Q&A: Dragon Rouge's CEO Joe Hale

He has over 15 years experience in brand strategy and communications projects for clients such as M&S, Rio Tinto, eBay, Sony, InterContinental Hotels and AkzoNobel. 

So, this week we interviewed Dragon Rouge's CEO, Joe Hale on smart business ideas and why he admires English sailor, Ellen Macarthur.

What’s your golden rule?

If something doesn’t excite you, it’s probably not the right thing to do.

Who has been your biggest influence?

It’s impossible to pick out a single person. I’m a hoarder of different people’s demeanours and styles - those I’ve worked with that have left an indelible mark on me through the way they dealt with certain situations. I guess it makes me a bit of patchwork of different personalities, but it’s served me well so far.

What is your most hated business expression?

It changes by the day. At the moment it’s ‘Can we lock that down?'. Really.

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

Turning down a safe and sound corporate graduate position fresh from university to jump headlong into a small digital agency in Shoreditch.

Which leader do you admire most and why?

Hard one. I’d say Ellen Macarthur takes some beating. Clearly world records and sailing solo through the southern seas isn’t enough for some. She’s now convincing entire industries and businesses to design and manufacture more responsibly. A true pioneer.

What’s your favourite word?

Gusto

Tell us a secret

Show the truth to power. The way to get senior people behind you is to show them a real picture of their brand through the eyes of those it serves. Real feelings and experiences that expose its true health. Nothing opens the eyes wider.

And I do own a full body Dragon suit. But I don’t breathe fire.