After a bit of a work hiatus, Aussie adland icon Henry Tajer shocked just about everyone but himself when he was named CEO of marketing consultancy firm The Influence Group in early March. In his 30 year career, there’s not much Tajer hasn’t achieved – CEO of Dentsu here in Australia, MD of Amazon and global CEO of IPG Mediabrands to name but a few. Here, Tajer imparts decades of industry wisdom in B&T’s short, sharp 20 questions…
The best thing about your current role?
The people I get to work with every day. Between the analytical minds at Pollinate and the game-changers over at Social Soup, every day is interesting and a learning experience.
Describe your current company in as few words as possible.
Helping clients and brands understand and leverage the power of influence for their business.
One thing you’d do to change the industry for the better?
I think we need more openness and trust between key stakeholders. Especially post-pandemic, we need to understand the value in candour.
What makes you mad?
Lateness and big egos.
What makes you happy?
Authenticity and respectfulness.
How would colleagues describe you?
Happy and easy to talk to. I’m always up for new ideas.
Favourite industry hero?
I can’t stick to just one: Anne Parson, Daryl Patterson and Alex Hamill. They all taught me a lot about being a leader.
Most underrated brand right now?
Waggl – ask me and I’ll explain more on this!
Your one career regret?
No regrets. I really believe everything is a lesson worth learning from.
Your biggest career tip?
Timing is everything!
Best stress reliever?
A nice gym workout.
The one book you’d recommend?
The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I’d seriously consider being a sports coach. I’m really intrigued by fitness and nutrition and it plays a big role in my daily life already.
Where will you be in 10 years’ time?
No idea… A sports coach? Happy to be surprised!
The one technology you just don’t understand?
There’s definitely more than one!
Preferred method of communication?
Open and honest. Put it all out on the table.
App you spend the most time on?
Instagram. Thanks to The Influence Group, that’s okay.
Go-to karaoke song?
Not a karaoke type, quite daunting for me. I have many favourite songs but don’t think you’ll get me to sing them!
The one thing you can’t start your day without?
A workout and coffee. In any order.
Best name you’ve been called over email?
!@#$%
