Wotcha and Aloha! I’m Ben Carter - I manage systems (including HubSpot) and data for CancerTools.org - a global not-for-profit biorepository and ecommerce business. We are part of Cancer Research UK - a large cancer charity. The money we make goes back to life saving cancer research as well as to the researchers from universities around the world who kindly contribute products to our portfolio. I’m not a scientist (self confessed muggle) - my background was previously marketing and mark-ops in a range of different organisations/sectors. I’m now primarily focused on optimising CancerTools systems, data, business processes and reporting to support our continued growth. I enjoy finding solutions to problems - especially where new software/tech/AI can help connect things as well as reduce administrative tasks. I’m a Dad, husband, self-confessed geek and currently addicted to two sci-fi/fantasy web novels (currently on chapter 2431 of one and 1666 of another!). When I’m not reading I’m doing DIY or working on my two cars, or occasionally writing articles for PetrolBlog. I currently live near London but was born in Leeds and grew up near Cardiff. I’ve joined this group to learn more about HubSpot and how best to admin it, as well as potentially meet some new friends and contacts. --- This post was migrated from connect.com and was originally published at an earlier date.
Welcome Ben! With a background in marketing before transitioning to systems and data, I’m curious what initially drew you to the more operational/technical side of things? Was it a gradual evolution or did you have one of those “aha” career shift moments? --- This post was migrated from connect.com and was originally published at an earlier date.
Hi Victor - good question! I have always been technically minded and enjoyed finding solutions to problems. In a previous role I was constantly encountering technical roadblocks to my team’s marketing efforts, so I slowly but surely started figuring out solutions. One of my superpowers is figuring out new systems and software quickly, so I inevitably ended up as a CRM admin as well. This then led to me managing a digital transformation project where the organisation replaced its CRM, website and finance system. It also re-branded, but thankfully I didn’t have to get involved with that too heavily - we all have limits to how many plates we can spin! Another big motivator for the switch - money! This may sound mercenary but it keeps the lights on and my kids fed. I’ve found that going more niche/specialist meant that available salary options increased dramatically in comparison to marketing manager roles. I feel very lucky that I can be part of a very worthy cause that matters to me (my Mum is a cancer survivor and my late father in law sadly wasn’t) but still “bring home the bacon”! --- This post was migrated from connect.com and was originally published at an earlier date.