Trailblazers and leaders: Matthew Geer
Matthew Geer | Head of Communications and Marketing | West Kent Housing Association
How did you get into Marketing & Comms?
I studied broadcast journalism at university and in my late teens/early twenties started DJing, which helped me get involved in student and community radio. Being in and around the promotion of campaigns and events really captured my interest in marketing and communications. When I returned home to London, I got my first career break at a broadcast PR agency that combined my two interests.
What is something that you do every day without fail?
Listen to a podcast on anything that interests me – usually, either faith, sport, or parenting related!
What is the best piece of advice that you’ve received? And who gave it to you?
My Mum and Dad always told me as a child that I must be prepared to work twice as hard for something that I want. I carry that same mentality with me as an adult.
What is a tool/hack that you would recommend to anyone starting out in PR/Comms/Marketing?
Work out where you want to be in your career in 10 years time, then find people on LinkedIn with that job title in that industry. Look at their career history to understand what path you might be able to take to get to a similar place and get to know their work to inspire your journey.
What’s your greatest achievement to date?
Personally, becoming a dad 18 months ago. Professionally, leading the PR and campaign team at the charity Turn2us to develop and launch the ‘Living Without’ campaign. The campaign looked at the impact that appliance poverty has on people across the UK, which was relatively unknown at the time. We compiled a report that was endorsed by MP Clive Lewis, which received a wealth of national coverage including Sky News, the Express, Big Issue and the i.
Is there a particular comms campaign that you’ve seen in your career that you didn’t work on but wish you had?
I always remember the Think! road safety campaign that was launched in 2000 to get drivers to consider the impact of their driving. It was shocking but memorable with a straightforward message and powerful imagery, which got people thinking. The fact that it is still running for more than two decades is a huge testament to its success. The team behind that must be extremely proud!
What’s the key skill you think a successful PR/comms/marketing pro requires?
To be a problem solver. Communications is a fast-moving profession and unexpected situations pop up all the time, so offering solutions rather than focusing on problems as blockers is critical.
In three words, describe your approach to your role/work?
Connected, driven, and bold.
What’s a question every PR/marketing pro should ask themselves?
What are the outcomes I am trying to achieve with this campaign, rather than simply the outputs?
