In this engaging and wide-ranging episode of “Just Curious…”, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by Zoe Melarkey, Head of Communications at Ocado Retail, to explore the evolving world of consumer brand PR. With over 25 years of experience in both agency and in-house roles, Zoe reflects on her dynamic career working with major UK brands including Purplebricks, npower, MFI, and Ocado. From nostalgic tales of early internet days at Berkeley Communications, to leading multi-channel campaigns and navigating crises, Zoe shares honest insights and lessons from her journey.

Zoe reveals behind-the-scenes stories, including working with Nigella Lawson, a clever PR stunt with the boy band Blue, and the realities of handling a high-profile crisis in today’s post-truth world. And she discusses the importance of authenticity, the shift towards unpolished, real-time content, and how to balance corporate and creative priorities, particularly when it comes to working with influencers and agency partners.

The episode also touches on the challenges of measuring PR impact, the growing role of AI in communications work, and how to rebuild trust and reputation in times of crisis. Zoe shares candid reflections on balancing senior leadership with family life, the myth of “having it all,” and why being open, honest, and human is key to building brand loyalty.

Packed with real-life examples, thoughtful perspectives, and practical advice, this episode offers a rich insight into the realities of modern PR, from campaign ideation to crisis management and everything in between.

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In this episode of Just Curious…, George Blizzard and Nicky Regazzoni sit down with Andrew Bloch, one of the most influential figures in the PR and marketing industry. Co-founder of the iconic Frank PR and now a consultant, non-exec, and M&A adviser, Andrew shares insights from his 30-year career, spanning agency life, brand building, talent management, and high-profile client representation, including his long-standing role as Lord Sugar’s spokesperson.

Andrew reflects on his early beginnings at Lynne Franks, the founding philosophy behind Frank PR, and the evolution of ‘talkability’ as a core campaign strategy. He discusses the dynamics of agency partnerships, what makes a pitch successful, and the importance of chemistry and trust in client-agency relationships. As a consultant at AAR and partner at PCB Partners, he also unpacks the intricacies of M&A in the creative industries, including what buyers are looking for and how founders can best prepare for a sale.

The conversation explores how the agency landscape is shifting in 2025, with thoughts on the rise of independents, network consolidation, hybrid working, and the role of hustle in driving agency success. George and Nicky reflect on their own agency journey and the enduring value of media relationships, authentic storytelling, and maintaining a differentiated proposition.

Full of practical advice, industry anecdotes, and honest reflections, this episode is a must-listen for anyone working in PR, marketing, or creative leadership. Andrew’s candour and clarity offer an invaluable perspective on how to grow, sustain, and future-proof an agency.

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In this episode of Just Curious, hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard sit down with Sarah Waddington CBE, a powerhouse in the PR and communications industry. A seasoned leader, activist, and interim CEO of the PRCA, Sarah shares her journey from agency founder to industry advocate. She opens up about her leadership evolution, the importance of professional development, and the systemic issues affecting PR, particularly the gender imbalance highlighted in the CIPR’s “Missing Women” study, which she developed with husband Stephen Waddington through their consultancy, Wadds,Inc. 

Sarah also discusses Socially Mobile, the initiative she co-founded with Stephen to improve socio-economic diversity in PR, and how it's creating a new generation of diverse leaders. She delves into the challenges of hybrid work, inclusivity, and the role of social media in shaping reputations, both as a tool for opportunity and a source of controversy. 

As the interim CEO of the PRCA, Sarah outlines her vision for industry advocacy, pushing PR professionals to be seen as strategic business partners as opposed to PR being an afterthought in marketing. She talks candidly about procurement challenges, reputation management, and how organisations must address real issues rather than applying PR as a quick fix. 

With her characteristic passion, Sarah champions change, diversity, and better industry standards. This is an insightful conversation about leadership, resilience, and the future of PR, one that any communications professional won’t want to miss. 

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In this episode, George and Nicky are joined by one of the UK’s most respected broadcast journalists, BBC TV presenter Sally Bundock. This insightful conversation explores the evolving media landscape, the growing impact of AI, and the importance of flexibility in the modern workplace. With nearly 30 years of experience in journalism, Sally shares her journey from reel-to-reel tape recorders and phone boxes to the fast-paced, tech-driven newsroom of today.

She opens up about the rise of misinformation and disinformation, revealing her own experience being deepfaked in a viral scam video, and discusses the crucial role of BBC Verify in maintaining trust and credibility in journalism. Sally also reflects on the challenges of maintaining impartiality in reporting, particularly during divisive stories like the Israel-Hamas conflict, and highlights the importance of giving space to multiple perspectives.

The conversation delves into workplace trends post-pandemic, with Sally championing hybrid working and work-life balance. She shares personal stories of how her unique schedule allowed her to be present for her children, especially during difficult times, and emphasises the value of making career choices that prioritise stability and wellbeing.

Listeners also gain practical insight into how communications professionals can successfully pitch stories to journalists and build relationships with media teams. With honesty, humour, and professionalism, Sally reflects on what makes a great interviewee, her admiration for sleep as a superpower, and the realities of navigating today’s 24/7 news cycle.

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In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Dwain Chambers, one of Britain’s most well-known athletes, to hear his extraordinary story of redemption, resilience, and accountability. From his meteoric rise as the fastest British man and a world championship medallist to his dramatic fall from grace following a doping scandal, Dwain opens up about the pressures of elite sport, the influence of those around him, and the life-altering decisions that shaped his journey.

He candidly shares his mental struggles, the overwhelming media scrutiny, and how he found himself isolated, lost, and uncertain of his future. But rather than letting failure define him, Dwain took ownership of his mistakes and worked tirelessly to rebuild his life, both personally and professionally. He reflects on the lessons learned, the importance of accountability, and the role of key people in helping him turn things around.

Now, through Chambers for Sport, he is using his experiences to educate young athletes about the risks of making the wrong choices and how to navigate pressure in the sporting world.

This episode is not just about sport; it's a compelling story of overcoming adversity, rebuilding a reputation, and learning that success and failure go hand in hand. Whether you’re in sport, business, or life, Dwain’s insights offer a powerful reminder that mistakes don’t have to define you - if you take control of your narrative.

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Welcome to "Just Curious...", the podcast from The PR Network. We're Nicky and George, friends and co-founders of a global communications agency with an innovative senior-only model. We're naturally curious and chatty, and in this podcast we're picking the brains of incredible people about everything to do with image, communications and reputation.

In this first season, our incredible guest lineup includes people who’ve reached the top of their game in the worlds of business, sport, broadcasting and PR, all sharing their personal stories and insights into their journeys, the big incidents that shaped them and their top tips for building strong reputation.

Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network

LinkedIn: @theprnetwork

Instagram: @prnetwork

Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn

Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn