Interview with Karl Gregory, Match.com

What’s your golden rule?

Find what makes your organisation unique, cultivate it and celebrate it. Make sure you really stand for something.

Who has been your biggest influence?

I’ve always been inspired by David Ogilvy’s mantra “hire people who are bigger than you are, and you shall become a company of giants”. Once you have built a team of giants, it’s important to empower them to deliver results.

What is your most hated business expression?

At the moment, I’d have to say “Customer Engagement”. People often hide behind engagement to justify campaigns where they can’t demonstrate ROI.

What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?

When I was 17 I set up my own business in my hometown in Malta importing cleaning materials and selling them on to retailers to help pay my way through University.

Which leader do you admire most and why?

I’ve always been fascinated by Allan Leighton who has worked with some iconic brands and interviewed some great leaders. One of his learnings is that ‘you’re right only two thirds of the time — and that’s a pretty good strike rate — which means you’re wrong a third of the time.’ It takes a bit of time to accept this, because you think you shouldn’t ever go back on a decision, but learning to adapt modify as you go is a real skill that can benefit your business.

What’s your favourite word?

I would have to say love! In our business, we believe that love is the most important thing in the world , and that a shared life is a richer life. That’s why we get up in the morning – to bring people together, to match them.

Tell us a secret

I can be bought with a jar of honey! I love it and always try out every variety I can find in every country.

We’re looking to profile all our members here, so please do email Will to get involved if we haven’t yet been in touch.