RACHEL Goddard is managing director of Intandem Communications, a marketing, PR and social media agency based in the centre of York.

Ms Goddard founded Intandem fourteen years ago having worked in both sales and marketing as part of the in-house teams at large and small businesses in the construction and agricultural sectors.

She believes that her ‘in-house’ experience really helped her to understand what it is like to sit on the "other side of the fence" and to be in a client’s shoes when hiring a marketing or PR agency. Her aim with Intandem was to create an agency that really understood the needs of small and medium sized businesses and which worked alongside the client’s team to fulfil their aspirations.

Ms Goddard is passionate about helping businesses to succeed and enjoys working with them to bring out their very best. As former chairwoman of York Professionals, Ms Goddard believes that York has the strength and potential to be a world leading centre for business and loves working in the City.

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"I love the outdoors and spending time planting and growing things in my garden so I quite like the idea of being a garden designer. I’d enjoy being able to combine my creativity with my love of nature.

"I’d also quite like to be a yoga teacher. I would love to be able to help busy people slow down their hectic lives and learn more about mind body and spirit. It’s really hard to create the perfect balance between work and family life so if I could help people achieve that, then I would find it really rewarding."

Greatest achievement?

"My greatest achievement is my son Jonty. I feel very proud watching him grow into a lovely young man!"

What makes you most angry?

"Politicians. They are often looking for short term gain for publicity’s sake and failing to look at the long term, bigger picture. They make a mockery of communications by creating a biased image and profile through pomp and propaganda."

Biggest mistake?

"I have hundreds! My biggest is probably not being brave enough. I should have taken more chances but I’m glad I took some!"

What do you need to make life complete?

"I feel most complete when I’m out in the great outdoors, whether conquering the Three Peaks or taking a relaxing sunny stroll in the countryside with my family and my two dogs."

Why do you make a difference?

"I love working with owners and managers of small and medium sized businesses. I’m not afraid to bring an objective viewpoint about what they need to do to achieve their goals. I am also proud and privileged to work with a great team of creative professionals who deliver an integrated mix of communications with flair, tenacity and a genuine passion that takes our clients to the next level."

Epitaph

"She worked hard, she played hard and had lots of laughs along the way."