10 questions with... Lindsay Turner, CEO, Blue 449 and Spark Foundry
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 Lindsay Turner, CEO, Blue 449 and Spark Foundry.
Lindsay Turner, CEO, Blue 449 and Spark Foundry
What was your first ever job?
My first foray into the world of work was as a very busy local babysitter. I came from a large family so had plenty of experience wrangling children and I had about five family’s I worked for, they could get pretty competitive on securing the prime Saturday night slots. However, the first proper paycheque I ever had was when I was at university and I worked at Woolworths. You don’t know hard work until you have spent a polyester clad summer in a very hot local Woolworths dolling out the pick & mix to the youths!
Which industry buzzword annoys you most?
‘Learnings’ is an absolute stinker.
Who do you find most interesting to follow on social media?
Instagram is my favourite social media platform and I fill my feed full of interesting women, smart publishers and various fashion and beauty brands for a bit of inspiration. Jameela Jamil (@jameelajamilofficial) is my go to, she is an inspiring, funny feminist I thoroughly enjoy following. I am also a huge fan of Jonathan Van Ness from Queer Eye. His podcast (Getting Curious With Jonathan Van Ness) is fantastic so I also follow his account on Instagram (@jvn).
Highlight of your career (so far?)
My promotion to CEO of Blue 449 & Spark Foundry, it is my privilege to lead such a fantastic bunch of people.
What piece of tech can you not live without?
Netflix. Sunday afternoons simply would never be the same again.
Who or what did you have posters of on your bedroom wall as a teenager?
It was a combination of Take That (don’t judge) and a rotation of film posters the local cinema used to give me for free.
In advertising, what needs to change soon?
More diversity. Be it a strong Diversity and Inclusion programme, apprenticeship schemes or supporting women’s progression, it is our responsibility as leaders to continue to champion and celebrate diversity.
What is (in your opinion) the greatest film/album/book of your life?
I watched a lot of classic Hollywood films growing up, the likes of Singing in the Rain, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Meet Me in St.Louis all kick started a love affair with film.
Which industry event can you not afford to miss each year and why?
House Festival! We host a tent there every year inviting clients and media partners to spend the day with us. It is always an incredible day and a brilliant way to catch up with people.
What's the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
My mum quoted Oscar Wilde to me when I was in my twenties; ‘Be yourself; everyone else is already taken’. In an industry built on relationships you have to be authentic. It’s how I encourage everyone who works at Blue 449 and Spark Foundry to behave.
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