Leo Dawson

Ambitious and commercially minded Geography graduate with leadership experience across retail, hospitality, and major event environments. Experienced engaging with 130–150 customers daily, influencing purchasing decisions, and building strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, from members of the public to senior decision-makers, donors, shareholders, and media representatives. Proven ability to communicate confidently, solve problems under pressure, and deliver results in fast-paced environments.

Seeking to begin a career in Sales Development or Business Development where I can apply my communication skills, commercial awareness, and relationship-building ability to drive business growth.

Team Leader at Cornish Bakery (2025-09 – Present)

• Lead a close-knit team of six within a busy customer-facing environment, maintaining service standards and team performance during peak trading periods.
• Engage with approximately 130–150 customers daily, building rapport quickly and delivering positive customer experiences.
• Identified opportunities to increase transaction value by recommending meal deals, product combinations, and promotional offers based on customer needs.
• Proactively promoted the bakery loyalty programme to repeat customers, encouraging sign-ups through relationship building and personalised recommendations.
• Influenced purchasing decisions by highlighting relevant offers and helping customers maximise value from their purchases.
• Handled customer enquiries and objections confidently, balancing customer satisfaction with business requirements.
• Acted as the key communication link between management and frontline staff, ensuring accountability and alignment across the team.
• Coached and supported new team members, helping develop communication skills, confidence, and product knowledge.
• Resolved customer and team issues professionally, maintaining a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Contributed to a business generating approximately £1,500 in daily revenue while consistently delivering high service standards.

Events operations at Royal Shakespeare Company (2024-06 – 2025-11)

• Supported the delivery of high-profile events attended by celebrity guests, media representatives, major donors, shareholders, and senior stakeholders.
• Built professional relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, developing strong communication and expectation-management skills.
• Acted as a key liaison between internal teams, suppliers, clients, and external partners to ensure successful event delivery.
• Maintained professionalism and composure while interacting with high-profile guests in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Resolved operational challenges in real time, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees and stakeholders.
• Developed confidence communicating with senior decision-makers and external partners, adapting communication styles to different audiences.
• Managed competing priorities across multiple large-scale events while consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining service standards.

Events Coordinator at Cafe 80, University of Technology Sydney (2023-07 – 2024-02)

• Managed event delivery from initial client discussions through to execution and post-event review.
• Built relationships with clients and stakeholders to understand requirements and ensure successful outcomes.
• Coordinated multiple work-streams simultaneously while maintaining high service standards.
• Developed strong communication, organisational, and presentation skills through customer-facing responsibilities.
• Produced post-event reports and identified opportunities for continuous improvement.

BSc in Geography – Nottingham Trent University (2019 – 2022)

A Levels in Geography, English Language, English Literature – Alcester Grammar School