"Those who can, do; those who can't, teach" is often unfairly said about educators. And, similarly, about consultants! In the world of comms and corporate affairs, there is a steady exchange of people between consultancy and in-house roles, with some making the transition several times throughout their careers. To what extent is it desirable for people to switch, both for their careers and their employer? Can you ever be considered a 'good PR person' if you've never worked for a PR agency?

What is your experience of working with in-house staff or external consultants in the comms and PR world? Do you prefer one arrangement over the other? What are the advantages and disadvantages? We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch on social media or email [email protected]

Our guest on this episode is Apella founder partner James Acheson-Gray, who has acted as a long-term advisor to senior decision makers on the value of harnessing reputation to enhance commercial objectives. James has over 20 years' experience running successful PR/PA firms and major client programmes in Europe and Asia. He was managing director of APCO Worldwide from 2012-2019 and is a former Board Director of the Queen's Club.

The Little Questions podcast is presented by Matt Young and Andrew Brown.

Matt Young is an Apella founder partner with 25 years of experience in corporate affairs. He was Corporate Affairs Director at Lloyds Banking Group, part of the senior team which rescued the bank and rebuilt its reputation following the financial crisis. Formerly communications director at Santander UK and board member of the BBA.

Apella partner Andrew Brown is a former Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Ageas Insurance. He has more than 10 years' experience leading the corporate affairs functions for global firms across a range of regulated and unregulated sectors, developing considerable experience in issues, crisis and change management. Formerly Director of Communications at Drax Group plc and Group Corporate Affairs Director at Regus plc.

Find out more about Apella Advisors at www.apellaadvisors.com and you can get in touch by emailing [email protected]

This podcast was produced by the www.thepodcastcoach.co.uk