This week we meet Fran Brosan, Chairman of Omobono.
What’s your golden rule?
Be Bothered. Having been brought up as an Account Handler I know that it’s the extra efforts you make, over and above what’s expected, that clients appreciate. And the opposite is also true. The things you don’t bother to do are the things that come back and bite you in the backside!
Who has been your biggest influence?
Robin Wight; because he showed that ads are an integral part of a business rather than just, well, ads.
What is your most hated business expression?
Anything that doesn’t say it like it is e.g. ‘Downsizing’ – that’s laying people off then.
What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?
Can’t tell you, still trying to patent it.
Which leader do you admire most and why?
Anyone with the strength of character (and balls) to say what they really think, not what people expect them to say. Including the ability to say ‘no’. So yes, Steve Jobs for his outspoken commitment to his way of doing things. Or David Ogilvy for his amazing guts (his ‘Ring the bell’ story is the best of them all). I don’t think it’s the same as being rude to people, I just think that people tend to admire people who have an opinion. Who ever followed anyone who said, ‘I don’t know, what do you think?’.
What’s your favourite word?
Fun. If life’s no fun we might as well all go home.
Tell us a secret.
I used to be scared of change. Now I love it – it’s still scary but if you embrace it it keeps you alive.
Read more member interviews in our online Clubhouse. We’re looking to profile all our members here & in our Clubhouse so please do email Alasdair to get involved, if we haven’t yet been in touch.