In this episode of PRCA Fuse, our host, Farzana Baduel, sits down with Yasir Khan, one of the world’s leading CEO Speech Coaches and a global authority on public speaking. With a mission to elevate professionals into the top 1% of communicators, Yasir brings a wealth of expertise, having coached over 2,500 leaders worldwide. His practical and engaging approach empowers CEOs and aspiring leaders to speak with confidence, authority, and charisma, ensuring their messages captivate every audience.

Instagram: speakingwithyasir

In this episode, host Farzana Baduel sits down with trailblazing PR consultant and advocate Ishtar Schneider, whose career spans continents, industries, and pioneering initiatives. Ishtar shares her journey from an ambitious intern at Edelman Australia to an established leader in public relations, with expertise in healthcare and a deep commitment to mental health, gender equity, and diversity. Now a global health PR consultant, Ishtar has championed purpose-driven projects, including Mars Petcare’s campaign to make Australia more pet-friendly, and has developed Australia’s first-ever online Certificate in Healthcare PR.Through dynamic storytelling and practical insights, Ishtar reflects on her global perspective in PR, her ongoing work to support women in the industry, and her role as Chair of the PRCA Equity Inclusion Advisory Board. Additionally, she has served as Co-Chair of PRCA Health Group and is a decorated leader recognised by the PRCA, Aspen Rising Leaders, and others. From PRWeek’s Health & Pharma accolades to B&T’s 30 Under 30, Ishtar’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and impactful change. This episode is for listeners who aspire to build inclusive, globally-minded PR careers that empower both clients and communities.

Join Farzana and Ishtar for a conversation that is as insightful as it is inspiring, exploring what it means to lead with purpose in today’s PR landscape.

Connect with Ishtar Schneider:

LinkedIn: Ishtar Schneider

Twitter: @ishtar413

Follow Farzana on Social Media:

Twitter & Instagram: @FarzanaBaduelExecutive

Producer: David Olajide - [email protected]

Podcast Manager and Editor: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu - [email protected]:

Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.

In this episode of PRCA Fuse, host Farzana Baduel is joined by one of the UK's most renowned mergers and acquisitions specialists, Mark Madsen. With a track record of over 86 successful transactions across the PR, public affairs, and wider marketing communications sectors, Mark offers invaluable insights for agency owners looking to sell their business or plan for future growth.

Drawing on his extensive career—ranging from building and selling a diversified services group to executing multi-million-pound deals across Europe and the United States—Mark discusses the key factors that make agencies attractive to potential buyers. From equity and market interest to client expectations and relationship building, he provides a comprehensive look at the strategies that lead to success. His journey from the Grenadier Guards to the world of business fuels his unique approach, where resilience meets a deep understanding of the industry.

Whether you're contemplating an exit strategy, evaluating timelines for return on investment, or seeking advice on scaling your agency, this episode is packed with practical guidance for anyone in the marcomms industry. Tune in for a deeper understanding of what makes an agency saleable, and why it's crucial to explore your passions and key drivers to ensure long-term success.

Connect with Mark:

LinkedIn:⁠ Mark Madsen

Website:⁠ Madsen Advisory Limited

Follow Farzana on Social Media:

Twitter & Instagram:⁠ @FarzanaBaduel⁠

Executive Producer: David Olajide - ⁠[email protected]⁠

Podcast Manager and Editor: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu- ⁠[email protected]⁠

Disclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.

In this episode, host Farzana Baduel speaks with Richard Fogg, Managing Director of CCGroup, to explore his 25+ year journey in the B2B technology PR and marketing industry, discussing how he’s helped shape some of the world’s largest tech companies and challenger brands.

Richard is a renowned figure in the tech PR space, having grown CCGroup into an award-winning, global B2B PR agency. From his early days as an account executive to leading a successful MBO, Richard’s career is a testament to resilience and innovation in the fast-evolving tech sector.

In This Episode, We Explore:

Connect with Richard:

Follow Farzana on Social Media:

Executive Producer: David Olajide - [email protected]

Podcast Manager and Editor: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu- [email protected] 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.

 In this episode, host Farzana Baduel chats with Mark Lowe, co-founder of Third City, one of the UK’s leading independent PR agencies.

Mark’s impressive 25+ year career spans a diverse range of sectors, including tech, healthcare, and FMCG. As a trusted advisor to senior clients and a regular commentator on brand reputation and sustainability, Mark has helped shape the PR industry’s approach to ESG and creativity. Under his leadership, Third City has been recognised as the ESG Consultancy of the Year by PR Moment and achieved B Corp status, highlighting the agency’s commitment to ethical practices and social impact.

In This Episode, We Explore:

Connect with Mark:

LinkedIn: Mark Lowe

Twitter: @ThirdCityPR

Follow Farzana on Social Media:

Twitter & Instagram: @FarzanaBaduel

For questions and inquiries, please contact:

Executive Producer:David [email protected]

Podcast Manager and Editor:Ikechukwu [email protected]

Disclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.

In this episode, host Farzana Baduel engages in an inspiring conversation with Julietta Dexter, a trailblazer in the world of communications and a champion of female empowerment in business. 

Julietta Dexter is the co-founder and former CEO of The Communications Store (TCS), a leading strategic brand development and communications partner for the world’s most iconic brands. Under her leadership, TCS became synonymous with integrity, values-driven business, and female empowerment. With over 25 years of experience, Julietta has expanded her influence across industries and continents, including launching TCS into the US market. 

In This Episode, We Delve Into:

Connect with Julietta:

LinkedIn - Julietta Dexter

Follow Dan & Farzana on Social Media:

Twitter & Instagram: @Dangoldmedia | @FarzanaBaduel

Executive Producer: David Olajide - [email protected]

Podcast Manager and Editor: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu- [email protected]

Disclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the FUSE podcast.

In this episode, host Farzana Baduel engages in an enlightening conversation with Andrew Bruce Smith, a leading expert in artificial intelligence and its applications in digital PR, social media, SEO, and analytics.

Andrew Bruce Smith brings over 38 years of experience to the table, having strategically integrated AI into digital communications programmes for some of the world's largest brands. With a strong foundation in Philosophy and Mathematical Logic, Andrew has pioneered the adoption of AI content tools and has shared his expertise with over 3000 organisations, including NATO, NHS, Specsavers, Sky, Jaguar Land Rover, and Disney.

In This Episode, We Explore:

Connect with Andrew:

Follow Dan & Farzana on Social Media:

Twitter & Instagram: @Dangoldmedia | @FarzanaBaduel

Executive Producer: David Olajide - [email protected]

Podcast Manager and Editor: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu- [email protected] 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the FUSE podcast.

In this episode, host Dan Gold engages in a ‘PR numbers’ conversation with Darryl Sparey, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Hard Numbers, a multi-award-winning, performance-driven communications consultancy.

Darryl co-founded Hard Numbers to be the communications consultancy that clients' sales teams love. By combining killer creative strategies with hard commercial acumen, Hard Numbers delivers demand-generation campaigns that drive a demonstrable return on investment. With a background in sales, marketing, and digital PR, Darryl offers a unique perspective on integrating SEO tools and lead-generation tactics into PR strategies.

In This Episode, We Explore:

Key lessons from SEO and sales applied to communications

Measuring brand awareness and its impact on business goals

The integration of SEO tools and lead-generation tactics with traditional PR efforts

The importance of the AMEC framework in PR and communications

Coverage reporting versus lead generation and early analytics pivoting campaigns to success

Connect with Darryl:

Twitter: @darrylsparey

www.hardnumbers.co.uk

Follow Dan & Farzana on Social Media:

Twitter & Instagram: @Dangoldmedia | @FarzanaBaduel

Executive Producer: David Olajide - [email protected]

Podcast Manager and Editor: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu- [email protected]

Disclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are not necessarily endorsed by the FUSE podcast.

In this episode, host Farzana Baduel engages in a fascinating conversation with John Harrington, an experienced editor and digital journalist, renowned for his editorial projects and deep understanding of media, politics, business, culture, and current affairs.

John Harrington is the Editor of PRWeek UK, with a career spanning over a decade in the industry. He holds a postgraduate diploma in journalism from City University and a first-class degree in politics and history. Named Best Digital Journalist/Blogger at the 2019 PRCA Digital Awards, John brings expertise to the conversation.

We explore John's journey from journalism to PRInsights into the dynamic world of media and journalism PR Week’s Top 150, UK Powerbook, Best Places to Work, and 30 under 30 initiatives.

The future of PR and the importance of storytelling in communication The role of storytelling and editorial in enhancing PR strategies The significance of PR's expanding influence in the C-suite

Connect with John:Twitter: @john_Harringwww.prweek.comFollow Dan & Farzana on Social Media

Twitter & Instagram: @Dangoldmedia | @FarzanaBaduel

Executive Producer: David Olajide - [email protected]

Disclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are not necessarily endorsed by the FUSE podcast.