We are excited to welcome Karl Wood as our new UK Publisher Director. Karl brings a wealth of affiliate knowledge and experience from his previous roles at Rakuten and here’s what he had to tell us:
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us what you’re looking forward to once you join Webgains?
I have worked in the Digital Marketing industry for over 6 years and am extremely excited to have been given the opportunity to spend the next chapter of my career at such a fast-paced and innovative network within the Affiliate Space. I was initially impressed with Webgains “can do” attitude to positioning itself as a European leader and wanted to put my time and expertise at their disposal to help build something special
What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional?
Within my last role, I won a handful of accolades for my efforts within the organisation. However, I would say my biggest professional achievement to date has been building an affiliate team that operates within a global organisation and consistently achieved its revenue goals whilst giving the individuals within that team the opportunity to grow.
How did you get into digital marketing?
I initially took on an apprenticeship at an online retailer based in my home county of Essex. The initial role was to support with IT requirements but due to the small size of the team, I ended up getting involved in many digital channels including Search, Affiliate and Product Feed creation. It opened my eyes to the ever-growing industry that I now enjoy working in every day.
If you could switch job with someone who would it be?
Wouldn’t mind being David Attenborough for the day, animals fascinate me.
What are your biggest professional challenges?
It has probably always been patience. It has taken me time to harness my eagerness to be a real strength and not a potential weakness. There isn’t anything wrong with wanting things achieved quickly, as long as you don’t cut the wrong corners
What’s your most memorable facepalm moment?
Tricky one that. I once spent the majority of a tradeshow believing I was handing out my business cards – only to find out the end that I had been handing out a female colleagues instead.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
Probably more of a mantra – but if you make sure you start every day with making your bed – you have already achieved something. So if nothing else in that day goes right, you’re already a productive person.
What’s your favourite line from a film?
“I am serious and don’t call my Shirley” – Airplane!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Documentaries, I often surprise myself with what I’d be willing to invest an hour into.
What are the challenges you’re facing in the affiliate industry?
Proving that it is still an innovative channel to advertisers – competing with other digital channels that are maybe more “fresh” and more “up and coming”, stealing the affiliate marketing share of voice.
Last word: a recommendation, an idea, a quote to live by?
He who dares, wins.