Stefan Lepkowski - Managing Director of Fusion, part of Karol Marketing Group.
Did you always envisage a career in the media industry?
I had no set ideas on what I wanted to do or where my strengths really lay, but certain opportunities arose and doors opened. When travelling in Europe in my early twenties, I had a chance meeting with the owner of Berghaus, the outdoor clothing brand. I got a job in Berghaus’ shop, LD Mountain Centre, which led me to learning about different aspects of the business and its products, and after showing some journalists around, my boss at the time said “we’re going to put you in charge of PR”. I didn’t really know what PR was but after been given a book by a friend as a gift, it was a seismic, truly lightbulb moment where what I felt very natural doing – being good at communicating – came together with a world of career possibilities. This gave me the freedom to explore new avenues, and the rest is history.
What has been your career path so far?
I established Karol Marketing over 30 years ago after taking a chance and going it alone so I haven’t really followed a career path in the traditional sense from company to company. I started out with one client and before long, I was working with Merrell, Nike and other major sports/outdoor brands. I had no set in stone vision for Karol, but doing good work for good clients generated growth, secured new business wins, and more recently, helped to acquire Fusion which we’ve recently rebranded to mark the start of a new chapter. This has driven my own personal growth and career, and despite it being somewhat rooted in the business, I continue to learn from those around me.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
I’ve had several of life’s ‘wake-up calls’ on a personal level from overcoming my son’s near drowning to recovering from prostate cancer. But, on a business level, it’s riding the highs with the lows and keeping going when it gets tough. For any owner, I think finding the right staff (and balance) in terms of skills, talent, personalities, expertise and leadership can be a big challenge, but once you find it, as we have within Fusion and Karol, it is immensely rewarding.
Who do you respect most in your industry?
He’s not from the industry but definitely President Zelensky. He’s demonstrated how the power of good communications can unite people and mobilise the world into action. The value of clear messaging is so important.
What is your greatest strength?
I’m told I’m a creative thinker, an ‘ideas person’ who comes up with imaginative campaigns for clients. However, it’s also about how best to apply this to consumer psychology, trends and proven marketing techniques to achieve end goals. I’d also say the ability to spot opportunities. Fusion (as a high-level strategic communications consultancy) is a good example of this. The niche work the team is delivering, often in specialist fields and industries such as renewable energy and net zero, is different to most but has become a great working partnership to Karol Marketing, and one that as a group makes us unique.
What is your biggest weakness?
I’ve been told that I talk too much (I’d like to think that’s my creativity talking!), and I am often fashionably late! Sometimes I may also take things too personally but it matters to me that I can do the very best I can…oh, and I have a weakness for good coffee!
What has been your proudest achievement?
This isn’t just about my working life and Fusion or Karol, but about the bigger picture. My ‘success’ goes hand-in-hand with the input and contribution of those around me whether it be family, friends or work colleagues, and the opportunities I’ve followed. What makes me extremely proud and happiest at the moment is taking a step back and seeing the amazing family and team that I have. It’s a force in different ways.
What are your future career aspirations?
It’s exciting to see what lies ahead for Fusion, especially as we reposition strategically and attract new clients in key sectors, but it’s also about putting in place good foundations for the future across both companies. I’m 59-years-old and can’t (and don’t necessarily want to) do this for another twenty years, so if I can create a sustainable and future-proof workplace that stands the test of time, then that will give me satisfaction.
How do you see your industry evolving in the next 10 years?
Creating and maintaining the happiest team is key, and I know from experience that happy people do excellent work. That’s true for the industry generally, but looking ahead, trends, technology, society and other external factors can make change happen quickly. It’s hard to predict but if you’re in the game, you can create your own unique zone.
How do you like to unwind?
Time with the family, outdoor pursuits, watersports and gardening (only the creative part – not lawn mowing or hedge trimming!).
www.fusionprcreative.com