Leigh Herbert is director of client services at Republic of Media, a media agency with offices in Edinburgh and Manchester.
He has worked in the media industry for over 16 years, starting out as a trainee planner at PHD followed by stints at Brilliant Media and six years at WPP agency, MediaCom, where he led planning on accounts including Missguided, Tombola Bingo, Pokerstars, Subaru automotive and On The Beach, after becoming the agency’s youngest business director.
Since joining Republic of Media in 2018, Herbert’s remit has been to grow the agency’s Manchester office. There is now a headcount of 38 and plans for further growth this year.
Looking back at lucky breaks and failures, Herbert shares all the lessons he’s learnt along the way…
Which single daily habit or practice could you not do without?
Taking 10-15 mins at the start of each day to plan the day ahead and ensure there are never more than 3-4 priority tasks on my list. If you sit staring at the list of everything that needs doing every day, it’s overwhelming (and demoralising as you will never complete it!)
What’s been your luckiest break?
Being approached for my role here at Republic of Media. It was unexpected at the time and a scary leap to do something very different and build something, from a position of comfort. But it was the best thing I ever did.
What’s your best failure?
Every pitch I haven’t won. We always push for client feedback and ask them to be brutal in giving it, you learn a lot and it has definitely helped us improve and taken the guesswork out of what we need to do better.
What is the best investment you’ve ever made, either financial or time?
Having kids – which is both a financial and time investment I’m reminded about every day!! But with a busy job and in a crazy world, they keep me grounded and provide a so crucial sense of perspective on life and work.
Which podcast or book would you recommend others to read and why?
Book – The Choice Factory by Robert Shotton. I think the area of behavioural economics remains hugely under-utilised in the media and advertising world. This is a pickup and go guide to the main principles with great examples throughout. Podcast – High Performance with Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes – a real eclectic mix of guests that providing fascinating insights and tips to making the most of your personal and professional lives.
What one piece of advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Stay humble. When you’re new to any industry and ambitious, it’s easy to fixate on the next promotion or pay rise and this can cloud decision-making or attitude. I was told early on in my career to keep the focus on doing a great job and continually trying to learn every day and importantly, never think you’re too good for a task (which I still don’t to this day). What you want will happen quicker if you approach work with this mindset.
Who or what has had the single biggest influence on your working life?
There isn’t one thing, more a selection of people and situations that have shaped and influenced me. The people that taught me to be brave and honest in commercial discussions with clients (i.e. don’t give away good work too often!) and the ones that told me you’re only as good as the team around you, I definitely owe a big thanks to them.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people.
When I was a grad at PHD, I was Mr May in a Galaxy Radio Media calendar. I was told before the shoot to go behind a screen and do some push ups to help my physique look better – so I thought, why not. Sadly, the push-ups couldn’t save the resulting image that was distributed across the Manchester media scene!
If there was one thing you could change about your career, what would it be and why?
It took me a long time to figure that too many people – including me at the time – spend too much time planning and putting off until tomorrow the bigger and more important tasks. Planning will always be important – but don’t use this as the excuse to delay getting the important stuff done. I wish I’d learnt this sooner.
What does success look like to you?
Maintaining integrity and authenticity in yourself and the job you do every day for clients and the people around you.
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