How would you describe yourself in three words?
A bit tasty.
What was your first job in media?
At the Daily Express in its ad-sales team– selling colour pages to tobacco companies at a staggering £50,000 (I kid you not).
What does it take to make it big in media?
Most people in the media have an opinion on that somewhat elusive factor which guarantees a successful career. Unfortunately, in my mind it isn't about just one attribute only. Instead, it is a mixture of boundless enthusiasm and interest in your job (whatever level you happen to be at) and the industry as a whole, creativity on tap, encyclopaedic knowledge of the product and market and, most importantly, the ability to be able to stick at it. A career doesn't grow itself in the space of five minutes. What is the best piece of advice ever given to you?
"You will never make it as an author, I see no talent whatsoever in what you have written." Roald Dahl's exact words in 1978 after reading my first book manuscript.
Frankly, I think a touch on the harsh side. However, without this sage advice I'd probably still be an impoverished author desperately trying to get something published. Instead, I hung up my typewriter and eventually entered the glamorous world of media ad sales. But, the best bit – while I'll never make it as an author, I still get to publish stuff!
Who is the person you most admire in the media industry?
I can't pinpoint any one person, as there are too many people that I admire. The media playing field is a very wide one and the different disciplines make it impossible to name just one.
While my list is as long as my arm, the people I think very highly of are those who are prepared to listen to fresh ideas and concepts: such as Kevin Brown, Roy Jeans, Caroline Simpson, Mary McGovern and Bernard Balderstone from P&G, Trista Grant, Mark Palmer, Derek Morris and Simon Mathews. In not so many words, all the really creative media thinkers who have always listened to my mad pitches over the years.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your career so far?
Last week my new PA, Hayley, merrily announced to all and sundry, namely the whole office: "Jason does seem to get a lot of Viagra e-mails on his BlackBerry!"
What has been your biggest regret?
Hiring Hayley.
What is the first thing you do when you get to work in the morning?
Think how much I miss my wife and kids. Then all the normal stuff – plug in my Mac, answer any pressing e-mails, make any urgent phone calls and reach for the coffee. And then the madness of my day really begins – particularly now that I've taken over as chairman of the APA. Juggling my APA responsibilities and my Publicis Blueprint work will prove very interesting – I'm up for the challenge. Customer publishing is an extremely vibrant industry that is happily experiencing significant growth, so at least I'll never get bored.
What is the most exciting aspect of your job?
At the moment, it's definitely the combination of being able to run a commercial business and juggle the responsibilities of being the chairman of the body that's responsible for growing and promoting the medium. I feel honoured to be in this position. In terms of the chairmanship, the exciting part is striving to achieve what I lay down as my objectives.
Although I have been in the industry a number of years, I still have an incredible passion for what I do and there's nothing more exciting than conceiving and creating new magazines and watching them flourish, as well as putting together outstanding teams and nurturing talent.
And what do you least enjoy doing?
Accounts. It's so numbing and laborious. If I'd wanted to be a bean counter I would have done my maths homework.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?
Worldwide chairman of Publicis Blueprint – the leading customer communications agency on the planet.
2005 Chairman Association of Publishing Agencies
1999 Co-founder and managing director Publicis Blueprint
1995 Publishing director Redwood
1994 Joined Redwood to devise and launch SkyTV guide
1992 Ad sales and marketing director Gruner & Jahr UK
1987 Ad manager for the launch of Prima Gruner & Jahr UK
1985 Advertising sales executive Daily Express & Daily Star
_1.jpg)
.jpg)
