After 11 years with the marketing agency Added Value, three of which as MD of the 100 person UK business, I wanted to focus more on content and less on management. The opportunity to join the brandgym was irresistible – the mix of 50% client work and 50% R&D offered me the time & space to write a book on innovation, as well as focus on the tough marketing problems I love. Also, regular contact with the partner network and our annual ‘retreat’ keeps me at the cutting edge. I believe that to be great at marketing you need other creative outlets that you pursue with passion, and by working here I can sing, write musicals and have finally fulfilled a lifelong ambition to get my pilot’s license. I call this having “professional fun”, and it’s an essential part of what I do, allowing me to give every project 110% energy, inspiration & dedication. How does it compare to slogging your guts out for bigconsultancy P.L.C.? No contest.