Learn how its insights sparked my curiosity, helped me embrace change, and shaped the forward-thinking values that drive our business today. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your career or new ideas to propel your business, this story offers actionable lessons on the power of adaptability and innovation.
My First Encounter with The Economist
At university in the late eighties and early nineties, I rarely picked up The Economist. It seemed stuffy and unapproachable, not something I would have connected with at the time. However, as I started my career in 1991 at Kraft Foods and later PepsiCo, I began to see its potential value. By the mid-nineties, I subscribed, and I was hooked almost immediately.
I found myself drawn to series like The World In—I still have a copy of The World In 1997 with Tony Blair on the cover. Features like the Big Mac Index and coverage of emerging markets broadened my perspective. These insights didn’t just inform me; they made me think differently about the global opportunities ahead.
The Career Shift That Changed Everything
By the early 2000s, I was working in FMCG at companies like United Biscuits, PepsiCo, Kraft Foods, and Disney. I had a strong career trajectory, but I felt a growing desire for something more. It was The Economist that provoked me to think differently and look beyond the familiar.
Its focus on emerging markets and technological developments, particularly around the Internet, sparked my curiosity. The insights I gained gave me the confidence to step into the digital world, even though it was still in its infancy. In 2004/2005, I left the stability of FMCG to become an Internet Consultant—a decision I can directly attribute to the mindset The Economist inspired in me.
Building Push Group on Forward Thinking
The values that shaped my career shift are now embedded in Push Group. Staying ahead is not just a guiding principle—it’s a cornerstone of how we operate. Whether it’s incorporating AI into advertising strategies or predicting consumer behaviour, we prioritise innovation and adaptability in everything we do.
Each year, we gift The World In series to our senior team, encouraging them to engage with global trends and insights. Even our younger team members, some in their twenties and thirties, are encouraged to read and think beyond the present, just as I did. The Economist remains a touchstone for shaping our vision and approach.
Lessons From My Journey
Reflecting on this journey, it’s clear that The Economist did more than inspire a career shift—it reshaped my mindset. It taught me to question the status quo, anticipate change, and embrace opportunities. These lessons have not only influenced my career but also the way we operate at Push.
The broader takeaway is simple: staying curious is essential. Reading widely, exploring diverse perspectives, and seeking inspiration are powerful tools for growth. Whether you’re in FMCG, tech, or another industry, the ability to think ahead is what sets leaders apart.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, I can honestly say that The Economist didn’t just change my career—it changed my way of thinking. It opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn’t considered and gave me the confidence to step away from the comfort of FMCG into the unknown world of the Internet. That leap wasn’t easy, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Today, the values I learned from those pages—staying curious, thinking ahead, and embracing change—are at the heart of everything we do at Push. They’re not just principles; they’re the reason we’ve been able to innovate and grow.
If there’s one thing I’d encourage everyone to take from my journey, it’s this: don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, explore new ideas, and think differently. You never know where it might take you. For me, it all started with a magazine. What will it be for you?
