Craig Patterson, President, CEO, Editor-in-Chief, Retail Insider Media Ltd.
I'm the President and CEO of Retail Insider Media Ltd. and editor-in-chief of Canada's retail publication Retail Insider.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
Instagram for visual and friends. It should be LinkedIn.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
As per above, I run a publication and media company. I'm interested in retailing, cities, real estate, development and many other things.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
I make decent money, I'm my own boss, and I'm doing what I love subject-wise.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Pursue your passion, and things will work out.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Anxiety mostly. And doing what I love.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
Having formed a company on my own, as well as an extensive education. And now working with a university.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
In-person, but not during a pandemic.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Personality and communication skills are hugely important.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
I could write a novel here.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
Success with realness and humility. We're all people in the end, and some achieve great things.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
My hobby became my career, though I'm still very interested in real estate (residential) and urban planning. Travel is a passion as well.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
It's had a positive impact. Competitors went under, and we picked up advertisers. We tripled the size of the business over the course of the pandemic. I've managed myself through a personal re-invention, including fitness.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I've mentored many. I don't have one per se.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Don't compete with me. Joking. Be hard-working, don't be afraid of change and uncertainty.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Lack of confidence and fear of taking risks.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
I'm not really into that sort of thing, but motivational things are always good.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Canadian brands such as Lululemon and Aritzia are doing very well. As well as superbrands such as Nike, Gucci, Dior and the like. I'm also impressed with the Selfridges department stores.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Success is achieving what you desire, whatever that might be. Meeting a goal or goals.