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Tim Drake

Author of I Want to Make A Difference

Tim's career has mirrored some of the more radical changes in how we have developed as workers over the past decades. On leaving Cambridge University he began the then classical career path of Fast Moving Consumer Goods marketing, finishing up at the end of the Seventies as Client Service Director of a global advertising agency. He then became an entrepreneur.

Tim co-founded both a joint venture with Guinness, as well as a retail outlet - Cobra Sports (now JW Sports) - in the Kings Road. Over the next fourteen years Cobra grew to over forty stores, and achieved a turnover of £17 million. On the way, Cobra innovated constantly in the areas of marketing, staff development and distribution. Selling the business in 1992, Tim took the most recent steps on the journey of his working life. He has developed a portfolio of interests. He has undertaken both Management Consultancy and Project Management. Major studies have included an analysis of changing grocery distribution structures in Europe, with analysis of strategic imperatives for manufacturers and retailers in a new environment. He developed a strategy and business plan for a major global research group, and his most recent project has been a study for major manufacturers on how brands will evolve over the next decade.

Tim has written a book, Wearing the Coat of Change, which traces both his personal odyssey into the new world of work, and the wider lessons he perceives in the changes that are taking place, both for individuals, and society. His latest book is I Want to Make a Difference, which goes to the heart of our personal motivation to make sure we can all increase our energy, our focus, and our fulfilment. He has also established, and chairs, two Think Tanks for Chief Executives in sectors of the Sports and Leisure industry, and has recently introduced one for directors in those industries.

Tim is particularly interested in how the growth of individualism, and the increasing power of citizen employees (the ones you want to attract and keep) will demand that both brands and organisations will need to develop more leadership in the area of the definition and communication of purpose and values. Tim now both talks and teaches on this subject, as he sees it as a powerful win/win/win. It is a most effective way to achieve competitive advantage at a time when the majority of the elements of both products and services are becoming commoditized. It also delivers important benefits to employees, because aligned values both reduce work/life balance stresses, and produce positive energy. Customers win too. Not only do they perceive the competitive advantage of the product or service, they can identify positively with its values on a personal level.

Tim has also co-founded two charities that are involved in education in the Third World, Chairing one, and being Vice Chairman of the other. He speaks on a wide range of topics including: Leadership, Vision and Values; Creating Great Customer Service; Achieving consistent Peak Performance; Making Brands Sing; Corporate Social Responsibility.

Travels from United Kingdom

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