My Media World: Martin MacConnol

I have worked in the media since…
The days when real paper faxes were still the niftiest form of digital communication.

I was attracted to this particular role because…
After six years in journalism I realised I was tired of reporting into uninspiring bosses and tired of covering other people's success stories.

Not many people know that…

I am actually quite shy.

My worst experience in the media was…
Asking the wrong woman "when's the baby due?" Tumbleweed wasn't in it – although somehow we did still manage to win the pitch.

If there's one thing I've learnt in the media industry it's…
Never to ask "when's the baby due?"

The best bit of media business I have been involved in was…
Launching a ground-breaking magazine for HSBC, one which did everything and more on the engagement and ROI front.

The one thing I can’t stand in media is…

Show-offs who name drop, as I was telling Sir Martin just the other day in The Ivy.

Outside of work I spend my time…
In wedded bliss with my wife and two girls. It's a veritable scene from 'Little House on the Prairie' (except set in Ealing with a husband who is a media boss not a farmer).

If I could do it all over again I would…
Go into banking like my parents wanted, retire at the age of 40 and then set up an award-winning content marketing firm.

The one event I would never miss is…
My own death (obviously) – but then the subsequent chance to come back as a client.

If money were no object I would…
Buy Wentworth Golf Club and turn into a ball-and-Pringle-free zone – what's to like in golf? Or give everyone an iPad. They're the future and I'd like us to get there quickly, please.

The next 12 months will be…
Innovative. Recessions/depressions/downturns are a time when clients have to innovate and that's good news for agencies.

If I ruled the media world I would…
Have a prison for clients who conduct time-wasting pitches. The penalty would be one week inside for every agency day wasted. That would learn them.

If I could switch places with anyone in the media world it would be…
My MD. Now there's someone who has an ideal life and is an inspirational boss to work for.

This article was first published on mediaweek.co.uk