Monthly spotlight on Mark Constable

Each month we are interviewing a member of the Agile Business Consortium community. For June's spotlight interview, we have APMG International's Marketing Campaign Manager, Mark Constable.

How would you describe your role to a child?

 I help people progress and earn more money by introducing them to learning and professional development solutions.

Before working at your current company, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

During school holidays I worked for a company called Brochure Display to earn some extra pocket money. They were involved in the distribution of brochures and leaflets to tourist destinations around the UK. My role involved taking boxes of freshly printed leaflets and banding them into 5s & 10s. Definitely in the unusual category; can’t say it was particularly interesting!

How did you come to agile/business agility?

My role at APMG involves promotion of our Agile certifications developed in partnership with the Agile Business Consortium. That started in 2010 with the launch of AgilePM training and certification which has gone on to establish itself as the world’s leading framework and certification for agile project management.

What is your understanding of business agility?

For me, business agility is about creating an environment and culture that enables organizations to rapidly adapt, change and develop in response to challenges and changes. 

What’s the first thing you do when you start the workday?

 Quick scan of the inbox followed by a review of the to-do list to plan the day ahead, maybe factoring in a little MoSCoW prioritization!

What Agile techniques do you use in your day to day life?

I regularly use MoSCoW prioritization when planning events and marketing campaigns. Another key technique I like to think we embrace regularly as a team is collaboration. 

What do you enjoy doing out of work?

 Relaxing, spending time with family & friends, and enjoying cars. I’m a petrol head and motorsport (particularly Formula 1) fanatic. If I’m not watching racing on the TV, chances are I’m at a car meet somewhere.

Tell us a random fact about you?

I jumped out of the first plane I flew in! I completed a charity skydive when I was 18 and it happened to be the first time I’d been in a plane!

What is your motto or personal mantra?

Don’t be afraid of failing! Quite often in life we’re faced with challenges or tasks that remove us from our comfort zone. In these situations, I like to remind myself of a famous Henry Ford quote: “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently”. Or Thomas Edison’s: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”.

Recommended book?

The Greatest Show on Earth, by Richard Dawkins

Mark provides support to international marketing activities for APMG International, who are a reputable global accreditation and examination institute. APMG accredits organizations to deliver training courses and consultancy services for a broad range of professional certification schemes.