The Art of Influence

British-born entrepreneur Alexander Gilkes has the kind of genuine, toothy smile that most would call infectious, while others, including himself, might favor to describe as “cheesy”. But that same beaming grin, self-effacing charm and old-world charisma only speak to the 32-year-old’s passion and confidence, two assets that saw him through his years as one of the youngest most successful members of an executive team with luxury brand LVMH and later helped catapult him into the realm of minor celebrity of the high-end art world as director of global marketing and auctioneer extraordinaire for Phillips de Pury & Company Art Auctions. It’s the smile of an open, curious and driven gentleman who clearly loves what he’s doing. It also helps that he’s darn good at it.

Of course Gilkes has a lot to smile about, his latest venture, Paddle 8 the online art-collecting platform that creatively bridges galleries, artists and art collectors, is taking off by leaps and bounds. Only three months old, Paddle 8 shows no signs of slowing down.

We recently caught up with Gilkes on a rooftop in SoHo to talk about leisure and influence.

Mr. B’s: How would you describe what you do?

Alexander Gilkes: Essentially it’s a transection of entrepreneurialism, technology and arts. I created a new company called paddle8.com which is a curated online art market of which I am the cofounder.

“I am eternally in search of education, of new ideas, of new discoveries.”

Mr. B’s: It seems like quite a trajectory from being a global marketing director of a luxury brand, how did Paddle 8 come about?

Gilkes: Really I’ve spent the entirety of my career looking at new ways to improve businesses and I’ve always gravitated toward luxury industries, and an interest in the human psyche looking at what makes us tick. What I’m doing today is really at the funnel of my last experience. It’s my first entrepreneurial adventure. It is a result of my continued delight and curiosity in the art world, and recognition of the profound impact technology has in our life; Paddle 8 is an amalgamation of all of these things.

Mr. B’s: How do you spend your leisure time?

Gilkes: I am eternally in search of education, of new ideas, of new discoveries, of age-old romanticism and, when time allows, I love to travel. I share a fascination with my fiancée discovering new places, new cultures, and stimulating the eye with new colors, new smells, and new encounters. When time isn’t as friendly to me, which is usually the case when you’re nurturing a new business and ultimately spending far too much free time in the office, eating is another equally important thing: great food and wonderful company who make me laugh and who I learn from.

Mr. B’s: It’s interesting you mention old-world romanticism, as you’ve often been described as dapper and debonair. Who would you say had the most influence on you in that respect?

Gilkes: Undoubtedly my father. I think I’ve always admired his immaculate manner and polite disposition. What is it I most admire? I think it’s his endless quest for humility, authenticity and kindness. I’ve learned from him to always compose yourself in a way that is as humble and kind as possible, but I’m guilty of not following this rule to perfection.

Mr. B’s: That’s not always easy, especially in the modern world.

Gilkes: There are so many interpretations of man today. Right now I think there is just an incredible responsibility on a man to uphold the value that should be at the very essence of existence, which is never to do to another being something you wouldn’t do to yourself, and that is the type of respect for fellow man that should be a key instrument of our existence and our lives.