Serving as a top-level executive comes with significant stress, extensive work hours, board duties, and close monitoring. Yet, what does it feel like to lead from the highest ranks outside of working hours?
’s
The series “The Good Life” illustrates how emerging leaders allocate their time and resources beyond their professional commitments.
Today, we welcome Paul Samuels, who serves as the president of global partnerships at the entertainment conglomerate AEG.
Drake might have transformed the O2 into the O3, but he’s working with the individual who secured the landmark agreement 20 years back, which granted the O2 its renowned title initially.
“At around 26 years old, I likely held the position of being the youngest head of sponsorship in the sector, managing one of the biggest budgets, during my time at O2,” Samuels remembers.
Back in 2004, as a member of Generation X handling negotiations for entities like Arsenal Football Club and the England Rugby Team, he encountered a fresh prospect: an offer to sponsor the Millennium Dome. Initially, Samuels declined this opportunity.
Then came the spark of an idea—if they not only sponsored it but also put their names on it?
Everybody considered it a wild notion and it faced multiple internal rejections, yet I persisted,” Samuels notes. “It seemed like an all-or-nothing situation.” He continues, “In the end, we secured a naming rights agreement for what is currently called The O2.
This was not only a crucial moment for the massive London venue, where global megastars like Usher and Andrea Bocelli showcase their talents beneath its ceiling, but also marked a significant shift in Samuel’s professional journey.
A year afterward, he was recruited by The Bonham Group, the firm he had collaborated with on the project, to serve as its European CEO, achieving this position by the age of 30.
In 2006, he was responsible for selling the company to AEG Europe, which gave him entry into the firm where he continues his career to this day.
Currently serving as the head of global partnerships at AEG International, Samuels leads a team of 100 members and manages partnerships such as the Uber Arena in Berlin and The O2, which remains under AEG ownership and continues to provide substantial returns on investment two decades after his negotiation efforts.
Similar to Steve Jobs, Tim Cook, and
even Gen Z
, Samuel is a devotee of having the same meal for lunch almost daily (a simple baked potato with toppings) and prefers to adhere to a self-imposed work attire: a Ralph Lauren polo shirt paired with jeans.
’s
previously mentioned that it’s the
easiest productivity hack
For those aiming to conserve time and combat decision exhaustion.
The finances
:
What’s been the best investment you’ve ever bought?
My house. Eight years ago, we were happily living in Mill Hill in London, and decided to get a quote for a kitchen extension. The costs seemed so high, I joked it would be cheaper to move and that ended up being the reality! But it certainly wasn’t cheaper. We stretched ourselves to the limit, and had several months of doubt and worry if we were making the right choice, but eight years later, we realise it was the best thing we ever did. Yes, it was hard, but it all worked out in the end, and we now have an investment our future selves will thank us for.
And the worst?
The worst investment decision I ever made also relates to property. My first flat was a one-bedroom flat in Hendon. I managed to purchase a second home, without needing to sell the flat, as there was very little capital in the flat given I purchased it when you could get a mortgage with 5% deposit! I decided to keep it on as a buy-to-let, before getting suddenly nervous about capital gains tax, so I sold it. I think I walked away with £10k, but if I had just held onto it, I would have been looking at a great return today.
If you have children, what do your childcare arrangements look like?
I have three daughters now aged nearly 17, 15 and 13. My wife made it clear when we got married, she wanted to be a stay-at-home parent and to be honest, I couldn’t do the job I do if our family didn’t have her support. I often need to travel at the drop of a hat and have been so lucky in that I’ve not had to worry about home life as she has everything under control. My wife considered setting up a business when the kids got older and perhaps she still will; however, for now, our family hugely benefits from the flexibility she offers by supporting the kids and ferrying them around after school activities or to social arrangements. It’s a full-time job and one that she loves. We’re very lucky.
How would you describe where you live: A fancy penthouse downtown or a spacious house in the suburbs?
I reside in a location named Arkley situated in North West London. It’s a quaint village at the periphery of London. The property caught our attention due to its beautiful garden along with the seclusion and tranquility offered by the neighborhood. Recently, we completed an extensive renovation, and now we thoroughly enjoy spending time there.
What mode of transportation do you use to get to work?
I drive to the station, and then have a 30 minute train ride.
Are you carrying a wallet?
I don’t use a traditional wallet since everything is managed through Apple Pay, but I do keep a card holder connected to my phone. You can never be too prepared for when you might need your actual American Express card!
For me, the essential card is my American Express. This includes both the Platinum Amex because of its perks as well as my British Airways Amex card. I have a real passion for accumulating Avios points and companion vouchers. Given how much I enjoy traveling with my family, these savings really add up!
Are you into stock investments?
I don’t dabble in stocks (except for those bought through retirement accounts and Individual Savings Accounts), but I’ve been intending to start! The company IG Group has become our sponsor here in Nagoya, Japan. They offer an excellent application that simplifies the process significantly, making it one of my objectives for 2025.
If you could go back in time and advise your 20-year-old self about personal finances, what tips would you offer?
Purchase a home sooner rather than later. Paying rent feels like tossing your cash out the window. The main challenge these days seems to be gathering enough for a down payment; nonetheless, if you can find alternatives like savings plans, loans, or help from relatives, I’d advise my past self to take advantage of those options and climb aboard the property train! When I bought my initial apartment at age 27, I considered myself quite youthful back then—but not so much now. It’s clear to me now that starting this journey even before reaching 27 would have been ideal.
The necessities
Where do you usually go for your daily caffeine boost?
I’d really enjoy liking coffee. However, the reality is that I detest it. Therefore, for me, it’s English breakfast tea with a piece of lemon (and just one sugar substitute).
How about consuming food while you’re moving around?
On most days, when I’m at the office, it’s “lunch-at-the-desk” time. Being a traditional sort, I stick to the same meal every day: a baked potato with beans. Interestingly enough, the nearby café has become quite familiar with my routine; they recognize me just from a smile and a nod, preparing my potato and beans before I even say a word.
As mentioned earlier, because of what I do for work, many business meals involve dining at various restaurants—from fancy ones to more casual spots. One of my favorite places is an authentic Jewish-style deli; however, they have become quite rare in London these days. When I’m in New York City or Los Angeles though, often clients will treat me to dinner at one of those iconic eateries!
Where can one purchase groceries?
This is entirely an Ocado delivery from start to finish. We seldom visit a supermarket nowadays, except when we urgently need to grab something at the last minute.
How frequently each week do you eat out compared to preparing meals at home?
Monday to Friday we are normally at home. Often all eating at different times, depending on work, kids sports, or other mayhem. Friday night is always family dinner, where we sit down and eat together. Saturday will often be dinner with friends, and we now opt for more local restaurants. Sunday we tend to go out for dinner with the kids or order takeaway together.
Where do you shop for your work wardrobe?
People who know me know I have a very basic dress code. I’m always in a blue or black Ralph Lauren polo shirt. I have a LOT of them. In fact, when we were renovating the house, I decided to have a clear out and I’m ashamed to say I took around 70 of them to a charity shop, and I’m still left with plenty.
The treats
How do you unwind from the top job?
I continually feel drawn to try my hand at padel or golf. However, thus far, I haven’t succeeded in either. Given how frequently I travel for work, I usually prefer unwinding on the couch with some Netflix.
What’s the finest additional reward you’ve treated yourself to?
Holidays, holidays, holidays.
Join us on our holiday journey; where do you plan to go next for your vacation?
I’m all for working hard so I can enjoy holidays! Holidays mean a lot to me. Since my children have packed schedules due to their various social activities, having one or two weeks together during our trips becomes immensely precious.
Each year during Christmastime, we relish our time off as businesses close their doors for two whole weeks, allowing me some respite from work. In recent years, we’ve developed an affinity for cruising. Most frequently, we venture to the Caribbean, though we’ve also explored Asian waters aboard various cruise ships. This mode of traveling has truly opened up new horizons for us globally.
Although we enjoy beach vacations, I currently favor trips that allow for both relaxation and some form of activity. Over the past few years, we’ve undertaken a West Coast road trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas, complete with several stops along the way. This journey offered opportunities for rest alongside engaging experiences. As a family, our ideal destination remains Thailand.
What is the number of vacation days you typically use each year?
A lot!
wants to hear from leaders on what their “Good Life” looks like. Get in touch:
orianna.royle@
This tale was initially showcased on
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