What is your greatest work achievement?
Besides launching MTV channels across Asia, one of the high notes for me
personally was nailing a barter deal with a German record label to bring
in the Artist Formerly Known As Prince as the closing act at the
inaugural MTV Europe Music Awards in Berlin in 1994.
What would be your dream brand to work on and why?
Any global sports brand, organising tennis or golf events in summer and
skiing or football events in winter. Because I couldn't make a living as
a sports pro.
What would you do if you weren't in marketing?
Ski bum! Best job I ever had (including the one I have now) was as a ski
chairlift attendant on top of the Alps. I'd ask them to take me
back.
What was the big break in your career?
Moving to London in 1983 to work at Campaign magazine (Haymarket
Publishing). Seemed like a big break to a young lad from
Scotland/Blackpool.
Who was your mentor and how did this person influence you?
Mike Orlov, my Russian boss at Campaign. His lust for life and business,
to succeed against all the odds, was inspirational to me.
Is there a secret to your success?
The multi-millionaire chairman/owner of one of my employers once told me
that he didn't feel successful yet. That's part of my drive too and
probably always will be.
How do you handle difficult clients at work?
Carefully. Listen a lot and try hard to see the issue through their
eyes. If that doesn't work, delegate!
What advice would you give to the next person to do your job?
Get extra pages for your passport. And a new portable CD player.
What are you currently reading that will help you in your job?
Stephen Hawkins "A Brief History of Time" (again!) - makes my job feel a
lot easier!
Who is the business person you most admire and why?
Mahatma Gandhi for his emotional intelligence. And Bill Roedy,
president, MTV networks international.
(I'll be sending him a copy of this article.)
