The Marketing Society interview
We are delighted to bring you a Member Interview with Ananda Shakespeare, CEO of Shakespeare Communications.
What’s your golden rule?
Always go the extra mile, whether that involves servicing clients, ensuring my team are all ok or pushing myself to go further on a bike ride!
Who has been your biggest influence?
My late friend and creative director Mario Christopher, who was spiritual and compassionate.
What is your most hated business expression?
“Let’s collaborate!” (without defining what that means)
What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?
Every community spirited initiative I’ve rolled out to help others, such as Dubai Vegan Days, media meet ups and media coffee mornings. We’ve ended up making money to donate to animal welfare, shared information, brought communities together and unintentionally raised our business awareness in the process.
Which leader do you admire most and why?
Anyone who has a rags to riches story, who has created a business from scratch – those ‘bootstrapped’ entrepreneurs. People who have overcome adversity. Late musician Tina Turner. Motivational speaker Nick Vujicic.
What keeps you up at night as a marketing leader?
While I run a PR agency, the same concerns keep us all awake, I think. The shrinking media landscape, constant changes in tech and how to stay relevant, and business law changes, to name a few.
Why is being part of TMS important for your career?
For all the professional development and networking opportunities. But also, I think it brings more credibility to an organisation, and the chance to influence the future of the sector is always beneficial.
Why does marketing matter to you?
Marketing is essential to refining a target audience’s perception of a product or service. I believe good marketing is what helps me differentiate my brand – through constant media outreach and client activities beyond the usual meetings and emails. I also think that understanding and using marketing techniques enhances the effectiveness of PR strategies, aiding me in achieving my client’s and my business objectives of building trust, managing public opinions, and fostering long-term relationships with stakeholders.
Tell us something that’s not on your CV
I’ve DJed for rock stars and royalty and I’ve lived in the Arctic.