A sneak peak at who's in the running to be Marketing Leader of The Year 2014 - we interview David James, marketing director consumer division, BT.
What’s the smartest business idea you’ve had?
I once had this idea about putting my whole record collection on a little box I could put in my pocket… but some guy beat me to it.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
As an adult ‘read everything you write 3 times before you send it’ and as a child ‘don’t eat wasps’.
What does bold marketing leadership look like?
Making great advertising, developing great people and moving the numbers.
What is the biggest challenge facing the marketing industry over the next year?
The same as every year; making every penny count and proving it is counting.
What one thing would improve your life?
Not worrying about my kids future.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
Being realistic that the pivot isn’t in the centre.
What would you say to your 17-year-old self?
Don’t worry about the ups and downs, worry about the long term trends.
Who or what has inspired you most profoundly in your career?
New challenges that really matter.
What's the hardest thing you've ever done and what did you learn from it?
This one could get depressing. From bad things I’ve learned to value good things and squeeze more juice from life.
If you hadn't been in business what would you have been?
Hmmm. Isn’t everything business? Without a glittering football career ahead of me, it was the only option.
What invention of yours are you proudest of, and why?
The Jetrest travel pillow – it’s sold £10m’s worth worldwide over the last decade under licence, and in great retailers like Harrods, Selfridges, Boots.
What can marketing learn from invention?
The best innovation comes from solving things that really wind loads of people up.
Tell us a secret.
Rita Ora gave me her telephone number at a party recently, but I don’t think my wife or Calvin Harris have anything to worry about.
Marketing Leader of Year 2014: voting now closed
Follow the conversation @themarketingsoc #MSOCAwards
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