Podcast Summary: The Events Insight – Episode: "Sharpen Your Elbows" with Martin Green CBE
Release Date: August 27, 2024
Introduction
In this captivating episode of The Events Insight, hosts Jack Saward and Karen Edwards welcome Martin Green CBE, the Vice President of Global Live Events for Tate. Martin, a luminary in the events industry, shares his extensive journey, profound insights, and invaluable advice for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.
Guest Introduction
Jack and Karen express their excitement about having Martin Green CBE on the show. Karen humorously mentions wanting to introduce him through dance and mime, highlighting Martin's larger-than-life persona and illustrious career. They warmly welcome him to the podcast, setting the stage for an engaging conversation.
Career Journey and Insights (03:23 - 07:59)
Martin Green begins by recounting his humble beginnings, emphasizing that he didn't come from privilege:
“I went to a comprehensive school in Essex, so I think it's really important to let people know that there's no silver spoons here.” (04:56)
His passion for events sparked from studying theater, where he found his calling in production and direction rather than performance. Martin's career trajectory took a significant leap when he secured a position at the Mayor's Office under then-Mayor Ken Livingstone. Five years of orchestrating public events there ignited his passion for how events can unite communities.
A pivotal moment in his career was his role in bidding for and winning the Olympic Games, followed by his tenure at AEG, where he was instrumental in opening the O2 arena. Martin's expertise further led him to lead Hull City of Culture and serve as the Chief Creative Officer for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. His crowning achievement came when he spearheaded the UK's Eurovision bid, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Education and Talent in the Events Industry (07:59 - 12:09)
Martin underscores the importance of diverse educational backgrounds in the events sector. He advocates for pulling talent from varied disciplines, not just event management courses:
“The people we work with every day now have come through a variety of different resources and sources.” (12:09)
Both Martin and Jack emphasize the need for the industry to attract individuals from various academic fields, including engineering, design, and technical studies, to enrich the events landscape with multifaceted skills.
Evolution of Event Management Roles (13:02 - 16:58)
When discussing the role of event managers, Martin believes the core responsibilities remain unchanged:
“Event manager is an event manager. The event needs to be managed.” (13:16)
However, he notes a shift in terminology and perception, especially in entertainment-heavy events where titles like "producer" better capture the creative and managerial essence of the roles. This evolution helps attract talent with diverse skill sets and emphasizes creativity within event management.
Experiences During Major Events: Commonwealth Games and Eurovision (17:09 - 35:57)
Martin recounts the immense challenges and triumphs of managing the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, particularly navigating the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. The emotional and logistical hurdles were immense, but the collective effort led to a resounding success, fostering a sense of unity and resilience.
Transitioning to Eurovision, Martin describes it as the most fulfilling project of his career. Despite a compressed timeline of six months instead of the usual year and the added complexities of the pandemic, the dedicated team delivered one of the most viewed and memorable Eurovision shows:
“I could be quite persuasive as well, I'm very lucky that there are quite a lot of people who will agree to keep working with me as well.” (24:08)
Martin highlights the significance of cultural representation and the emotional impact of events that bring people together, reinforcing his commitment to creating meaningful experiences.
Favorite Events and Impact (30:37 - 35:57)
When asked about his favorite event, Martin cites the Hull City of Culture in 2017. He reflects on the transformative power of events in reshaping city identities and fostering community pride:
“We did, we really did do 365 days of the most extraordinary stuff.” (34:40)
The event not only revitalized Hull but also left Martin with an indelible connection to the city and its people, demonstrating the profound societal impact events can have.
Advice for Aspiring Event Professionals (36:02 - 49:37)
Martin offers pragmatic and inspiring advice for those entering or seeking to grow within the events industry:
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Leverage Diverse Skill Sets:
“Our industry needs every skill set. So never think that what you currently do isn't what you could do in this industry.” (36:33)
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Excel in Your Role:
“Just be good at what you're doing... if somebody does it better, they're going to ask you to do something bigger.” (36:58)
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Know Your Worth:
“Be aware of your worth... and you're not overpricing yourself either.” (48:39)
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Balance Experience and Compensation: Martin discusses the delicate balance between gaining experience and fair compensation, especially for freelancers, advocating for realistic rate-setting and valuing one's contributions.
Karen and Jack echo these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, continuous learning, and respecting diverse contributions within the industry.
Quick Fire Round Highlights (50:37 - 54:33)
To add a lighter touch, Martin participates in a rapid-fire segment, revealing personal preferences and quirks:
- Go-To Karaoke Song: "The Winner Takes It All" by ABBA
- One Food for Every Meal: Hot buttered toast
- Film or Book: Prefers films
- Early Bird or Night Owl: Definitely an early bird
- Preferred Travel: A mix of flying and driving, with a newfound love for public transport and line bikes
- Instant Expertise: Architecture
- Skydiving or Bungee Jumping: Chooses to skydive
- Pineapple on Pizza: Absolutely not
- Essential Event Tool (besides phone): A good team
- Walk-On Music: Theme from Dynasty
- Current Binge Watch: "Life and Beth" and "I Am Celine Dion"
These responses humanize Martin, showcasing his multifaceted personality beyond his professional prowess.
Conclusion
Jack and Karen express their gratitude to Martin for sharing his wealth of knowledge and experiences. Martin reciprocates the appreciation, highlighting the value of the podcast in fostering industry connections. The episode concludes with a reminder to listeners to subscribe, review, and spread the word about The Events Insight.
Key Takeaways:
- Diverse Skill Integration: The events industry thrives on a variety of skill sets beyond traditional event management.
- Adaptability and Resilience: Navigating challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, requires unwavering dedication and flexibility.
- Value and Compensation: Understanding and advocating for one's worth is crucial, especially in freelance roles.
- Community Impact: Well-executed events can significantly transform communities and foster unity.
- Continuous Learning: Embracing new opportunities and continuously honing skills are vital for career progression in the events sector.
Martin Green CBE's experiences and insights provide a roadmap for aspiring event professionals, emphasizing the blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and community focus essential for success in this dynamic industry.