Anecdote: Digital revolution at Time Out

Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash

Heading up the Digital Team at Time Out Group stands as one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. The mandate to transform the digital landscape of the company was crystal clear, yet, upon my arrival, the roadmap for achieving this digital revolution was somewhat nebulous.

In my initial 100 days, I undertook the challenge of crystallising our digital vision and strategy. After rigorous development, these plans received the Board's endorsement, setting the stage for assembling my core team. This team, a group of direct reports, was tasked with a formidable mission. Their areas of responsibility spanned Innovation, Product Development, User Experience, Software Engineering, and Data & Analytics, covering the essential pillars required to fulfil our ambitious objectives.

Together, we embarked on creating a new web and mobile platform, not only to showcase Time Out's rich digital content but also to unveil novel digital revenue streams. This platform was designed from the ground up to support multiple languages and currencies, ensuring seamless adoption across Time Out's global franchise network.

The spirit of engagement within my team was palpable. Direct reports worked in close harmony, embodying a culture of collaboration and empowerment that allowed for swift, decisive action. The outcomes were nothing short of extraordinary.

Central to our success was the adoption of exemplary product development practices, underpinned by a unique methodology I devised, known as S.L.I.C.E. — Share, Learn, Innovate, Collaborate, Explore. This approach not only facilitated a culture of continuous learning and innovation but also fostered an environment where collaboration and exploration were the norm.