John Schumacher is managing director at Future Factory North, based in Manchester.
With over 12 years of experience in business development, Schumacher has helped define the agency as the ‘go-to’ consultancy for creative and digital agencies.
He set up shop in Manchester four years ago and is a core part of the Future Factory team, where he has helped grow the team from 3 to 24.
As a former actor and comedian now in agency land, he shares his career journey and words of advice…
How did you first get into your industry?
Oddly – I had no idea what the industry was! I was totally unaware of agency land and literally walked into this blind after spending years as an actor and comedian. I realised from the off that performance, keeping people engaged and being communicative were all skills needed for the role which I had acquired organically from my years performing.
What do you love about your job?
The rewarding feeling of teaching my team something, and then watching them from the wings as they apply that in a real-life scenario. We are huge on team development and progression from within, so giving people the tools to progress through the ranks, become managers and make more money, makes me extremely proud.
Who – or what – has inspired you in your career?
When I’m sitting in a boardroom, listening to CEOs, I often reflect on how challenging it can be to be in a senior position. I feel strongly about that – especially coming from a part of Liverpool where people like me don’t typically enter industries like this or have these opportunities. It makes me appreciate people who have to fight extra hard to get themselves out of estates and go against the grain.
What are the biggest challenges about your job?
The difficult thing about the business growing at such an exponential rate is that I don’t get to spend as much time as I would like with each individual. When we were 5-10 strong, I felt like I could really get in the trenches and give my team quality time and attention, but now we’re 20+ my time is wafer thin. I am so grateful for the fantastic senior team we have in place to help with that, but I don’t get to know the individuals personally like I used to be able to.
What skills have been the most crucial to you succeeding in your career so far?
A skill I have absolutely used in and out of work my whole life is being able to look comfortable, level and in control, when I am in fact way out of my comfort zone. Even as far back as applying for my first new business role and not knowing what was going to leave my mouth next. I use it today when I’m pitching to the board at agencies and knowing they have collectively got a career tenure of 150 years. It can be intimidating but I’m always able to hold my own – I think it’s because I have trust in what I am sharing.
What was your first salary and what could someone getting into the industry expect to earn nowadays?
I entered the industry as a junior account manager 10 years ago on 18k. AMs and junior AMs aged between 22- 24 with little experience in this space could look to earn 21- 25k, depending on experience. At Future Factory, the development is rapid, and the progression can be exponential for those who want it.
What education or training would be most useful for someone looking to follow your career path?
I think any education is applicable. If you have a hunger to learn new things, then you’re already on the path to success. Everyone at Director level here studied something different. What I’ve noticed is that all of the leaders have had some experience in hospitality, and I feel that makes sense; being communicative and socially malleable means that any environment can be yours with tweak of tact.
What advice would you have for someone looking to follow your path?
Don’t take things too seriously! You should always try and find the fun or joy in what you do – we don’t save lives and you won’t get fired if you’re applying yourself. Understand that imposter syndrome is something we all feel – get comfy with that and understand that everyone else around you is feeling that exact same way. Figure that out and you’re golden.
