In conversation with...

Scott Phillips, Head of Group Retail Operations, Primark

In uncertain times, it is more important than ever to share experience, insights and advice with your peers so we can all learn from one another. With this in mind, we are having conversations with members who are enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Marketing, to understand the importance of life long learning, and upskilling in times of uncertainty.

For this week’s instalment in the series we’ve chatted to this year’s recipient of the scholarship, Scott Phillips, Head of Group Retail Operations, Primark. Having started his career in his hometown of Sligo, Scott’s career in retail brought him to different countries and back to Ireland again. Newbridge, Co. Kildare, to be exact where he lives with his wife Sarah and their two children, Ben (8) and Emma (4).

If you are a member who would like to feature in the In Conversation with series please send an email to editor@mii.ie

MII: Hi Scott, congratulations on being awarded this year’s scholarship. Why did you decide to do this programme?

As I explored my options for returning to academic learning, I was made aware of this programme, among others, by the team at TU Dublin. Overall, I felt the blend of marketing and management involved in the programme, combined with the opportunity to learn from others from differing industries were the reasons I decided this programme was for me.

How do you hope this programme will impact your current role and career development?

I am hopeful that this programme will give me a greater perspective on my current role and industry, broadening my knowledge across differing aspects of business. I believe this programme will equip me to contribute to business strategy in a more informed way, providing me with the opportunity to make a greater impact in my current role and position me to take advantage of any further career development opportunities that may arise.

What are you looking to achieve from the programme?

I would like to learn from others and challenge myself to enhance my understanding of the disciplines of management and marketing with the aim of applying this in a practical setting. As with any challenge, you’ll learn a lot about yourself as part of the process and that excites me greatly.

How important is lifelong learning?

For me, lifelong learning is an important element of having a growth mindset. Learning can come in many forms, whether through reading, observing, practical situations or different cultural experiences. I believe this programme provides a fantastic blend of the varying learning types that can exist. I think it’s crucial to continue to learn about not only your own expertise but across a vast array of subjects. This creates such a positive mindset that is difficult to replicate if you’re not actively trying to learn.

What is your one piece of advice for marketers starting off on their career journey?

Try and take time to understand any business you’re working for or working with. Understand the values, the brand and the underlying strengths and weaknesses of the business. This can greatly inform the approach you would take when marketing this business and will increase stakeholder buy-in and likely deliver more successful results.