What is your role at Rise at Seven:

Head of Operations, so I’m the person who makes sure the right people are in the right place, doing the right work, at the right time and for the right margin. My role spans agency-wide operations, from forecasting and resourcing to partnering with Finance on performance, with Craft teams on delivery systems and focusing on our internal culture. I work across every department to keep the business moving efficiently and intentionally.

Where did it all start for you?

I started out by launching my own agency in 2008, just before the global recession hit, which meant it was a bit of a crash course in how to sell, manage people, build a business and create things people wanted. Being a young lad selling, designing and building websites during that time was super interesting, WordPress was becoming a thing, Facebook and Twitter were just beginning to take off, and the Google algorithm was still a mystery.

Experience so far:

Before Rise, I have been the Operations Director at various agencies where I built delivery models that enabled the agencies to scale. I’ve also been a guest on various agency podcasts like Agency Works and Parakeeto, and worked with brands and celebrities such as Nike, Puma, Usain Bolt, Chelsea FC, the NHS and the FA.

What I’m best at:

Staying calm when things get a bit messy. I listen first, then ask the kind of questions that help teams find their own way through, even if a nudge is needed. I lead with clarity, empathy, and try not to take myself too seriously. My focus is always on making things better: better decisions, better processes, better teams. And if I can help someone grow along the way, that’s the real win for me.

What I’m known for:

Probably moaning about timesheets.

Strong opinion I have about my craft:

Operations is a people role first and foremost.

Fun fact:

I have two! Firstly, in a past life, I captained England Athletics U18’s to a home Home Nations competition win. Secondly, my wife and I eloped to Vegas to get married and then sprung the news on everyone a year later at our “wedding” in Yorkshire. My nan wasn’t a fan of that…