Mike Maynard is a seasoned B2B PR and marketing expert with a passion for technology and over two decades of leadership at Napier, one of the UK’s leading specialist agencies. Mike’s unique journey from engineering to strategic marketing has shaped his approach to measurable, impactful campaigns and fostering a strong organizational culture. Hear how he transitioned Napier to employee ownership, ensuring its legacy of innovation and commitment endures.

In this episode, Wendi and Mike discuss:

• Career transitions from engineering to sales and marketing roles
• Creativity and problem-solving in engineering beyond process work
• Evolution of marketing from niche forums to digital platforms
• AI's role in data analysis, idea generation, and communication skills
• Employee ownership, leadership challenges, and cultural integration in acquisitions

Key Takeaways:

• Engineering is more than process work; it thrives on creative problem-solving, which lays a foundation for success in other fields like marketing.
• The rapid digital evolution of marketing highlights the need for clear, audience-focused communication, especially for complex products.
• AI is a powerful tool for data analysis and idea generation, but it still falls short in delivering deep, innovative insights on specialized topics.
• Employee ownership models, driven by transparency and shared control, boost motivation and long-term performance while requiring leaders to relinquish control.
• Successful acquisitions depend on cultural integration and setting realistic expectations, while hiring and trusting smarter individuals can accelerate growth.

“One of the reasons I wanted to go to employee ownership was that I believed it was the best way to keep the business growing as an independent business. Is it employee ownership I see, or is it growth? The two are closely linked. But realistically, being too focused on controlling things ultimately stunts a company’s growth — you’ve got to let go.” - Mike Maynard

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/tblPrtZ6dQk

Connect with Mike Maynard:

Website: https://www.napierb2b.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemaynard/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.