Finding Balance in the Numbers: What Revenue Growth Really Looks Like

Ask Stuart Waton what drives revenue growth, and his answer begins far from the office on the running track. 

For Stuart Waton, Revenue Growth Manager at McCormick UK, it looks a lot like training for a marathon: long stretches of focus, bursts of insight, and a deep belief that progress comes one step at a time.

His journey shows that numbers tell only half of the story. The real art of revenue growth management lies in balance — between analysis and instinct, structure and creativity, ambition and endurance.

This story explores how Stuart finds that balance — in both business and life.

Revenue Growth Management at McCormick: Where Numbers Meet People

Revenue Growth Management (RGM) may sound like a purely analytical role, but it also thrives collaboration and creative problem-solving. 
“This dynamic mix of strategy, analysis, and teamwork keeps things fresh and rewarding,” Stuart says.

Whether it’s developing strategies for a new product or analysing market trends to find opportunities for improvement, every day brings a new challenge. 

His work touches on everything from pricing and promotions to understanding what truly motivates consumer choices. The data points matter — but it’s the patterns of human behaviour that make the insights meaningful.

Recent research from McKinsey & Company reveals that consumer behavior in 2025 continues to shift in unexpected ways, creating fresh opportunities for innovation in pricing and promotions. 

For Stuart, keeping pace with this change means blending data analysis with real-world intuition.

At McCormick, collaboration is key. “While the role is rooted in data, it’s also about problem-solving with colleagues across Sales, Marketing, and beyond,” Stuart adds.

That’s what keeps his role dynamic — it’s where numbers meet people.

Running Towards Clarity: Finding Balance and Well-being at Work

When the day ends, Stuart often swaps spreadsheets for running shoes. What began as a simple fitness goal in 2019 has turned into something much deeper — a source of clarity and perspective.

During Covid, McCormick’s focus on employee well-being gave him a push to keep going. He joined a virtual running group called Miles for Mind, logging runs, sharing photos, and supporting mental health awareness across EMEA.

Since then, he’s completed more than 20 marathons and ultra-marathons — including a 100km run that tested both his endurance and mindset.

“There’s something about running that demands honesty. My mantra is brave enough to start, strong enough to finish. Self-belief is a great enabler.”

For Stuart, running is more than exercise — it’s a reflection of how McCormick values balance and well-being at work, helping employees bring their best selves to both life and business.

From Data to Discipline: Lessons in the Revenue Growth Mindset

Stuart’s philosophy of running and working aren’t all that different. Both demand consistency, patience, and perspective.

The key lesson? Don’t compare your pace to others.

“The first-place runner finished seven hours ahead of me, but that didn’t lessen my achievement. If I’ve done something better than I could previously, it’s been a good day.”

In business, it’s the same. Revenue growth isn’t just about outperforming competitors — it’s about learning from yesterday to grow tomorrow.

Stuart embodies that mindset — seeing every project, every challenge, and every run as an opportunity to improve.

Why Balance Matters in Revenue Growth

In an era where performance is often measured only in numbers, stories like Stuart’s remind us that growth is both a metric and a mindset.

He brings that same balance to his work at McCormick — combining analytical rigor with human insight, and personal discipline with professional creativity.

Because when you learn to find balance in the numbers, you don’t just drive revenue — you build resilience.

Conclusion

Revenue growth isn’t just about data points or profit lines. It’s about people — the ones asking, “what’s next?” and brave enough to find out.

For Stuart, every mile, every metric, and every challenge is part of a bigger journey. One that proves growth is not just measured in numbers — but in how far you’re willing to go to reach your own finish line.