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Meet the… Client director

Tom Laker, client director at Jigsaw24, tells TVBEurope why the rapid pace of change keeps a career in media and entertainment interesting

Talk us through an average day in your role

My day always begins with a scan of emails and an iced mocha—beyond that, for me, there is no “typical” schedule. My role is largely shaped by the needs of our customers. I operate as an extension of their teams, which means my day can range from site visits and client calls to building workflows or discussing emerging trends in the market.

Tom Laker, client director at Jigsaw24

As we continue expanding into live production, I am also spending more time internally: evaluating new opportunities, identifying the right vendor partnerships, and shaping our offering to deliver the best possible experience. That naturally comes with staying close to industry developments, so I spend a lot of time reading, researching and keeping up with my ever-growing stream of newsletters.

How did you get started in the media industry?

My first role in the industry was at Grabyo, a cloud-based live clipping and production platform, where I joined as a sales development trainee and progressed to senior sales manager within five years.

Interestingly, I actually got my foot in the door while working as a bartender at the pub local to Grabyo’s office. At the time, teams were in five days a week, so I really got to know the regulars well. I became increasingly interested in what they did – working with broadcasters and sports teams at the cutting edge of live video. I stayed persistent, kept asking questions, and made it clear I wanted an opportunity. I kept pushing my eventual manager for an opportunity until he finally caved in and offered me an entry-level job. The day I signed the contract, two hours later I was told that the pub I worked at was being shut down. I knew I was on the right track.

What training did you have before entering the industry?

Formally, none. Everything I know about the industry was learned on the job. Within the first two months at Grabyo, I was already representing the company at IBC, which is a bit of a baptism by fire. Being thrown into that environment early on accelerated my learning and forced me to adapt quickly.

In hindsight, that immediate exposure was invaluable. It gave me a practical understanding of the industry from day one and set the foundation for how I’ve approached learning and development ever since.

Why do you enjoy working in the industry?

It’s an industry that never stands still. The constant pace of change means there’s always something new to learn, which keeps the work engaging and challenging.

Having also trained as an actor, I’ve always been drawn to the creative side. What I enjoy most is seeing what people can produce using today’s tools and technology. The quality, speed and creativity on display are genuinely impressive.

What piece of advice would you offer someone looking to explore a role like yours?

Be honest – with your team, with your customers and even during the interview process. Trust is at the core of any successful relationship in sales, people want to work with individuals they can rely on. Being transparent, even when it’s difficult, sets the foundation for long-term success.