I Shouldn't Say This, But...
I Shouldn't Say This, But... is a podcast hosted by Katy Leeson, former managing director of Social Chain and founder of Courageous. Aimed at leaders and founders, each episode offers honest conversations about the challenges of leadership—doubt, people, culture, tough decisions, and the personal cost of building something. Without performance or pretence, the show provides real, relatable discussions that help listeners feel less alone and take practical insights back into their work. It's a space for the conversations that leaders often feel they can't have anywhere else.
Episodes
S6 Ep22: Prepping for a 500-Person Apple-Style Stage in South Africa | Catch Up Episode
Consider this a proper catch-up from the sofa at Mollies, and this time I’ve brought someone new to meet you all. Introducing Isi who is now running my social media! She follows me round with a camera, keeps me grounded and won’t let me eat a croissant until she’s got the shot (obviously!)When this episode launches, we'll be two days out from my first TEDx Talk rehearsal and right now it’s not go
S6 Ep20: 7 Years Later: Re-Visiting My Miscarriage Story | Baby Loss Awareness Week
This week is Baby Loss Awareness Week, so I'm re-sharing a conversation that means a lot to me.Seven years ago, shortly after my own miscarriage, I sat down with Ruth Bender Atik. She was National Director of what was then the Miscarriage Association (now Miscarriage UK) and has since retired.We talk honestly about how common miscarriage really is, why it's still such a taboo, and what nobody tel
S6 Ep19: Inside The TEDx Framework: 8 to 18 Minutes to Change A Life | Martina Witter
A TED talk was on my vision board for this year. So when I was asked to speak at TEDx Trafford this November, I was thrilled, but when I started the process I was surprised by just what it takes to get on that stage.So for this week's episode, I'm joined by TEDx Trafford Curator Martina Witter to throw back the curtain on what really goes on behind the scenes.Martina had her first TEDx licence ap
S6 Ep18: I Shouldn't Say This, But... The Best Bits
18 episodes into series 6, and I don't know where the time's gone! This week, to celebrate, I've pulled together my favourite moments from my guests this series. If you'd like to watch any of the episodes in full, scroll down for the links.In this episode:- Kelly Tucker on why your team are "subscribing" to your workplace- Sarah Louise Keane on why we keep playing down our own numbers- Jade Reill
S6 Ep17: How To Overcome A Fear of Public Speaking (When It Scares You More Than Death)
When I went on BBC Radio 4's The Bottom Line, someone said that people fear public speaking more than they fear death.It's stuck with me ever since. Because if that's true, most of us are walking into every pitch, presentation and team meeting carrying a fear we've never actually been taught how to handle. So this episode is all about changing that.I'm letting you in on how I, a self-confessed in
S6 Ep16: Google Told Me I Couldn't Be A Managing Director (Here's How I've Proved It Wrong)
I’m back for another catch-up with my producer Stefan - the second one now, so if you liked the last unfiltered chat, this is more of that.We're covering off everything that’s been going on in my life since the last one:
The ‘old man in a grey suit’ MD image that’s followed me since my first imposter syndrome session
Flying BA to speak at BA and making someone overcome with an emotion (which wa
S6 Ep15: They Told Me I Was Barren at 43. Here's How I Got Pregnant Naturally at 44 | Liberty Mills
At 43, Liberty Mills was told one of your ovaries is empty and you are barren. She could have accepted it. She didn't, having already reversed her lupus diagnosis and gave birth naturally two weeks before turning 25.I sit down with Liberty, a Fertility and Autoimmune Coach, to unpack how she did it and the philosophy she teaches clients: test, don't guess. Before any supplement or protocol, find
S6 Ep14: I Shouldn't Say This But, Here's The Real Reason I Interview People
We're a good few episodes into the new series of I Shouldn't Say This, But, and I wanted to do something different this week - a solo recap of what I've personally learned, what's changed, and where we're going next, so buckle up!When I brought the podcast back, it wasn't just about creating more content. I wanted to create a safe space where leaders and founders could feel less alone talking abo
S6 Ep13: Why "Being Nice" Is Actually the Coward's Way Out. From the Harrods shop floor to founder: Heather Elkington
Heather started out being trained not to say the word "toilet" on the Harrods shop floor. She ended up running culture for a Footsie 100 business, sat in rooms twenty years her senior, telling herself her opinion didn't count.This episode is about what happened in between, and the philosophy she built off the back of it: nice vs kind. Why being nice is the coward's option. Why the strongest relat
S6 Ep12: I Nearly Went Back to Employment (And Here's Why I Didn't)
We're three months into the podcast (five if you count the planning), and I wanted to do something different for this one: an unfiltered chat with my producer Stefan.In this episode, we get into:
Why I chose Mollie's over a studio, and the branding lesson I took from watching Steven Bartlett build a recognisable set from his own flat
The advice from Heather Elkington that changed how I thought ab
S6 Ep11: The Government Wiped Out 124,000 Jobs. I Watched It Happen | Sacha Lord
Sacha Lord: Warehouse Project, Losing a Customer, and Why He Took the Government to CourtHe turned up to the Hacienda in his dad's suit and got turned away at the door. Thirty-five years later, Sacha Lord has built and sold the biggest club night and metropolitan festival in the UK, become Greater Manchester's night-time economy advisor, and taken the government to the High Court, and won.In this
S6 Ep10: Your Leadership Team's Silence Is Costing You £17.8 Million a Year | Ash Jones
I sat down with Ash Jones, Steven Bartlett's first-ever personal brand manager (and first person to ever have the title), founder of one of the UK's first personal branding agencies and my good friend, to talk about the real cost of staying quiet when it comes to personal branding for you and the people in your team. We get into why you can't outsource your voice, the side doors that quietly open
S6 Ep9: I Got 1 Million Listeners on BBC Radio 4 (And My Imposter Syndrome Took Over)
This week I'm catching you up on one of the biggest moments of my year so far! Recording BBC Radio 4's The Bottom Line with Evan Davis, Andy Ransom (former CEO of Rentokil) and imposter syndrome expert Dr Valerie Young.The topic? Imposter syndrome, my specialist subject. Except the moment I found out a million people would be tuning in, my own imposter syndrome decided to show up in spectacular f
S6 Ep8: My Husband Wasn't Paid for 9 Months, So We Built a 500 Freelancer Network
This week I'm joined by Pav, CEO of We Are The Allies, the incredible agency behind this podcast, and it's one of the best founding stories I've heard.Pav's career started in the accounts department of a Leeds agency (she didn't even have the GCSEs for it) and took her through the marketing departments of Morrisons, Poundland and Co-op before she finally went out on her own. But the real spark ca
S6 Ep7: Hustle Culture Is Lying To Women. The NHS Dietician's Truth About Hormones, Food & Burnout
Why You're Exhausted, Foggy and Under-Fuelled (And What To Do About It) | Jade Reilly, NHS DietitianIn this episode I sit down with Jade Reilly, a registered dietitian of over a decade with the NHS, personal trainer, Pilates teacher, and On running ambassador, to talk about what it actually takes to fuel a body that's trying to build a business, train like an athlete, and show up for everyone els
S6 Ep6: "I've had death threats...over hair" The reality of building a personal brand online with Sarah Louise Keane
She's had death threats over hair. She won't stop.In this episode of I Shouldn't Say This But, Katy Leeson sits down with hairdresser, turned-content-creator Sarah (SLK), 21 years in the industry, founder of Host Manchester, and one of the most followed voices in UK hairdressing.Sarah opens up about the reality behind the highlight reel: the trolling, the violent threats, the message that made he
S6 Ep5: I'm Collecting Memories, Not Sleep Scores
Consider this your invitation to pull up a chair at Mollies and have a proper catch-up with me, because that's exactly what this episode is.It's been a whirlwind few weeks. I'm talking talks, coaching sessions that made me genuinely emotional, a fitness competition that nearly finished me off (but also proved what this body is capable of, 100kg deadlift?!), and a business that finally feels like
S6 Ep4: 78% of UK Business Leaders Feel Out of Their Depth And Nobody's Talking About It
Your Impostor Syndrome Isn't Going Away. Here's Why That's Actually Good News.Imposter syndrome gets talked about like it's a beginner's problem, something you grow out of as your career matures. Katy's here to tell you that's not how it works.After 20 years in leadership, scaling businesses, sitting in boardrooms and speaking to thousands of people on stage, she still has weeks where she questio
S6 Ep3: Your People Are Your Biggest P&L Line, So Why Are You Ignoring Them? With Kelly Tucker
In this episode I sit down with Kelly Tucker, Founder of HR Star, for a conversation every founder and leader needs to hear.We get into why your people are your biggest P&L line but probably get the least attention, the subscription model of work, Gen Z expectations, hybrid working, new employment law changes, and what it actually takes to build a culture that delivers.If you are growing, hir
S6 Ep2: Why I Left. Why I'm Back. What Four Years Taught Me
After four years away, I'm back!In this first episode, I'm taking it right back to the beginning, from press buyer to managing director of Social Chain, growing the agency from 30 to 130 people and 650% revenue growth, to working alongside Gary Neville, and now returning with a brand new chapter of I Shouldn't Say This, But.I talk about how the podcast was born out of a need to build a personal b
S6 Ep1: I Shouldn't Say This But... I'm Back 🎙️
I Shouldn't Say This But is back, and I've got a lot to say and share.I'm Katy Leeson, former MD of Social Chain, founder of Courageous, and I'm bringing back one of the UK's top-ranked business podcasts with a clear mission: to help leaders and founders scale without losing their people or themselves.No fluff. No performance. Just the stuff most of us won't say out loud.Hit follow and get ready,
S5 Ep15: Katy Leeson is Leaving the Building
I Shouldn’t Say This, But … this podcast has taught me more than I could have ever imagined.And this episode is going to be my last. At least for a while.When I started the podcast 4 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the journey it would take me on, the conversations it would generate or the relationships it would help me foster.Steven Bartlett had tasked me with creating a brand for myself, and
S5 Ep14: We are all influencers: Natalie Wills
Natalie Wills is the Global Director of Marketing at Zalando and a fellow advocate for the power of social media for good.In this episode, we discuss:- The importance of authenticity online - Why we are all influencers - What we can learn from the way young people use social media - The importance of leading with your values- Zalando’s approach of casting diversity of influencer talent and talent
S5 Ep13: Entrepreneurship, community and the joy of work: Matt Clements and Giles Harrison
Matt and Giles founded Sculpd alongside their business partner Guy Vero at the peak of Lockdown, and have since sold over 100,000 at-home pottery kits.Beyond that, they’ve built partnerships with some of the most influential brands in the UK, including Bloom & Wild, Missoma and Papier.In this episode, we discuss:- The challenges that come with building a business in Lockdown
- The role of soci
S5 Ep12: Creating Change & Communities with Social Media: Daisy Morris
Daisy is the person behind The Selfhood - who makes digital interactions feel more human and puts connectivity at the heart of content strategies for brands and their audiences.She birthed The Selfhood after noticing a huge gap in the market for business owners and creatives to understand social media and digital marketing in a fun, human and relatable way after spending years in the jargon filled
S5 Ep11: Social media's role in the mental health fight: James Routledge
James Routledge co-founded Sanctus - a purpose-driven organisation that supports employee mental health through proactive and preventative one-to-one coaching in the workplace. He is also the author behind ‘Mental Health at Work’ - a book filled with stories, learnings and guidance for anyone on their mental health in the workplace journey.In this episode, we discuss:* The culture of permission a
S5 Ep10: The Anxiety Coach: Chloe Brotheridge
Chloe Brotheridge is an Anxiety Hypnotherapist, Coach, Podcast Host and Author who is dedicated to helping women free themselves from anxiety. In this episode, we discuss:- The importance of distinguishing your dream from the one’s being pushed by other people- Tips for a more purposeful and positive social media experience- How we can combat our inner criticsChloe:https://www.instagram.com/chloeb
S5 Ep9: Social Media & Activism: Gina Martin
Gina is an activist, author and artist who uses her platforms to encourage real-world change.In this episode, we discuss:- The uncomfortable reality of activism- The intersection of social media and activism
- The importance of setting work/life boundaries- The changes social media companies need to start making- Young people’s relationship with social mediaGina:https://www.instagram.com/ginamarti
S5 Ep8: Social Media for Good: Jay Flynn
Jay Flynn founded the Virtual Pub Quiz back at the start of the pandemic, and is living proof of the power of social media to be used for good.In this episode, we discuss:- Jay’s incredible journey from pub landlord to household name (and the social media mistake that started it all)- The challenges that have arisen as a result of digital stardom- The impact of the Virtual Pub Quiz on Jay’s life-
S5 Ep7: Do I Have Productivity Dysmorphia? Anna Codrea-Rado
Anna Codrea-Rado is a journalist, author and podcaster whose article ‘Do I have Productivity Dysmorphia?’ has changed they way both I and so many others view our achievements.In this episode, we discuss: * The impact social media is having on our view of success * The importance of finding joy in our free time* The productivity dysmorphia trapAnd so, so much more.Anna:https://www.instagram.com/ann
S5 Ep6: Social Media and Personal Branding: Ash Jones
Ash is the Founder of personal branding agency Great Influence, and part of Social Chain’s founding team. The man behind the personal brands of the likes of Steven Bartlett and Julian Hearn, his experience and knowledge of social media as a tool for good is second to none.In this episode, we discuss:- The value in personal branding
- The social media shift we’ve seen over the past decade- The life
S5 Ep5: Comparison Culture: Lucy Sheridan
Lucy Sheridan is the world’s first and only comparison coach, using her work and the online community she has built to to empower others into live comparison free lives. In this episode, we discuss:- The role social media plays in fuelling comparison culture- The importance of getting to know your values- Defining your own success- Why leaders need to be conscious of the energy they bring- How soc
S5 Ep4: Ending Online Abuse: Seyi Akiwowo
Seyi Akiwowo is an absolute powerhouse. Through her charity Glitch, she is working hard to create a kinder, safer, more robust digital sphere.In turn, Seyi is empowering people to advocate for others whilst raising a generation of digital citizens who will carry these lessons into the future.In this episode, we discuss:- The online space as a continuation of our offline realities- The duty of care
S5 Ep3: The Importance of Authenticity: Gary Neville
There’s no social media presence more authentic than Gary Neville’s.In this episode, we discuss:- The importance of Footballers having an authentic social media presence - THAT Manchester United interview- His hopes for the digital world his daughters are growing up in- Where the curriculum is failing young people- Why the Glazer family are a threat to the soul of FootballI hope you enjoy this epi
S5 Ep2: Behinds the Scenes of Social Media: Alex Holmes
Alex Holmes has dedicated his career to making both schools and the digital sphere a safe space for young people. Deputy CEO at the Diana Award and advisor to the likes of TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Alex’s knowledge of social media and the issues facing young people today is second to none.In this episode, we discuss:- The power and legacy of young people
S5 Ep1: How to harness the power of YOU: Tiwalola Ogunlesi
Tiwalola Ogunlesi is using her platform to fight the generation cycle of low self-esteem, making sure that this generation of women and girls grow to be the most confident yet.In this episode, we discuss:- How to harness the power of you- Tips for improving your self-confidence, combatting imposter syndrome and getting to grips with your self-worth- How social media can be used to create communiti
S5: Season 5 Trailer
I Shouldn’t Say This, But … Season 5 is coming VERY soon. With each episode featuring a brand new guest, it’s set to be our biggest and best yet! I can’t wait to share the first one.
S4 Ep25: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…your side hustle could change your life.
In this week’s episode, I talk to the wonderful Elizabeth Ogabi about the realities of creating your own side hustle, the significance of long-term vision in setting work/life boundaries and her fantastic new book ‘Side Hustle in Progress: A Practical Guide to Kickstarting Your Business.’ It was really interesting to get the other side of the debate when it comes to role side hustles play in the g
S4 Ep24: I Shouldn’t Say This, But … Leaders need to be honest about the fact they don't know everything
In this week’s episode, I dive into the realities of leadership. I talk about the difficulties that come with leading a team through a pandemic, the silent struggle of perfection and the pressure I personally feel to deliver for my team. There is a false sense of expertise surrounding leadership roles and it is a huge contributing factor to the problems we face when we enter into them. It’s time w
S4 Ep23: I shouldn’t say this, but … I’ve been suffering with chronic pain since the age of 18.
In this week’s episode, I speak to the brilliant Rachel Carrell, founder of Koru Kids. We have a really candid conversation about the realities of living with chronic pain and the desire people have to hide their struggles.We also dive into Rachel’s fantastic business, looking at childcare as a people issue, not just a women’s issue, in addition to the importance of setting boundaries when working
S4 Ep22: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…we can make social media a positive place.
In this week’s episode, I dive into the positive side of social platforms. There are some obvious issues that need to be addressed across them all. Namely issues of trolling and abuse, which need to be dealt with quickly and with severity. But I’m not sure that it’s productive to let these issues dominate the conversation. I explore the idea that to want to make social media a more positive place,
S4 Ep21: I shouldn’t say this, but … taking a personal step back allows the mission to move several steps forward.
In this week’s episode, I speak to the fantastic Jamie Crummie; co-founder and director of the amazing Too Good To Go. We talk about everything from the value in detaching yourself from your ego when building a business and team, to the role of education in changing the culture of food waste in the UK and being proactive in your passions and the issues you wish to resolve. Jamie also shares some b
S4 Ep20: I Shouldn’t Say This, But … leadership often comes at the expense of creativity.
In this week’s episode, I take a look at the way our brains change as we move into adulthood, and the impact this has on our creativity. I talk about my own experience of this and the way this change is mirrored as we move up in our careers. I also raise some big questions, like can you move forward in your career without becoming a manager? Do we have to sacrifice our creativity as we move throug
S4 Ep19: I shouldn’t say this but...I have to work at finding balance - every day
In this week’s episode, I speak to the fabulous Emma Heal; Managing Director of alcohol free brand, Lucky Saint. We talk about her incredible career history, the importance of fitting your own life jacket first and how Emma perceives the role of Managing Director. We also take a look at why “I’m not drinking tonight” is becoming a more accepted stance.Get £10 off your first order of any single cas
S4 Ep18: I Shouldn’t Say This But … I used my anti-depressants as a crutch.
In this episode, I talk candidly about my experience with situational depression and the journey I’ve been on with anti-depressants. I discuss how it felt first being prescribed them, right through to how it feels now that I’m coming off them, as well as the importance of doing so effectively. The past two years have been hard, but I’m coming out the other side a much better person.
S4 Ep17: I Shouldn’t Say This, But...I’m Struggling To Take My Own Advice.
Cate Sevilla is my spirit animal. In this episode we talk about Cate’s journey through huge companies, including Google, and how she came to write her incredible book, ‘How to Work Without Losing Your Mind’. We touch on the role that companies play in supporting us, and why it might not be what you think, alongside the right way to raise issues with your manager and what our work identities really
S4 Ep16: I Shouldn't Say This, But...my brain crashed.
In this episode I talk to High Performance Expert & Psychiatrist, Dr T. We start this amazing conversation with WHY - why we’re both invested in preventing burnout and helping deal with crisis’. We also talk about how we both deal with being people pleasers but the positives this has brought to both our lives. Finally, we look at how restriction, change, uncertainty and threat can impact our e
S4 Ep15: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…sometimes I think, "what would I do if I were a man?"
In this episode I speak to the wonderful Tessa Clarke from OLIO - an app that exists to prevent food waste by connecting people. We have a very honest conversation about what it was like raising millions in investment for the business as a woman, we explore how important having a diverse business is and what it’s really like being a startup founder with a family behind the scenes. Tessa also leave
S4 Ep14: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…I don’t want to work at home forever.
The office vs WFH debate continues. In this episode, I talk about which companies are in which camp when it comes to where and how they want to work. I also talk about what model we’re looking to implement at Social Chain but why, in reality, everyone’s working model should be different. We’re joined again by our podcast therapist, Karen, and we discuss the impact that WFH has truly had on our men
S4 Ep13: I Shouldn't Say This, But...My Ambition Can Be Toxic
If you're looking for some guidance on your own personal development, this is the episode for you. This week's podcast is with the amazing @Alice ter Haar and Alice shares an amazing realisation - what she thought she wanted wasn't ACTUALLY what she wanted, and how she built her business, Badass Unicorn, because of it. We unpack her career journey and why understanding your values is key to where
S4 Ep12: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…stop telling me everything ‘will be fine’.
There are over 100 million #goodvibes posts on Instagram alone. But how much positivity is too much? We’re often met with ‘everything will be fine’ and ‘it could be worse’ when we express feelings of sadness, but sometimes this has the opposite of a positive effect. Joined by our podcast therapist, Karen, we dive into the impact that toxic positivity can have on us and our mental health and exactl
S4 Ep11: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…I’m scared of setting boundaries.
I’m rubbish at setting boundaries outside of work. Inside work, I find myself setting boundaries all the time. In this episode, I talk about why boundaries are so important in BOTH settings. I unpack the role that boundaries play in protecting our mental health and share my experiences and mishaps with setting boundaries for myself. Karen, our podcast therapist, also helps us to understand our bou
S4 Ep10: Stefanie Sword-Williams - F*ck Being Humble
Self-promotion. It’s not an easy thing to do. We all struggle with it. But how do we overcome that fear of putting ourselves out there? That’s exactly what we discuss in this episode. Stefanie has an impressive and interesting history and shares with us why she’s done with tiptoeing around talking about success. We cover everything from the reason why not everyone needs a side hustle, to understan
S4 Ep9: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…Lockdown Has Changed Me, For The Better.
This is an episode of self-reflection. I look back over the past year since the first lockdown began and talk about the whirlwind that’s happened since then. Everything from coping with living on my own, to hugging my mum for the first time. From lockdown relationships, to navigating a business through this absolute whirlwind of a year. I also speak to our podcast therapist, Karen, and she gives u
S4 Ep8: Hector Hughes & Unplugged - How To Fall Off The Grid
This is an episode that you don’t want to miss. I am joined by one of the most interesting guests, Hector Hughes. Hector is co-founder of Unplugged, a business that’s focused entirely around digital detoxes at cabins in the countryside, allowing you to fall completely off the grid. No phones, no screens, no social media…In this episode, we talk all about a real range of topics. Everything from, wh
S4 Ep7: I Shouldn't Say This But, Leadership is a double edged sword'
Those in leadership positions take on the responsibility of running a business and turning into a success, but often a large portion of hidden responsibility comes with it. One of the most prevalent topics at the moment is being an empathetic leader BUT who is there to help the ones who help others? I’ll be talking about my own experiences with this and having care as one of my core leadership val
S4 Ep6: Harriet O’Regan & Arla Foods - Working for a global corporation & having dinner with your kids.
On this week’s episode, I’m joined by Harriet O’Regan - the Category Director at Arla Foods, the largest producer of dairy products in Scandinavia. We talk about everything from Harriet’s feelings towards working within the organic industry, to what it was like as the first working mom on the team at Arla and how she’s coped with homeschooling during lockdown. Harriet’s admission submission at the
S4 Ep5: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…Comparing Myself Was The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done
This week’s podcast episode is all about comparison - something I’m sure many of us have struggled with at some point in our lives. In this episode, I really wanted to uncover exactly why we do it and also how to stop it. I also talk about my own experience with comparison and about how it caused one of the most difficult periods of my life. Our own podcast therapist, Karen, also talks us through
S4 Ep4: The Modern Nursery: How my business became my third child
This week we sit down with Laura from the UK’s leading independent store for kids, The Modern Nursery. We talk about everything from how Laura started the company when she fell pregnant after a successful career in high fashion, how important influencers have been to the success of the business, to navigating working from home whilst homeschooling at the same time. If you want to learn about an am
S4 Ep3: I Shouldn’t Say This, But We Need to Be More Compassionate
Compassion. Something we’ve all heard over and over again in the past few months. On this week’s episode, I wanted to explore compassion a little further. What actually is it? What are the benefits of doing it? How do we get better at it? What’s the importance of self-compassion? These are all questions we dig into this week. I’m also joined by a very special guest, my amazing therapist Karen who
S4 Ep2: Feel Good Club: Opening a coffee shop during a pandemic was a good idea.
On this week's very special episode of I Shouldn't Say This But, I am joined by 2 great friends Kiera and Aimie from the amazing Feel Good Club. Feel Good Club is a wonderful mental-health and wellbeing community that has recently opened a cafe based in the Northern Quarter in Manchester.I’ll be talking to them both about how they’ve gotten to where they are today, what it’s been like opening a bu
S4 Ep1: I Shouldn’t Say This, But You Won’t Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions
We’re back with our first podcast of the year and we’re talking all things New Year’s resolutions; why we make them, why we break them but most importantly…how to keep them. We dive into some of the behavioural science behind how to turn our resolutions into habits, to make them stick. If you’re looking to make a real change this year, then this episode is for you. So without further ado, sit back
S3 Ep17: I Shouldn’t Say This, But It’s Okay If You’re Not Feeling Festive
In the final podcast of 2020, we look back over Christmas ads from The Gravy Song, to Tesco’s No Naughty List and we see which brands have got it right and which have definitely got it wrong. After rating my favourite ads, we discuss the fact that Christmas is not easy for everyone. I talk about how I’m approaching this year and some of the ways we can help people who might be struggling. So witho
S3 Ep16: Island Records' Guillermo Ramos: Working With The Kings And Queens Of Music
Ariana Grande. Mumford and Sons. Disclosure. Hozier. Dermot Kennedy. These are just some of the incredible artists that this week's guest has worked with to build their careers and best-selling music.Guillermo Ramos is the VP of Marketing at Island Records, one of the world's most famous labels. He tells me all about his amazing career, the importance of making your own luck and why he feels so pr
S3 Ep15: I Shouldn't Say This, But Procrastination Doesn't Make You Lazy
I am a chronic procrastinator. I put things off. I avoid certain tasks. I distract myself on purpose. I struggle to complete work. And I know that I'm not alone. 1 in 5 people procrastinate at least once, every single day.So, on this week's episode of the podcast, I dive deep into all things procrastination. I look into what causes it, the impact of working from home and the different types of pro
S3 Ep14: Pip & Nut's Pippa Murray: B-Corp Recognition, Building Culture and Beating Dyslexia
This week, I am joined by fantastic Pippa Murray, Founder of Pip & Nut, the award-winning, fastest growing nut butter brand in the UK.Pip followed a career path that was far from traditional, going from anthropology, to theatre, to entrepreneurship - founding a business that started as an idea while preparing for a marathon.We discuss Pip & Nut’s outstanding growth over the years, with 202
S3 Ep13: I Shouldn't Say This, But Burnout Will Never Be Cool
Earlier this month, I shared a post on overworking and burnout, and it went viral. It exploded. So many people resonated with it. Equally, there were people that disagreed. It made me realise that clearly, this is a topic that needs to be discussed more.So, on this week's episode of the podcast I deep dive into all things burnout. I reveal the three types of burnout, why people overwork, my own ex
S3 Ep12: Laced's Yoann Pavy: Building Best-Known Brands From The Beginning
This week, I am joined by the fantastic Yoann Pavy, VP of Marketing at Laced, the startup sneaker reselling platform taking Europe by storm.He’s had an enviable career, working for some of the world’s best-known brands, such as Depop and Deliveroo, both of which he joined at their very early stages.We chat about his switch from an engineering career to marketing, the importance of customer insight
S3 Ep11: I Shouldn't Say This, But We Need A Happiness Hack Right Now
We could all do with a little happiness right now. So, if you're finding the second lockdown tough, this episode is for you. This week, I dive deep into 4 super interesting happiness hacks, each vastly different from the other.From a Japanese concept for finding purpose, to setting happiness goals, to a scientific approach to feel-good brain chemicals, I share how I will (or won't) be applying eac
S3 Ep10: BorrowMyDoggy's Rikke Rosenlund: The Pups Protecting Pandemic Mental Health
This week’s guest is the fantastic Rikke Rosenlund, Founder and CEO of BorrowMyDoggy - the canine Tinder taking the UK by storm, in a dog sitting market worth $1 billion. I have a real personal connection to this brand. The first lockdown was an incredibly lonely period for me. I was struggling to find the motivation to leave the house, until I met Lottie, the gorgeous Cockapoo, through BorrowMyDo
S3 Ep9: I Shouldn't Say This, But: Everything You Need To Know About October
BONUS BITESIZE EPISODE ALERT!October has been an eventful month, to say the least. So I've recorded an extra special episode, rounding up the good, the bad and the ugly of marketing campaigns this month. I also share my thoughts on October's major social updates, including the infamous launch of LinkedIn Stories, a change in the landscape that has caused quite a stir. Finally, I give my predictio
S3 Ep8: Bettys & Taylors’ Ollie Ratcliffe: Spilling The Tea On Britain’s Best Brew
This week, I am joined by Ollie Ratcliffe, Digital Communications Specialist at Bettys & Taylors, parent brand to the iconic Yorkshire Tea.Yorkshire Tea is one of my all-time favourite brands, so I was very excited to speak to Ollie about what it’s like working for Britain’s best brew (if you don’t agree, you’re wrong).We discuss Yorkshire Tea’s best marketing moments, including their new Toas
S3 Ep7: I Shouldn’t Say This, But I Would Hate To Be A Teenager Right Now.
This week's episode is inspired by Paris Hilton. I bet you never expected me to say that. Something she said in her recent documentary really resonated with me, and we need to talk about it.Social media is making it almost impossible for young people to live a happy life, and as the very first "influencer", nobody knows the system quite like Paris. Instagram has been tied to depression, anxiety an
S3 Ep6: The Turmeric Co’s Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu: The Secret Ingredient That Saved His Career
This week I am joined by Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu, athlete, professional footballer and founder of The Turmeric Co., one of the UK’s fastest growing health brands. We discuss his deeply personal connection to turmeric, how this spurred him on to start the business, how he’s since managed to grow and pivot in light of the pandemic, and how he (very successfully) juggles two careers. We also chat abou
S3 Ep5: I Shouldn't Say This, But There's A Reason You Feel Sh*t
Recently I've been feeling sh*t. I've been struggling with motivation, I'm feeling anxious about the prospect of another lockdown over winter, and the subsequent isolation. I'm confused, on-edge and exhausted, and I know that I'm not alone. But, I'm here to tell you, there's a reason we all feel sh*t right now. In fact, there are three, and in this week's episode, I dive deep into what they mean a
S3 Ep4: Purplebricks' Gemma Schmid: Home Is Where The Home Office Is
This week, I am joined by the brilliant Gemma Schmid, Head of Brand and Communications at Purplebricks, the most reviewed estate agent ever, disrupting how we buy and sell our homes.With the rising cost of UK properties, and lockdown's Stamp Duty holiday, we had A LOT to talk about. We discussed how Purplebricks weathered the storm of Summer, the struggles for first-time buyers, and how 2020 has d
S3 Ep3: I Shouldn't Say This, But You Can't Be Creative on a Zoom Call
This year, half of the UK workforce had no choice but to transition into remote working. Some of us loved it. Some of us hated it. Some businesses realised they could allow for more flexibility as to when and where their staff work. Some remained stubborn that an office-based 9 to 5 is the only way for them.In this episode, I dive deep into the hot topic of the role of the office in 2020. I discus
S3 Ep2: Bloom & Wild's Marisa Thomas: Sending Love & Spearheading Thoughtfulness
My first, very special guest on Season 3 of the podcast is the wonderful Marisa Thomas, Head of Brand at Bloom & Wild, the “UK’s Most Loved Online Florist” and one of the fastest-growing British startups (with a growth rate of 13,816%). For a handful of lucky brands, business has been booming over the past few months, with demand skyrocketing and sales soaring. This was the case for Bloom &
S3 Ep1: I Shouldn't Say This, But A LOT Has Changed
The podcast is back, with a brand new season! 2020 has been the strangest year of my 36 years on the planet. I’ve encountered such a great deal of unexpected, uncontrollable change, and I know I’m not alone. For my first episode back, I discuss the changes I’ve faced over the past few months (one particular change I’m sure you’re all aware of), and how I’ve personally and professionally dealt with
S2 Ep23: Exploring career & personal development with Manchester Young Professionals
In this week's podcast, I take part in a live Q&A for Manchester Young Professionals, who are an inclusive and accessible network for progressive like-minded young professionals in their 20’s and 30’s. We talk about Company Culture, Communication, Personal Branding & Career Progression. I also explain how Social Chain has adapted during the pandemic and how to get to grips with career and
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