How I Became ...

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 from the world's most prestigious awards.

Jack originates from Glasgow and is a Fellow, a board member, an examiner, an advisor, a judge, a writer and a speaker and has received the epic honour of being selected as the D&AD President for 2023/24.

Part 2 of Jack’s story dives into the pressures of perfectionism, overcoming life-threatening surgery, and invaluable career advice for young creatives.

We discuss:

-Becoming a creative director and nearly getting fired

-The differences women faces in the workplace

-Dealing with perfectionism and anxiety

-Getting a kidney transplant from your brother

-Resigning from your job and starting your own agency

-Buying a holiday park…

-The importance of teaching creative subjects at school

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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 from the world's most prestigious awards.

Follow us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HOWIBECAME__⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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 leaders. 

This week, we delve into Rob's personal journey, discussing the loss of his brother at a young age, the significance of entrepreneurial spirit, and the importance of using one's privilege to help others.

We Discuss:

- Experiencing the vibrant culture of growing up in Trinidad

- Discovering the world of entrepreneurship from a young age

- Overcoming the profound loss of a brother during childhood

- Embarking on a journey with an IBM Computer Studies degree

- Achieving the milestone of becoming the highest-paid employee at Sunglass Hut

- Meeting a life-changing mentor

- Launching and growing Jellyfish into a successful business

- Sharing insights for building a multi-million dollar enterprise

- Emphasising the crucial role of challenging the status quo

- Navigating the process of selling your company

- Offering valuable advice for aspiring investors

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Early Life in Trinidad

(00:05:44) Vegan Chicken and Jam Delish

(00:11:24) Childhood Memories in Trinidad

(00:17:17) The Undercurrent Incident

(00:22:52) A Tragic Accident at Sea

(00:28:40) Accepting Tragedy and Moving Forward

(00:34:46) The IBM Opportunity and Academic Failure

(00:40:34) Struggling with Reading and Joining Sunglass Hut

(00:46:01) Optimising Store Operations

(00:51:05) The Genius Banana Milkshake Sales Technique

(00:56:40) A Chance Encounter at the Bar Leads to Love and Marriage

(01:02:42) Traits and Values in Hiring Employees

(01:08:10) Managing the Pyramid Hierarchy Mindset

(01:13:34) The Importance of Sustainable Processes and the Right Rewards

(01:18:50) Partnering with Google and Digital Marketing Strategies

(01:24:10) Building a Global Presence

(01:29:46) Moving into London Bridge and The Shard

(01:35:05) Distributed Accountability and Support Network

(01:40:21) Creating Value Exchange and Ownership

(01:45:20) Creating Efficiency with Salesforce and Financial Force

(01:50:53) Inclusion and Equity

(01:56:20) The Challenges of Selling a Company

(02:02:02) Moving on from Jellyfish

(02:07:42) Investing in Social Mobility

(02:13:12) The Role of Financial Advisors and Accountants in Investment Schemes

(02:18:53) The Journey of Jellyfish and Distributing Accountability

(02:24:30) Gems to Growth and Scale

Follow us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HOWIBECAME__⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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 her nonprofit, The Yusra Mardini Foundation, which aims to improve access to sports and education for refugee communities. Yusra has become a powerful advocate for forcibly displaced people worldwide.

Episode 61 explores the challenges of living in a war-torn country, the importance of not judging refugees, and how to use your voice to make a positive impact.

We discuss:

- Being born in Syria

- Beginning to swim at age 3

- Dreaming of becoming the next Michael Phelps at age 9

- Facing the onset of war at age 13

- Enduring the traumas of the Syrian conflict

- Undertaking a 25-day journey from Syria to Germany

- Crossing the Aegean Sea on a dinghy

- Keeping the Olympic dream alive

- Helping establish the Refugee Olympic Team

- Aims to change the perception of refugees

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Fleeing Syria at 13 years old

(00:02:18) From Syria to Olympic Swimming

(00:04:48) Starting Swimming at a Young Age

(00:07:27) The Daily Routine in Damascus

(00:09:55) Witnessing the Start of War in Syria

(00:12:23) Mourning the Loss in Syria

(00:14:51) The Youth Olympic Games and Political Reasons for Quitting Swimming

(00:17:10) Pursuing a Different Path in Life

(00:19:22) Life in a War Zone

(00:21:30) Packing for the Journey

(00:26:24) The Expensive Boat Journey

(00:28:44) Guardian Angels on the Boat

(00:31:10) Heartbreaking Journey across the Ocean

(00:33:25) A Life-Threatening Situation at Sea

(00:35:40) The Rescue at Sea

(00:37:58) Journey to Germany

(00:40:26) Impressive Syrian Swimmers

(00:42:39) Representing a Refugee Olympic Team

(00:45:14) The Impact of the Olympic Stadium

(00:47:37) Competing at the Olympics

(00:49:54) The Struggles and Dreams of Refugees

(00:52:19) Refugees and Stereotypes in the UK

(00:54:49) The Importance of Welcoming Immigrants in Society

(00:57:10) Supporting the Refugee Olympic Team

(00:59:32) A Heartwarming Moment

(01:01:59) A Heartfelt Story of Gratitude

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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 "How I Became," Dustee shares her journey from a small town to thriving in big cities, offers advice for those starting their careers, and provides tips on balancing motherhood with a demanding career.

We discuss:

- Growing up in a small Texas town

- Uncertain about your future path

- Experiencing a new world by moving to New York

- Landing your first job on Capitol Hill

- Aspiring to work in journalism and breaking into the press room

- Advancing to press secretary

- Receiving a call from the White House

- Transitioning to Crisis Communication

- Managing a data breach at Target

- Joining Spotify

- Balancing motherhood with a demanding career

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:02:30) Dustee Jenkins: From Tiny Town to Spotify

(00:04:57) Politicians and Breakfast Tacos

(00:07:26) Spotify's Chief Storyteller

(00:10:00) A Conversation with a Genius

(00:12:29) Growing Up in a Small Town

(00:14:44) Small Town Life and Rodeos

(00:17:17) The Influence of New York City

(00:22:25) Building a Relationship with a Senator

(00:24:40) The Magical Appearance of Clips

(00:27:10) A Shot of Opportunity

(00:29:34) From Texas to the White House

(00:31:53) Transitioning to Consulting, Crisis Communication, and Target's Proxy Challenge

(00:34:16) Target Data Breach and its Impact on Retail Season

(00:36:43) The Hack at Target

(00:39:09) Addressing the Press and Protecting Consumers

(00:41:23) Giving Birth After an Interview

(00:43:50) Balancing Work and Family Life

(00:46:12) Being Intentional About Work-Life Balance

(00:48:30) Balancing Work and Personal Life

(00:50:45) Joining Spotify and the Power of Friends

(00:57:42) The Power of Relationships and Being Gracious

(01:00:07) The Journey of a Tenacious Texan

(01:02:31) Opportunities and Graciousness

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 recorded at Spotify Beach in Cannes, we explore Joy's journey of growing up in an abusive home, her invaluable advice on achieving your goals, and the vital importance of resilience.

We discuss:

- Overcoming an abusive childhood

- Battling depression and suicidal thoughts

- Finding motivation to succeed

- Escaping through sports

- Aspiring to become an opinion show host

- Tips for achieving your goals

- Persevering despite rejection

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Paving your own Path

(00:01:48) Pursuing Passion in Sports Broadcasting

(00:03:35) Book Recommendations and Favourite Music Artist

(00:05:32) The Influence of Steph Curry on Basketball

(00:07:19) Growing Up in an Abusive Home

(00:09:10) A Chaotic Early Memory

(00:11:00) The Cycle of Abuse

(00:12:38) Suicidal Thoughts and Overcoming Them

(00:14:23) Using Sports as an Outlet

(00:16:09) Dealing with Abuse in Relationships

(00:17:49) Recognising Toxic Relationships

(00:19:22) Seeking Support for Toxic Relationships

(00:20:57) Advocating for Yourself in Relationships

(00:22:41) Career Paths in the Creative Space

(00:24:17) Starting in Sports Talk Radio

(00:26:03) Gaining Confidence through Experience and Repetition

(00:27:45) The Importance of Pursuing Your Dream

(00:29:25) The Power of Connections and Energy

(00:31:09) Putting Energy into Making It Happen

(00:32:43) The Process of Success

(00:34:25) The Importance of Personal Growth and Collaboration

(00:36:06) Embracing Rejection

(00:37:46) The Stress of Public Relationships

(00:39:40) Deep Conversations and Connection

(00:41:24) Being Honest about What You Want in Dating

(00:43:05) Plenty More Fish in the Sea

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HOWIBECAME__⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unity & Motion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content

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 biggest podcasts, and her advice for women aspiring to start their own ventures.

We discuss:

-Moving from the UK to Nigeria

- Reconnecting with your mum for the first time

- Growing up in Dagenham and facing racism

- Surviving an abusive relationship

- Navigating an estranged relationship with your father

- Working at Buzzfeed

- The birth of The Receipts Podcast

- Co-hosting the UK's biggest podcast

- Do women cheat?

- Love is the closest thing to magic

- The challenges of being a visible woman on the internet

Chapters:

(00:00:00) The Receipts Podcast: Real Conversations Among Women

(00:05:43) The Millennial Agony Aunts

(00:10:59) Creating a Safe Space for Sharing Stories

(00:16:04) The Love for Celine Dion

(00:21:30) Growing Up in Nigeria

(00:26:40) Reuniting with Mom in England

(00:31:33) Dealing with Racism in Dagenham

(00:36:28) Overcoming Racism Together

(00:41:34) Reflecting on Past Relationships

(00:46:25) Recovery from a Toxic Relationship

(00:52:01) Starting the Dream Job

(00:56:55) Navigating Bias in the Workplace

(01:01:46) Unconscious Racism and the Need for Self-Education

(01:11:28) Starting the Podcast Journey

(01:16:40) Starting the Podcast and Early Success

(01:21:31) The Journey to Signing with Spotify

(01:26:18) Reflecting on Leaving BuzzFeed and The Receipts Podcast

(01:31:43) The Fear of Public Failure and Pivoting

(01:36:34) Embracing Change

(01:41:46) Stories of Cheating and Emotional Infidelity

(01:47:11) The Complexity of Love and Infidelity

(01:52:15) Love Languages: Acts of Service and Gift-Giving

(01:57:13) Looking for a Partner

(02:02:36) Privacy and Sharing Personal Stories

(02:07:35) The Excitement of Live Shows and Writing Achievements

(02:12:43) Education and Challenging Bias

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HOWIBECAME__⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unity & Motion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content

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, Simon also founded the Global Chief Marketing Officers Growth Council. With over 15 years in the branded communications industry, Simon's career includes significant agency-side experience before joining LIONS.

In this week's episode, we explore crucial topics such as discussing racism, navigating life with divorced parents, and the importance of inclusivity.

We discuss:

- The power of creativity

- Journey from Devon to Brixton

- Coping with parental divorce

- Discussing the impact of racism

- Rising from the mailroom to CEO of Cannes Lions

- Tips for climbing the career ladder

- Conquering imposter syndrome

- Receiving an important letter

- Prioritising mental health

- Insights into Cannes Lions 2024

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters:

(00:00:00) First Impressions in Devon

(00:02:53) The Beginnings of Creativity

(00:06:06) Childhood Memories and Parents' Divorce

(00:09:14) Navigating Divorce as a Child

(00:12:27) Navigating Different Experiences

(00:15:30) Experiencing Brixton for the First Time

(00:18:51) Empathy and Representation

(00:21:51) Understanding Different Life Experiences

(00:24:57) Fostering Environments and Psychological Safety

(00:27:45) Dealing with the Breakdown of a Parent's Marriage Again

(00:30:53) Strategies for Coping with Divorcing Parents

(00:33:47) Unexpected Jobs and Transferable Skills

(00:36:52) From the Mail Room to Cannes Lions

(00:40:05) Cannes Lions Festival Highlights

(00:42:59) A Significant Moment

(00:45:59) Climbing the Career Ladder

(00:48:58) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

(00:51:51) What Makes a Good Managing Director

(00:54:48) The Bonding Experience of Events

(00:57:48) Lack of Inclusivity and Representation at Cannes Lions

(01:00:46) Dear Simon...

(01:03:55) Constructive Conversation and Change in Brazil

(01:07:01) Positive Changes in the Industry

(01:10:16) The Importance of Taking Time to Think Creatively

(01:13:06) Applying a Strategic Lens to Business Decisions and Cannes Lions Preview

(01:16:16) The Power of Creative Output and Inspiring Others

(01:19:12) Thank You for Joining Us Today

Follow us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HOWIBECAME__⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unity & Motion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content

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 the BBC. She is a commercially savvy, results-driven business leader with a knack for launching and scaling products and brands. Her expertise lies in driving significant growth in complex organisations, while also inspiring, motivating, and unifying teams to deliver their best work and advance their careers.

In this week’s episode, we delve into Anna's experiences and the pivotal moments that shaped her: dealing with divorced parents, coping with the loss of a close friend, and making impactful changes in her career.

We discuss:

- Navigating life with divorced parents

- Moving from London to Blackpool

- Landing her first job opportunity at the BBC

- Meeting a special person at Radio 1

- Contributing to CBeebies, CBBC, BBC Three, and Comic Relief

- Managing burnout

- Advocating for equality in the workplace

- Understanding the significance of ‘treading water’ in your career

- Grieving the loss of a close friend

- Rising to SVP, Head of Paramount+ UK & Ireland

Follow us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HOWIBECAME__⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unity & Motion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Intro
(00:04:10) Yellowstone recommendation and childhood experiences
(00:08:41) Life in the North
(00:12:58) Life Changes and Moving Forward
(00:17:31) Navigating Relationships and Life Lessons
(00:22:12) From Children's TV Presenter to Media Planning
(00:26:18) From Media Planning to Marketing
(00:30:25) Falling in love and career progression
(00:34:34) Balancing Work and Life
(00:52:04) Remembering a Dear Friend
(01:01:04) Music and Laughter during Difficult Times
(01:05:48) Finding Healing and Moving Forward
(01:10:24) Finding Solace in Grief and Friendship
(01:14:42) Crossroads in Career
(01:18:44) Working at Paramount
(01:23:04) Transitioning to a General Manager Role
(01:27:09) Being Comfortable with Discomfort
(01:31:13) Running a Great Company and Weekly Business Review
(01:35:35) Taking Risks and Driving Momentum
(01:39:47) Prioritising Profitability and Balance in Parenting
(01:44:18) The Importance of Being Available for Your Children
(01:48:31) Exciting Shows and Spin-offs Coming Up
(01:52:50) The Web of Life

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 professional achievements, Leigh is deeply committed to gender equality and serves as an enthusiastic executive for WACL (Women in Communications and Marketing London). She also contributes her expertise as an advisor on the board of Pennies, driving forward the digital micro-donation movement in the UK. Recognised as a Campaign A-lister and a BIMA top 100 achiever, Leigh's contributions to the industry are extensive.

Episode 55 of our podcast delves into real-life experiences of apartheid in South Africa, provides guidance for those looking to pivot their career goals, and discusses strategies for creating positive global change.

We discuss:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Overcoming a Life-Changing Surgery

(00:05:53) Formative Years and Finding Inner Resources

(00:11:35) Apartheid and Rebellion in South Africa

(00:17:00) Ballet: A Storytelling Art

(00:22:16) Pursuing a Career in Dance

(00:27:37) Breaking Down Barriers through Dance

(00:33:02) Nelson Mandela's Time in Prison and Building a Better Future

(00:38:51) The Reality of Coincidence Bias and Checking Bias & Privilege

(00:44:24) From Ballet to Advertising: A Love Story

(00:50:01) The Liberating Idea of Having Wings

(00:55:37) The True Gods of Happiness

(01:01:20) Empowering Others for Better Solutions

(01:06:31) Selling Your Agency and Understanding Context

(01:11:43) Collaboration in Business and Marketing Services

(01:17:10) Salary Negotiation and Interview Process

(01:22:31) Working with Partners in the Auto Manufacturing Business

(01:28:03) Working with Extraordinary Leaders at Meta and Facebook

(01:33:23) Focusing on Goals and Supporting Leadership

(01:38:34) Investing in Success

(01:43:53) Bullying and Supporting a Child in Pain

(01:49:23) A Mother's Graceful Response

(01:55:04) The Shift in Business Strategy

(02:00:23) Seeking Support and Finding a New Identity

(02:05:58) Living a Bold and Extraordinary Life in the Next Year

(02:11:06) Setting Crazy Goals for a High Performing Life

(02:16:22) A Journey of Inspiration and Growth

(02:22:24) How I Became and How I Am Becoming

Follow us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HOWIBECAME__⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unity & Motion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content