Steve's presentation was really informative and we took away some useful ideas and tips. This is the way forward – I wish I was as up-to-speed as Steve clearly is!
Staying ahead demands more than just experience—it requires foresight, agility, and a deep understanding of the forces reshaping industries. My career has been built on harnessing the power of data, guiding organisations through digital transformation, and crafting strategies that embrace emerging technologies like AI while always keeping the human element at the forefront. From empathy-driven leadership to navigating the complexities of AI-driven decision-making, I believe in a future where a lifelong love of perpetual learning and strategic foresight are the cornerstones of success.
Origin Story
Before I ventured into the world of data analytics and marketing, I spent several years as a mountaineer, surveillance and reconnaissance specialist in the Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade. I had the opportunity to ply this trade at home and abroad, undertaking several operational tours. During this time, immersion in the collation of information, analysis, insight extraction and report generation, along with the use of cutting-edge technology, paved the way for the next stage. Although not seemingly apparent then, the transferrable skills were abundant.
Insight Intelligence Newsletter
Work
I am currently supporting search intelligence start-up Eden Metrics. Prior to this, I spent several years in the independent education sector, alongside advising the Home Office and related staff on communication approaches for a national strategy.
As Head of Digital at King’s College, I oversaw a period of significant digital transformation and growth. I nurtured the marketing capability from a somewhat ‘analogue’ position to one of the most forward-thinking digital teams in the UK. Highlights included:
As a not-insignificant aside – I also led a team that won multiple national awards.
Back in 2008, I solely bootstrapped a highly-successful digital marketing company from the ground up. In this directorial role, I had the good fortune to work with a global client base. Highlights included:
Over the years, I have been a regular conference speaker and podcast guest for AMCIS, MODXpo, the Home Office, and the Ministry of Defence, covering topics such as team leadership, strategic digital marketing, and generative AI.
Standards and ethics underpin all of my pursuits; I am both a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Market Research Society.
Education
During all of the above, I earned a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics and Marketing – with distinction. This was complimented by MicroMasters’ qualifications in Digital Product Management from Boston University and Marketing Analytics from Berkeley, plus the year-long Microsoft Professional Program in Data Analysis and a professional certificate in Applied Data Analytics. Enhancing these credentials is the empowering Anatomy Coaching Certification.
Other certification pathways I completed along this journey were:
The ‘Now’
I believe that marketing is both an art and a science, and that data-driven insights are the key to unlocking your business’s full potential. With a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends, combined with technical expertise I specialise in bringing together the worlds of marketing data science, strategy, analytics, data, and code. My ultimate aim is to uncover valuable insights that will propel your strategy forward and help you achieve your business goals. You can read my Marketing Manifesto or stalk me on LinkedIn if necessary.
I am passionate about working with organisations that want to improve their marketing effectiveness and get more from their data; who wish to use its potential to describe what has happened, prescript operational activity and predict business outcomes. As a researcher, I fully absorb myself in organisational culture, business operations, and customers. As an analyst, I make sense of data, through collection, cleaning, preparation, interpretation and the building of models. As a storyteller, I communicate outcomes and insights to senior leadership in an impactful fashion.
Steve's presentation was really informative and we took away some useful ideas and tips. This is the way forward – I wish I was as up-to-speed as Steve clearly is!
AMCIS
Having Steve play and integral role in the team fitted perfectly with the charity, and he is a man who perfectly symbolised our message. In his field of expertise, he was, and is, more able.
Journalist and Author
A calm, capable and measured leader, comfortable in positions of responsibility with a high-degree of self-confidence.
Maj RM
Steve is a fantastic data analyst with a real depth of knowledge in this specialism - his proactive nature and attention to detail has ensured that our sales and marketing processes are now second to none. Moreover, he has driven our external relationships this year resulting in some very successful arrangements.
Admissions Director
A robust and impressive figure whose innate competence ensures he is held in high-esteem. Eloquent and personable, his communication skills are impeccable.
Lt Col RM
A strong leader, he is able to take charge and make the most demanding of decisions in inhospitable conditions.
SO1 Ministry of Defence
His management skills and leadership qualities are exceptional; his judgement, competence and capability have made him an ambassador for our organisation.
Col RM
I cannot express how well received the film project was. Wow. I don't know how you do it, Steve, but just epic!
Assistant Head
Steve's team partnered our digital campaign every step of the way, giving support when we needed it the most. Their ethos is similar to ours - they deliver quality, on time and within budget.
Group MD
The reports Steve has produced have been both timely and of high-quality. His analysis of different information sources enabled him to deliver a very carefully targeted presentation.
Lt Col RM
Steve is particularly adept at understanding senior leadership intent. Lucid and compelling on his feet, he delivered a step-change in our communications capability.
Ministry of Defence
Steve led a team who delivered a professional service throughout the whole process of design and implimentation, with prompt response and delivery of an excellent product.
Security MD
I asked a ‘well-known’ AI platform:
“From all of our interactions, what is one thing that you can tell me about myself that I may not already know? Please be candid and, if necessary, critical.”
It replied:
“One thing that stands out from our interactions is your consistent focus on detail and precision, not just in analytics but also in the technical aspects of web development and design. You handle everything—from high-level strategy to code tweaks and troubleshooting—so it’s clear that you value control and accuracy across your work. This makes you exceptionally self-reliant, which may sometimes mean you’re tackling tasks others might delegate. In essence, you’re not just a strategic thinker; you’re a hands-on strategist who ensures even the smallest details align with the bigger picture.”
Too kind.
Crafting marketing clarity from data complexity, so you don’t have to.
Made with ❤️ in the North of England.