The Leadership Spotlight Shines On: Phil Whitehead
1. Where were you born and raised; current city; family hobbies; past business highlights.
I was born in Hertfordshire in 1980 and now enjoy village life in Essex. I’m married and have a larger than life curly haired daughter called Ella, plus Rosie, our lockdown cockerpoo, who matches my daughter's endless energy!
I used to work within the advertising world at agencies like BBH and Grey Worldwide before taking a role at TV broadcaster Channel 4. I’m now approaching the 10th anniversary of my very own entertainment marketing agency based out of Elstree Film Studios in the UK, which is completely different from travel. I love my football, playing and supporting and I love getting out on the golf course and socialising with close friends and family.
Past business highlights for me include booking a celebrity supercar event that spanned across five hotels in Europe for 160 people. I also became a One-Star Director earlier this year which was huge for me, something I ultimately thought was well out of reach for someone with my lack of travel business experience, but I’m also very blessed to have the most amazing mentors and leaders in this business.
2. How have you grown or personally developed since joining PlanNet?
Since joining PlanNet, I feel I've grown in confidence and am becoming a better leader and mentor to my team in the business. I now have a different perspective of the business too; it’s not all about me now and my own journey or success story, but the value for me is helping change the lives of others in my team and helping them grow their businesses too.
3. What drives you; what motivates you?
Things that drive me are being the best version of myself, overcoming challenges and a desire to win (I’m very competitive!). I'm also highly motivated by family and wanting to provide a well-travelled life for my daughter, by exploring the world together and creating unforgettable family experiences.
4. Who would you consider a role model and why?
My role model first and foremost is my Dad, who instilled in me a strong mindset from an early age and always told me I could do and be absolutely anything I wanted to be. My second role model would be a man called Michael Ovitz, an unapologetic talent agent who cofounded Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in 1975. His business approach and creative vision in the crazy world of Hollywood has definitely helped me in every aspect of my businesses today.
5. The three words that describe me best are:
Approachable, fun and ambitious.
6. If you had some sound advice to give to anyone what would it be?
Some advice I was given when I started was to take full advantage of as many trainings as you can, stay consistent with your prospecting and don’t be afraid to talk to absolutely anyone about the business.
7. What does your life look like five years from now?
In five years I plan to be living six months in Portugal and six months in the UK, inspiring people to not be scared of living their lives and escaping their 9-5 jobs.