Leading Questions with Jo Allen – Newsworks
Leading Questions
Jo Allan, CEO of Newsworks is in the hot seat to face our Leading Questions.
Jo Allan has been CEO of Newsworks, the marketing body for national news brands, since 2020, having previously worked client-side at Cadbury and AB InBev and in agency roles at Carat, Dentsu Aegis Network and Vizeum.
Her tenure at Newsworks has coincided with a period of significant change for the national press, as publishers navigate the shift to digital while making the case to advertisers that news environments remain among the most effective, trusted and brand-safe contexts in which to reach audiences.
Allan is a vocal advocate for the power of quality journalism, and has overseen research demonstrating the commercial and reputational value of news advertising, including Newsworks’ ongoing work on the effectiveness of print and digital news brands.
We put our Leading Questions to her.
Leadership
What are the principles that guide your leadership approach?
Client centric, audience focused, down to earth and approachable.
What you see is what you get, I wear my heart on my sleeve and am a real believer in leading by example — I love to roll my sleeves up and get on with whatever the task is with energy and enthusiasm and have a real can-do attitude. But I also give people the space and support to deliver, develop and flourish. My ‘door’ is always open and I’m there for my team and for others, especially those trying to break into media or making that next step in their career.
How do you define success as a leader in today’s media landscape?
Adaptability and collaboration.
The landscape is evolving so quickly, that’s the beauty of media – it is cutting edge and innovative. I get frustrated when I hear “but we have always done it this way,” to me this is completely the wrong mindset, we can’t afford to stand still, we need to embrace change.
Greater collaboration is also key. I really enjoy bringing people together, galvanising teams and making things happen and am a firm believer that the teams, organisations and industries that work together more will thrive more.
People & Culture
How do you build and maintain a strong company culture in times of rapid change?
Provide the team with a clear strategy and empower them to execute it.
Comms is key – including the team in the conversations that matter and ensuring that everybody knows where we are going and what is expected of them individually and as a team. When we are together is when the ideas and solutions flow and of course, so do the laughs and banter, which are just as important! I feel so lucky to work in Media – it is all about the people to me.
How do you handle failure, both personally and within your teams?
I started out my working life in financial services marketing, and all that legal copy was a good grounding for proof reading, so I am a stickler when it comes to accuracy and attention to detail. I hold high standards but recognise that not everything can be 100% perfect – which as a perfectionist, can be tricky.
I think handling failure is about being self-aware – I certainly know what I don’t know and I recognise where others have better experience, knowledge or opinions and can add more than I can. I am happy to ask the ‘daft’ questions rather than trying to blag it!
AI, Innovation & Skills
What skills will define successful media leaders in the next decade?
The ability to adapt quickly, communicate openly and surround yourself with people, teams and tools that are better than you.
What’s your advice for aspiring media leaders?
Do the best work you can, stay humble, inspire, mentor and make time for young talent, new talent and returning talent.
Quick Fire Media Round
Which book would you make required reading for all media leaders?
I’m going to cheat and not pick a book, but a conversation, well several – listening and talking to people I admire in the industry, to hear about their experiences, insights and achievements inspires me.
You can learn so much from the challenges others have overcome and the successes they have had. This is another great thing about our industry, the leaders are generous with their time and very happy to share their views and nuggets.
Which leader from TV, film, or literature most inspires you?
Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada. What a fantastic performance by Meryl Streep and a great example of being able to learn just as much from leaders you don’t want to be like, as from those that you do!
What’s your go-to source for inspiration when you need it — work or otherwise?
One of good things that came out of covid was walking. I’ve managed to keep it up and walk with friends, between meetings, when I need to make long calls or when I just need to get away from the screens to clear my mind. Fresh air and a long walk really helps me reset.
Media lunch or media breakfast meeting and why?
Depends what day of the week it is! But probably breakfast because I’m an early starter.
Which media leader would you like to answer Leading Questions next?
Karen Stacey, DCM.