'Marketing can change the world' - The Drum. An interview with Diane Young.

Diane Young - Co-founder of The Drum

'Marketing can change the world'
​- The Drum
an interview with
Co-Founder
Diane Young

Miron Bykov London - 09/12/2019

Today we spoke to Diane Young co-founder of The Drum
 
The Drum, founded in 1985, is a global media platform and the biggest marketing website in Europe.
 
Tell me about how you became part of The Drum.
The Drum was originally a Scottish based single title magazine that did some contract publishing as well, it was run by my husband, his mother and his best friend (from school). 
After my marriage to Gordon he had offered me a place in The Drum. Shortly after some members of Gordon’s family left the business, so we bought it out. 
At that stage we tried different ways to expand the business by going into different sectors like law and architecture but having eventually realised our love for marketing it became our primary focus.
 
What was the biggest turning point in the life of The Drum?
One was when we got online. Up until then a publishing company like ours had to print and post magazines which was expensive therefore making it difficult to compete and to expand geographically. Having experimented with the internet for some time enabled us to become more global.
 
Another turning point was just the realisation that being very good at what you do is not all it takes. We realised that we have to be good business owners in order to run the business properly.
 
Three top tips for aspiring entrepreneurs:
1. Make sure you surround yourself with people who are in a similar situation
2. Get a good business indication – absorb from as many sources as you can on how you can improve your business
3. Believe in yourself 
 
What gets you out of bed every morning?
I love to get busy and live a happy life rather than lie in bed. My competitive nature is what kicks me out of bed and gives me the courage to face new challenges.
 
What did you want to be when you were little?
A teacher. My dad was a teacher and my mum didn’t work so I was influenced by this. However, after work experience at a primary school I felt like that world was too small for me, I wanted to explore the universe…
 
Favourite Disney character:
Walt Disney (creator). Simply for having an amazing vision. I cannot imagine how many people would have thought he was crazy, but he managed to pull it off.
 
What is The Drum planning for the world next?
Our primary focus now is to expand our business in the US. The general vision is to develop the digital platforms and services that we have got to result in a marketplace which can be accessed all around the world.

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