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10 Questions with John Barkle, Head of Brand at New Aim

Reading Time: 2 mins

By Ally FeiamPublished On: July 21, 20220 Comments

John Barkle was named the Head of Brand for New Aim in May 2022, following six years working at MyDeal. Over the course of his career, he has developed key knowledge about marketing and brand, sharing his wisdom at the 2022 Online Retailer Expo. We asked him ten questions about his career journey, his definition of success, and his proudest moments.

1. How do you define success?

Success is being able to finish at the end of the day, happy with what you’ve achieved.

2. What was your first job?

Woolworths! In the GFC, unemployment wasn’t great; you couldn’t get a youth job. Woolworths was advertising for a seafood assistant. No one else wanted it; I was only 17. I got it, and I ended up loving it. I was really proud to get that job. I was there for two years, and I loved dealing with customers.

3. If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sashimi.

4. What was the last book you read?

The last book I read was a textbook for my Master’s Degree. The last novel I read was Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

5. When was the first time you shopped online?

The first time I shopped online was two years into working at MyDeal. I love brick-and-mortar! But I’m getting a lot better at [shopping online]. I’m an old soul, so I’ve come to the party, but I still love spending the day at the shops, even if I first check out the shop online.

6. What has been the proudest moment in your career?

The proudest moment of my career was probably when I got a mentorship with Ryan Gracie, CMO at MyDeal. In just ten months alone, I learned more from him than in ten years in marketing. To be mentored by someone who is a legend in our industry was a great moment.

7. If you weren’t in e-commerce, what industry would you like to work in?

I’d love to be in telecommunications.

8. Do you have any phobias?

Spiders.

9. What risks are worth taking?

Anything where the reward outweighs the risk.

10. How do you handle criticism?

Take it on the chin; see whether it’s justified. If it’s not – ignore it. If it is justified (and you know in your boots whether it is or not), seek to change it.

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