Unique Contributions

To conclude the first series of our Unique Contributions podcast, YS speaks to Jelena Sevo about diversity, inclusion and innovation, and what it means to be one of the most senior women at RELX. In her conversation, Jelena makes the business case for diversity and shares her insights into what more can be done to bring down the remaining barriers that still stand in the way.  As chief strategy officer at RELX, Jelena talks about RELX’s approach to customer centricity and what makes the organisation different. Her personal story, set against the backdrop of a country that was once defined by polarisation and the rejection of diversity, is an engaging window into how a female leader is driving innovation through diversity of thought.

This podcast is brought to you by RELX.

Much has been discussed about the events industry during the pandemic. In this episode, YS explores with Anna Dycheva-Smirnova the lasting impact of shows on local economies and what it takes to be a leader in this industry.  Anna discusses how authenticity, sincerity and openness have informed her leadership style with both clients and employees. Her positive mental attitude and a sense of higher purpose have ensured some of the highest advocacy scores in employee opinion surveys across RELX. A veteran of the industry, Anna shares her insights into how the industry has evolved over time and how moving from “instinct to database” is creating growth opportunities for clients.  

 Anna Dycheva-Smirnova is CEO of Reed Exhibitions Russia, Turkey and the Middle East, and also from January 2021, the new CEO of the UK. 

You can read more of our stories on Reed Exhibitions here and why people at RELX recommend our company as a great place to work here. 

 This podcast is brought to you by RELX.

In this episode, YS Chi talks to Stephen Topliss about cybercrime. They discuss how online fraud has evolved and how modern technology is now helping to combat it. They explore the need to balance convenience with safety to protect younger generations, and take a look at Stephen's inspiring journey which has included stops as a linguist and a space physicist.

Stephen Topliss is the VP of Market Planning for Global Fraud & Identity at LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

This podcast is brought to you by RELX.

What is the rule of law, what does it mean in practice and why does it matter?
Gaythri Raman has dedicated a large part of her career to advance the rule of law. In this episode, YS asks Gaythri what it takes to meaningfully advance the rule of law around the world and about the role that technology can play in that journey. Based in South East Asia, Gaythri shares the stories that have changed her life and the lives of others to create a more equal society.

Gaythri Raman is managing director of LexisNexis South East Asia.

This podcast is brought to you by RELX.

In this episode, YS Chi talks to Rhett Alden who joined Elsevier with “the idea, the expectation, that we’re really going to do something significant in the healthcare space to improve patients’ lives”. 

YS asks Rhett how it was possible to make such quick progress with the Covid vaccines, how to continue the push for more open access to information and how to build trust. Rhett shares his insights on all the possibilities that come with bringing different large data sets together to better understand patients, the exciting developments in oncology and the latest tools that are helping doctors find the best cancer treatments.

Rhett Alden is the chief technology officer for health and commercial markets at Elsevier.

This podcast is brought to you by RELX.

In this episode, YS Chi speaks to Dean Curtis about his unconventional professional journey which has seen him skip university, start a career in finance, move into professional soccer coaching at major UK clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, and then onto risk and compliance.

Today, he’s leading two growing businesses that provide data and analytics. YS asks Dean about how these different paths have served each other and how his insights into sports, elite team performance and psychological safety informs his business decisions and leadership skills. Together, they discuss “co-opetiton”, the combination of competition and collaboration in the age of Covid, insights into how analytics are helping the airline, travel and petrochemical industries make better decisions, and our responsibility to support their transition towards environmental sustainability. 

Dean Curtis is group managing director of ICIS and Cirium which respectively provide data and analytics solutions to the petrochemical, and airline and travel industries.

This podcast is brought to you by RELX.

In this episode, YS Chi speaks to Lance Fensterman, pop culture fanatic, entrepreneur and global head of Reed POP.

ReedPOP celebrates pop culture around the world and runs events like New York Comic Con, EGX Berlin, the Minecraft Festival and the Star Wars Celebration to name just a few.  As a leader in an affected industry, YS asks Lance about the challenges of navigating change and unfamiliarity and finding the right balance between passion and calm. Lance shares his insights into creating community engagement and existential experiences in a digital world and his prediction for the events industry post Covid.

This podcast is brought to you by RELX.