Then and now... Lee Fuller

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Then and now series, Lee Fuller, chief executive of Leeds-based digital marketing agency Flaunt Digital, reflects on his career, from his first role to the present day, highlighting the lessons he has learned from his personal and professional evolution.

You’re the chief executive at Flaunt Digital. What does your role entail?

I touch a lot of areas of the business and make a lot of decisions, but I am trying to spend more focused time on being out in the market at the moment. 

A significant part of my responsibility is to ensure that, directionally, our capabilities remain at the forefront of the industry.

That covers two main aspects: that our services continue to deliver results in line with technology and client expectations, and that we continue to develop our team through continued innovation and development, and bring in the best talent when we hire. 

Did you always want to work in digital marketing? Or did you have other ambitions when you were growing up?

When I was growing up, all I wanted to be was a professional footballer. 

In terms of digital, I always had sport and technology as my two passions. 

I tried being a personal trainer, which taught me my passion was a personal one.

That left technology. Marketing allows me to combine working with people and technology, so it's a win-win. 

What was your first job – and did you enjoy it?

My first (proper) job was in retail at 15 in a surf and outdoor store called Free Spirit. 

I loved it. It’s where I first learned that I liked working with people. 

I also got to skateboard up and down the store when it was quiet. 

Were there any mentors or individuals that helped shape your career? And are you still applying lessons you learned then to your workforce of today?

I learned a lot about work ethic from my dad.

I watched him work really hard as a floor layer and consistently show up for the family.

I have carried that approach throughout my career and hold it in high regard with my team. 

What attracted you to the digital sector?

The variety of the work and the opportunity to work with a diverse mix of people and clients. 

How do you feel you’ve changed as a person over the years? Have career roles brought new dimensions to your personality?

I have definitely changed. 

I think I’m a better listener now than I was when I first started in the industry, and certainly since starting Flaunt. 

I have also really improved my decision-making skills.

I’m able to make decisions more quickly and focus my day-to-day attention on what actually impacts business outcomes, rather than wasting time on things that, in the long run, don't matter. 

You’ve seen many changes to the employment world across your career – how do you see the workplace evolving in years to come?

I would like to see the Government empower businesses. 

I would also like to see a continued decline in the importance placed on degrees as a prerequisite. 

I think apprenticeship schemes need to be properly implemented and easy to benefit from, from both employer and employee perspectives.

Another thing I’m paying close attention to is artificial intelligence governance. 

I think, unless we (the world) put appropriate guardrails in place to control the race for artificial general intelligence, we will see an unprecedented amount of job displacement. 

I am a huge advocate for the advancement of technology, but I fear that socially and economically, as a society, we don't have a solution for the scale of job displacement artificial general intelligence could lead to. 

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →