Great People: Introducing David Chandler

Introducing David Chandler!

He's one of our (two) Managing Directors, and that means he's jointly responsible for running the business, shaping the future of Great State and ensuring we deliver the best work for our clients. He's a real leader and brings with him a huge amount of experience from across the industry. He's a stickler for detail with an eye for opportunity; a Great Person who ensures that the team produces nothing less than great work.

So if you don't know him already, get to know! Introducing David...

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m David Chandler, Joint Managing Director at Great State – myself and Jinny lead the business together. 

My responsibilities cover all the typical things that you’d expect from the role; a mix of running the business and shaping our future. Given my background in Client Services, a big focus for me is the partnerships that we develop together. I love collaborating with clients to deliver impactful work, ensuring that their experience is exceptional whilst delivering a great return on investment. I have a relentless focus on quality and innovation so I work with our internal teams to think differently, innovate and deliver the best possible work we can.

How did you get to be here?

How far back do I go?! Let’s wind back the years to the beginning - I graduated from the University of Sheffield with a Business Studies degree where I specialised in marketing. In my first jobs I worked client side in healthcare for Bupa and the National Blood Service (as it was at the time).

I was a little worried about becoming too sector focussed and I wanted to diversify my experience, so I decided to start my agency career in Client Services. Since then I’ve spent the last 18 years (wow, that makes me sound ancient) working in for various  agencies, looking after clients of all sizes and in a range of sectors. It has been amazing for gaining a broad experience; from boutique to global sized agencies I’ve worked across creative, integrated, digital and film production. So, pretty much a bit of everything.  

In my time at Great State, I’ve worked as Client Services Director and Division Director, running our Government and Defence division of the business.

What are you working on right now?

Having recently moved into the role, I am transitioning away from my previous responsibilities. Jinny and I know each other very well and have worked together for a number of years. We’re currently at the stage where we’re making plans and setting our direction for the business – it’s an exciting time. We are already seeing that there is real power in being a team of two and combining our skill sets and perspectives to make even stronger decisions. 

How do you know when you’ve produced something great?

There’s a specific feeling when things connect and the path forward becomes clear. It’s usually when the thinking comes together and ideas build momentum across the teams. Sometimes it’s about solving the big problems or seeing the impact and difference that your work makes. But ‘great’ can also be found in the smallest piece of craft; a few lines of copy or a design element that completely elevates the work.

Exceeding client expectations. It’s a good test.

What excites you about your work?

I love the moments when the team comes up with an idea that we’ve not had before. Being brave and courageous to take on the challenge. With such collective brain power, experience, and drive there are so many possibilities as to what we can create as a team. I’m privileged to work with incredibly talented people who make amazing things happen. That collective moment when, at the end of a project, you sit back and realise that you’ve achieved something special is unbeatable.

It's also about continuing to learn. Continuously stimulating your mind with knowledge and new experiences. I find that exciting.

What excites you in life?

Life has changed quite a lot for me over the last few years since we’ve had a daughter (Miya, who just turned 4!). My partner and I used to travel a lot; I love going to new places, experiencing different cultures, trying amazing food – and if I can do that in places where there is an opportunity to see and appreciate wildlife, even better. I love to dive and can’t wait to do more of that again, and as soon as Miya is a bit older I’ll take her to Africa on safari.

I’m also big on long distance running and triathlon. There’s something quite addictive about pushing my body through physical challenges. I love the moments in a race where you need to dig deep, and use grit and focus to keep ploughing on and then that sense of achievement when you get to the end, it’s a special feeling.

What is the future of tech looking like to you?

The most exciting thing about the future of tech is that we just don’t really know what we’ll get to see in our lifetime. Things are developing so incredibly quickly and it’s thrilling to not know what’s coming next.

Ask a question back. What do you want to know?

How do I get more time in my day?!

Want to run an ultra-marathon whilst chatting digital progress with David? Ready, set, go.