Meet the Experts: Gregory Miller

Gregory Miller

Director of Marketing

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1. What do you find most unique about working at October Three? 

The focus on growth. A lot of companies have to be seeing significant declines in sales or revenue before they start considering doing anything different. At October Three, it’s always encouraged to think outside the box or around the corner. Everyone here is 100% focused on making us bigger and better, which is exciting.

2. How did you get into this industry? 

October Three is actually the first company I have worked for in the financial services industry. I worked in HR related industries for more than 10+ years, but nothing exactly like this. Sometimes I feel like the odd duck at October Three since I don’t have such a robust financial background, but I’m pretty sure I got the job by saying, “I worry about retirement all the time, and if I could work here, at least I’d get paid to worry about retirement. So I’m very interested.” That genuine interest in demystifying such an important part of life is what’s driven my growth at October Three. And I think people give me credit for being so interested and learning so much, even though I don’t have the same background as some.

3. What's one project or achievement you're particularly proud of? 

I’m really proud that I was able to forge a partnership with both Robert Half and Korn Ferry this year.  Having both of those more tenured brands see enough value in us to do a co-branded webinar is huge. We are rapidly growing and have even been on the INC 5000 two years in a row, but we’re not quite a household name yet. Having strong partnerships like these, though, shows that we are objectively worth believing in. 

4. What's one thing you wish others could know about your role? 

My job is a lot about cutting through the clutter. Whether it’s talking with a super smart actuary and trying to boil down a super complicated but brilliant idea they have into a sound bite, or just balancing the many shifting priorities we constantly have, I have to challenge people and push things. I think a lot of people get that and want to help, but at times I may be a little more direct than people are used to. I hope people know that what I’m really after is trying to make everyone’s life easier or simpler, which I think is a good thing for our industry. 

5. What's a book, podcast, or other resource you'd recommend to others, and why? 

Oh geez. I’m not a great one for this question because I’m usually more into an Avengers movie or the latest episode of Ted Lasso than books, but I would say one book (audiobook) that I really loved was The Ride of a Lifetime with Bob Iger from Disney. Basically, he just tells stories about being Disney’s CEO, but they are all wrapped in important business lessons like “Admit your mistakes and show how you’ll fix them”, “When it comes to relationships, timing is everything,” and “It’s more important to repeat one clear message than have a bunch of different ideas”. Definitely worth a read ... or a listen.   

6. What's a skill or hobby you have outside of work? Have you applied any lessons or knowledge from your skills or hobbies in your role at October Three?  

One thing I really love outside of October Three is being a 1^st- and 4^th-grade soccer coach for my kids. I learned quickly by coaching that you have to keep it fun, understand where they are at, and keep the expectations clear. All of those lessons are things I try to bring into my job as well.  

I’m a fairly focused person at work, but I do genuinely care about everyone I work with, and if I can make them laugh, then I take that as a small win.  

Knowing your audience is huge to me too. I have met tons of smart people who aren’t received well because they don’t know how to speak the other persons “language.” I spend a lot of time putting myself in other people’s shoes and I think that matters more and more as we all fall deeper into algorithms that are only designed to reinforce what you already know and like vs. experiencing things outside your bubble.  

At October Three I’m also fortunate enough to manage a great team of smart marketers and salespeople who all want to do a great job. I feel I owe it to them to always be as clear as possible about my expectations, so they have the best chance to meet or exceed them.  

Click here to read Gregory's bio on our Meet the Team page.