In the High Flyers spotlight this week is James Blake, founder and managing director of UK SEO, digital marketing and web design agency, Vindicta Digital.
To take part in the High Flyers Q&A, get in touch via business@irishnews.com.
What was your first job?
I left school after A-level and worked three jobs: Fitness instructing in a local gym, working at a filling station and Argos.
What qualifications do you have?
I have studied numerous Google Marketing courses over the years. Many fully accredited with Google themselves. I also know a basic level of code, thankfully we have great developers in our team. I have studied psychology modules with Open Uni. I believe this is super important for business. Business is all about people.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to date to resilience and being focused. At the start of my business I had the odds stacked up against me, but in my head I was fully in control and had full belief in what I am building.
How would you describe yourself to someone who'd never met you?
Focused, ambitious and super resilient.
Who do you look up to in business?
I have a few. I enjoy reading books about the great distributors such as Henry Ford. Modern day, I really enjoy Gary Vaynerchuck and his hard work ethic. He has grown a multi-billion dollar empire yet still found time to help me directly at the beginning of setting up Vindicta four years ago and we have stayed in communication since.
How do you get the best out of the people who work for you?
In my mind no one ever works for me, they work with me and that’s how it will always remain. I believe any good leader would state the same. Anyone that works with me will tell you that I am a big believer in having a focused, positive attitude - I will only hire people into our team that are focused and passionate.
If you could change one thing about business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
The one thing I would change is the fact that a lot of businesses in NI don’t think outside the box when it comes to their online marketing. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown this through businesses really struggling to reach their audience. I am a big believer in future proofing your business and also being at the forefront of technological advancements.
What website or app could you not live without?
I have an app that sends me motivated content throughout the day. I get a new piece every hour on the hour. Some may say this is excessive but I like seeing these notifications pop up.
What was the last book you read?
I am currently listening to the audiobook version of ‘Think & Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill. This would be my eighth time listening to it. It’s one of my all-time favourites. I am massively into studying the laws of the universe.
What car do you drive?
At the moment I drive the new Audi TTS. You will recognise me due to my ‘SEO’ number plate - I was close to upgrading to an Audi R8 during the summer as I absolutely love Audi and I love fast cars. But I opted to be sensible and look into better investments instead. I’ll get the supercar soon.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I unintentionally became very influential on social media. In 2020 I have reached over five million people globally on my personal social media channels, crazy! My username is @MrJamesBlake for instagram etc
What's your greatest passion outside work and family?
I don’t switch off much but I do enjoy travelling, visiting new countries and I am currently learning the Spanish language.
