Dean Dollery started at Luxid as an intern and had a great time at the agency. So much so, he’s never left. “I’ve been with Luxid for nearly 10 years now and feel like I’ve grown with the company,” says Dean. “As the company continues to expand, I’m learning more skills and always working on something new and exciting, as there doesn’t seem to be a limit to Luxid’s offerings.”
Dean studied Advertising and Marketing at Southampton University where he also gained additional qualifications in Direct and Digital Marketing. It was this specialisation that made Luxid a natural fit for his internship.
Rising up through the agency, Dean is now a Senior Project Manager. And while it may seem that he was always destined to work at a leading digital marketing agency like Luxid, it wasn’t his first career choice. “As a kid, I wanted to be a magician,” Dean admits. “I was always mesmerized by the cheesy magician at birthday parties. I’m still fascinated by illusions and illusionists and creative work that trick your brain into thinking you’re seeing something you’re not.”
This fascination has probably helped shape Dean’s superpower: “I like to think I’m a good problem solver. I’ve always been good at puzzles and picking apart things to find answers.” Problem solving is one of the key skills of Dean’s role at Luxid, along with great organisation, creative insight and good communication skills.
“As a Senior Project Manager, I mostly manage work for creative projects, and love working with the creative team,” says Dean “I’ve just completed an interactive demo that puts the user in the shoes of an IT manager trying to implement AI applications across different industries. I’m also managing a customer video shoot in Palm Springs, California. Just a pity I wasn’t able to go and bask in the sun.”
Dean says that Sincerity is the Luxid value which he most relates to as he’s a realist who believes in working honestly and openly to get the best results. He stresses the importance of having clear team goals and agendas with everyone being supportive of one another to keep everything on track.
“A key part of my job is asking people to do things, so I must be honest with myself on whether or not requests are realistic,” explains Dean. “I have to put myself in their shoes and question whether the ask is reasonable and if they have everything they need to do it.”
This sincere, supportive and organised approach to work is very important as things can get busy at Luxid. But in a good way. “I can be managing a film shoot one minute and then managing a virtual reality project the next,” says Dean.
Outside of work, Dean has something new in his life that is also calling on his time and abilities. “I’ve recently had a little girl – she’s now 10 months old – so I’m loving watching her grow up (but missing sleep of course),” says Dean. “Becoming a father is easily the most rewarding (and challenging) thing I’ve done to date. My PM skills have definitely helped with feeding and napping schedules!”
In what little free time Dean currently has, he loves music of all different types and is passionate about being active. “I try to exercise whenever I can and like to go for walks, when the British weather allows. However, I’m also passionate about fried chicken!”
And if Dean could do anything for a day? “I’m a big fan of the sea. Stick me on a boat and let me swim in the sea all day and I’ll be happy.”
If, like Dean, you are super organised, focused on solving client problems and value working in a sincere and supportive environment, then Luxid could be just the place for you. Everything you need to know about careers at Luxid can be found here.
