Photo of Matt Powell

I’m based at our Los Angeles office, and work with clients from proposal to presentation on a variety of research projects.  A typical day could be anything from writing a proposal, presenting findings to a client, interpreting data, managing a project in field, to meeting new clients.  No two days are ever the same.

Matt Powell VP & Executive Director, North America

What is the best thing about working at B2B International?

The people and the work that we do.  The working environment is a fantastic place for stimulating creative thinking and knowledge sharing – with everyone at all levels constantly learning from each other and sharing new skills. Ultimately though, the most rewarding part is working with so many different companies and to be involved in helping them at a strategic level, and then seeing the fruits of our labours have an impact in the way our clients work.  I also love travelling and seeing new places – the fact that most of the work that we do is international means that we often get to see the globe when visiting our clients. 

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

“Question everything” – from one of my colleagues at B2B International.  If I’d have been quick witted that day I would have asked him ‘why?’  Very sound advice though – especially for the industry we work in.

What is your favourite place you have visited – and why?

I’m going to cheat and pick two.  One of my favourite places is Finland.  I was lucky enough to live there for a few months whilst at University.   An amazing country, with very friendly and welcoming people – and standing in the middle of a frozen lake in winter is quite an experience!  My other favourite place would have to be the Summer Palace in Beijing.  I visited there whilst working at our Beijing office a few years ago, and was stunned at the size of the Palace grounds and views that you would normally only see in a film.  I’m yet to visit somewhere that has topped that in terms of views and scenery.

What is your favourite book?

Lord of the Rings – an amazing book, and one that got me through my daily commute whilst at university.

What is your favourite pastime?

One favourite pastime is exploring a city by walking around without an end destination – with iPod on shuffle and camera in hand.