The Captivate Podcast (Peter Grant & Alex Cheeseman)

Go deeper than industry news and trends. Join Alex Cheeseman, Head of Enterprise Business at Outbrain, as he sits down with the people who shape the world of marketing and advertising. This podcast delves into the human side of the industry, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and personal journeys of those who dedicate their lives to connecting with audiences.

More than just marketing tactics, we uncover:

• The passions and motivations driving today's leading professionals
• The real-world impact of marketing and advertising
• Lessons learned and insights gained from diverse experiences
• Inspiration to think differently and create positive change within the industry and beyond

Whether you're a seasoned marketer, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the forces influencing the messages you see every day, this podcast offers a fresh perspective and valuable insights.

Subscribe now and join us as we explore the human stories that make marketing and advertising more than just a business.

Join us for the debut episode of "Beyond the Brand," where we explore the profound personal and professional life of Andrew, a veteran in the marketing world whose career trajectory has taken him from early days in fast food to the cutting-edge of digital advertising technology. This episode dives into Andrew's multi-faceted life story, discussing his rise through the ranks, the pressures of maintaining a professional facade, and his personal battles with mental health.

What You'll Learn:

- How Andrew's early career in fast food shaped his work ethic and professional outlook.

- The challenges of separating personal identity from professional roles in the advertising industry.

- Insights from Andrew's experience in leading a successful media podcast and navigating the world of digital marketing.

- Andrew's candid discussions about his mental health, including severe depression and OCD, and how therapy has played a crucial role in his life.

- The importance of community and empathy in personal growth and professional success.

Featured Quotes:

- "Who am I? That's not just about my job. I'm also a dad, a husband, a brother — and these roles define me more than my professional title."

- "There's a person I put across to keep me safe. Safe from vulnerability, safe from harm."

- "It's not about the number of people you manage, but how you manage to make an impact on people."

Episode Timestamps:

- [00:01:30] Introduction to Andrew's early career

- [00:12:45] Discussing the transition from fast food to advertising

- [00:25:00] The inception and impact of the MediaCom podcast

- [00:37:15] Mental health revelations and the therapeutic journey

- [00:52:10] The role of community and empathy in professional life

Recommended Resources:

- Link to Andrew's MediaCom podcast - https://soundcloud.com/connected-podcast/ronan-harris-vice-president-md-of-google-uk-ireland

- List of mental health resources discussed in the episode:

Mind

Website: www.mind.org.uk

Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Connect with Us:

- Subscribe to our podcast to never miss an episode.

- Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and more inspirational stories.

Join us next time on "Beyond the Brand" where we continue to uncover the human stories behind professional facades.

Slip behind the scenes with Michelle Sarpong, the vibrant heartbeat at the core of the7stars. In today’s episode, Michelle opens the curtains on her almost six-year dance through the dynamic corridors of the agency, tracing the arcs and sparks that keep her chasing the horizon. From the rigid frameworks of law school to the fluid realms of media, hers is a story woven with threads of passion, resilience, and relentless evolution.

With Michelle’s voice as your guide, explore how she has sculpted her space within the7stars, turning her diverse past into a formidable bridge between the hungry demands of commerce and the nuanced needs of clients. She speaks of the human core of this industry—how the support of colleagues and the pulse of a dynamic work setting have been the bedrock of her growth.

She’s not one to sidestep the heavy hitters—Michelle tackles the big questions about AI’s splash in the media pool, dispelling fears with a poet’s grace. She argues for a harmony where technology clears the underbrush, setting the stage for human creativity and strategic finesse to play their parts.

Then there’s the shifting sands of workplace dynamics—hybrid models, talent retention, and what fun looks like when the world is watching through a post-pandemic lens. Michelle sketches a landscape transformed, advocating for a blend of flexibility and the irreplaceable spark of in-person collaboration.

And yes, while the stakes are high, Michelle lets her vibrant spirit shine through, from tales of her love for Arsenal to serendipitous late-night moments that steered her toward a career in media. Her energy captivates, her insights cut deep, and her passion for the pulse of media is unmistakable.

Whether you’re deep in the game, just peeking through the door, or thinking of switching lanes, this episode promises a deep dive into the evolving world of media, packed with raw insights, seasoned advice, and the infectious zeal of a woman who lives and breathes this industry.

Meet Jenn Meyer, the media maven behind Ford Europe's electric evolution, on this riveting episode of "What Matters Most." As the head of media and partnerships, Jenn navigates the charged waters of modern marketing, sculpting campaigns that mirror the dynamism and momentum of Ford's electric vehicles. With a strategic eye on the mosaic of European markets, Jenn unpacks the art and science behind captivating diverse audiences and transforming visionary electric dreams into tangible realities. From her days as a contemplative, nature-loving child to becoming a dynamo of strategic innovation, delve into Jenn's transformative journey from introspective youth to electrifying leadership.

Key Takeaways:

1. Electrifying Strategy:

Unpack how Jenn drives Ford Europe's shift towards electrification, balancing the power of data with the human touch in media planning.

2. Childhood Roots:

Explore the threads from Jenn’s childhood—her shyness and love for nature—that have subtly woven themselves into her leadership style and her strategic approach.

3. The Power of Preparation:

Discover how Jen’s introverted nature and tendency to over-prepare have become her superpowers, enabling her to navigate the high stakes of media strategy with grace and authority.

4. Environmental Passions and Professional Paths:

Reflect on the ‘what if’—Jenn's alternative path in life she might have taken, working with NGOs on environmental issues, and how this influences her work in the automotive industry.

5. Leadership and Empathy:

Delve into how Jenn's leadership is shaped by empathy, forged from her own experiences of overcoming introversion and using it to lead in a space where every voice counts.

Quote Highlights:

"Harnessing my introversion taught me the power of preparation and the strength in silence."

"Navigating the complexities of media strategy in the electric vehicle market requires a blend of creativity and precision—traits I've honed since my childhood."

"Every step in my career has been a stepping stone towards not just selling cars, but promoting a sustainable future."

Join us as Jenn Meyer takes us on a journey through the electric avenues of Ford's future strategies, her personal evolution from reticence to leadership, and the profound impact of childhood dreams on professional realities. This episode is a masterclass in transforming perceived weaknesses into career-defining strengths.

In this raw and riveting episode of The Captivate Podcast, we sit down with Tom Fenwick-Smith, a digital creative and innovator with a surprising side passion for Muay Thai. We kick things off with Tom’s tale of how a charity boxing match led him down an unexpected path, teaching him the true meaning of grit, determination, and the beauty of getting back up after a hard fall.

Key Takeaways:

1. Muay Thai Journey:

  - Discover how a pre-COVID charity boxing match pushed Tom to face his fears.

  - Hear about his training with a world champion K1 Thai fighter and the lessons learned from taking punches every week.

  - Understand the parallels between the discipline of Muay Thai and life’s challenges.

2. Creative Career Path:

  - Follow Tom’s unconventional journey from the film industry to advertising, driven by his love for storytelling.

  - Learn how Tom’s dyslexia became a superpower in his creative process.

  - Explore the transformative impact of the School of Communication Arts 2.0 on his career.

3. Personal Reflections:

  - Hear Tom’s take on empathy and how small, genuine moments can make a big difference.

  - Dive into his belief in the power of pain and discomfort as catalysts for growth.

  - Appreciate the value of meaningful connections and small victories in life and work.

4. Advice for Aspiring Creatives:

  - Tom emphasizes the necessity of curiosity in the creative field.

  - Provides a heartfelt recommendation for young talents looking to break into the industry.

Quote Highlights:

- “If boxing is chess, Muay Thai is 3D chess.”

- “Losing builds self-esteem through incremental change.”

- “We live in a world of grey, and it's those small moments of empathy that colour it.”

Step into the vibrant and textured world of Philippa Tilley, Global Head of Radiant at Unilever, on this episode of "What Matters Most". Philippa peels back the layers of her brand’s chameleon-like existence across continents—from Briante in Brazil to Rin in India—revealing the rich tapestry of local adaptations that define global branding. From her early days as a wide-eyed, book-devouring child to her current role steering a colossal brand through the seas of global markets, Philippa shares how her innate curiosity about people and their narratives has become her superpower in the world of international marketing.

Key Takeaways:

Global Brand Kaleidoscope:

• Discover how Radiant morphs its identity across markets, reflecting each culture’s unique essence while maintaining a unified global presence.

Narrative of a Dreamer:

• Trace the arc of Philippa’s journey from a childhood immersed in literature to her role as a global brand custodian, exploring how her passion for stories shapes her approach to branding.

A World of Insights:

• Dive into tales of Philippa's travels that transcend traditional market data, offering a firsthand look at the unexpected human elements that reports can miss.

Philosophy of Connection:

• Unpack Philippa’s belief in branding as the art of relationship building, where understanding and responding to consumer desires creates lasting bonds.

Cultural Conductor:

• Engage with the idea that brands are not just selling products but are active participants in shaping cultural dialogues and pushing societal evolution.

Quote Highlights:

• "Every brand name, every market, is a different verse of the same song, sung in the local tongue."
• "In the symphony of marketing, it’s not just about hearing the global rhythm but listening to the local beats."
• "The magic of marketing lies not in selling but in telling—a tale that resonates universally but feels uniquely personal to every listener."

Tune in to hear Philippa Tilley reveal how blending empathy with insight crafts not just marketing strategies but bridges between worlds. This episode is a deep dive into the heart of global marketing, where stories are the currency and understanding is the trade.

In this stirring episode of The Captivate Podcast, we unravel the tapestry of James Trott's life — from the whimsical dreams of a star-bound child to his ascent into the echelons of media mastery. Join us as James walks us through the nostalgic pages of a childhood memory book, his spirited sprints across the rugby field, and his bold splash into the world of water polo with Olympic aspirations. Now at the helm of global media strategy, James offers an introspective look at the pivots and leaps of his journey, shedding light on how the dreams we weave can transform into the legacies we build.

Key Takeaways:

1. Childhood Aspirations:

- Rediscover the childlike wonder that had James reaching for the stars, and the poignant role his mother's memory book plays in preserving those early sparks of ambition.

- Examine the transition from cosmic dreams to earthly passions, revealing how childhood aspirations can set the stage for unexpected life paths.

2. Athletic Endeavours and Lessons Learned:

- Delve into James's athletic pursuits, from rugby fields where strategy and grit are forged, to the disciplined waves of competitive water polo.

- Unpack the life lessons gained from sports — resilience, teamwork, and the power of redefining success.

3. Media Strategy and Innovation:

- Trace James’s evolution into a media strategist, navigating the changing tides of digital marketing and cultural engagement.

- Explore the innovative strategies at play in James’s role at Coca Cola, where he directs global media efforts to captivate and connect.

4. Philosophy on Life and Work:

- Reflect on James’s philosophy of life, where mindfulness and adaptability reign supreme in both personal well-being and professional excellence.

- Consider how James’s journey underscores the importance of pivoting gracefully amidst life’s inevitable changes.

Quote Highlights:

- "We're all just a little stardust mixed with dreams of what could be."

- "In the game of life, sometimes the best plays come from the most unexpected shifts."

- "Mindfulness isn't just meditation; it’s mediating between what life expects of you and what you expect of life."

Tune in to witness how James Trott maps the galaxies of his mind to the strategies in the boardroom, proving that sometimes, the journey from stardust to stardom is just a dream away.