This week we’ve been looking at our company values and what makes a great team. Cohesive teams are key to improving employee satisfaction, increasing motivation and achieving overall business success!
It’s important to understand your colleagues’ personalities, their likes (and dislikes), their values, and what motivates them.
As part of the SWW Marketing monthly meeting we’ve been incorporating mini ‘interviews’ to make sure we understand our colleagues, and so thought we’d share some, starting with Ollie!
What did you study in at University?
Marketing Management – I completed my dissertation in the effects of ethical marketing and whether it effects consumer choice when choosing a brand or product!
Who’s your biggest inspiration?
Overall Sir Ranulph Fiennes, for vision Chris Hadfield and business Luke Johnson – I went to see him speak when I was 19 and his advice has always stuck with me and definitely contributed in the motivation to set up SWW Marketing! Also family always inspire me past and present!
Where did you grow up?
Sheffield
How did you get into Marketing as a career?
I have always had a passion for business – growing up in an entrepreneurial family it definitely rubbed off on me and is ingrained in my DNA. I have always loved thinking of new ideas and thinking outside of the box and being creative – all are so important to marketing so going into this field was a clear choice. I also love making sure good businesses are heard and marketing is a great way of doing this.
What’s been the most challenging part of your career so far?
Setting up SWW Marketing! I don’t think anything prepares you for the challenges of setting up a new business and what it entails but it’s been the most rewarding and fulfilling thing I’ve ever done!
Why did you decide to set up your own company?
I have always wanted to run my own business, ever since I can remember! I love the freedom it gives you, the ability to work with who you want, and build a motivating and energising team that cares about the success of everything to do with the business. But most of all build something that will benefit customers, employees, employers and hopefully generations to come!
What’s the most rewarding part of running your own company?
Seeing it grow and how that growth is out of happy customers – unhappy customers is a sign of failure. When you are working with owners of businesses – you are helping them promote their baby almost and seeing how happy they are when you get their brand and business results, there is no better feeling.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
I have always loved a challenge both in and out of work. Sport plays a huge part in my life and has done since I was little. I have competed throughout my life in many different sports including; athletics, triathlons, cycling, rugby but a real highlight has to be when I captained the men’s first boat to Henley Royal Regatta! I think sport teaches us so much about each other and helps in business as it installs discipline and striving to always improve. I of course enjoy spending time with friends and family and being in the countryside!
What would you say are your main values that drive you?
Fun! It makes everything more enjoyable, as well as kindness and resilience.
What is your favourite quote?
"Turn towards the problem you see!"
What are your top three reads/books?
‘Outliers’ is the best book for sure – it makes you think like no other book has! ‘Skyfaring’ and ‘If I could tell you one thing’ – I prefer non-fiction!
Tell me something about yourself that not many people know
I can fly a small plane and ride a unicycle!