How I Became ...

How I Became ...

Ashley Samuels-McKenzie and Charles Parkinson

How do you become a CEO? How do you run a £10-£100m+ company? How do you start your own company? Learn from people who've done it, here on How I Became...

E64 | Work Getting You Down? How To Leave And Start A Business - Get Inspired By Jack Renwick’s Story Pt.2

E64 | Work Getting You Down? How To Leave And Start A Business - Get Inspired By Jack Renwick’s Story Pt.2

Jack Renwick is a multi-award-winning designer renowned for her passion for innovative ideas. She collaborates closely with clients, delving into the core of their challenges and demonstrating how creative thinking can drive progress. As the founder of Jack Renwick Studio, Jack has spent the past 25 years working on a diverse array of projects for high-profile clients such as Amnesty International, eBay, BBC, Nokia, Royal Mail, Sir Elton John, and Stella McCartney. Her work has garnered acclaim

Jul 24, 2024 • 1:29:19

E63 | The Key Ingredient to Achieving Success | Part 1 of The Life Story of D&AD President, Jack Renwick

E63 | The Key Ingredient to Achieving Success | Part 1 of The Life Story of D&AD President, Jack Renwick

Jack Renwick is a multi-award-winning designer renowned for her passion for innovative ideas. She collaborates closely with clients, delving into the core of their challenges and demonstrating how creative thinking can drive progress. As the founder of Jack Renwick Studio, Jack has spent the past 25 years working on a diverse array of projects for high-profile clients such as Amnesty International, eBay, BBC, Nokia, Royal Mail, Sir Elton John, and Stella McCartney. Her work has garnered acclaim

Jul 23, 2024 • 47:21

E62 | Building a Company Worth Hundreds of Millions: The Story Of Rob Pierre

E62 | Building a Company Worth Hundreds of Millions: The Story Of Rob Pierre

Rob Pierre is a renowned investor, advisor, and one of the UK's most successful media leaders. In 2005, he co-founded the digital marketing company Jellyfish. As CEO, he expanded the business to over 2,000 employees across 28 global offices, serving high-profile clients such as Google and Netflix. In June 2023, Jellyfish was acquired by The Brandtech Group. Today, Rob is dedicated to sharing his wealth of experience and passion for innovation to inspire the next generation of business leader

Jul 17, 2024 • 2:25:00

E61 | When Life Feels Out of Control: Learn How to Thrive in Turbulent Times With Olympian Yusra Mardini

E61 | When Life Feels Out of Control: Learn How to Thrive in Turbulent Times With Olympian Yusra Mardini

Recorded Live at Spotify Beach in Cannes Olympic swimmer and Syrian refugee Yusra Mardini fled the Syrian Civil War with her sister Sara, making the perilous journey to Europe at only seventeen, including a treacherous crossing of the Aegean Sea in 2015. After finding refuge in Germany, Yusra was selected to compete as part of the inaugural Refugee Olympic Team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and again in Tokyo four years later. On World Refugee Day 2023, Yusra announced the launch of h

Jul 10, 2024 • 1:02:03

E60 | Rising from a Tiny Texas Town to Spotify's C-Suite: Dustee Jenkins' Story

E60 | Rising from a Tiny Texas Town to Spotify's C-Suite: Dustee Jenkins' Story

Recorded Live at Spotify Beach in Cannes Dustee Tucker Jenkins is a seasoned leader with nearly two decades of expertise in communications, media relations, executive positioning, government affairs, community relations, and reputation management. Currently, she serves as the Chief Public Affairs Officer for Spotify, where she oversees Government Affairs, Public Policy, Global Experiential & Content Productions, and manages enterprise-wide communications across 183 markets. In Episode 60 of

Jul 9, 2024 • 1:03:07

E59 | Discovering Your Life's Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving It | Joy Taylor

E59 | Discovering Your Life's Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving It | Joy Taylor

Recorded Live at Spotify Beach in Cannes Joy Taylor, a seasoned sports journalist and host, has been a prominent figure in the media industry for nearly a decade. She hosts the Fox Sports 1 show "Speak" alongside LeSean McCoy and Emmanuel Acho. In addition to her hosting duties, Joy runs the "Maybe I’m Crazy" podcast, where she delves into stories from the NFL, NBA, and the broader sports world. She also hosts "The Hang" on Facebook Live. In a special episode record

Jun 27, 2024 • 45:37

E58 | The Secret To Growing A Podcast & Secrets of Men | The Receipts Co-Host, Tolly T

E58 | The Secret To Growing A Podcast & Secrets of Men | The Receipts Co-Host, Tolly T

Tolani Shoneye, popularly known as Tolly T, is best known as one half of The Receipts Podcast, a leading UK podcast she co-hosts with Audrey Indome. Beyond the podcast, Tolani has made her mark as a writer, host, and influencer, contributing to publications such as Elle, The Independent, OK, and The I. She is a respected voice on topics like dating, love, race, culture, and self-empowerment. This week, we explore her experiences with racism in the UK, her journey in hosting one of the UK's

Jun 19, 2024 • 2:13:24

E57 | From Post Room To CEO. The Untold Story Of Cannes Lions CEO, Simon Cook

E57 | From Post Room To CEO. The Untold Story Of Cannes Lions CEO, Simon Cook

Simon Cook is the CEO of the LIONS Division, overseeing LIONS, WARC, Contagious, and Acuity Pricing to promote impactful creative marketing. Over the past decade, Simon has driven the creation of two-thirds of the Lions awards. He has also expanded LIONS' offerings to include year-round intelligence and advisory services, in addition to its renowned Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. A fervent advocate for creative marketing excellence that enhances business performance, Simo

Jun 12, 2024 • 1:19:14

E56 | Love, Loss and Drive: The Story Behind The Woman At The Helm Of Paramount+ UK

E56 | Love, Loss and Drive: The Story Behind The Woman At The Helm Of Paramount+ UK

Anna Priest, the Senior Vice President and Head of Paramount+ for the UK and Ireland, played a pivotal role in the successful launch and rapid growth of the streaming service. Her efforts were instrumental in building the brand and expanding its subscriber base through strategic partnerships with major players like Sky, Three, and Virgin.   Before her tenure at Paramount+, Anna held senior marketing positions at A+E Networks, Britbox and Comic Relief. She cut her teeth and learned her craft at t

Jun 5, 2024 • 1:53:09

E55 | Learn How to Set Winning Goals: Business Mastery Tips from Ex-Meta VP Leigh Thomas

E55 | Learn How to Set Winning Goals: Business Mastery Tips from Ex-Meta VP Leigh Thomas

Leigh Thomas, formerly the Vice President of Global Partnerships for Meta in EMEA, has led a senior team providing strategic C-suite support and advice to some of the world’s most sophisticated businesses across industries such as CPG, Autos, Retail, Tech/Telco, and eCommerce. She brings over 20 years of experience from her tenure in creative agencies, including her roles as Managing Director at Saatchi & Saatchi, London, and CEO at DARE, awarded Digital Agency of the Decade. Beyond her prof

May 22, 2024 • 2:23:07

Skepta Unveils 'Tribal Mark': Inside His Black Superhero Universe | E54

Skepta Unveils 'Tribal Mark': Inside His Black Superhero Universe | E54

Recorded Live At SXSW 2024 At The British Music Embassy. We sat down with Co-Producer Adam Strawford and Skepta at SXSW to discuss his debut film Tribal Mark. Flipping the script on James Bond, Tribal Mark is the first glimpse of a complex Black Secret Service story that Skepta, together with co-director Dwight Okechukwu, have been working on since 2021. We discuss: - Embracing Nigerian heritage in the UK - Bringing Tribal Mark from vision to reality - Tips for aspiring creatives - Crafting a

May 17, 2024 • 30:54

TEASER: The Skepta Episode Coming Soon...

TEASER: The Skepta Episode Coming Soon...

COMING SOON... Recorded Live At SXSW 2024 At The British Music Embassy. Join us for an exclusive conversation with Co-Producer Adam Strawford and Skepta at SXSW as they delve into their debut film, Tribal Mark. Tribal Mark offers a fresh take on the spy genre, presenting a captivating narrative set within the Black Secret Service. Skepta, alongside co-director Dwight Okechukwu, has been crafting this visionary project since 2021. Follow us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HOWIBECAME__⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We're on

May 3, 2024 • 1:53

E53 | Defy the Doubters: Frank Turner Opens Up On Addiction & Music Evolution

E53 | Defy the Doubters: Frank Turner Opens Up On Addiction & Music Evolution

Recorded Live At SXSW 2024 At The British Music Embassy. Frank Turner kickstarted his musical journey as the frontman of post-hardcore outfit Million Dead, later transitioning to a predominantly acoustic solo career after the band's disbandment in 2005. Throughout his solo career, Frank has launched nine studio albums, with his latest release, "FTHC," hitting the number 1 spot on the UK albums chart in 2022, just a week after its debut. In the second instalment of a four-part sp

Apr 24, 2024 • 41:28

E52 | Unlocking AI: How To Pivot To An AI-Driven Business Model | The Amigo Partnership, Mat Kiddie

E52 | Unlocking AI: How To Pivot To An AI-Driven Business Model | The Amigo Partnership, Mat Kiddie

With over 25 years of experience spanning global network and medium-sized independent advertising, integrated, and digital agencies, Mat brings a wealth of expertise in creative, and digital strategy. Beginning his career as a Senior Account Manager at Ogilvy in the early 2000s, Mat has since climbed the ranks and successfully established and sold his own companies. Currently serving as CEO of the Amigo Partnership, an integrated creative agency, Mat leads a team dedicated to seamlessly integrat

Apr 17, 2024 • 1:42:30

E51 | Turning Dyslexia Into Your Business Superpower with Paul Wright | Head of Uber Advertising UK&I

E51 | Turning Dyslexia Into Your Business Superpower with Paul Wright | Head of Uber Advertising UK&I

Paul Wright, as Head of Uber Advertising for Uber UK&I, spearheads a dedicated team focused on driving business success. His career journey began at Sky, transitioning from TV sales to the burgeoning commercial web arena. Along the way, he co-founded a sports-focused ad network and held pivotal digital roles at Bauer and AOL. Venturing into Apple's inaugural ad business, iAd, Paul assumed leadership across international markets. He's also played integral roles in various Adtech ventu

Apr 10, 2024 • 1:43:32

E50 | Feeling Like Giving Up on Life? Reasons Not To And Why I Signed Coldplay | Simon Williams

E50 | Feeling Like Giving Up on Life? Reasons Not To And Why I Signed Coldplay | Simon Williams

Recorded Live On Stage At SXSW 2024 At The British Music Embassy During the early '90s, Simon Williams pioneered the renowned indie label Fierce Panda, which became synonymous with launching singles by iconic bands such as Coldplay, Supergrass, Death Cab For Cutie, Ash, Keane, The Maccabees, and numerous others. Serving as a cornerstone of London's independent music scene, Fierce Panda bridged the gap between the UK's vibrant musical underground and mainstream charts. In one of fou

Apr 3, 2024 • 28:57

E49 | Navigate Your Career Pivot: Practical Wisdom from Alison Hutchinson CBE’s Transition from Banking CEO To Charity CEO

E49 | Navigate Your Career Pivot: Practical Wisdom from Alison Hutchinson CBE’s Transition from Banking CEO To Charity CEO

Alison Hutchinson CBE, CEO of Pennies, an award-winning fintech charity, also serves as Senior Independent Director at DFS plc, Yorkshire Building Society, and Foresight Group Holdings Ltd. Awarded a CBE in 2016 for her contributions to the economy and charities, Alison has a diverse background, including 15 years at IBM overseeing global operations, leading e-commerce solutions in the financial services sector, and serving as CEO of a digital subsidiary joint venture with Accenture and Barclays

Mar 27, 2024 • 1:44:34

E48 | Bringing Amy Winehouse to America, Promoting Queen's Radio Gaga & The Origin Story Of BME At SXSW

E48 | Bringing Amy Winehouse to America, Promoting Queen's Radio Gaga & The Origin Story Of BME At SXSW

With over three decades of immersion in the Music Industry, Phil boasts extensive experience, particularly on the International stage. His career spans collaborations with major and independent record labels, wherein he has played pivotal roles in the development, marketing, and promotion of artists and catalogues across diverse musical genres, both in the UK and globally.  He’s worked with the likes of Amy Winehouse, David Bowie, Queen, Barry White and many more  Currently serving as a Music In

Mar 20, 2024 • 1:30:03

E47 | How To Make Bold Life Decisions | Natalie Campbell MBE, Running For London Mayor 2024

E47 | How To Make Bold Life Decisions | Natalie Campbell MBE, Running For London Mayor 2024

Natalie Campbell MBE, an acclaimed social entrepreneur and distinguished broadcaster, assumes the role of Co-CEO at Belu Water during the day—a beverage enterprise prioritising people and the environment. Belu's impactful contributions to WaterAid have surpassed £5.4 million, aiding WaterAid's mission to provide clean water, decent toilets, and improved hygiene worldwide. Recently appointed as the Chancellor of The University of Westminster, Natalie unveiled the groundbreaking 'Chanc

Mar 13, 2024 • 1:36:45

E46 | Simple Steps to a Happier, More Fulfilling Life | Aline Santos, Chief Brand + EDI Officer Unilever

E46 | Simple Steps to a Happier, More Fulfilling Life | Aline Santos, Chief Brand + EDI Officer Unilever

Aline commenced her journey with Unilever Brazil in 1989, embarking as a marketing trainee. Her initial decade was dedicated to Brand Building within Local Marketing Operations, followed by an impressive 17-year stint in Brand Development on a global scale. Accumulating a wealth of 35 years at Unilever. Beyond her marketing endeavours, Aline assumed the role of Unilever’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer. In this capacity, she orchestrates strategies and initiatives aimed at fostering gen

Mar 7, 2024 • 1:33:22

E45 | Channel 4 NED Tess Alps: A Guide To Living Fearlessly

E45 | Channel 4 NED Tess Alps: A Guide To Living Fearlessly

Tess Alps, currently serving as a Non-Executive Director of Channel 4, boasts over 40 years of profound experience in the dynamic realm of advertising. Notably, she held the positions of Founding CEO and Chair at Thinkbox, the influential marketing body for commercial TV in the UK, representing a staggering 99% of TV advertising revenue. Establishing this company in 2006, Tess embarked on a mission to underscore TV's enduring effectiveness, articulate its dynamic future across all technologi

Feb 28, 2024 • 1:51:10

E44 | Your Passion, Your Income: How To Build A Living Doing What You Love | Sonnaz Nooranvary

E44 | Your Passion, Your Income: How To Build A Living Doing What You Love | Sonnaz Nooranvary

Sonnaz Nooranvary, a creative entrepreneur and skilled craftswoman based in the UK, gained prominence as the resident upholstery expert on The Repair Shop. Her journey into the world of upholstery began at the age of 17 through an apprenticeship, where she honed her keen eye for detail and precision craftsmanship. Fueled by her entrepreneurial spirit, Sonnaz took a bold step at the age of 25, establishing her own business that offers a comprehensive range of interior services to both individuals

Feb 21, 2024 • 1:52:05

E43 | The Secret To Building Trust With Executives | WPP U.K. President, Karen Blackett OBE

E43 | The Secret To Building Trust With Executives | WPP U.K. President, Karen Blackett OBE

Karen Blackett OBE currently serves as the UK President for WPP, the world's largest marketing services group. A highly esteemed business leader, Karen boasts an impressive track record marked by her ability to foster vibrant cultures, inspire teams, and consistently drive business growth and success. Previously holding the position of GroupM UK CEO, Karen successfully navigated the challenges posed by the critical period of the COVID pandemic. Beyond her executive roles, Karen is recognised

Feb 20, 2024 • 2:05:16

E42 | Billion-Dollar Leadership: Inside the Mind of British Council's CEO and Former Oliver Wyman Chief

E42 | Billion-Dollar Leadership: Inside the Mind of British Council's CEO and Former Oliver Wyman Chief

Born in Toronto, Canada, Scott McDonald, the CEO of the British Council, spent his formative years in Saudi Arabia where his parents played pivotal roles in the establishment of the King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh. With a background rooted in healthcare and education—his father a doctor and his mother a teacher and nurse—Scott's upbringing was marked by a commitment to service. Scott's professional journey includes a significant tenure at Oliver Wyman, where he served as the Ma

Feb 7, 2024 • 2:09:34

E41 | From Consultant To Netflix Sensation | Bridgerton Star Left The Corporate World To Pursue Her Dreams

E41 | From Consultant To Netflix Sensation | Bridgerton Star Left The Corporate World To Pursue Her Dreams

Charithra Chandran, born in Perth, Scotland, is the daughter of Tamil Indian medical professionals. Her parents separated when she was two, leading her to India with her father, where she lived with her grandparents in Tamil Nadu. Returning to the UK at the age of four, she pursued her education in Liverpool, Suffolk and Oxford. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from New College, Oxford in 2019, Charithra actively participated in various productions during

Jan 31, 2024 • 1:42:28

E40 | Winning Under Pressure: From FIFA and Arsenal to £450bn Government Triumph | Rupert Daniels

E40 | Winning Under Pressure: From FIFA and Arsenal to £450bn Government Triumph | Rupert Daniels

As the Director, Services and Skills at the Department for International Trade, Rupert Daniels assumes the crucial role of aiding UK organisations in their global expansion endeavours. His responsibilities encompass fostering export development and attracting foreign investments. Rupert's diverse portfolio spans across various sectors, including sports, film, television, music, gaming, fashion, education, and digital commerce. Collaborating with teams both within the government and the Depar

Jan 24, 2024 • 1:57:42

E39 | The Hidden Art of Global Leadership: A CEO's Secrets to Worldwide Success | Karina Wilsher

E39 | The Hidden Art of Global Leadership: A CEO's Secrets to Worldwide Success | Karina Wilsher

Karina Wilsher, Partner and Global CEO of Anomaly, spearheads key client initiatives, fortifies the agency's global presence and propels the company's ongoing evolution as an industry trailblazer. Karina, who ascended from Partner and CEO of Anomaly's London office to Partner and Global CEO in 2019, offers an exclusive look into her distinctive approach to leading six global offices. In this insightful discussion, she delves into the critical importance of 'feeling the business.&

Jan 17, 2024 • 1:52:51

E38 | Unlock Your Hidden Passion: Follow Gihan Hyde's Unexpected Path to a Fulfilling Life – Discover How

E38 | Unlock Your Hidden Passion: Follow Gihan Hyde's Unexpected Path to a Fulfilling Life – Discover How

Gihan Hyde, the accomplished CEO & Founder of CommUnique, one of the UK’s most renowned ESG Strategy and Communications Advisory Firms. Communique is B.Corp certified making it the first Black, Arab, female-founded organisation to be certified in the world. Gihan is the recipient of the UK’s “CEO of the Year” award for the work she is doing with the sustainability specialists who are from underrepresented communities and from underdeveloped countries. Gihan is one of the most influential “

Jan 10, 2024 • 1:28:27

E37 | The Hidden Keys to Mastering Wealth and Love Like Never Before! | David McQueen's Personal Tales

E37 | The Hidden Keys to Mastering Wealth and Love Like Never Before! | David McQueen's Personal Tales

David McQueen, a committed speaker (as seen on TED), executive coach, and advisor to multi-national organisations, he is deeply passionate about leadership. He has accumulated more than three decades of experience in the field. Having transitioned from an accounting background to the tech industry, he effectively applies his commercial expertise. Fifteen years ago, he founded his consultancy, Q Squared, with the goal of enhancing organisational communication, serving notable clients such as Merc

Jan 3, 2024 • 1:47:22

Best Of Episodes 9-12 | Season 1 | How I Became Podcast

Best Of Episodes 9-12 | Season 1 | How I Became Podcast

Explore the most memorable moments and highlights from season one of How I Became. From the most heart-warming scenes to the exhilarating twists and turns, this retrospective journey through season one is sure to showcase the extraordinary elements that contributed to the moments that shaped the essence of season one. Chapters: 00:00:00-Dino Myers-Lamptey 00:05:31-Raj Kumar 00:09:09-Paul Bainsfair 00:15:12-Metz ti Bryan Episode 9 - Dino Myers-Lamptey Dino Myers-Lamptey Linkedin: https://www.l

Dec 29, 2023 • 24:04

Best Of Episodes 5-8 | Season 1 | How I Became Podcast

Best Of Episodes 5-8 | Season 1 | How I Became Podcast

Explore the most memorable moments and highlights from season one of How I Became. From the most heart-warming scenes to the exhilarating twists and turns, this retrospective journey through season one is sure to showcase the extraordinary elements that contributed to the moments that shaped the essence of season one. Chapters:00:00:00-Ibrahim Kamara 00:05:14-Julian Douglas 00:08:58-Rowan Manning 00:12:59-Sue Unerman Episode 5 - Ibrahim Kamara Ibrahim Kamara’s Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.c

Dec 27, 2023 • 16:45

Best Of Episodes 1-4 | Season 1 | How I Became Podcast

Best Of Episodes 1-4 | Season 1 | How I Became Podcast

Explore the most memorable moments and highlights from season one of How I Became. From the most heart-warming scenes to the exhilarating twists and turns, this retrospective journey through season one is sure to showcase the extraordinary elements that contributed to the moments that shaped the essence of season one. Chapters: 00:00:00-Shannie Mears 00:23:45-Beth Freedman 00:33:10-Craig Spence 00:47:24-Serhat Ekinci Episode 1 - Shannie Mears Shannie Mears’ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/

Dec 25, 2023 • 58:54

E36 | Nothing Is Impossible: From Post Boy to CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi | James Denton-Clark

E36 | Nothing Is Impossible: From Post Boy to CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi | James Denton-Clark

James Denton-Clark, the CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, boasts over 25 years of expertise in the advertising industry, demonstrating a remarkable history of guiding teams to execute award-winning campaigns. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded transformative client partnerships, fostering brand growth and talent development. As a creative luminary, James spent the last 12 years at Karmarama, steering the agency through its acquisition by Accenture in 2016 and successfully navigating the subse

Dec 20, 2023 • 1:32:48

E35 | Skyrocket Your Career: The Art of Fast-Tracking Success | Olivier Robert-Murphy

E35 | Skyrocket Your Career: The Art of Fast-Tracking Success | Olivier Robert-Murphy

Olivier Robert-Murphy, originally from Toulouse, financed his education by chauffeuring celebrities around Paris. After serving as an officer in the French Air Force, he commenced his professional journey at Procter & Gamble. Initially entering the entertainment sector at PolyGram Video, he eventually rose to the position of VP of Marketing at Universal Pictures International Video in London. Olivier has been at the helm of Universal Music Group and Brands (UMGB), a globally recognised team

Dec 13, 2023 • 1:39:17

E34 | How To Start A Business While Working Full Time | TreasureTress Founder, Jamelia Donaldson

E34 | How To Start A Business While Working Full Time | TreasureTress Founder, Jamelia Donaldson

Jamelia Donaldson, the visionary behind TreasureTress, serves as its founder and CEO, steering the ship since its inception in 2015. TreasureTress stands out as a monthly product subscription service catering to girls and women with kinky-curly hair. With a robust online community and a thriving offline presence, the brand has successfully demonstrated the harmonious intersection of natural hair appreciation and black sisterhood. Her initial exposure to the subscription box model during her time

Dec 6, 2023 • 1:41:01

E33 | Rebuild Your Dreams: How Stef Reid's Journey Can Inspire Your Comeback

E33 | Rebuild Your Dreams: How Stef Reid's Journey Can Inspire Your Comeback

Stef Reid MBE, the celebrated British Paralympic long jumper and sprinter, is renowned for her athletic prowess and inspirational journey. Her remarkable tale of resilience and determination in the face of adversity has propelled her into a sought-after speaker, captivating audiences with talks on mindset, overcoming challenges, and embracing change. Stef's early passion for sports, particularly rugby, was evident at the age of 12. However, a boating accident at 15 led to life-changing injur

Nov 29, 2023 • 1:41:14

E32 | Empowering 56,000 Women: Vanessa Sanyauke’s Escape From Domestic Violence To Founding Girls Talk

E32 | Empowering 56,000 Women: Vanessa Sanyauke’s Escape From Domestic Violence To Founding Girls Talk

Vanessa, the Founder & CEO of Girls Talk, a globally recognised organisation, spearheads the development of innovative products and services connecting over 56,000 women with businesses in over 37 countries. The organisation achieves this through digital products, bespoke programs, and events, with a mission to democratise access to opportunities in traditionally male-dominated sectors, empowering women to advance in their careers. Under Vanessa's leadership, Girls Talk has collaborated

Nov 22, 2023 • 1:30:17

E31 | Meet The Social Media Genius Behind Gymshark’s Community & Why He Left | Elfried Samba

E31 | Meet The Social Media Genius Behind Gymshark’s Community & Why He Left | Elfried Samba

Elfried is widely acknowledged as the driving force behind Gymshark's triumph on social media, playing a pivotal role in propelling the brand's fitness community from 1.5 million to 20 million in just seven years. As the current CEO and Co-Founder of the Butterfly 3ffect, Elfried is dedicated to leveraging his expertise to support emerging brands in achieving success. Growing up in DR Congo and South Africa, Elfried's family relocated to the UK. Despite the challenges of adapting to

Nov 15, 2023 • 1:57:49

E30 | ‘I Buzz Off Stress’ - How To Cope With Severe Stress & Insomnia - A Guide From Multi-Billion Pound Company CEO, Josh Krichefski

E30 | ‘I Buzz Off Stress’ - How To Cope With Severe Stress & Insomnia - A Guide From Multi-Billion Pound Company CEO, Josh Krichefski

Josh Krichefski, recognised in the advertising industry for his advocacy of mental health and cultural change, assumed the role of GroupM CEO for EMEA and the U.K. in early 2023. Krichefski's association with GroupM dates back to 2011 when he initially joined MediaCom as the Chief Operating Officer for EMEA. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in the agency's expansion, modernisation, and day-to-day operations. Krichefski's influence extends beyond GroupM, making him a promi

Nov 8, 2023 • 2:05:42

E29 | How To Buy The Company You Work For | Neil Henderson, Owner & CEO Of St Luke's

E29 | How To Buy The Company You Work For | Neil Henderson, Owner & CEO Of St Luke's

Neil Henderson, now the CEO of St. Luke’s has achieved remarkable success, garnering nominations for Agency of the Year in 3 of the past 4 years and consistently securing a spot on Campaign's Best Places to Work winners list for 5 consecutive years. Neil is an elected member of the IPA Council, holding the esteemed title of IPA Fellow. Additionally, he serves as a BAFTA juror. Neil's journey commenced at Still Price Lintas, where he worked on Unilever and Nestle's major brands. Late

Nov 1, 2023 • 1:49:07

E28 | How To Change Career Successfully | Gau Narayanan, CMO Thirdway

E28 | How To Change Career Successfully | Gau Narayanan, CMO Thirdway

Gautham Narayanan, a seasoned veteran with over two decades of experience, has embarked on an exhilarating journey of brand transformation that spans continents, dazzling the world with compelling ideas and an illustrious client portfolio. For the better part of his illustrious career, Gau was the driving force at BBDO, serving as the regional director for BBDO Africa and the managing director of BBDO South Africa. He didn't just stop at business conquests; Gau also invested his passion and

Oct 20, 2023 • 1:44:48

E27 | How Two Barbadian Parents Raised A Creative Industry Icon. The Life Story Of Karen Blackett OBE Pt.1

E27 | How Two Barbadian Parents Raised A Creative Industry Icon. The Life Story Of Karen Blackett OBE Pt.1

Prepare to embark on an enthralling journey with a special episode of "How I Became," recorded amid the electric atmosphere of the Festival of Marketing. Our star guest, Karen Blackett OBE, commands the stage as the UK President of WPP, a Non-Executive Director of Diageo and Creative UK. In this episode, we peel back the layers of Karen's remarkable life and reveal the first thrilling instalment of her path to achieving the illustrious OBE title and UK President role at the world&#

Oct 12, 2023 • 36:32

E26 | How A Kurdish Woman Survived Being Buried Alive To Help 60,000 People Thrive - Taban Shoresh

E26 | How A Kurdish Woman Survived Being Buried Alive To Help 60,000 People Thrive - Taban Shoresh

At the age of four, Taban Shoresh and her family found themselves imprisoned, facing a harrowing ordeal at the hands of Saddam Hussein's soldiers. Today, Taban stands as the driving force behind The Lotus Flower, a charitable organisation she founded. The mission of this organisation is to empower women, girls, children, and other community members affected by conflict and displacement, equipping them with the tools and opportunities needed to rebuild their shattered lives. Remarkably, The

Oct 5, 2023 • 2:20:54

E25 | How To Shine Your Light & Rise To A Global C-Suite Role | Harjot Singh

E25 | How To Shine Your Light & Rise To A Global C-Suite Role | Harjot Singh

For the past two decades, Harjot Singh’s unwavering zeal to excel in comprehending people, brands, and cultures from both creative and commercial angles has propelled him on a remarkable global journey. With an extensive footprint spanning six countries across three continents, he has cultivated, delivered, and moulded strategic solutions for some of the planet's most successful brands. In 2021, Harjot assumed the esteemed role of Global Chief Strategy Officer at McCann and soon went on to b

Sep 21, 2023 • 1:41:38

E24 | What Men & Women Need To Know About Menopause. Senior Marketing Director Google Nishma Robb

E24 | What Men & Women Need To Know About Menopause. Senior Marketing Director Google Nishma Robb

In 2014, Nishma Patel Robb became a part of Google's team, where her influence has been instrumental in shaping numerous cherished programs, events, and campaigns in the UK. She's been at the forefront, contributing to the creation of iconic Google Doodles, showcasing the practicality of Google's products in daily life, aiding business growth through free digital skills training and mentoring, and advocating for online safety through the promotion of Google's products and initiat

Sep 6, 2023 • 2:33:35

E23 | Top CEO Tips For Your First 7 Days | Bill Scott CEO Droga5 & MD Accenture Song UK&I

E23 | Top CEO Tips For Your First 7 Days | Bill Scott CEO Droga5 & MD Accenture Song UK&I

November of 2015 marked the momentous occasion when Bill stepped into the role of CEO at the prestigious Droga5 London office.  In April 2022, Bill was appointed as the Managing Director, Accenture Song UK&I. This move brought about a more expansive role for him, encompassing added responsibilities. His new position involves the supervision of all creative agencies under Accenture Song situated in the UK and Ireland. Emerging from the dynamic Grey London, here he held the esteemed position o

Aug 23, 2023 • 1:59:41

E22 | Founding giffgaff & Launching A New Mobile Network In 2024 | An Exclusive Story with Gav Thompson

E22 | Founding giffgaff & Launching A New Mobile Network In 2024 | An Exclusive Story with Gav Thompson

With more than 29 years of marketing expertise, Gav Thompson boasts an impressive career within the advertising world. From working on the infamous Guinness Surfer Ad to playing a significant role in co-founding the mobile operator, giffgaff, he has held key positions such as Global Chief Marketing Officer at Paddy Power, as well as Chief Customer Officer at Boden. Additionally, Gav served as the Head of Brand Strategy and later as the Head of Customer Innovation at O2 UK.  Utilising his extensi

Aug 9, 2023 • 1:44:33

E21 | Digital Pioneer, Entrepreneur & Creative Genius | Laura Jordan Bambach, President & CCO of Grey UK

E21 | Digital Pioneer, Entrepreneur & Creative Genius | Laura Jordan Bambach, President & CCO of Grey UK

Founder, speaker, author, artist and taxidermist, for over 20 years, Laura has become an inspiring figure who has made a huge impact in the digital and creative industry. As a leader in the digital industry, Laura has become the ultimate award-winning creative with a long history of pioneering commercial work. Laura is now President & Chief Creative Officer at Grey London, where she is revolutionising the creative industry with her innovative ideas and bold leadership. She is leading one of

Jul 26, 2023 • 1:46:53

E20 | Learning To Be True To Yourself | Xavier Rees, UK Group CEO, Havas Creative Network

E20 | Learning To Be True To Yourself | Xavier Rees, UK Group CEO, Havas Creative Network

Xavier Rees is widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful campaigning leaders in the industry. Since joining Havas in 2016, Rees has spearheaded a remarkable transformation of its reputation and business performance – leading his agencies to major new accounts including Asda, Volkswagen Group UK, and the Department for Education. Now UK Group CEO of Havas Creative Network, his innovative approach to marketing has earned him numerous awards and accolades. We discuss:-Growing u

Jul 13, 2023 • 2:17:54

E19 | How I Became Live in Cannes! The Key To Rising Up In Your Career | Trevor Johnson

E19 | How I Became Live in Cannes! The Key To Rising Up In Your Career | Trevor Johnson

Raised in the predominantly white and middle-class area of Pinner, Trevor was one of the few black students in his school. Trevor embraced this difference and saw it as an advantage. He became head boy at school and felt that being ‘different’ meant being unique and he thrived in his school environment and early life.  In 1998, Trevor began his career at Ipsos in the post room, eventually becoming a graduate trainee. After that, he moved to Ernst and Young as a Business and Strategic Analyst, a

Jul 5, 2023 • 28:18

E18 | How To Heal From A Miscarriage, Build A Family and Become CEO of OMD UK | Laura Fenton

E18 | How To Heal From A Miscarriage, Build A Family and Become CEO of OMD UK | Laura Fenton

In 2004, Laura joined OMD UK as a fresh-faced graduate, determined to make her mark on the industry. After years of hard work and dedication, she became the agency's first-ever female CEO in December 2020, a remarkable 16-year journey. The unique brand of leadership that Laura has displayed has enabled her to make remarkable progress and achieve incredible business success. After attending Leeds University, Laura wasn't sure what career she wanted to pursue. But when she met another grad

Jun 28, 2023 • 1:53:33

E17 | How Dyslexia Shaped the Career of Cannes Lions Chairman, Philip Thomas

E17 | How Dyslexia Shaped the Career of Cannes Lions Chairman, Philip Thomas

Phil's career has been an incredible rollercoaster ride spanning nearly three decades. Starting from humble beginnings as a writer, he has ascended to the position of Chief Executive at Ascential. Along the way, Phil has encountered numerous challenges and obstacles, but his unwavering determination and hard work have ultimately paid off. Today, he is not only a highly respected leader in his field but also a profound source of inspiration for many. During his time at an academic school,

Jun 14, 2023 • 1:39:29

E16 | Mimi Turner: Bringing Innovation To LADbible, Lib Dems and LinkedIn

E16 | Mimi Turner: Bringing Innovation To LADbible, Lib Dems and LinkedIn

Mimi Turner likes to make complicated things simpler. Over a career of twenty years she has found out - often the hard way - that while the price to be paid for this process of reimagination can be painful, the results will be transformational and spectacular. Driven by a desire to connect on ideas, Mimi became fascinated by journalism during her time at university and eventually became a science writer for the Sunday Times, where her engineering training came in handy deciphering complex journa

May 11, 2023 • 1:54:11

E15 | Making Ads With Snoop Dogg & Katy Perry | Marketing Director At Just Eat To Now CMO At Rightmove

E15 | Making Ads With Snoop Dogg & Katy Perry | Marketing Director At Just Eat To Now CMO At Rightmove

Matt’s career started after leaving university and joining the company ‘Friends Reunited’, a new social media platform for connecting schoolmates. Wanting to expand into online dating, Matt was given a role in digital. With only having experience in digital marketing, this would be a challenge for Matt. Luckily, an employee there agreed to teach Matt all she knew for three months before having her baby. Four days in, Matt received a phone call, she had gone into labour. Matt was now running a da

Apr 20, 2023 • 1:23:59

E14 How To Buy Companies For Multi-Millions | The Story of Ad Association CEO Stephen Woodford

E14 How To Buy Companies For Multi-Millions | The Story of Ad Association CEO Stephen Woodford

Stephen’s interest in advertising came from his favourite subjects at school – art and economics – and so he looked for a career that combined the creative and the commercial. He also was an avid reader of the ads and used to make montages of the ads from magazines as part of his art course and this helped set his heart on working in advertising. Stephen studied economics and graduated in 1980, at a time when the economy was in recession and jobs were scarce. He applied for agency and marketing

Apr 5, 2023 • 1:39:15

E13 Moving To London With £1800 And Becoming A Co-Founder | Metz ti Bryan

E13 Moving To London With £1800 And Becoming A Co-Founder | Metz ti Bryan

Born in Toronto and growing up in Ottawa, by junior high Metz would soon be leaving her life in Canada to start a new one In Honduras. Moving to San Pedro Sula, a 12-year-old Metz would have to adjust to a new life. Not speaking Spanish, or knowing anything about the culture, the adjustment would be difficult.   After spending 5 years in Honduras, Metz returned to Canada to finish high school. Now older and with much more life experience, Metz found it hard to adjust back into Canadian life. Sta

Mar 22, 2023 • 1:41:49

E12 Life Story of Ad Legend | Paul Bainsfair

E12 Life Story of Ad Legend | Paul Bainsfair

Paul was just 14 years old when his father asked him what career he wanted to choose.    Having grown up beguiled by the jet set life depicted in Martini TV ads, Paul simply mentioned “Advertising.”    Other than having a liking for ads, Paul had no connection with the Ad world but he was determined to find out more.  Luckily, at the time, Watford College was unique in being famous for being a place to study advertising, they took around 35 students a year and Paul managed to be one of them.

Mar 8, 2023 • 1:46:37

E11 India to London - Rising To Chief Marketing Officer In A New Country | Raj Kumar

E11 India to London - Rising To Chief Marketing Officer In A New Country | Raj Kumar

Raj Kumar has over two decades of experience in marketing, having been the Head of Marketing, EMEA at Experian, Head of Marketing, Europe at Nokia and numerous manager roles at Siemens. He joined Aviva almost 9 years ago as Global Head of Marketing Strategy and Planning. Raj is no stranger to transforming companies and was promoted to Brand and Reputation Director in 2017. Raj is now Chief Marketing Officer of Silicon Valley Bank.  Growing up in India, by the time he was 18, Raj had moved nearly

Feb 23, 2023 • 56:47

E10 How I Became Founder of The Barber Shop | Dino Myers-Lamptey

E10 How I Became Founder of The Barber Shop | Dino Myers-Lamptey

The Story Dino’s career within the media industry has spanned over 20 years, working at established agencies such as MullenLowe and the7stars, Dino took his experience and founded his own agency – The Barber Shop. Before his successful career, Dino faced challenges trying to get into the advertising  industry. After countless rejections, Dino secured interviews and job offers with 3 renowned media agencies, deciding to choose MediaCom and become a press buyer, Dino’s career in advertising and me

Feb 10, 2023 • 1:37:33

E09 How I Became Chief Transformation Officer of EssenceMediacom | Sue Unerman

E09 How I Became Chief Transformation Officer of EssenceMediacom | Sue Unerman

The story… Growing up the youngest child, Sue learnt from a young age that hierarchy wasn’t for her, this later allowed Sue to break the norms within the workplace and try different approaches in order to succeed. In her teenage years, becoming an introvert meant Sue often felt quite lonely, concentrating on her studies and her love for history allowed Sue to focus on her techniques rather than networking which later benefited her career. Sue then began her career at The Media Business as the He

Jan 26, 2023 • 1:11:02

E08 How I Became CEO of VMLY&R EMEA | Andrew Dimitriou

E08 How I Became CEO of VMLY&R EMEA | Andrew Dimitriou

‘Nothing is for granted’ – Andrew Dimitriou Leaving a dictatorship in Greece for Australia with nothing but the clothes on their backs, Andrew Dimitrou’s parents imbued in him the values of hard work and discipline that would shape his impressive and impactful career. Dismissing the modern notion of ‘work smart not hard’, Andrew worked his way to the top from the very bottom – an intern in the very company he would lead one day. Consistency, inquisitiveness, and passion are the markers of his su

Dec 7, 2022 • 1:30:16

E07 How I Became President Of Dentsu Creative UK | Rowan Manning

E07 How I Became President Of Dentsu Creative UK | Rowan Manning

‘You miss one hundred per cent of the shots you don’t take’ – Wayne Gretzky  Narrowly avoiding a career in the local shoe factory after a presumptuous teacher discarded her dreams of becoming a barrister, Rowan Manning has built an impressive career with humour, honesty, and a core of steel. Suffering with imposter syndrome throughout her professional life, Rowan learned that throwing yourself into the abyss is less painful than avoidance.   In addition to being President of Dentsu Creative UK,

Oct 19, 2022 • 1:37:49

E06 | How I Became International CEO and Vice-Chairman Of VCCP & President of The IPA | Julian Douglas

E06 | How I Became International CEO and Vice-Chairman Of VCCP & President of The IPA | Julian Douglas

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity” - Albert Einstein When Julian Douglas became president of the IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising) that was the quote he chose to open his first speech with, and it was no mistake. You could say Julian has built his career off meeting challenges head on, and in doing so has built up quite the resume. In addition to being president of the IPA, Julian is also currently: - International CEO & Vice-Chairman of VCCP - Founder of private k

Sep 21, 2022 • 1:34:30

E05 How I Became Co-Founder & CEO Of GUAP | Ibrahim Kamara

E05 How I Became Co-Founder & CEO Of GUAP | Ibrahim Kamara

Ibrahim Kamara’s career began selling Lucozade at school.   Now, he’s the co-founder and CEO of GUAP, a seven-figure company that can rightfully be described as the home of emerging creatives.   His early life was challenging, seeing his family go from financially wealthy to arriving home to see all their possessions outside on the street, when business took a turn for the worst and his parents separated.   He openly shares the impact of witnessing domestic abuse in the home and how that inspire

Jul 28, 2022 • 1:30:37

E04 How I Became Managing Director of OMG UNITE | Serhat Ekinci

E04 How I Became Managing Director of OMG UNITE | Serhat Ekinci

“I grew up in a place you would call very rough… where drugs and fights were part of day-to-day life.”   When he came to the UK, Serhat Ekinci was working in a coffee shop, unable to pay rent. Now he’s the Managing Director of Unite at OMG, which last year spent £15M on minority-owned businesses. “We went from a low six-digit to seven-digit numbers… when I first joined I never thought this was going to make a million; we made it. The team grew… we built the most efficient team. We went from havi

Jul 22, 2022 • 1:37:27

E03 How I Became Chief Brand & Communications Officer Of The Paralympics | Craig Spence

E03 How I Became Chief Brand & Communications Officer Of The Paralympics | Craig Spence

Planning the worlds 3rd largest sporting event during a global pandemic is no easy task. That's just one of the many crisis situations Craig and his team have had to manage. After the success of London 2012, the Paralympic movement and it's mission of changing the world through sport, was at risk of losing all its progress. Rio 2016 was close to collapsing...  With only 150k tickets sold with just weeks to go, the whole organisation could go bankrupt. Craig and his team got to work, the

Jul 13, 2022 • 1:33:26

E02 How I Became CEO of dentsu X | Beth Freedman

E02 How I Became CEO of dentsu X | Beth Freedman

In 2020 Dentsu International, a global advertising group with 45,000+ staff and net revenue of $8.4bn were looking for a new CEO of dentsu X. Beth was Managing Director of gyro UK. A colleague recommended she applied. Her reaction? "They'll laugh if I apply" After speaking with friends, she changed her mind…. She entered her application on the final day. This would be her first role as CEO... Tune in to hear what happens next.. Topics discussed: Growing up in the USA Inspired b

Jul 5, 2022 • 1:38:38

 E01 How I Became Co-Founder & Head of Talent of The Elephant Room

E01 How I Became Co-Founder & Head of Talent of The Elephant Room

From intern to co-founder in 12 months. Her CEO with a six-figure salary offered her a job at the end of her internship. She politely declined. In that same meeting, he offered to start a company with her. She's now co-founder of The Elephant Room, a creative agency making waves of change through their One Month Mentor program created by Shannie. Topics discussed: Love for Jamaican culture Growing up around National Front and EDL in Birmingham Dealing with mental health challenges with

Jun 27, 2022 • 1:32:23

Trailer: How I Became Co-Founder & Head of Talent of The Elephant Room

Trailer: How I Became Co-Founder & Head of Talent of The Elephant Room

Follow us for exclusive guest insights not found on the podcast: https://linktr.ee/howibecame  We're on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook Email: info@weunify.co.uk This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion

Jun 27, 2022 • 1:02

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