Mike Piggott, Executive Editor, MediaCat Magazine
From 2013 to 2020, I shaped and led The Marketing Society's content strategy, working with CMOs, marketing directors, CEOs, authors, and heads of strategy to produce culturally relevant (and hopefully interesting) stuff, mostly articles, podcasts, videos, Q&As and think pieces.
I'm now Editor at MediaCat Magazine. I'm also a screenwriter, spoken word poet, film and TV blogger and music critic.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
These days? Probably Tiktok. It's an interesting way to spend some mindless time and unwind. Also, it taps into some fascinating subcultures from time to time.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I'm Executive Editor at MediaCat Magazine. I oversee and head up all content for the magazine, including working with - and growing - a roster of writers for the magazine. I also host, edit and produce MediaCat Mag's podcast channel.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
I like the ability to be able to platform diverse and interesting writers and voices and surface topics and discussions on things that might not have a platform anywhere else. I like thinking about culture and where it's all going and digging into that.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
It was probably something about those that fill you up in life, that add value to your existence, and those that drain you. Something about cutting out the drainers and trying to only keep those that are not toxic but add positivity to your existence.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
I would say the ability to be creative and express myself. And hopefully, create and curate and craft things. So, I just want to keep on being able to do that, as much as my energy allows me to in these pandemic-driven times in which we find ourselves!
What are you proud of in your life so far?
I am proud that I started a screenplay (still working on it) and that I began to write and perform spoken word around London - even getting paid for the odd gig.
I am proud that I started a film and TV blog, and I've kept that going.
I'm proud I got into writing music reviews for another website.
I am proud of starting a podcast whilst Editor at The Marketing Society and launching another one at MediaCat Magazine - teaching myself audio editing in the process and hosting. A skill in itself.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
God knows. In a chilled out way, with no pressure, I suppose.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
I like to think I am quite good with words or try to be. I am creative, and I like to think I look at the world in quite a leftfield way.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
That I should have left roles and organisations sooner than I did. Sometimes I just stuck it out for far too long and stagnated as a result.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
I admire people who seem to have cool projects and things on the go at all times. People like Amy Kean and Rani Patel Williams.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
Screenwriting. Spoken word. Blogging (film, TV and music). I am also a bit of a geek and nerd (so say they all). But I do actually attend comic cons; I read graphic novels, I'm a gamer etc. I just like stories, wherever I can get them. Recently I've been getting back into fantasy novels.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
For me personally, it has a largely negative effect. After leaving my Editor role at The Marketing Society I freelanced for a while, which was ok, but I felt a little rudderless, possibly because of being isolated during the lockdown. Anxiety may have played a part and my social life completely tanked. I'm slowly getting back into the world and enjoying my new role in helping shape and grow MediaCat Magazine.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I have never had a mentor. Although, I have mentored people here and there from time to time. The odd person in my time at The Marketing Society. I am also listed as a Mentor on The Dots. So, I try and share my experience and wisdom there, such as it is.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
I think just hustle and create a persona around you. Do projects and things. Write, film, record, and start a podcast and a publication online. Create a poetry night or a book club. DO THINGS, and people will flock to you. If you build it, they will come.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Energy, anxiety, self-belief... you name it. Life gets in the way and all that.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
Mostly quotes from Lord of the Rings, if I'm honest. "All we can decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." That Gandalf, he knows what's up.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
I've always liked The Face (back in the day when it was a mag and now online). I like WIRED. Hmm, who else? Ridgemont does good footwear. Can't believe I'm praising a bank, but I switched from Monzo to Starling a while back, and they're good for a banking app. I'm a fan of Big Drop brewers, and they do a lot of great non-alcoholic craft beers. Depop is great for vintage clothes (and by vintage, I mean the 80s and 90s gear from my era).
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Success has to be if you feel some sort of sense of fulfilment or achievement, or maybe even contentment in whatever it is that you do. Lessons learned? Keep creating and trying things. Find side hustles and hobbies, and subcultures and dig into them. Don't be worried about what others think (I really need to take this advice myself).