Fraser Trivett is the Global eCommerce Marketplace Lead heading up the eCommerce business for Marketplaces and Indirect Online for Vodafone CIoT, a new vertical in Vodafone that has only been running for just over 2 years. His role covers business strategy, digital shelf execution, commercial operations and portfolio management.

He started his career working for NatWest, later moving into sales roles with GSK. He then worked for Bayer Consumer Care in the UK in sales and eCommerce roles where he first got the eCommerce bug. Most recently, he worked for Kantar Consulting in their eCommerce function and has now entered the exciting world of CIoT for Vodafone.

He’s a keen golfer and sports enthusiast — more watching than playing now. His football team is Aston Villa which can be tough to watch sometimes!

Why did you choose to pursue eCommerce in your career? I was working in a commercial role in Bayer where there was an opportunity to speak to Amazon and potentially work together. I led the commercial and operational negotiations with Amazon to launch them as account for Bayer. That should have put me off! Instead, I was fascinated at the speed in which you can get things done, the ability to be creative and eCommerce allowed you to be closer to the end-customer.

With Amazon now a partner, there was a step change in the business and after seeing the opportunity an eCommerce channel was created in Bayer, this is when I moved into eCommerce account management and I haven’t looked back since.

What is your biggest strength, and how have you used it for your success in eCommerce? I try to make the complicated simple. I have seen many people in the past make mountains out of mole hills. If someone doesn’t really understand how eCommerce operates, this can be the issue. Education and patience help create smoother, simple transitions into new spaces.

What is the weirdest skill or talent to come in handy in your eCommerce experience? Not necessarily a weird skill, but you have to be very tenacious in eCommerce. There will be a lot of barriers and non-believers, and so believing in the cause and not becoming disheartened when it doesn’t go your way is so important.

How have you most successfully influenced change within your organization (or with your clients)? Clear explanations on why I think something is worth doing and the impact it will have. At the start of my eCommerce career, the data behind the numbers could be questionable, but having a clear story and vision showcasing the positive impact it can have on the business really helps drive change.

What was your most “valuable” career failure, and why? Being unprepared for a meeting and thinking I was prepared. I was on the back foot from the start, and I felt like my integrity was being questioned. I hated being in that position, and I’ve made sure that I take all steps ever since so it would not happen again!

In the last five years, what new belief, behavior or habit has most improved your life? Always making sure you have time for a beer (or soft drinks!) with friends and family. Organization is key to this. Work takes up a lot of our life, but it’s so important for me to switch off and enjoy everything around me.

What are you learning right now? How to swing a golf club better! And I’ve been learning a lot of DIY, making some improvements on my house. One good thing I learned is that I won’t try to do any electrics again . . .

What are the 1-3 songs that would make up your career soundtrack today?

• Three Little Birds by Bob Marley: I’ve spent a lot of time telling people don’t worry and trust the plan so this fits well
• Tubthumping by Chumbawamba: “I get knocked down…” I’m sure most of us have experienced up and downs but we dust ourselves off and go again
• Life by Ludovico Einaudi: He is my favourite composer. If you ever feel stressed, have a listen. 

What are the 1-3 books you’ve gifted the most or that have greatly influenced your life, and why?

• The Negotiation Book by Steve Gates: I was gifted this book after a negotiation course, and the principles still live with me today.
• The Pyramid Principles by Barbara Minto: This book has helped me so much. Having an idea/strategy/thought is great, but describing or visualizing takes a lot of skill (whilst knowing the audience you are presenting to) and this book has helped me in developing logic in my thinking and writing.

If you could have a gigantic billboard for the world to see with anything on it, what would it say, and why? Enjoy life today. Yesterday is gone and who knows what tomorrow holds?!

What are the worst recommendations or advice you have heard related to eCommerce? It’s just a small part of the business, we shouldn’t overinvest in it until we see results . . . 

What advice would you give to a future leader of change about to enter business, or specifically the eCommerce field? Embrace the journey and enjoy it. eCommerce is a really fun place to be at the moment. Make sure you are willing to be hands-on and very involved. You can’t be a slacker in eComm. Speak to people around you and innovative partners in this space. You can’t do it alone!

What specific, industry-related change do you believe will happen that few others seem to see? A lot of people see this, but I think Voice and AI will be the key drivers of change within my sector. The advancement of technology and changing consumer habits mean we have to be one step ahead to cater for their needs.

What is the last thing you bought online, and why? I bought an acupressure mat in hopes that it fixes my lower back!

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First Movers is a change leader interview series featuring select industry pioneers who are boldly driving the evolution of digital commerce, the consumer and everything in between.