A foot in both camps
During my career I’ve spent time at agencies and in-house.
I’ve worked on complex strategic problems and been hands-on to deliver.
I’ve promoted well-known brands and I’ve created a new category from scratch.
Here are some of the valuable skills I’ve picked up over time:
Managing stakeholders is second nature. I’m very used to balancing the views of multiple people, departments, and teams, whether they’re internal or external. And importantly, I’m experienced in knowing what to follow and what can be left out.
I’m used to running international projects and teams. I led a global marketing department which was responsible for six locations across three continents, and I’ve run campaigns in most European countries, plus the US.
I’ve worked with budgets in the tens of millions, and the tens of thousands. I’m comfortable tailoring my approach to whatever the situation needs, and don’t default to throwing money at a problem.
I’ve managed a team of eight, and also worked solo. I’m not someone who has to have a full team below me to work, but equally I’m a confident manager that likes to help people develop. I’ve got a good track record with my hiring, if I do say so myself, and I’ve conducted 100+ interviews in my time.
I’ve done everything from TV to SEO. Yes my background is originally in advertising, but I’ve done much more. From brand strategy through to PR, to paid social and even a smattering of UX. I’ve also run several third party partnerships, with the likes of The Telegraph, The Economist and WIRED.
My writing’s not too shabby. I’ve written copy used by Audi and Google in ad campaigns, and I’ve done my fair share of writing for social. I’ve written long-form for websites, and I’ve even put together the odd script.
I’m financially capable. I have run my own P&L, managed significant budgets, resourced teams, won new business, and grown revenue from existing clients.
I have the right contacts for the job. During my career I’ve worked with great brand strategists, excellent PR people, talented designers, agencies of all shapes and sizes, and so on. If a project needs specific expertise, it’s a good bet I know someone.