We think it’s time to recognise and celebrate the true talent in the digital media industry, the technologists, founders and leaders who are really driving our industry who just happen to be over 50. 50 over 50 is a series of interviews, with our most influential and inspiring industry leaders aged 50 and over.
Damian Ryan is the founder and managing partner of Ryan Capital Partners, an advisor to the media, technology and marketing services sectors. Ryan was formerly M&A Partner – Media and Technology at BDO where he published The Martech Report, the first to define and value the global martech sector.
He is the author of Understanding Digital Marketing and serves on the corporate finance committee of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments.
What one thing are you proudest of in your career?
Seeing the positive changes, I’ve helped bring about in people’s lives. Whether it’s that big payday for a founder or helping a client navigate a challenging sale, there’s real satisfaction in knowing I’ve made a lasting impact. Deals are often about numbers, but at the heart of every transaction is a story about people and their hard work.
What heights are you now capable of that you wouldn’t have been able to achieve at the early or mid-point of your career?
Having started my career in 1984, I’ve got four decades of experience that allow me to see challenges and opportunities from multiple angles. Spending the first 20 years in media and then pivoting to corporate finance means I bring a unique perspective to M&A, especially for founders in media, tech, and digital. Today, clients appreciate that my insights are informed by hands-on experience, not just theory.
What gives you the most satisfaction in your role today?
Navigating the impossible deals! Over the years, I’ve come to thrive in challenging, often high-stakes situations where others might hesitate. I’ve discovered that I actually enjoy the tough negotiations and intricate details that come with complicated deals. It’s like playing guitar: sometimes, the hardest pieces are the most rewarding to master.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your career?
You don’t know what you don’t know. In deal-making, everyone’s got an opinion, but it’s crucial to listen to those who’ve been through it all before. It’s the same for businesses preparing for sale: always get insights from those who’ve walked the path. I’ve made my share of mistakes, and I tell my clients that’s what makes my advice worthwhile—because I’ve learned from every one of them.
What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
When this thing called “The Internet” comes along, don’t wait—dive in! Starting one of the UK’s first digital agencies was probably the best decision I made, and I’d tell my younger self to lean even harder into that. Oh, and maybe stick with guitar—turns out, rock and roll and M&A have more in common than you’d think.
What is the biggest mistake companies are making in their attitude to age today?
Experience isn’t just a line on a CV; it’s accumulated judgment, honed over years. I’m fortunate to work with partners who are, let’s say, ‘well-seasoned,’ and it’s amazing the insights they bring to complex transactions. Younger teams might be tempted to think they can figure it all out themselves, but there’s immense value in the wisdom that comes with experience. After all, as we say in Ireland, “We didn’t lick it off the road.”
What is your biggest regret about the industry today?
The erosion of trust. In media, advertising, technology, and finance, we’ve seen trust become a casualty of quick gains and aggressive tactics. Technology promised to make life easier, but has it really? If someone out there can figure out how to bring trust back to the table, I’d gladly sign up as their advisor.
