Breaking the boring on Social Media. An interview with Katy Howell.

Katy Howell - CEO of Immediate Futures

Breaking the boring on Social Media
an interview with CEO
​Katy Howell

Miron Bykov London - 06/01/2020

Today we spoke to Katy Howell CEO of Immediate Future
 
Immediate Future, founded in 2004, is a social media consultancy.
 
Tell me about the day the idea was born.
You have to remember that immediate future was launched in 2004. Social was but a twinkle in the eye of the internet back then. So, it was not a light bulb moment; it was a gradual and coalescing realisation that there’s an opportunity for brands to use social media as a communications mechanic. It was very experimental at first, I tested it out with a couple of brands that I was working with while being with my current employees. With Facebook launching in 2004, I had the feeling that something big was going to happen. It was a so much synergy and a lot of hard work!
 
What was the biggest turning point in the life of Immediate Future?
The winning of our biggest client when we started, which was Sony Europe. We went from being a tiny agency to become something so much bigger. We grew up. Social grew up. More importantly, it was a client who believed in what we are doing and worked with us to demonstrate value in a nascent industry
 
Three top tips for aspiring entrepreneurs:

1. Believe in your gut instincts.
2. Don’t think entrepreneurship is an easy life. Embrace working hard and forever being on a knife edge
3. Shit happens. Don’t stress it, just ride the wave.

 
What gets you out of bed every morning?
I love the job I do. I just love it.
 
What did you want to be when you were little?
An astronaut. I just wanted to go to space and have adventures like I would watch on Star Trek.
 
Favourite Disney character:
I have to confess a love of DreamWorks instead. In which case it would be Kung Fu Panda.
 
What is Immediate Future planning for the world next?
Breaking the social boring. It is our vision. There is so much pedestrian social media content out there. We want to disrupt, innovate, change the game – and ultimately deliver impact for clients.

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