Member Interview with Robert Mitchell

We are delighted to bring you a Member Interview with Robert Mitchell, Managing Director, The Tribe

What’s your golden rule?

“Nothing is impossible.” Or when things take an unexpected turn, ‘nothing is improbable’.

Who has been your biggest influence?

Ed Jones has mentored me at different points in my career, when he was the Chairman, Executive Creative Director and Director. Funny, humane, inspiring and erudite, he’s had a lasting influence on the way I think and behave in my role.

What is your most hated business expression?

“Circle back to.” A meaningless insincerity that makes me feel I should circle the wagons against an endless loop of uninvited follow ups I never asked for.

What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?

Paying $9.99 for thetribe.com domain in 2006 ($15.99 in today’s money).

What leader do you admire most and why?

Jeff Bezos’ achievement in turning an online bookstore into the planet’s biggest commerce cloud is extraordinary. But I don’t think he’s attempted to use his fame and fortune to make the world a better place. So I’ll go with Gary Lineker.

What is on your mind the most right now as a marketing leader?

Right now it’s navigating AI and the situation in the Straits of Hormuz, as well as the perennial pressure to do the fundamentals consistently well in the face of many competing challenges.

Why is being part of The Marketing Society important for your career?

Being part of The Marketing Society matters because learning from peers accelerates personal growth and helps me to contribute better to the team. No matter how long you’ve been in the industry, you’re never done learning.

Why does marketing matter to you?

At its very best, marketing captures the imagination, can shape how people see the world, and adds to the fund of popular culture.

Tell us something that’s not on your CV

Before COVID I could only use the toaster and the microwave. Now, by my own admission, I am a culinary genius.