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Simon Usiskin
Driving growth and scaling up digital media and innovative tech companies
Professional Background
Simon Usiskin is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in the fields of economics, consulting, and the entertainment industry. He demonstrated his leadership skills and strategic thinking at various organizations throughout his career. Currently, Simon serves as the Commercial Director at Abstraction, where he applies his vast knowledge and expertise to drive commercial success and develop innovative strategies for his organization.
Before taking on the role at Abstraction, Simon had an impactful career trajectory with a multitude of prestigious positions. He honed his consulting skills as an Associate at Lazarus Consulting, where he worked on major projects that enhanced the operational efficiency of various firms. Furthermore, his role as an Advisor at iQU showcased his ability to assess company needs and provide tailored solutions that drive growth and enhance performance.
Simon co-founded Skiptobot, a venture that exemplified his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology in interactive entertainment. His dynamic career also includes serving as a Managing Partner at JWR Ventures, where he was instrumental in guiding a range of startups toward achieving their full potential in the digital landscape.
He has also held senior roles such as Mentor at Startupbootcamp Amsterdam, providing invaluable guidance and direction to burgeoning entrepreneurs, and played an essential role as Co-Founder and Managing Director at iQU. Here, he fostered an environment of innovation and creativity while managing his team to achieve key objectives.
Throughout his career, Simon has actively contributed to the gaming industry as a Board Member in the Entertainment sector at the Dutch Games Association. His influence in this sector was further exemplified during his stint as an Advisory Board Member at GameOn – The Dutch Games Investment Programme, where his insights supported the growth of projects in the gaming sphere.
In addition, Simon's career includes notable leadership positions such as Portal Director at Spil Games and Head of Hiptv at 2waytraffic, which allowed him to explore and expand his marketing competencies and operational management. His earlier roles such as Sales and Marketing Director at Totalstay Group and Managing Director at Rose Bay equipped him with a robust foundation in business strategy and marketing.
Education and Achievements
Simon Usiskin's educational background laid the groundwork for his impressive career in economics and social sciences. He studied at The University of Manchester, where he earned a BA in Economics and Sociology. This formal education provided him with a strong understanding of economic principles and societal dynamics, allowing him to navigate the complexities of the industries in which he operates.
Earlier in his academic journey, Simon attended University College School, focusing on Social Biology, Economics, and Mathematics. Here, he developed a fundamental appreciation for quantitative analysis and its relevance to business and social systems. With a well-rounded education, Simon is not only prepared to tackle challenges in the economic landscape but also to integrate social considerations into his business practices.
Simon's achievements extend beyond formal titles and roles. He has made significant contributions in his fields, especially in shaping the digital landscape and fostering innovation within organizations, thereby affecting positive change and development. He consistently seeks opportunities to enhance his professional skills and knowledge, emphasizing his commitment to lifelong learning and growth.
Achievements
- Successfully developed and implemented strategic plans that enhanced commercial performance while serving as Commercial Director at Abstraction.
- Co-founded and played a pivotal role in Skiptobot, demonstrating innovative thinking in the tech-driven entertainment sector.
- Contributed to the mentorship of numerous entrepreneurs as part of his role at Startupbootcamp Amsterdam, significantly impacting the startup ecosystem.
- Initiated and developed various projects under JWR Ventures, pushing the limits of what technology can achieve within the entertainment industry.
- Played an influential role in the Dutch gaming industry through multiple board and advisory positions, steering initiatives that promote growth and collaboration among industry players.
- Demonstrated versatility and adaptability across various roles in marketing, operations, and executive management.
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Simon Usiskin: A Leader in Economics, Consulting, and Entertainment
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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