Ben Sabberton is finance director at XSEM, a brand engagement agency based in Leeds.
Prior to joining XSEM in 2018, he held a number of senior roles at ghd and Aramark UK.
From lucky breaks to best failures, Sabberton shares all the lessons he’s learnt with us…
Which single daily habit or practice could you not do without?
Every day since I started at XSEM seven years ago, rain or shine, I start the office-based days off with a run. It’s 30 minutes that I get to myself at the beginning of the day where I can listen to music and clear my mind. It sets me up for the day, and I burn a few calories too, which is definitely required!
What’s been your luckiest break?
After returning to the UK from working in New York City as commercial finance director at ghd North America, I got the opportunity to be a stay-at-home dad for my eldest daughter for a year. She was two at the time, and was possibly the greatest year of my life. We’re still best mates now.
What’s your best failure?
Years ago, I set myself the goal of becoming a scratch golfer. I’ve consistently failed at this. I managed to get my handicap down to 2 at one point, but in reality I’ve not been anywhere near achieving the goal. Golfers will appreciate the gulf between 2 and scratch.
On the bright side, along the way I’ve developed a deep desire to learn and understand the game (which you can’t ever fully do as it’s never ending). I’ve found this element very fulfilling. I’ve really enjoyed the process of trying to identify strategies that will help me to gain an edge everywhere I can. It’s been more fun than it sounds.
On this golf quest, there have been massive failures, big disappointments, plenty of frustration but also sprinkled with lots of high points. It’s been a journey that is a mini personification of life, but I’ve come out loving golf more than I ever did before. It helps enormously that I’m at a business whose heritage is in golf. When XSEM relocated last year to our new headquarters in Leeds, we all agreed an indoor practice area would be a great investment.
What is the best investment you’ve ever made, either financial or time?
One of my jobs as dad to three young kids is to do the bedtime stories. It’s an amazing thing to do and my knowledge of kids’ books has never been stronger. My recommendation would be The Boy in The Dress by David Walliams, there’s one moment in there with the French teacher that always brings a smile to my face when I think about it. If you know, you know!
Which podcast or book would you recommend others to read/listen to, and why?
‘Bounce’ by Matthew Syed. It’s an inspirational book with incredible real-life examples, showing that anything is possible if you work at it. The basic theory is, if you practice something for long enough you will become proficient at it. For example, Tiger Woods’s extreme skillset is a result of hours of dedication to developing himself, combined with a love for the game. At XSEM, we have 20 years of experience at delivering events and brand experiences. That’s thousands and thousands of collective hours honing our craft. As the finance guy, I generally only get to see the bill, but when I get the chance to attend the experiences the team creates, I’m always blown away.
What one piece of advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Two options here! 1) Mullet haircuts don’t really suit you and 2) Listen to old people, they’re not as daft as they look.
Who or what has had the single biggest influence on your working life?
I’m going to cheat with two. James Flude who was my manager at ghd and taught me what real attention to detail is. And Pauline Davision, who was a highly supportive mentor to me while I was training as a chartered accountant at Ernst and Young. Thanks both!
Tell us something about you that would surprise people.
I was born three weeks late in a lift, going down…
If there was one thing you could change about your career, what would it be and why?
Tough one, but having lived and worked in NYC, I regret never having lived and worked in London in my younger days. It’s an amazing city, we’re so lucky to have it so close to us. I’m thankful I work at a place that takes a lot of its work into the capital.
What does success look like to you?
A few elements to this. One is a thriving kids and family. The second is helping XSEM achieve its full potential. The third is to achieve my three personal goals of a sub 40-minute 10k (done), be a scratch golfer (see above!) and to slam dunk a basketball (yeah, ummm…)
