James Holland

Like most writers, I’m as obsessed with audiences as I am with words. If we know who we’re talking to, and have a deep appreciation of their motivations (and frustrations) then we know how to fit into their world. Everything else flows from that knowledge, understanding and empathy, whether it’s a social strategy or a targeted paid campaign.

Digital means so many things these days, but I mostly focus on the content and creative-driven aspects. That could be channel or content strategy, standing up a new web presence or re-thinking the purpose of social channels as part of a full-funnel approach. We’re also a little spoiled in the digital world by being able to measure everything. For a nerd like me, that’s absolute heaven. If you didn’t measure it, did it really happen?

I was one of those kids who always knew what they wanted to do. As a result, I’ve only ever had jobs in the media. From journalism to content marketing and PR. As a journalist I worked for tier 1 publications for many tech brands. Since moving agency-side I’ve been lucky to work with clients like Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Intuit, Mercedes Benz, Vodafone, Telefonica, Lenovo, ZTE and Finnair. At Highwire I work across all practices, from healthcare to enterprise and commerce to cybersecurity.

I have notebooks everywhere. Next to my bed. Stuffed down the side of the sofa. If I could find a waterproof one, I’d keep one in the shower. All the best ideas happen in the shower.

When I moved from London to New York in 2015 I brought just two suitcases and my dachshund, Steve. We’ve never looked back – although we have wondered why New York has so few dog-friendly bars. London is full of pubs, and those pubs are full of dogs. New York could learn a lot.

I love design, architecture and museums, so you’ll probably find me loitering at the Cooper Hewitt, or hunting down Frank Lloyd Wright homes. If I could live anywhere, it would be Fallingwater in Pennsylvania. I’d never leave.