Founded in 2005, Soap Media is a full-service digital agency dedicated to helping clients across industries achieve their online goals, serving as an extension of their in-house teams.
By embracing the mission statement “Your Digital Partner”, the agency has seen significant growth, including the promotion of Jack Oddy to Managing Director in July 2023, marking the agency’s most successful year.
Here, Jack offers insights into his motivations and inspirations in the industry, and his unique business approach.
What is the inspiration behind your desire to rise to the top of the organizational chart?
Simply put, I wanted a career I could be proud of. Just as a child looks up to a firefighter or a doctor, I can remember moments when I would watch in amazement as a businessman in a suit stepped out of his luxury car during an important business trip—well, that’s how I liked to imagine it, anyway.
After struggling my way through the traditional education years, the moment of the crossroads came at university, during the second year of a four-year business course, when I began to lose my passion and interest in the subject of business. In fairness, it probably would have helped if I had tried harder!
I decided to leave university. It was a very difficult decision as I felt like a failure and a disappointment. Keen to find my true calling, the next few years saw me try out a number of part-time jobs – one day I would find myself serving sausage rolls at Greggs in Blackpool town centre!
Perhaps it was fate that eventually led me back into the business world by working as a business management intern. The company had multidisciplinary teams within its departments, which opened my eyes to the world of account management. Due to the lack of opportunities, I researched the job market where I came across and fell in love with Soap Media.
The timing was perfect. I joined Soap at a time when our co-founder and CEO, Markerle Davis, had a pile of incredibly exciting ideas. As a brand new resource, hungry to impress, I jumped at the opportunity to work closely with this business mastermind with both hands. We’ve had a unique relationship over the years that has evolved into mentorship and friendship. I started at Soap in a business support role, and 7 years later completed my first year as Managing Director, overseeing the business’ best year ever.
Well, I’m in the position I’ve always dreamed of, but the irony is that today I’m sitting in shorts and taking important business calls via video meetings.
Who is your favorite person and why?
“It’s easy,” says Markerly Davis, co-founder and CEO of Soap. “The hard part is knowing where to start asking why.”
I have seen problems solved and deals closed using what I can only describe as skillful magic. Markerly’s knowledge and intelligence have drawn me in from day one. The opportunities he has given me, with rewards based on achievement, have literally changed my life. We continue to learn and grow together to this day, and I am so grateful for that.
I would also like to mention Rob Pierre, founder of Jellyfish.
Halfway through my journey with Markerly, he recommended I watch an interview between Rob and The Drum where he talked about how to increase influence with Rob Pierre. I had several moments that made me realize the truth. I always remember how he likened business growth to bodybuilding; you increase your size (growth) and then reduce your weight in preparation for a championship (improvement) – and that gives you a headache.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Given the situation I and the agency find myself in today, no. I have made my share of mistakes, but every loss is an opportunity to learn and grow.
I’m not a religious person, but in my recent pursuit of continued growth and understanding, I’ve found clarity in religious discourse. Just today, I saw a post on LinkedIn that said, “If you get what you want, that’s God’s guidance. If you don’t get what you want, that’s God’s protection.” The parable of the old man and the white horse has a similar moral to its story; good fortune can be rooted in perceived bad fortune.
Of course, it’s hard to stay motivated and confident in your decisions when things start going against you. But you have to accept that this is business, and this is life. Whenever I find myself drawn to the micro, I’m now able to step out of it to get the macro endorsement. I also have a great support team around me.
What defines your approach to business?
Intersec’s core values are passion, freedom, respect, integrity, creativity and dedication. All of these values are embodied in the company’s slogan “Your Partner in the Digital World”.
Our teams, called “Soaperstars,” are committed to delivering the best results in every aspect of our partnerships. We expect the same level of commitment from the companies we partner with.
We truly embody an integrated digital marketing agency with a collective passion for enhancing every stage of the customer journey and experience.
Everyone has the autonomy and reporting frameworks to make the best decisions. There is no ceiling on advancement. We follow a merit-based progression process where employees can “apply for a promotion” up to 4 times a year. Just look at me; I started at the bottom and now we are here!
Transparent communication resonates consistently throughout the agency. This candor helps us address challenges head-on and learn quickly from mistakes. Confronting complex problems is part of our game, but we pride ourselves on our creativity and innovation.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?
Write your own story, and be the hero of it. Get inspiration and guidance from people you respect, but realize that no story is the same as yours.
When circumstances allow, use time and patience as your allies. It’s amazing what your subconscious mind can do. I’ve nailed down a proposal or delayed a response to a difficult email countless times, only to have the “winning edit” come while walking the dog or in the shower. In the moments that are fleeting, lean on your experience, and as I said before, see a loss as an opportunity to learn and grow.
It’s important to have a vision and work toward it every day. It’s important to have a plan to achieve that vision and accept that the plan will need constant iterations over time. While agile, dynamic, and flexible are just a bunch of “buzzwords,” they’ve been key features of our story so far.
Looking back from time to time is a very valuable use of time. If you have been facing a challenge for a long time and doubts are starting to creep in, past reminders of accomplishments and progress can bring with them a surge of optimism and motivation.
Last, but not least, make sure you love him.
