We caught up with our Director of Client Services, Matt Ward, to find out how he’s liking CTM life so far…
When did you join ClickThrough?
18th July 2022
Can you tell us a bit more about your role?
I’m the Director of Client Services here at ClickThrough. I’ll be leading the client leadership team and making sure we are always delivering excellent service to our clients. I want to continue building on the great foundations we have. I’ll also be using my expertise to help make sure we deliver an exceptional client experience, as well as innovating in the business right across the board.
What is your background?
I’ve worked in print and marketing service for 27 years. I’ve had a huge range of client centric roles in a number of different sectors from Eco Packaging innovation to retail POS production, working with some huge brand names throughout my career. I think that’s what ClickThrough liked about me, the different perspective I have and my passion for client leadership as well as my experience of stakeholder management across UK and Europe. I’ve previously owned my own marketing services business, have been MD of a retail POS production business, and more besides! I’ve had a really varied experience but the thread that has always stayed the same has been client leadership. I’ve always loved being client facing.
What do you like about ClickThrough and its culture?
I like how it’s such a driven business and even though there is a lot to deliver, it feels like all the team members are motivated and up for the challenge! ClickThrough actually walk the walk when they say they look after their employee’s wellbeing too, a lot of companies say they do but they don’t actually do anything, ClickThrough really do care. From the flexible working, being discouraged from logging on too early/logging off too late – and wellbeing support, there’s no harsh grind culture here. It’s really motivating to work in a company with those values. And of course, the people are so nice, I’ve spent the past few weeks meeting as many colleagues in the office as I can, to introduce myself and get to know who is who. Everyone has been so welcoming. I’m so excited for my future with ClickThrough. Although I have a hugely varied background in marketing services, I’ve never worked in digital marketing before. I feel like this is such a great opportunity to take my skillset and apply it to the whole business.
If you hadn’t gone into marketing, what career do you think you would’ve done?
I’ve always wanted to be client focused, back in the day I think I would’ve opened a restaurant or a café. Although more recently I did go to university train in psychotherapy, then practised voluntarily working with people with mental health issues. These are skills I carry with me daily and I definitely would go into this if I didn’t love the buzz of marketing so much, I’m naturally supportive and love to help people be the best they can.
If you could trade places with any other person for a week, who would it be and why?
I’d swap places with the Prime Minister. I’d be really interested to see how decisions get made, to find out what goes into developing policies, and have a go at putting my own plan of action in place! Although only for a short time, I don’t want the hassle of running a country!
What do you do outside of work?
I love spending time with my wife and my son, he’s almost 24 and currently away on a university placement, but I enjoy catching up when we can. My wife and I love to go on walks, especially if there is a pub waiting at the end. I just love spending time with friends and family having BBQ’s and gatherings. I’m also a 3rd dan karate instructor, I enjoy practising it at home - for exercise and the mental health benefits too!
If you could be in any TV show or Movie, which one would you choose and why?
I recently watched The Undeclared War, it was about cyber attacks and cyber security. I’d love to be in one of those, understanding the mental psyche of the people you’re trying to protect against. I quite fancy myself as a bit of 007 really, who doesn’t.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Relational, Infectious and Random.
Do you have any inspiring words to anyone hoping to get into marketing?
Work on yourself, get to know yourself and be yourself. The truth is stronger than the facts!
We're delighted to welcome Matt on board and know his knowledge and experience will be highly valued by our clients. Get in touch today to find out how our services could help your business today.
