If you work in communications or the not-for-profit sector there is a likely chance that you have met Paul Crowe or that you have been touched by one of his city-changing endeavours. Heard of TEDxToronto but not sure how it was created? This is one of the two guys. Paul Crowe created a positive city-wide movement while still working as the Director of Digital at his “paying” job. Now you can get to know him a bit more.
Notable: What is your Name and age?
Paul: Paul Crowe Director, 30 years old
Notable: What is the name of the company you work for and what industry is it in?
Paul: Extreme Group @extremegroup @pcrowe
Notable: Elevator Pitch (we just met on an elevator, we have 30 seconds together in the elevator, please describe your business):
Paul: Extreme Group is a company that believes we can influence the world through creativity. We apply our creativity to help brands interact with consumers – we are experts in brand and consumer interaction. We don’t call ourselves an ad agency because the solutions we apply to solve these challenges isn’t always what you would typically call advertising. We like to call ourselves an interactive agency – in the original meaning of the word. Influencing one another through a two-way communication or experience – which doesn’t just mean in the digital space.
Notable: Why did you get involved in your industry, why this one, what was the inspiration?
Paul: I have always loved two things – Business and Creativity. Even as a kid I knew I’d end up in the advertising world because it is a beautiful blend of my interests. I have a letter I wrote at the start of Gr. 6 that said one day I’d be an Advertising Executive. Most of my friends were writing Astronaut, NHL player, soccer player, etc. I guess I just discovered my passion a little earlier.
Notable: What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
Paul: The best part of what I do on a day-to-day basis is that I never do the same thing. Currently I work with a dozen clients in a dozen different industries. In the morning I could be obsessing about the quick-service restaurant industry, then in the afternoon its telecommunications or cars. I need variety and new challenges or I get bored very quickly.
Notable: What is the most challenging part of your job?
Paul: Dealing with variety and new challenges. If we are truly pushing ourselves to be creative then we are doing things that have never been done before or have elements of risk within them. Every project we are recreating at least half of the wheel if not more so managing the stress level and hours required to get it done can be challenging, but the reward of making it happen is worth it.
Notable: Where do you see yourself going in 5 years?
Paul: In five years I hope to be going to space. Beyond that I have no idea. 5 years ago my job didn’t really exist so I can’t look that far ahead nor do I want to.
Notable: Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Paul: Chase what you love.
Notable: What is your greatest asset as it relates to business?
Paul: Passion & drive. Two over-used words but I believe in my case it is true.
Notable: What does success look like to you?
Paul: Being right more than I’m wrong. Even if it is just once more.
Notable: What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Paul: I don’t really separate my life from my career. They are intertwined, so I’ll say my most memorable milestone was the closing remarks on the stage at TEDxToronto this year. Being a co-chair for the first two years of the event and knowing at the time it would be my last it was a pretty special moment. Sharing that with a team of inspired and incredible people is one of the high’s of my life not just my career.
Notable: Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Paul: I support a few different charities through time and or support. My lip was dirty all Movember raising money and awareness for Prostate Cancer Canada. I’ve done it for 3 years now and I’d love to see a cure before it affects my friends and me.
Notable: What is Notable to you?
Paul: I think that getting involved in Toronto’s future is Notable. We have all been blessed to live in this great City and not enough people actually give a shit about it’s future. People will say they do, but what are they actually doing to drive positive change? We can’t leave it up to City Council or our neighbours to do everything. Think how incredible it would be if everyone found a way to positively impact the city and bring to life the Toronto they want to live in. Now that would be Notable.
Notable: Anything Else?
Paul: I write a blog called Digital Society because I needed a forum to share my ideas, thoughts, rants and more about whatever the hell I care about at that moment. Generally it will be about one of a few things; the digital world, how I think we can make the world a better place or ideas that are making the world a better place.