Episode 37

Simon Francis on Helping Marketers Through Transformation

It's A Customer's World Podcast

 

 

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Andy is joined by Simon Francis, Executive Chair of Flock Associates. Simon has extensive experience leading transformation through integrated and effective marketing and communications. Since founding Flock Associates, Simon has helped brands like Amazon, Ford, Shell, Toyota, McDonalds, and ASDA navigate marketing transformation at many levels.

Their conversation covers a wide range of topics including the entrepreneurial journey, navigating the growing complexity of MarTech, practices that drive successful transformation, the potential impact marketing has on society, and much more.

Questions and topics.

 

00:17 Guest Introduction
03:30 Simon’s entrepreneurial journey
04:58 What new challenges do marketers face today?
06:11 Dealing with variable challenges in marketing today
09:30 The fundamental underpinning of technology and DEI at Flock Associates
11:15 Flock Associates Pillar 1: People
14:04 The blurred lines between marketing and commerce
16:45 Handling the growing complexity of MarTech and AdTech
20:35 Flock Associates Pillar 2: Partners
24:53 Flock Associates Pillar 3: Procurement
27:30 Bringing in finance
31:16 The power of testing
32:04 Flock Associates Pillar 4: Process
39:02 Advice for students
42:36 The need for leadership today
44:12 Hope for the future

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Meet Your Host: Andy Murray

 

Andy is a highly effective senior leader with a passion for growth, creating cultures that unleash talent, and building capabilities through collaboration across functions. He has held leadership roles across retail (Walmart), CPG (P&G), start-ups (Mercury 11, Saatchi X) and global organizations (Asda U.K.). A creative problem solver, innovator, and marketer, he is known for building high-performing teams and delivering results.

Andy is a lifetime Honorary Board member of the University of Arkansas's Center for Retail Excellence where he helped developed the Center's presence and Innovation conferences. He is also an Early Board Member for the Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics college. Andy was inducted into the Shopper Marketing Hall of Fame in 2013 for his pioneering work in developing best practices and industry leadership in the emerging field of Shopper Marketing. He currently serves as Chairman of Asda Foundation.