. 

I think that experience gave me a real foundation of discipline and drive that has stuck with me. 

I’ve always been quite competitive, but in a way that pushes me to improve, rather than compare. 

These days, that energy goes into very different things, like my love for interior design and home renovations. 

There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming a space – it’s creative, hands-on and a totally different kind of problem-solving.

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