I’ve always found it difficult to talk about myself. In person I’m quite introverted and usually economical with words. I tend to think more than I talk. Which is a rather odd thing to say seeing as my vocation is to communicate. Having said that, I don’t shy away from voicing opinion on other matters when needed and normally say what I mean and mean what I say. So whilst talking about myself is not in my nature, having my own site requires me to sell myself. My portfolio should do most of the talking but here are a few words to put that into context. Many drafts later, I hope you find it an interesting read.

What’s the big idea?

I’ve had the good fortune to work across many creative disciplines throughout my career so far – advertising, digital, graphic design, environmental, experiential, etc – rooted for the most part with a background in branding. I should also add that I started out as a copywriter and continue to write creatively. What all this means is that I have a holistic “ideas first, channels second” storytelling approach working on large integrated campaigns across TV, print and digital & social media. I sound like a jack of all trades, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But, for all the skills and craft that I have learnt through my experience over the many different disciplines, one thing is constant. Ideas. All the skill and craft in the world won’t make a weak idea any better. Poor execution won’t do you any favours either. Now I know branding, but I wouldn’t call myself a brand man. I know digital, but I’m not specifically a digital man. I know advertising, but I’m not just an ad man. You can know everything. Do everything. And give everything to a certain discipline, channel or medium. However, great work starts with great ideas and a great idea works in any medium. Idea is king. I’m not a fan of labels but if you were to call me anything then I’m an ideas man.

Lead from the back.

A good leader leads from the front, by example. Don’t they? Yes, yes they do, and should. But in my experience a great leader is someone who has led from the front well enough so that their team are now empowered to lead themselves. This is leading from the back. And aside from making a team more bonded, productive and efficient it is one of the most gratifying things to see when people you’ve helped nurture develop and grow.

Man of the world.

I’m quite accustomed to working internationally. In my previous role at Harte Hanks I’ve led teams remotely from the UK with offices in the US and Europe. Prior to that, whilst doing a four year stint in Malaysia, I’ve also worked on ASEAN regional campaigns collaborating with other Dentsu offices in Japan, Indonesia and Singapore. In my current role I have travelled frequently pre-Covid around the UK and Europe for shoots and client meetings. I am also fully client-facing and comfortable developing client relationships and presenting to board level. And if you’ll forgive the play on words of the sub-heading, although I’m not big on small talk I’m fairly well read with a bit of street smarts and can talk to most people about most things other than the British weather.

My portfolio is rather eclectic and reflects my varied and colourful career across many sectors for both B2B and B2C. I’m confident it will demonstrate my ability to strategise and conceptualise broadly and without restraint.

Best beloved.

Here are a few of my favourite things which may or may not give you further insight to my character.

Note: Yes, I am both a Star Wars and a Star Trek fan, and I don’t really get the “either or” view some people have. I love both in equal measure.