Job Title: Business Development Manager

What was your background before joining Icebreaker?

I studied at The University of Edinburgh, completing my degree in Business Studies (MA Hons) between 2005-09. Since graduating I’ve held various roles in the business environment, covering management, sales, marketing and business development. Prior to joining Icebreaker my last post was as a Business Development Manager for a magazine.

What’s a typical day at Icebreaker like for you?

No two days are the same. However, each day usually consists of a mixture of the following: checking in with clients, catching up on the latest news and goings on in the industries I’m currently working with, planning and strategy for gaining new business on behalf of my clients, catching up with emails and phone calls, researching, team meetings and training.

How do you manage your time?

I find it helps to try to plan the week ahead in advance, breaking the Monday-Friday down into a schedule and sticking to it as best I can. Obviously things pop up unexpectedly, so I try to deal with these as they come.

What’s your favourite part of working with Icebreaker?

The people. I really enjoy the team that I’m working with. There’s a great sense of humour within the company. This really helps to reduce the everyday stresses and pressures when you’re hard at work.

What’s been the most interesting thing you have learned since joining?

You learn something new every day. Whether it’s company news, the really cool capabilities of one of your clients, or even just picking up bits and pieces of a new language from your Italian colleagues, there’s always something interesting to be learned in the office.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I tend to just draw inspiration from what’s happening around me. There’s always a pretty good level of motivation and morale in the office, so that spurs me on.

Where would you work if you weren’t in the new business industry?

I’d love to be a part of the music industry in some shape or form.

Outside of the office, how do you spend your time?

Mostly in my free time I’m either out socialising with friends, enjoying the pubs and bars of Glasgow, going to the football, playing a bit of guitar or going away on trips with the wife. I also spend a lot of time over in Ireland, seeing family and friends over there and going out enjoying the place.