Simon Turner is CEO and owner of Preston and Manchester-based PR and marketing communications consultancy Freshfield.
Freshfield specialises in sectors including advanced manufacturing, education, professional services, and property and placemaking, and works with clients including Lancashire County Council, Rosebud Finance and Mulbury.
At Freshfield, Simon also serves as Client Director, overseeing the agency’s strategic development, operations and people.
He told us what lessons he’s learnt.
Which single daily habit or practice could you not do without?
My morning workout. I am an early riser and love to hit the garage gym with a pal and get the day off to a positive mental and physical start.
What’s been your luckiest break?
Getting into college. Being traditional Lancastrians, my parents were keen to see me enter work straight from school. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do so I battled with them to go to college.
It was a deadline day decision, but luckily I found a place. This gave me a pathway to university and gaining a PR and marketing degree, during which I met some important people who helped with my career.
What’s your best failure?
At times you have to fail to learn. The experience of my first nightmare client sticks out. I made a bad decision to take on a project for a difficult, intimidating business owner, against my better judgement and ignoring the signs.
It was an awful eight weeks which affected me and my team. I took the decision to walk away. A huge relief. I wrote his name down on a piece of paper and vowed never to take on ‘one of them’ again. I also learnt that if things are not working out, you can take control and walk away.
What is the best investment you’ve ever made, either financial or time?
I invest a lot of time in personal fitness, and this helps enormously with clarity, resilience, energy and positivity.
I was introduced to meditation in 2021 which I have found useful in focussing my attention and mind. See ‘Waking Up’ by Sam Harris – book and app.
Which book would you recommend others to read and why?
Two recent reads spring to mind. Steve Radcliffe’s ‘Leadership Plain and Simple’ book brings great clarity to what can be an over complicated subject.
And ‘All In’, the autobiography of former squash player Laura Massaro, is an inspiring story of a shy young player who worked incredibly hard to become a world champion. Her husband and coach, Dan, is a good friend of mine, and it was nice to learn more about their journey.
What one piece of advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
You can never know enough good people. Keep investing in relationships. And follow the motto of the turtle; you need to stick your neck out if you’re going to get anywhere.
Who or what has had the single biggest influence on your working life?
I have been fortunate to advise and work alongside many entrepreneurs and business advisers, and the time spent with them has been an opportunity to soak up knowledge, learn and grow. They have all had an influence.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people.
I had a thick head of curly hair. I think the answer to question three may give a clue as to when the receding process started.
How will the COVID crisis change work for the better?
The pandemic has felt like a forced experiment and out of it is a huge opportunity to reimagine how we work. There is a massive change in terms of flexible working, which has seen people cut out unnecessary commute times and see more of their family.
This has also led to an increase in efficiencies for businesses too and one would hope less cars on the road thus environmental benefits. But we have to be mindful that strong cultures, successful teams, close relationships and positive experiences are built around in-person activities.
I have also seen lots of examples of homeworking burnout. In my view and experience, the office is needed but its purpose needs to evolve. Like everything in life, we must find a healthy balance. We shouldn’t aspire to return to ‘normal’ because we will have missed a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine a better workplace and work-life future.
What does success look like to you?
From a personal perspective, seeing our girls (9 and 13) grow. It’s an amazing experience. I like to keep life simple if I can. Being in the moment, enjoying time with family and friends.
From a business perspective, I’ve always wanted to be a great partner to clients and help our people enjoy their work life. If we get those fundamentals right, it will help the team and organisation succeed.
A top four finish for Everton would be a success, but I think that is far too ambitious.
