Comedy, Crisis, and Content That Matters: Career Lessons with Rob Hallam: PR in the Real World

On this week’s episode of PR in the Real World, we meet the man who swapped square footage for storytelling. Rob Hallam ditched real estate to pursue a career in broadcasting.

After stints as a stand-up comedian, a car show presenter and time on kids TV show Prank Patrol, Rob launched Bigtank Productions in 2005. Two decades on, the company continues to punch above its weight, delivering slick, story-led content for brands across the UK.

In conversation with our host, Tony Garner, Rob reflects on his colourful career, shares his thoughts on crafting meaningful narratives in a digital world and reveals the life lessons learned along the way.

Here are just a few of our key takeaways…

1 • Tell every story with the same amount of impact.

Whether it’s for a cat litter tray or filming off helicopters, boats and steam trains on Lake Baikal, every story is told with the same amount of impact.

Bigtank’s approach to projects is always focused on client needs and impactful storytelling.

He said: “If it changes what people think, feel, and do, then it’s worked. That’s the goal of effective storytelling.”

Why this matters: Impactful storytelling makes for memorable content that will not soon be forgotten by its consumers.

2 • The Lotus Esprit

The turning point in Rob’s life and career was only the beginning of his route to Bigtank.

“At a time early in my career, my reason for living was so that I could have a mustard yellow Lotus Esprit.”

“The day I worked out that I could meet these payments, my world fell apart because all the stress and unhappiness I went through, I had done to be able to afford this car, and it didn’t feel worth it. I remember it was in retrospect, a wonderful moment as it got me on the right path.”

Why this matters: It’s sometimes good to take that step back, to see the bigger picture and ask yourself, is what I’m doing truly rewarding long term?

3 • Coping with self-doubt.

Like a lot of our guests, Rob touched on the battle against imposter syndrome and the importance of overcoming self-doubt in the pursuit of success.

“I’m now quite happy to say I’m insecure at times… being open about it helps build a supportive environment.”

Why it matters: It’s good to have perspective and appreciate the amount of hard work and dedication you put into something.

4 • The value of building relationships in business.

Bigtank has multiple repeat clients, and Rob believes it comes from strong client relations.

He said: “You’ve got to build trust and empathy… if you can’t, then you are perhaps not the best people for that job.“

“The quality of output is really good… but the energy we have, and the can-do attitude makes people come back.”

Why this matters: Repeat clients are a good sign that you are doing all the right things!

5 • Don’t forget to celebrate the wins!

It’s easy to focus on the challenges and setbacks, but don’t forget the successes achieved along the way.

Want Rob’s advice? Take the time to acknowledge the accomplishments.

“Celebrate the wins, lots of people tell me that as I often berate myself. We’ll have 99 things that went well, and one thing that doesn’t. That’ll be the one that I focus on.”

Why it matters: Celebrate success, no matter how big or small, every win is an important one.

Listen to Rob’s episode now.

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