Ryan Briggs - Managing Director, Shout Loud Social
Did you always envisage a career in the marketing and media industry?
Media? Yes. Marketing? Not at first. I’ve always been creative, and after editing videos for a decade and initially running a successful YouTube channel, running my own business wasn’t on my radar. That changed when I started working at Durham BID, where I saw how businesses struggled with marketing. Now, I get to use creativity with purpose, and I love it.
What has your career path been so far?
After college, I became the Students’ Union President at New College Durham, which sparked my interest in leadership. Helping my partner’s family open Cafédral Durham introduced me to the business world, leading to a role at Durham BID as their Social Media & Engagement Officer. There, I saw first-hand what businesses needed to thrive online. When I left Durham BID, that’s when my partner and I launched Shout Loud Social. It has grown from a bedroom startup to a full agency with an office, boardroom and a fancy new recording studio at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far?
Growing a business while working with my partner haha! We started Shout Loud Social just before the pandemic, so adapting to uncertainty was a huge challenge. As we grew as a team, it was then about learning when to push forward and when to step back, which has been key. Balancing work and life is always a challenge too, but I’ve learnt to set boundaries (most of the time!). Once upon a time, I was still in the office at 3 am!
What is your greatest strength?
Trusting my gut while constantly learning. I have a natural instinct for what works, but I also take in strategies, trends and content that shape my decisions. It’s not just about following the latest hype; it’s about understanding what actually connects with people and delivers results. I absorb what’s happening in the industry, spot patterns and adapt quickly, which means I can make smart, creative decisions without overthinking. That balance of instinct and insight helps me create marketing that stands out and actually works. Watching some of our clients go viral organically has been exciting!
What is your biggest weakness?
Switching off. When you run your own business, it’s hard to step away and not let work take over every part of your life. I’m always thinking about the next idea, the next project or how to improve something. It’s a strength in some ways, but it can make it difficult to fully relax. I’m getting better at setting boundaries, but it’s a work in progress!
Which fictional character can you most relate to?
Apparently, people in the office (and friends) think I’m Hyacinth Bucket, which somewhere deep inside me I take as a compliment. I do love her. High standards, a touch of drama, and a firm belief that things should be done properly. There’s also Cam from Modern Family, enthusiastic, a bit over-the-top at times, but always meaning well and fully committed to whatever he throws himself into!
What has been your proudest achievement?
The ability to give multiple people a job is amazing. Starting as a small business, it felt surreal when we got to the point of hiring our first team member. I’m really proud of knowing that the business I built can support other people’s careers. It’s not just about growth, it’s about creating opportunities and building something that lasts.
What are your future career aspirations?
To keep growing the business while staying true to why we started, helping businesses who don’t know where to begin and don’t have the time to figure it out. I want to build a strong, talented team, create more opportunities for others and work with brands that genuinely excite me.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
My dad has taught me not to burn bridges. You never know when you’ll cross paths with someone again, and how you handle things matters. Business moves fast, but relationships and reputation last. Even when things don’t work out, leaving on good terms can open doors in the future.
How do you see your industry evolving in the next 10 years?
Marketing will keep moving faster. AI and automation will play a bigger role, but creativity and genuine connection will always win. I think we’ll see a shift away from vanity metrics and surface-level content, with brands focusing more on authenticity and real engagement. The challenge will be keeping up without losing the human touch.
How do you like to unwind?
I have two Goldendoodles, Rubin and Bonnie, so walking is a big part of my routine. Every Saturday, I walk the old railway line to a local farm café. It’s my time to switch off, listen to a podcast and enjoy the walk. It’s a simple routine, but I look forward to it every week. I also go to a quiz every week with my friends which I love. It’s become a bit of a ritual, or as the host says, a cult.
shoutloudsocial.co.uk