Alexandra introduces her new newsletter 'Chancing It' alongside her podcast 'Take a Chance on You,' sharing insights on guest stories, upcoming episodes, and resources for creators and podcasters. The episode highlights guest journeys, industry updates, and future plans for community engagement.

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In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth speaks with James Thomlinson, founder and CEO of Sprint Partners. They discuss James's journey from a 20-year career in marketing to launching his own consultancy, the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of continuous learning, and the dynamics of working from home. 

James shares insights on time management, the role of automation in business, and the significance of nurturing talent and building company culture remotely. The conversation emphasises the emotional aspects of leadership and the importance of staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry. 

In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of filtering information in a world overwhelmed by data, the significance of networking and community building, and the evolving role of technology and AI in entrepreneurship. They also explore generational differences in the workplace, emphasising the need for emotional intelligence and adaptability in leadership. The discussion concludes with encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks and embrace their unique journeys.

Takeaways

Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth.

Investing in marketing and being consistent is crucial for business success.

Setting boundaries and learning to say no is important for time management.

Automation can significantly enhance business efficiency and reduce workload.

Creating a productive home office environment is key to success in remote work.

Building a strong company culture is possible even in a remote setting.

Providing constructive feedback is vital for nurturing talent.

It's important to celebrate employee achievements and support their growth.

Focus on being yourself and staying in your lane.

Networking is essential for personal branding and growth.

Starting small in networking can lead to bigger opportunities.

The barriers to starting a business are lower than ever due to technology.

Emotional intelligence is crucial in managing diverse teams.

You must be all in when pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams.

Take a leap of faith and just go for it; don't look back.

You will find your tribe and community if you put yourself out there.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to James Thomlinson and His Journey

03:11 Launching a Business: The Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur

06:12 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Adaptation

08:57 Navigating the Challenges of Starting a Business

12:04 Time Management and Setting Boundaries

14:48 The Role of Automation in Business Efficiency

17:58 Working from Home: Creating a Productive Environment

20:54 Building Company Culture Remotely

24:02 The Importance of Feedback and Nurturing Talent

26:46 Emotional Aspects of Leadership and Employee Transitions

30:01 Staying Relevant: Trends and Networking

33:42 Filtering Information and Overcoming Paralysis

39:21 The Importance of Networking and Community

45:01 Embracing Technology and the Role of Founders

51:46 Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace

Follow James journey - ⁠LinkedIn ⁠

Sprint Partners Consultancy - ⁠LinkedIn⁠

This episode was recorded in SHURE studio space.

In this episode, host Alexandra Forsyth interviews Cameron Wenham, head of marketing & communications at Tech Fellow, discussing the dynamics of the technology recruitment landscape, the importance of community building, and the evolving role of marketing in recruitment. 

They explore trends in the job market, the significance of soft skills, and the impact of generational shifts on recruitment strategies. The discussion also touches on personal growth, networking, and the challenges of remote work, emphasising the need for authority, relevance, and trust in marketing. 

In this conversation, Cam and Alex discuss the significance of inner work and community in personal growth. She emphasises the importance of feedback, navigating work-life balance, and overcoming burnout. The dialogue explores how environment influences development, the evolving definition of success, and the necessity of discomfort for growth. Strategies for developing tenacity and boldness are shared, alongside insights into recruitment strategies for young professionals and the future impact of AI on work.

Takeaways

-              Get started and just have a conversation.

-              The aim is to uncover the individual behind the job title.

-              Tech recruitment is still strong despite market trends.

-              Proof, passion, and pedigree are key for candidates.

-              Generational shifts are impacting recruitment.

-              Soft skills development varies across generations.

-              Marketing should facilitate sales, not just brand.

-              Community building is essential for brand presence.

-              Remote work impacts talent discovery and engagement.

-              Personal growth is a solo journey, but support is crucial.

-              Feedback is key for me with growth.

-              You can still be a big thinker in a nine to five.

-              There are no limits to what you can achieve.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:07 Tech Fellow Landscape

05:55 Trends in Recruitment and Market Dynamics

08:49 Career Path and Transition to Marketing

11:55 Growth and Community Engagement at Tech Fellow

14:54 Challenges in Recruitment and Marketing Strategies

18:09 Work Culture and Employee Fulfilment

21:51 Networking and Overcoming Anxiety

26:13 Neurodiversity and Mental Health in the Workplace

30:01 Authority, Relevance, and Trust in Marketing

34:08 Personal Growth and Finding Your Community

38:22 The Importance of Inner Work and Community

39:41 Navigating Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth

41:01 Overcoming Burnout and Finding Motivation

43:02 The Role of Environment in Personal Development

46:08 Redefining Success and Embracing Change

48:25 Growth Through Discomfort and Community Engagement

51:18 Strategies for Developing Tenacity and Boldness

57:05 Recruitment Strategies for Young Professionals

Follow Cam's journey - LinkedIn

Tech Fellow - LinkedIn

This episode was recorded in SHURE studio space.

The wait is over. Take A Chance On You returns!

New trailer out now - catch a glimpse of what is to come including a sneak peek of our first guest. 

Host Alexandra Forsyth welcomes returning listeners and newcomers centre stage as she reflects on the journey of the podcast from its inception to the transition into Season Two. 

The importance of storytelling, leadership, and community building, are key areas explored this season, while addressing the challenges of networking and burnout. 

Alexandra emphasises the need for personal growth, self-advocacy, and the significance of small, meaningful connections in both personal and professional realms. 

Take A Chance serves as a motivational guide for listeners to navigate their careers and personal lives with confidence and purpose.

This episode was recorded in SHURE studio space.

Substack

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Get In Touch with Alexandra

In this episode of the Take a Chance On You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth reflects on the journey of the podcast and shares her insights as we enter 2026. She emphasises the importance of setting goals, creating a roadmap, and embracing personal growth.

Alexandra highlights her key role in creative, how this has naturally evolving through Take A Chance and now "Dream Big", marking a true testament to Alexandra's current and future positioning and the transferable skills gained along the way.

She encourages listeners to take risks, pivot in their careers, and engage in self-reflection to discover their true purpose and mission in life.

Alexandra also introduces the upcoming season of the podcast, which will feature guests discussing various topics such as mental health, leadership, and digital transformation. She emphasises the value of community and networking, urging listeners to take their online connections offline for more meaningful interactions.

With a focus on providing resources and insights, Alexandra invites listeners to subscribe to the podcast and the accompanying newsletter "Chancing It", to stay updated on strategies and recommendations that can help them navigate their personal and professional journeys.

Social media links - Follow along

Get in touch - Questions for Alexandra

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth reflects on the past year and shares strategies for executing goals in 2026. She emphasises the importance of self-reflection, crafting a personal mission statement, using feedback as a catalyst for change, building community, and empowering the next generation.

Alexandra encourages listeners to take action, even when they don't feel ready, and to seek connection and support from others as they navigate their personal and professional journeys.

The biggest takeaway, embrace the uncertainty of the future with optimism, hope and resilience, you're not alone on your journey.

Takeaways:

• Becoming who you are meant to be by crafting a mission statement, putting thoughts into action and building your personal brand.
• New Year’s resolutions / vision board can be nice activities to complete, helping self-reflect on things that went well and areas for improvement, but we must focus on execution.
• Breaking down big goals into smaller actionable. You cannot do everything in one day. Decide how you can remove stressors from wanting to achieve success and think about longevity. Outreach to that person today, gain leads, feedback on proposal etc and then move forward.
• Build your personal brand by starting to share your stories in 2026.
• Feedback is your momentum for change if you want it. Think about how you can engage with feedback from others and focus on professional development / transferable skills.
• Surround yourself with people who challenge you. Self-reflection is crucial for personal growth.
• Seek out opportunities. The art of community, culture and networking.
• Start before you’re ready, I did with the podcast and I couldn’t imagine my life any differently.

Chapters

00:00 New Year Reflections and Goal Setting

03:10 Crafting Your Mission Statement

05:55 Using Rejection as Momentum for Change

09:03 Building Community and Networking

11:54 Empowering the Next Generation

15:03 Taking Action Before You're Ready

This year we have dived into the world of thought leadership, personal and professional resilience, embracing change and the importance of taking breaks.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

See you all for more storytelling in 2026!

Season 2 Collaborator - INSPO Social Networking Platform.

In this engaging conversation, Alex Segal, Managing Director of InterTalent, one of the UK’s top talent agencies, reflects on the fast-paced changes in the entertainment industry throughout 2025 and expectations for the year ahead. 

Alex discusses the importance of strategic planning during the holiday season as we approach Christmas and reflect on client engagements, setbacks and forward momentum. 

Alex and his team approach the multifaceted role of InterTalent, and the necessity of adaptability in communication with confidence, emphasising the significance of risk-taking and innovation in talent management, as well as the need for personal branding in the digital age. He also shares insights on his Substack, Dealmakers, aimed at empowering others in the industry. 

The importance of community, networking, and resilience in the entertainment industry underpins Alex’s key message, requiring personal growth, learning from competitors, and the significance of being organised and having a strong work ethic. 

The discussion also touches on the exciting future of talent representation and the importance of embracing new platforms and ideas; Alex sharing his own experiences of resilience and grit. 

Takeaways

·  2025 has been a year of relentless change in the entertainment industry.

·  December is now a frantic month for strategising and planning.

·  Talent agents must be adaptable and understand their clients.

·  Building trust and communication is crucial in talent management.

·   Risk-taking can lead to significant opportunities in the industry.

·   Personal branding is essential for success in today's market.

·   Embracing AI can enhance productivity but not replace relationships.

·   Consistency is key to building a successful career in talent management.

·   Gatekeeping knowledge in the industry is detrimental to growth.

·   Empowering others through shared knowledge can foster community.

·   Younger agents should be encouraged to explore Substack.

·   Networking happens best in person, not through Zoom or emails.

·   Don't be afraid to start; everyone begins somewhere.

Dealmakers - Substack.

Season 2 Collaborator: INSPO Social Networking Platform.

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth speaks with Tasha Turnbull, Senior Account Manager at Mitchell & Stone. Tasha shares her unique journey from being the first employee at a startup to managing a team across different countries. The conversation delves into the importance of networking, authenticity in professional relationships, and the impact of AI on the marketing landscape. Tasha emphasises the value of hard work, staying prepared, and being yourself in the workplace. She also discusses her experiences at Downing Street and how they shaped her career.

Takeaways

Tasha was the first employee at Mitchell & Stone, witnessing its growth.

Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Authenticity is key in professional relationships.

AI is an assistive technology, not a replacement for humans.

Building confidence is crucial for career progression.

Problem-solving skills are essential in any role.

Don't take yourself too seriously in a corporate environment.

Nurturing relationships can lead to long-term success.

Stay prepared for unexpected opportunities.

Everything happens for a reason in your career journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tasha Turnbull and Her Journey

02:57 The Startup Experience: Building from the Ground Up

05:55 The Importance of Networking and Authenticity

08:56 Unexpected Opportunities: The Downing Street Experience

16:03 Discovering Passion Through Networking

18:09 Navigating University and Career Paths

21:49 Adapting to Challenges During the Pandemic

25:53 Fostering a Problem-Solving Mindset

28:17 Embracing AI in Marketing

32:39 Final Thoughts on Professional Growth