Simon Hodgkins, Founder, Think Global Forum
Simon Hodgkins is the Founder of the Think Global Forum, Editor in Chief at VTQ magazine, Founder of the Think Global Awards, and Chief Marketing Officer with Vistatec, a leading global content solutions provider, HQ in Europe with operations in Mountain View California, he is also the founder/producer/host at VistaTalks.
Prior to this Simon held the position of Country Manager with Sage Plc, a FTSE 100 global software organisation in addition to leading the Sage SaaS division.
Simon has extensive experience in marketing, design, media, and strategic leadership, he holds a number of additional directorships across Europe, the US and UAE.
WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE IN BUSINESS?
I admire a lot of people in business and outside of business, from the more well-known names to the not so well known. People I admire are from a broad range of areas and communities. There are some traits that I think make a real difference such as passion, a willingness to learn, intelligence, being humble, truly listening, and being the kind of person that makes a difference.
WHAT COMPANIES OR BRANDS DO YOU LIKE OR DO YOU THINK ARE GETTING IT RIGHT?
Brands, if they have been around a little while can have ups and downs, so what becomes more important here is their values and what they believe in. However, believing is often not enough; at times, brands have to take a stand for something that they are passionate about. It is easier to point out brands that get it wrong, as this is often broadcast at a tremendous velocity around the wold in split-second timing.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
You can do anything.
WHAT DRIVES OR MOTIVATES YOU EACH DAY?
I like the endless possibilities that are available. Who you work with can be as important as what you do. I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by excellent people, and this creates a very special environment.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL MEDIA?
How we communicate has always changed. Social media is changing too.
DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR OR DO YOU MENTOR ANYONE?
I do provide some mentoring, and I really like to help people whenever and wherever I can.
HOW DO YOU NETWORK?
Offline and online networking both play a part for me. In the same way, the future of work and technology changes, the future of networking is changing. Working in many different areas certainly involves networking activities. The Think Global Forum is a good example.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS LINE OF WORK AND WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO GET INTO THE SAME LINE OF WORK?
To get into any area of work, you need to start somewhere. At times you have started at the lowest level and work your way up, in other areas you can be appointed at the very top. Either way, you will need to work hard but try to combine this with working smart, as this is where you make real progress. Hard work can only get you so far.