Day in the Life – Jake Lowe

Function: Technology

Tell us a  little about yourself

Originally from Derbyshire, I’ve lived in Sheffield, Chester, Bristol, and 18 months ago I moved to Winchester. I live with my girlfriend Martina who is a veterinary anaesthetist from Italy. We love the blend of city life with fresh country air and the fantastic trail running that Winchester has to offer.

When I was 15 years old I had the opportunity to present a Children’s Television programme on the BBC. Not only did it get me out of science class on a Tuesday (filming day), but it gave me a passion to explore media further and I decided to study Performing Arts at college.

I went on to present the breakfast show on two commercial radio stations, which saw me involved in a number of bizarre and crazy stunts – from sneaking in to people’s bedrooms to wake them up with an electric guitar live on air, to hanging naked from a crane over a very busy traffic island during rush hour.

I am also a qualified Personal Trainer and Running Coach, and before joining Three I ran my own running coaching business and presented a weekly Podcast.

In a nutshell, describe your role and how you support our business objectives?

I am part of the Strategy and Governance team which sits within our Technology department. I primarily support the Commercial and Governance team to continually improve our approach to how we manage the relationships with our technology partners.

My role is incredibly varied, where breadth of knowledge across a number of different areas is equally as important (if not more so) than depth of knowledge.

One of my key focus areas is ensuring that all stakeholders across the business are aligned, and that we are crystal clear on the goals of our business.

I am also currently working to improve the way we communicate, both with our technology partners and internally within Commercial and Governance.

What has been your career highlight?

When I worked in radio, I travelled with an aid convey to Albania during the Kosovo Crisis. My role was to visit refugee camps and do live broadcasts back to the studio.

In between broadcasts, I spent time with the kids in the camps – playing basketball, laughing, joking. They were incredible and you would never have guessed that they were living in a war-torn country.

Without question this is a memory that will stay with me forever.

How have you supported your personal wellbeing during the last couple of years?

Exercise has always been a huge passion of mine, and it is my go to medicine when I need to take some time out, hit the reset button, and restore balance.

I also thrive on the company of others (one of the many things I love about working with so many people at Three!). Just being around people can immediately change the energy, and therefore potentially how you both feel.

Combining both, I recently set up the Green Park Running Club at Three. We have a fantastic little group that meets up every Wednesday lunchtime, and personal wellbeing is at the centre of our club.

When you were a child, what job did you see yourself doing?

As a 7 year old I was pretty clear on my career path – I wanted to be an astronaut or be on TV.

I’ve managed one so far but I’m still hopeful to tick them both off at some point.

Give us a fun fact

I was once arrested for impersonating a police officer, using a hairdryer as a speed gun and pointing it at traffic.

In my defence… not only were people slowing down when they saw me but they were also putting their mobile phones away. The bright red Revlon hairdryer (equipped with diffuser) was clearly having the desired effect!

No, that defence did not stand up in court.