Chris Quinn (pictured, left) is co-founder and director at Invested, a new media agency that launched in Leeds last year.
Invested is the brainchild of Quinn and Will Hughes, who first worked together as graduates at Brilliant Media 14 years ago. Following a decade at different agencies, the duo reunited at IMA, where they both held senior positions.
With a focus on media strategy and buying, the agency already has a roster of clients across a range of sectors including Luminate Education Group, Brass Monkey and Lightspeed Broadband.
From big job challenges to inspirational mentors, Quinn shares his career journey and words of advice.
How did you first get into your industry?
I really enjoyed the advertising modules from my marketing degree. During my final year of uni, I applied for several creative agency grad schemes with no success. I asked one agency for feedback on where I was going wrong, to which they said I have a very analytical brain, so I should explore the media side of the industry (which I didn’t know was a thing!) The rest is history.
What do you love about your job?
I love the problem-solving element – it’s what keeps things fresh and challenging. Each client brief is unique, often requiring a tailored approach to crack. That variety means I’m always learning and adapting, and I get to collaborate with some genuinely talented people. Working alongside them to find solutions that make a difference for clients is incredibly rewarding. It’s this combination of variety, challenge, and collaboration that makes me excited to tackle each new brief.
Who – or what – has inspired you in your career?
I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible people in my corner. My wife has always supported my passions, encouraging me to pursue what I love and reminding me why I do it. My dad inspired me to take the leap and start my own business, having grown up seeing him do the same, he showed me the value of taking risks and believing in my abilities. I also owe a lot to my former boss and mentor, Simon Price, who first set me on this career path during our time at Brilliant Media & Mediacom. His guidance helped me realise my passion for media buying and leading a team. Each of them has shaped my journey in unique ways, and I’m deeply grateful.
What are the biggest challenges about your job?
A challenge everyone faces is not having enough time, there’s always more you could do. Running a business means wearing many hats – balancing the strategic thinking, day-to-day execution, and company operations all at once can be demanding. It’s about finding the right balance and knowing when to prioritise progress over perfection.
What skills have been the most crucial to you succeeding in your career so far?
A combination of organisation and objectivity have been essential to my success. In an industry full of constant noise, staying organised helps me stay focused and prioritise effectively. Being objective allows me to filter out distractions, take a pragmatic approach, and focus on things that truly make a difference for clients. These skills help me stay grounded and make decisions based on data and outcomes, not just the latest trends.
What was your first salary and what could someone getting into the industry expect to earn nowadays?
My first role was as a media graduate, and I earned £15,000 – a modest start, but it was a great entry into the industry. Entry level, outside of London, salaries in media typically start around £22-25,000. You could argue this still isn’t great. However there are some great agency graduate/apprentice schemes that offer regular pay increases in your early years based on hitting certain goals.
What education or training would be most useful for someone looking to follow your career path?
I’m a big believer in the Einstein adage of ‘if you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough’. As an advertising specialist, it’s your responsibility to fully understand your craft. Take the time to study the finer detail of what you’re doing. Read the industry papers, books and news on a topic. Only once you understand the core components, can you distill it down to something worth your client’s time and attention.
What advice would you have for someone looking to follow your path?
Don’t undervalue the power of relationships. We couldn’t have got Invested off the ground without them. Invest time in building your network, both personal and professional. Answer that phone call, grab that coffee and go for that lunch.
