10 Questions with... Debbie Klein, group chief marketing officer at Sky
The Drum speaks to people across the global media and marketing sector who are bringing something a little different to the industry and talks to them about what little insights they can offer the rest of us. This week's 10 Questions With... features Debbie Klein, group chief marketing, corporate affairs and and people officer at Sky and former chief executive officer of Europe and Asia Pacific at Engine Group.
Debbie Klein
What was your first ever job?
In high school, I worked in my aunt’s gift shop on a Saturday. I can still tie the perfect bow. The first job I made a living from was working as a graduate trainee at Nielsen in Oxford.
Why did you get into advertising?
Because seeing the Apple ad ‘1984’ when I was in high school took my breath away.
What would be the perfect day?
A walk and picnic on Hampstead Heath with my children and our golden retriever, followed by a long outdoor swim.
Who do you find most interesting to follow on social media?
@guidofawkes for politics. @dailydose for micro motivation and inspiration. For food, @cookinwithmima and @notquitenigella, an Australian food blogger with a travel twist.
What is the best book you have ever read?
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera.
If you could ban one buzzword or piece of jargon what would it be?
Growth hacking. Does anyone actually know what this means?
Who is the person you most want to meet in the industry and why?
Kanye West, because he is a creative genius (and it will give me cool points with my kids).
Honey Monster or Tony the Tiger?
I’m more of a bircher muesli person.
What is your all-time favourite piece of advertising?
The MINI launch campaign by WCRS, 2001. ‘It’s a MINI Adventure’ dramatised MINI’s personality and went way beyond traditional advertising, with MINIs scaling the sides of buildings. It successfully introduced MINI to a new style conscious generation.
What's the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
My mom always says to me ‘You’ve got broad shoulders, you can stand in the wind’.
The next installment of 10 Questions With... will run next Monday.