The CEO of Loft Digital — leading Tech Innovation Group — on playing up to your strengths

Jono shares with Squelo what drives him and talks about the importance of choosing a career path which complements your natural strengths and skills.

Jono Marcus is the CEO of Loft Digital, a global tech innovation group based in London on a mission to create a more level-playing field, with empowering digital products & an egalitarian business model. Jono is completing an Exec MBA at Cass Business School in London and is the author of the book, “50 Ways to Happier Clients”. In his free time, Jono likes to spend time with his family and watch shows at Park Theatre in Finsbury Park.

What does your day as a CEO of Loft Digital look like?

I get up at 6am, go for a jog and start thinking about work stuff. So by the time I actually get into the office I am raring to go. My day usually starts with meeting an entrepreneur or head of a corporation who wants a software solution dreamed up by Loft, as we are a tech innovation agency.They normally want to solve a seemingly insurmountable business or social challenge with our tech know-how. Then the afternoon will be spent dealing with company finances, contracting and talking with members of the company about ongoing projects happening in the UK, Czech, Berlin or Dubai. This is usually pretty exciting. The projects include: complex transactional systems; experimental tech that will change the fashion industry; a next gen frictionless payment app that may massively disrupt the grocery sector. The last part of the day usually involves toasting a new product launch with the team. Then to round off the day, every now and then, a quick glass of wine with Loft’s founder and chairman, Nick Nettleton. Each day my pride and pleasure comes in showcasing the genius engineering work of the developers and technologists in the company. I work with very smart and very focused people. Then I race back to my gorgeous wife and very funny boy and dog.

What does it take to get where you are today?

A search to find a career path that involves playing to my natural strengths and skills, rather than accepting becoming something or someone I am not. Apart from that, more generally, it requires self-belief that whatever work situation you find yourself in, you will make something great out of it — some way, some how.

When looking for Creative talent — what do you look for?

Intelligence, integrity, a certain internal intensity and a desire to always be learning.

Your 3 pieces of career advice for your younger-self?

Re-read your work again before giving it to anyone. Read even more books. Do a course in business accounting.

What’s your passion in life? What drives you?

Feeling like I know something that not everyone else does and that I can bring that something to life in a very concrete way that people will appreciate and be inspired by.

Your personal goal for 2016?

To play my part in turning my company into the best place for developers in the world and to continue to successfully internationalise the business to draw in the best minds from all over the world, from a solid UK basis.

Connect with Jono on Squelo.

Follow Jono and Loft Digital on Twitter.