James Beechinor-Collins

Managing Director, Republic Publishing
jbc@republicpublishing.co.uk
+44 (0) 7753 769 910

Here’s what I do
Alongside my role as editor-at-large on Nokia Conversations, I’m also responsible for managing and directing the Republic business. As our company has grown we’ve built a stellar team of people who are brilliant at what they individually do, but are also adaptable and capable of overcoming the many challenges and changes we face on a daily basis. Having this team makes my life easier, enabling me to focus on where we’re going as a business, how we can deliver more for our valued clients and ensuring someone is picking up the tab when the bar shuts.

Stuff you need to know!

Favourite possession:
My Kuwahara Nova 24 BMX. I like bikes

Biggest creative hero:
Charles and Ray Eames (am I allowed two?) for their incredible design language and the broad-reaching influence they had over the 20th century. Precursors to Jonny Ive? Perhaps

Most indispensable tool:
My phone. Anyone who knows me knows the back of my phone better

Dream project:
Anything that enables us to change the way people think about, and use, the internet. There’s no single dream project just an ambition that every project I’m involved in takes the best from the last one and improves on it. Life is a constant work in progress

Something unusual about yourself:
I’d like to live in India. I think it’s an amazing country and an exciting time to be there, too

What did you want to be when you grew up:
Editor of Colors magazine, something at Industrial Light and Magic – though I’ve never seen Star Wars – or a designer for O’Neill clothing

The one thing everyone should know how to make:
Pancakes

Dogs or Cats:
Dogs, specially chocolate coloured ones called Seamus

A word you just made up, and what does it mean:
I’ve made quite a few up but they’re not generally for public consumption. The meanings? Derogatory. One of them is “borrowed” from here (at 03:10)

Something you want to do before you die:
Fly a helicopter