In the Employee Spotlight series, we meet with Convosphere’s team members to find out who they are and what their job roles involve. In this interview, we talk to London-based James Ford, Head of Strategic Partnerships.
Where are you from and where are you based?
“Born and raised in the Garden of England, Kent. Now I reside in London town, soaking up all the glitz and glamour Brixton has to offer.”
When did you join Convosphere?
“October 2017.”
What are you responsible for in your role?
“As Head of Strategic Partnerships, I am tasked with identifying, opening and solidifying relationships with new partners, broadening their access to first class multilingual social intelligence research.”
What do you most enjoy about working at Convosphere?
“That’s easy, the people and the projects! We are lucky enough to be tasked with answering some very challenging (and interesting) business questions. Equipped with some of the very best thinkers in the industry, we get to have some fun whilst advancing ideas and finding the best possible solution for our clients.”
What does a typical day look like for you?
“Walk in, try not to break anything. Leave.”
What are your biggest professional challenges?
“We work in what is still an emerging market. Whilst enterprises understand the value of social intelligence, budgets are still often controlled by the primary insights team who feel ‘at home’ with traditional research methods. We are working hard to educate and open their eyes to the opportunity of social intelligence. What we are doing is working and the industry is on the up.”
In your mind, what sets Convosphere apart from other players in the industry?
“Our global network of analysts. Nobody is able to deliver first-class multi-market projects in as many languages as we do. All our analysts hold three to five years’ experience and are in-country, meaning they have full local socio-demographic awareness, as well as industry expertise. Mic drop.”
What actor would play you in a movie about your life?
“Rebel Wilson.”
Do you have an interesting fact about yourself?
“I gave Peter Crouch a piggyback at a Kasabian concert. Whatever.”
Do you have a favourite mug?
“Avo guess which one is my favourite.”
