If you have ever wondered what it’s like to have a digital marketer in your corner who genuinely gets how founders think, meet Tom Arden. He is the person who can dive into analytics, rethink your social strategy, polish your copy, sort out your SEO and still have brainpower left to create a campaign that actually converts. Tom works with Sycamore clients as a Digital Marketing Specialist, bringing seven years of hands on experience across the full marketing landscape.

What really stands out in Tom’s work is how he helps business owners feel clearer, more organised and far more confident about their marketing. His approach is thoughtful, adaptable and rooted in making things actually work for the way a founder’s brain operates.

In this Q&A, Tom talks about how he found himself in OBM work, what he loves most about supporting founders, the tasks that light him up, and how understanding neurodiversity has shaped the way he collaborates. You will also hear about his seventy-hour music playlist, which sounds like it basically has its own personality at this point.

Tell us a bit about your work history and how you came to be an Online Business Manager at Sycamore

I’ve spent the past seven years working across all things digital marketing, in a variety of different ways – in-house for businesses, in a fast-moving agency, and now as a freelancer helping multiple business owners.  I’ve developed specialist knowledge across this industry, having worked across social media, paid advertising, email marketing, SEO, analytics, copywriting, marketing strategy and content creation. I’ve also worked directly with founders, completing administrative tasks where required, so I am versatile when it comes to work. Over time, I realised how much I enjoy combining structure and creativity: solving problems, streamlining workflows, and also coming up with new ideas, making marketing feel more intentional. That naturally led me to Sycamore, where I can have a direct impact on founders’ businesses and help them with their businesses and marketing.

What do you love most about your role at Sycamore OBM?

I love the variety of the work and clients, and getting to work with different people. Every project has a different purpose behind it, and requires a different problem to be solved, so it makes the work enjoyable. No two clients are the same, and I get to balance strategic thinking with hands-on implementation. It’s rewarding to see how a few small changes, whether in systems, communication, or marketing, can create real clarity and confidence for a business owner.

What are your favourite types of tasks or projects to get stuck into?

For me, it’s being able to help founders and businesses with their marketing strategy.

This could be coming up with ways to help them get more clients from social media, or helping out a client with the best SEO practices, or a new advertising campaign. It’s rewarding when clients have those “lightbulb” moments and everything clicks. I also love creative work, from copywriting for social media or emails to improving user journeys and conversion rates through creative ways.

Are you neurodivergent yourself, or do you have close personal experience with neurodiversity?

I’m not neurodivergent myself, but I’ve worked closely with several neurodivergent founders and have close friends with ADHD.

How has your understanding of neurodivergence shaped how you work?

It’s made me value flexibility and clarity with clients. I’ve learned to work in ways that adapt to different working styles rather than forcing people to fit a rigid process. It’s also helped me communicate more empathetically and notice details others might miss.

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about working with neurodivergent business owners?

Creativity can come in many different ways, and neurodivergence can sometimes be a strength for business owners. Having an open mind and being open to different ideas/ ways of working will bring you success when working with neurodivergent business owners.

Do you have a favourite tool, app or system for getting stuff done?

Google Drive is the go to for client docs and storing files, but I also use Apple Notes for to do lists as I can easily manage them both on my phone and my laptop.

Canva is great for creative tasks too.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing to relax or recharge?

I find therapy in fitness, whether it is going to the gym, playing padel or going on a long run. Also love hanging out with friends, grabbing a coffee and catching up.

Tell us about your current hyperfocus, obsession or interest outside of work?

My friend and I have a combined music playlist which is now over 70 hours long! It’s all house/ electronic style, and what I love listening to mainly when working out.

What’s your best tip for someone trying to build a business that works with their brain, not against it?

Start by noticing when you feel your best / when you focus most during the day, and plan your day around this. I usually get the most done in the morning, up until around lunch time. This is when I get the hardest tasks done. I then plan the more creative tasks for the afternoon when I have more ideas/ freedom to think.

What’s one word you’d use to describe working at Sycamore?

Empowering!

Want to get to know more of the wonderful humans behind the work?

You can meet the full team here, and we’ll be back next month with another OBM Q&A.