This Spotlight is with the fab Ben Phillips!
How did your career start in Partnerships?
I came to Mando through Bauer Media, who do publishing and audio in the UK. We used to do partnerships in a slightly different capacity, closer to promotions and sponsorships. Everyone in Bauer would put a lot of emphasis and importance on partnerships, so it looked like a good career move, and then I was looking for jobs and Mando being a partnerships specialist has been a really good place to work!
What is your dream brand to work with?
I really like the ethos of Lego, that idea of play being such an important idea to producing quality work. I think that’s the thing that drew me towards the more creative side of partnerships than the regimented side in my previous jobs. Lego would be fun because you’d be able to be creative every day and in a space where play is encouraged.
Ben (pictured, left) Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157324199498326&id=25047038325&set=a.461268883325
What is a fact that most people would find surprising?
I’ve got a few! My great, great, great grandfather was A.G. Barr, who is responsible for Iron Bru, so Iron Bru is in my blood – I bleed orange! I was in a music video for Inhaler who do pretty good music and a model for Fred Perry with Miles Kane’s collection, who is another musician, those were fun ways to spend a day!
What’s a goal you’re working towards right now?
I want to one day learn the guitar. Additionally, I want to get out more because there is so much of the world to see and I haven’t been doing that enough, but I also want to do it in an environmentally friendly way.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I really like England. I think there is something so romantic about a rolling green hill. A lot of things about England aside, England is very, very pretty and I think it is one of the nicest places to be in the world.
What’s your favourite destination you’ve been to?
I went to Madeira a few years ago, it’s very similar to this idea that I really want to just get out into greenery. It’s a volcanic island but it’s just so lush, and they grow banana trees on so much of the visible surface.
What is your favourite hobby/thing to do outside of work?
I have an English literature degree, so I have to say reading as a matter of principle, particularly the works of James Joyce. But if I weren’t to say reading, I’m big into gaming. I’m replaying the Metal Gear Solid games at the moment, I think they have a really important political message.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I really wanted to be an actor. As a kid, I was quite theatrical. My grandfather was an actor who tragically passed away early, so when I was up on stage in school plays, it was really touching for my mum to be able to see that.
What has been your biggest achievement/ most proud of inside and outside of work?
Outside of work, when I was in my final year of university, some friends and I got together and we started a society called The Pirate Society. We won Best New Society up against some really strong contenders.
And work wise, I have an NVQ level 2 in Child Seat Safety. The idea that a child’s life is in my hands, and to really apply myself to the knowledge and skill that it takes to be someone you trust, and who the parents would trust with that next stage of your baby’s life. That was really important to me!
