E22 | Founding giffgaff & Launching A New Mobile Network In 2024 | An Exclusive Story with Gav Thompson
Episode description
With more than 29 years of marketing expertise, Gav Thompson boasts an impressive career within the advertising world. From working on the infamous Guinness Surfer Ad to playing a significant role in co-founding the mobile operator, giffgaff, he has held key positions such as Global Chief Marketing Officer at Paddy Power, as well as Chief Customer Officer at Boden. Additionally, Gav served as the Head of Brand Strategy and later as the Head of Customer Innovation at O2 UK.
Utilising his extensive knowledge, Gav is currently in the process of establishing a mobile network - Paraspara, that eradicates any obstacles between users and the network infrastructure.
We discuss:
-Blagging your way into Cambridge
-Having the gift of the Gav
-Dealing with heartbreak
-Helping create one of the most famous ads ever, the Guiness Surfer Ad
-Coping with cancer
-Realising the importance of life
-Getting through a divorce
-The pressure of being responsible for a brand worth £4.5bn, O2
-Founding giffgaff
-Backing yourself and knowing your worth
-The excitement of launching a brand new mobile network based on WEB3 - Paraspara
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Overcoming Adversity and Building giffgaff
(00:04:18) The Adventures of My Parents
(00:08:17) A Chilled and Fluid Upbringing
(00:12:18) Pursuing a Career in Drama and Comedy
(00:16:06) Climbing the Career Ladder
(00:20:04) Confidence and Cockiness in Advertising
(00:23:56) The Embarrassing Purple Car
(00:27:54) The Triumph of Belief and Fighting for What You Believe in
(00:31:55) Life Crisis in New York City
(00:36:00) Hubris and Regret
(00:40:15) The Pursuit of Success and its Consequences
(00:44:14) Lessons Learned and Life Changes
(00:48:18) The Origin Story of Gift Craft and Decision to Leave
(00:52:15) The Power of Branding
(00:56:15) Being Better Connected
(01:00:07) Loyalty and Community: The Birth of giffgaff
(01:04:01) Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
(01:07:37) A Horrible Diagnosis
(01:11:24) The Importance of Swallowing, Tasting, and Kissing
(01:15:11) Gaining Perspective through Life-Threatening Illness
(01:19:13) Naming Challenges and Self-Belief in Business
(01:23:11) Reflecting on a Successful Journey and Looking Ahead
(01:27:05) New Beginnings and Lessons Learned
(01:31:02) Peak of Career and Personal Challenges
(01:35:07) Finding Happiness After Divorce
(01:39:19) Overcoming Challenges and Finding Joy
(01:43:35) Watches and Trainers
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Unity & Motion - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content
Email: [email protected]
This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion
Credits:
Director: Charles Parkinson
Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie
Editor: Catherine Singh