In this episode of Isme Insights, Cathy sits down with Ruth Clarke, Managing Partner at SIX, a Bristol-based B Corp branding and marketing agency, to explore how organisations can stay deeply human in an era shaped by automation and AI.

As artificial intelligence transforms how marketing is delivered, Ruth argues that it hasn’t changed why it matters.

Together, they unpack:

• Why AI isn’t the enemy, but fear and paralysis might be
• The risk of “vanilla marketing” in an automated world
• How storytelling bridges logic and emotion in leadership
• The powerful link between employee experience and customer experience
• Why psychological safety fuels innovation
• How leaders can “unfreeze” their teams during transformation

Ruth shares insights from her journey within SIX, from creative agency roots to building a culture-led, purpose-driven business and reflects on how emotional intelligence, creativity and clarity are becoming even more valuable as technology accelerates.

This conversation is a timely reminder that progress doesn’t have to mean losing the human touch. Because technology isn’t the problem, how we use it is.

If you’re a marketing leader, founder, HR professional or anyone navigating AI-driven change, this episode will challenge you to think differently about culture, creativity and courage.

Summary

In this episode of the Isme Insights podcast, host Cathy engages with Andy Hawkins, the Chief People, Planet, and Purpose Officer at Business on Purpose, to explore the significance of B Corp certification and its impact on businesses. Andy shares his journey from working in South Africa to helping companies navigate the complexities of B Corp certification, emphasising the importance of purpose-driven business practices. He discusses how B Corp serves as a community of like-minded organisations committed to social and environmental responsibility, and how it can help businesses articulate their mission and values effectively.

Throughout the conversation, Andy highlights the common misconceptions surrounding B Corp, such as the belief that it is only for large corporations or that it is too difficult to achieve. He encourages businesses of all sizes to embrace the B Corp framework as a means of continuous improvement and community building.

The episode also touches on the upcoming changes to B Corp standards and the importance of leadership in fostering a purpose-driven culture within organizations. Andy's passion for helping businesses grow purposefully shines through, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone interested in integrating purpose into their business model.

The conversation with Olly Kohn, co-founder of The Jolly Hog, delves into the journey of building a successful food brand with a strong emphasis on family values, resilience, team culture, and community involvement. From the early days of sausage making to pivotal moments and brand building, the discussion highlights the impact of upbringing, sports, and market challenges on business growth. The conversation covers the journey of building a brand in retail, the significance of B Corp certification and impact reporting, the challenges of maintaining retail listings and performance, the importance of diversification and business growth, and the influence of early experiences and communication skills on entrepreneurial mindset. Key takeaways include the emphasis on quality and the value of building a strong network.

Takeaways

• Family values and upbringing influence business
• Resilience and robustness from professional sports
• Creating a strong team culture
• Adapting to market changes and challenges
• Community involvement and giving back Quality is key
• Building a network is crucial

Chapters

• 00:00 The Jolly Hog: From School Days to Sausage Making
• 09:00 Building a Strong Team and Culture
• 22:59 Pivotal Moments: From Michel Roux Jr. to COVID Challenges
• 28:23 Building a Brand in Retail
• 37:45 Maintaining Retail Listings and Performance
• 47:14 Early Experiences and Communication Skills

Summary

In this episode of Isme Insights, host Cathy Knight interviews Rhea Haynes, a recent intern at Disney Plus. Rhea shares her journey from university to landing a coveted internship at Disney, discussing the application process, her experiences in a hybrid work environment, and the unique culture at Disney. She highlights the importance of collaboration, the challenges of working in a large organization, and the exciting projects she contributed to during her time there, including content for Disney Plus's five-year anniversary.

https://vimeo.com/1075094273?share=copy

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Meghan Davies, a fractional CMO, discusses the importance of teamwork, the evolving role of marketing, and the need for collaboration between sales and marketing teams. She emphasises the significance of emotional support in leadership and the challenges posed by remote work. Meghan also highlights the importance of diversity and the need for organisations to create a culture of psychological safety, where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities. As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, she expresses optimism about the future, particularly in the areas of storytelling and strategic integration of marketing within businesses.

In this episode of Isme Insights, we chat with Chay Watkins, Fractional Marketing Director and Exec MBA with AI student at Cardiff University, about cutting through the noise around artificial intelligence.

With over 15 years in marketing across FMCG, food, and drink brands, Chay shares his perspective on what AI really means for marketers — beyond the buzzwords. We explore why he returned to university to study AI, how leaders can adopt it responsibly, and why creativity and critical thinking still matter more than ever.

A must-listen for marketers, leaders, and anyone curious about the future of human creativity in the age of AI.