10 questions with... Karen Blackett, WPP's UK country manager
In an attempt to showcase the personalities of the people behind the media and marketing sector, The Drum speaks to individuals who are bringing something a little different to the industry and talks to them about what insights and life experience they can offer the rest of us. This week's 10 Questions are put to WPP's first UK country manager, Karen Blackett OBE.
Karen Blackett OBE
What was your first ever job?
Working on Saturdays in the shoe department of C&A – remember them? This was my first lesson in customer service. Always a more challenging role in hot summer months….
Which industry buzzword annoys you most?
More a phrase rather than a buzzword – TV is dead.
Millennials as a catch-all for young people.
Who do you find most interesting to follow on social media?
@junesarpong – talks so much sense (plus she is one of life’s’ fabulous people)
Highlight of your career (so far?)
Still going and hoping a lot more to come….
What piece of tech can you not live without?
My Sky Box. Keep meaning to upgrade to SkyQ
Who or what did you have posters of on your bedroom wall as a teenager?
Michael Jackson – which unfortunately seems very inappropriate now.
In advertising, what needs to change soon?
Ego and lack of inclusion
What is (in your opinion) the greatest film/album/book of your life?
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Off The Wall
To Kill a Mockingbird
Which industry event can you not afford to miss each year and why?
I really am not that precious
What's the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Way too many and all stem from my parents:
Get comfortable being memorable
You have two ears and one mouth; use them in that proportion