There are many who wouldn't envy the job of a customer care
executive.
But Yahoo! UK & Ireland's saintly Jason Scopp has clearly got the
requisite credentials for the job.
A man with many strings to his bow, Scopp was a street performer in a
previous incarnation. "I used to be a busker; it was the only way I
could earn any money," he says. The proceeds usually went on travels to
far-flung destinations of the world. "Brazil was the best," he
reminisces fondly, with a distinct gleam in his eye.
Scopp still likes a juggle with his balls and his harmonica-playing
continues throughout the day - even at his desk. "Yes, he keeps us
entertained with all his sounds," Fran Thorpe, the head of customer care
, says enigmatically.
Said to be very patient and laid-back, it appears that Scopp is just the
man to defuse those tricky customer enquiries that can threaten to get
out of hand. "He's got a lovely manner - he almost makes friends with
them," Thorpe adds.
But how the devil does he do it?
"I enjoy troublesome customers," Scopp enthuses. "I like getting a
grumpy miserable person shouting at you and then eating out of your
hand. Let them have their rant - you've got to pander to their
needs."
Ah, butter wouldn't melt. But is there a darker side to Scopp? For as
much as everyone espouses his squeaky clean image, isn't this
photographic evidence of him getting comfortable on a bed with a certain
American boss, Sarah Lindgren, the international customer care
manager?
Aw. We're told it was a conference where everyone ended up in someone's
bedroom - and these two were talking about hair products. Oh well, nice
try.