Talk us through an average day in your role
No two days are ever the same, and that’s one of the things I’ve always loved about working in the TV and advertising industry. My role is a mix of planning, problem-solving, and collaboration, where I work closely with both internal teams and our external partners, such as agencies and broadcasters.
I oversee projects to ensure everything runs smoothly and expectations are aligned with ad delivery. At XR we are increasingly taking an AI-first approach, exploring solutions that support delivery and streamline workflows. Alongside that, a big part of my role is also supporting and mentoring others where I’ve always really enjoyed helping people grow and develop in their careers.
Even after all these years, the work still excites me because the industry is always changing, so there’s always something new to learn and discover.
How did you get started in the media industry?
My route into the industry wasn’t traditional. I came from a council estate and left school at 15, starting work through the Youth Training Scheme.
I started in hospitality, working in several different roles, including at a hotel in Croydon and a nightclub. I also spent 10 years working at the Royal Albert Hall alongside my day jobs. It was an incredible experience where I got to see performers like Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, and Ella Fitzgerald.
My path changed at 17 when I heard about a junior assistant role at Capital Radio. I applied, and soon after, I secured a position at Grey in TV administration. That was the start of my career in media, and I later joined The Mill in 2004 where I was fortunate to be involved in some incredible campaigns, including Sony Bravia’s iconic Balls commercial and Nike’s Write the Future around the 2010 Champions League Final.
Now, over 40 years later, I’m still in the industry and still loving it.
What training did you have before entering the industry?
My training was very much hands-on. Starting work young meant I learned key practical skills early, such as organisation, communication, and working with different types of people from different walks of life.
Working in hospitality and live events taught me how to stay calm under pressure and adapt quickly. Most of what I’ve learned has come from experience, learning on the job, and from the people around me. It’s been a continuous journey, which is important in an industry that’s always changing.
Why do you enjoy working in the industry?
I love the pace and variety of this work as it’s a mix of thinking ahead and rolling up your sleeves to get things done, which I’ve always enjoyed. There’s something really satisfying about seeing ideas come to life.
At this stage in my career, mentoring others has become one of my favourite parts of the job, as helping people grow and succeed is incredibly rewarding.
What piece of advice would you offer someone looking to explore a role similar to yours?
Don’t worry if your route isn’t traditional. There’s no single path into this industry, and I’m proof of that.
Be open to starting anywhere and learning from every opportunity. Work hard, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Find people you can learn from, and most importantly, believe in yourself. Where you start doesn’t define where you can get to.
