The NABS Podcast (NABS)

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Bruce Daisley, workplace culture expert extraordinaire, is our very first guest on the NABS Podcast, and we're delighted to welcome him. Bruce is the host of the internationally acclaimed podcast Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat; author of Fortitude; and formerly VP EMEA of Twitter. Bruce knows workplace culture.
 
Bruce is a brilliant, smart and engaging guest, especially when he speaks enthusiastically about the power of community when it comes to supporting our mental wellness. Community is central to NABS' mission and vision too, so we enjoyed a fascinating deep-dive into why community is so important and how you can create connections in your own life to bolster your mental wellness.

Highlights from this episode:

• Why resilience is a joint effort
• Why we all need 'simcha' - shared joy - in and out of work
• How you can be the social sherpa we all need in our lives

Find your tribe in adland by signing up to a NABS workshop at nabs.org.uk

Find out more about Bruce, and sign up to his brilliant newsletter

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

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Our guest for this episode is Nicola Kemp, editorial director, Creativebrief and co-founder, DICE (Diversity and Inclusion at Conferences and Events). 

Nicola is one of adland's foremost voices in the space of diversity and inclusion, especially in regard to working mothers. Known throughout the industry for her sterling work as a journalist on titles including BITE, The Media Leader and Campaign, she's also often to be found hosting panels and events. Whatever she does, her MO is to lift up other women.
 
Highlights from this episode include:

• Why the ideal of a linear progression is toxic to women's careers
• How to mix the personal and professional in real life and social media spaces

Find out more about Nicola on LinkedIn

The NABS Podcast is hosted by Louise Scodie and produced by Lewis Hill 

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

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Ed Couchman is head of sales, UK & northern Europe, Spotify, and one of our industry's most prolific senior leaders. He's as well-known for his charity work as his professional life, including supporting NABS. 

Ed knows first-hand what mental wellness looks like, and what happens when serious mental health challenges arise. He's beautifully honest about how his family was affected by a mental health crisis and what he learned from the episode.

Despite this, Ed is positive and practical throughout this uplifting conversation. 

Key takeaways: 

• How your community can help you to prevent a mental wellness crisis
• The importance of promoting social mobility in adland
• The value of giving back, and how to look after yourself when doing so

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

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Find out how you can support NABS...

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Chris Hayward is an adland legend and Campaign A-Lister, known across the industry. He's not just respected for his illustrious career as a media buyer though. Chris has also been searingly open about his own mental health journey, which saw him go from life and soul of the party, to bleak trauma and then to ongoing recovery, following a freak accident. 

In this podcast, Chris focuses on the everyday actions we can all take to check in on ourselves and on each other to help support our mental wellness.

Key takeaways include:

• Easy ways to reach out to people to find out if they're OK or need help
• How people are more empathetic than you might think
• How to stop a tear of negativity turning into a waterfall.

For a deeper dive into Chris's own mental health journey, watch our YouTube interview with him https://nabs.org.uk/why-speaking-out-about-your-mental-health-is-essential/

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

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Marty Davies is one of adland's leading strategists and joint-CEO of Outvertising, the industry's advocacy group for LGBTQIA+ people in the industry. Marty is founder of Smarty Pants, a strategy-first creative consultancy specialising in customer activation and retention. Among Marty's many achievements is their role as Campaign magazine's first transgender columnist. 

In this podcast, Marty talks openly and vulnerably about the process of realising their identity and the need to take better care of their mental wellness.

Key takeaways include:

• How Marty looks after their staff and freelancers, putting wellness above profit;
• Why pronouns matter, and how it feels to be misgendered; and 
• The mental magic of exercise.

Check out Marty's Campaign column and find out more about Outvertising on their website.

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

Follow NABS on LinkedIn

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Find out how you can support NABS...

Got a question for The NABS Podcast?

Rob Mayhew makes hundreds of thousands of people laugh with his daily sketches lampooning agency life. As loved for his trademark woolly jumpers as he is for his relatable wit, Rob joins us to discuss creativity, mental wellness and being funny at work.
 
Rob also recalls when he used NABS in the past to find like-minded flatmates. Happy to oblige, Rob.
 
 Rob is an absolute delight. His team at Gravity Road, where he works as a creative director two days a week, are lucky to have him.
 
 Key takeaways:

• It's OK to enjoy your job and it's also OK to moan about it
• Identify your priority areas for wellness and happiness
• Making good decisions for yourself is key to supporting yourself and those around you

 To buy a copy of Rob's day book, visit this link

To sign up for Rob's free NABS Talk, taking place 1pm 9 November, visit the NABS website

To enjoy Rob's sketches, visit @robmayhewcomedy on Instagram

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

Follow NABS on LinkedIn

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Find out how you can support NABS...

Got a question for The NABS Podcast?

James Appleby is one of our industry's most senior figures. He's managing partner at Assembly Global and also chair of Fast Forward, NABS' flagship pitching training programme.

In this positive and open chat, James discusses his experience of redundancy, and how the power of connecting with old and new contacts helped to lift him up during a period of uncertainty.

James also talks about the importance of giving ourselves a break why sleep is so important.

Key takeaways:

• Identify the aspect of your life that's most affected when your mental wellness is challenged, and track it to help you get support when you need
• Even a 20-minute chat can lift you up when you need a boost
• Connections are everything in our industry

To find out more about Fast Forward, visit nabs.org.uk/events/fast-forward
To find out more about James, visit his LinkedIn profile 

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

Follow NABS on LinkedIn

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Find out how you can support NABS...

Got a question for The NABS Podcast?

Tobi Asare is managing partner, head of growth, at OMD and someone who's passionate about creating opportunities for women and working parents Her book, The Blend, gives brilliant advice on how to find fulfilment at home and at work. 

 Tobi is also an absolute joy to chat with. You will feel her smile throughout this episode. What a tonic, and proof that we can still feel hope and positivity even when tackling big career challenges.

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of finding a sponsor at work
• How to find a support network, even if you're not naturally outgoing
• When to change a culture, and when to leave it

Find Tobi's book The Blend on Amazon.

Watch Tobi's NABS Talk hon our Youtube channel

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

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Find out how you can support NABS...

Got a question for The NABS Podcast?

How to give care and connect with others, with Scott Sallée 

tw: suicidal ideation

Scott Sallée is senior manager, Sustainability and Social Impact at Dentsu and is one of the leading voices in LGBTQ+ advocacy in the UK. Scott has won various accolades in the DE&I space, all very well-deserved.

This chat is wonderfully nurturing thanks to Scott's outlook on caregiving and boundaries. Scott also has a unique take on setting contracts within friendships, as well as working relationships, in order to better understand how other people function as well as to get your own needs met.

Key takeaways include:

• The transformative effect of breathing and breathwork - and how to fit it into our busy lives
• How to structure wellbeing into your ways of working to get the best out of you and your team
• The importance of self-care and the seven (yes, seven!) types of rest

Mentioned in this episode: The Nap Ministry

Find Scott's on  LinkedIn 

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

Follow NABS on LinkedIn

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Find out how you can support NABS...

Got a question for The NABS Podcast?

Cat Wiles is an award-winning strategist who is as passionate about mental wellness as she is about creating great work. She has championed the right to disconnect, volunteered as an industry mentor, and set up mental health first aid programmes.  As well as being Lucky General's first-ever Chief Strategy Officer she's currently also training to be a hypnotherapist to help people uncover their potential and overcome their self-limiting beliefs.

In this uplifting interview, Cat shares with how her personal mental wellness 'tumbles' led her to therapy, and how she applies the insights this gave her to her life like a true Strategist. Cat likens her journey to Kintsugi -the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with golden seams- and says today she is stronger in some ways, weaker in others. We're definitely richer for hearing her story.

 Listen now to hear how:

• After you fake it to make it, the next step is to become it
• How to quiet your inner critic
• How to support yourself by asking strategic questions

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

Follow NABS on LinkedIn

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Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

Find out how you can support NABS...

Got a question for The NABS Podcast?

Amy Kean is a creative sociologist, advertising strategist, poet and best selling author. Her book, The Little Girl who Gave Zero F***s, is a clarion call to females everywhere who are too used to caring about what other people think of them. As Amy explains in this podcast, it's time to stop that right now in the name of your self-esteem. 

Amy is frank, down-to-earth and fond of a swear word or six. She is also one of our industry's biggest names when it comes to speaking out for better diversity and fairer working practices. 

Key takeaways:

• Happiness should be your key priority every day
• We have to get over our obsession with tone in the workplace
• Your self-esteem does not depend on the opinions of other people 

Amy runs Good Shout, a professional training company that helps people to find their voice. Find out more at goodshoutcommunity.com

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

Follow NABS on LinkedIn

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Find out how you can support NABS...

Got a question for The NABS Podcast?

Melissa Robertson is CEO of creative agency Dark Horses. She is also one of adland's most visible menopause ambassadors. Melissa created a brilliant open-source menopause policy at Dark Horses that's become essential use for many in the industry. She also has a great sense of humour so this is a fun as well as enlightening chat.

Key takeaways:

• The menopause is a mental wellness issue that everybody needs to understand and help with
• The secret to getting rest, even if you're awake at night
• Remote working does not equal skiving - it's essential for inclusivity at work

Find Melissa on LinkedIn

Download Dark Horses open source menopause policy

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

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Find out how you can support NABS...

Got a question for The NABS Podcast?

tw: domestic violence

Reeha Alder is the founder of Mighty You, an executive coaching and training consultancy focusing on helping individuals, teams and organisations to create spaces that help them to be their best authentic selves. Reeha takes a holistic approach to creating authentic environments using a combination of breath work, DEI and wellbeing training and skills training for managers and leaders. 

As well as being an advocate for authenticity, Reeha is a trauma survivor whose story has helped to inform her approach to her own life and how she helps others. Reeha is a brilliant speaker who shares her truth honestly and openly. 

Hear more from Reeha in our upcoming NABS Talk on 19 March on finding your authentic self. Register for free on the NABS website.

Key takeaways:

• The body keeps the score, so learn how to look after your wellbeing
• Code-switching is exhausting; the alternative is brilliant authenticity
• How the industry needs to better support people from underrepresented groups

If you need help with any of the issues raised in this episode, try the following resources:

NABS Advice Line 

Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline 

Victim Support 

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

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Find out how you can support NABS...

Got a question for The NABS Podcast?

tw: suicide

Chloe Davies is a creative global inclusion and belonging consultant and founder of It Takes a Village, a network for Black women in advertising, marketing and media. 

Chloe is a proud Black bisexual woman as well as being a mother of two and an outstandingly prolific campaigner and activist. Chloe volunteers for UK Black Pride, the London Queer Fashion Show and was recently named one of Campaign magazine's 40 over 40. Chloe fits an impressive amount of commitments into her schedule, yet still found time to engage in this fascinating conversation.

 Key takeways:

• What it means to be a mental health survivor
• The importance of safe spaces for underrepresented communities
• The gift of volunteering - how to make sure it's a blessing for both sides

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

Follow NABS on LinkedIn

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Find out how you can support NABS...

Got a question for The NABS Podcast?

Aimee Luther is managing director of the Liberty Guild. The Liberty Guild is an invitation-only curated association of the finest communication practitioners in the world. The business aims to give creatives and strategists a better work-life balance and more ownership over their careers. 

 Aimee is a huge believer in kindness as a leadership style, and she makes sure this is a top-lived value throughout her professional and voluntary work. Aimee's also a hugely busy working mum and speaks refreshingly about the demands of the juggle.

This is a great, down-to-earth chat - Aimee is a super mix of kind, clear and no-nonsense. 

 Key takeaways:

•  We need to normalise feeling rubbish so that we can talk about it and support each other
• Being kind to each other is a basic requirement for the human race, so let's translate that into corporate kindness
• Let's use empathy and compassion to create nurturing environments where people can be their whole selves.

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

Follow NABS on LinkedIn

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Find out how you can support NABS...

Got a question for The NABS Podcast?

Iain Preston is a neurodiverse creative industry leader and DEI advocate. Full of energy and wisdom, Ian shares his lived experience of ADHD with our host Louise Scodie, openly discussing the challenges as well as the benefits it brings to his brain. He also shares his thoughts on how ADHDers benefit adland and how team members and leaders can best support those who live with ADHD.  

Iain also loves his dog Rocky, who helpfully stayed quiet for us during this record.

Key takeaways:

• Seeking professional help is crucial for managing ADHD and maintaining mental wellness.
• Neurodiversity brings benefits to the advertising and marketing industry, such as expansive thinking and the ability to connect unrelated ideas.
• Leaders can support individuals with ADHD by asking them how they like to work
• Creating inclusive cultures where everyone feels supported is essential
  
  

Resources:
Free NABS Talk with Iain: https://nabs.org.uk/event/everyday-inclusion-understanding-and-building-a-neurodiverse-workplace-with-iain-preston

Free NABS ADHD workshop: https://nabs.org.uk/event/explore-working-with-adhd-strengths-strategies-support

NABS Advice Line: https://nabs.org.uk/how-we-can-help/advice-line

ADHD UK: https://adhduk.co.uk

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

Follow NABS on LinkedIn

Follow NABS on Twitter

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Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

Find out how you can support NABS...

Got a question for The NABS Podcast?

Ally Owen is the rapid-fire and inspirational founder of Brixton Finishing School, the free course that develops underrepresented talent for adland. Ally shares her experiences of being an ADHD, working-class, single mum in adland to help elevate others and create a more inclusive industry, with our host Louise Scodie.

Ally is fun, intuitive and self-aware, describing her optimum schedule as 'that of a three-year-old toddler'. And with a host of industry accolades to her name, and hundreds of Brixton Finishing School graduates now building careers in the industry, it's clearly working well.

 Key takeaways:

• Accountability partners can be helpful for ADHD'ers - you can even enlist a trusted friend to be this person for you.
• It's not enough to get underrepresented groups into the industry, we need to nurture them and get them into top positions.
• Knowing how to top yourself up is intrinsic to mental wellness.

 NABS Inclusive Leader training: The Inclusive Leader - NABS

NABS Explore: Working with ADHD: Explore: Working with ADHD - Strengths, Strategies & Support - NABS

NABS Everyday Inclusion: understanding and building a neurodiverse workplace Everyday Inclusion: understanding and building a neurodiverse workplace with Iain Preston - NABS

Ally Owen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ally-owen-2920871b?originalSubdomain=uk

Brixton Finishing School: Free Online and In-person Courses | Brixton Finishing School

MEFA: Ethnic Minority Representation in the Media Industry | Media For All

ADHD UK: ADHD UK - Homepage - ADHD UK

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

Follow NABS on LinkedIn

Follow NABS on Twitter

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Find out how you can support NABS...

Got a question for The NABS Podcast?

This week's NABS Podcast guest is Julian Douglas, global CEO at VCCP and a vocal advocate for mental wellness in the advertising industry.

The instigator of the Pitch Positive Pledge during his tenure as IPA president, Julian is a changemaker with a down-to-earth approach to mental wellness, as well as a huge enthusiasm for the ad industry. Julian also loves to learn and might inspire you to enrol on a free NABS course.

Julian talks to host Louise Scodie frankly about his experience of redundancy and how that's informed his mindset.  

Julian is also co-founder of Lucky Voice, the karaoke bar, and reveals his current favourite song to sing in this episode. 

Key takeaways:

• Policies need to be activated to drive forward change - something NABS highlighted in our All Ears community consultation 
• Boundaries and self-care are your essential foundation to maintain mental wellness in our fast-paced world
• How to check if your company is signed up to the Pitch Positive Pledge and what to do if it's not being put into practice 
  
  

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Pitch Positive Pledge pitchpositivepledge.co.uk

NABS courses Calendar - NABS

All Ears Community Consultation NABS All Ears Community Consultation Report

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

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Trigger Warning: sexual assault, sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, alcoholism, cyberbullying

Matt Foster, director of DE&I at Ogilvy UK, has an outstanding track record of campaigning and changemaking, particularly in the LGBTQ+ space. We invited Matt to be our guest to discuss this work, as well as our NABS/Ogilvy Health collaboration around microaggressions. We have a fascinating discussion about all of this.

As well as the above, Matt recently shared his experience of sexual assault on his LinkedIn, and wanted to continue this brave conversation on the NABS Podcast. We discuss Matt's experience as a survivor of sexual violence and how he's sharing this trauma in order to help others. We explore how being a survivor affects your work self, and how to start the journey towards healing.

Matt is articulate, inspiring and an essential voice in the conversation around trauma survival and support at work. Huge thanks to Matt for his vulnerability & courage.

For help with any of the issues raised in this episode, please see the links below.

Key takeaways:

• There is hope after trauma, and you need professional help & patience to help you process your experience; 
• To make change in the world around you, you need to transform anger into empathy
• Self-care is essential when holding space for others or yourself

SurvivorsUK 

Rape Crisis England & Wales

NABS Advice Line - 0800 707 6607

Al-Anon UK 

Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain 

All In 2023 Census 

Ogilvy Health UK and Nabs Call Out Throwaway Comments That Can’t Be Thrown Away

Tara Brach - Meditation, Psychologist, Author, Teacher

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

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Josh Krichefski is CEO of GroupM, EMEA and UK and president of the IPA. This industry influencer is also a huge advocate for mental wellness in our industry, and at the IPA has introduced the People First Promise to promote mental health awareness and support across adland. Has your organisation signed up to it yet?

Josh talks about his own struggles - anxiety and insomnia - as well as how to get involved with the People First Promise. He's very clear, down-to-earth and honest about the difference between good stress and the need to work hard and bad worries that can eclipse your mood and thinking.

Josh is a big NABS fan and we're happy to have his support. Josh is also a big Arsenal fan, which may or may not impact his mental wellness, depending on the season. 

 tw: suicide

Key takeaways:

• How to spot a toxic workplace, and why these have to be deleted from our lives;
• The People First Promise is about action, not just signing up to a policy; and 
• The magic of meditation in helping your brain to switch off.

Resources:

IPA People First Promise

NABS workshops

 Managing Anxiety: guided meditation - NABS

Jonny Benjamin – Mental Health Campaigner

NABS All Ears Community Consultation Report

The Inclusive Leader - NABS

 IPA | Adland's Wellbeing Lab

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

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Jade is executive creative director at Huge, a design and innovation company based in London and New York. A graduate of St. Martin's, Jade describes herself as a creative adventurer. She's worked on brands from Sony to Starbucks and also runs Creative Adventures, where she supports founders and entrepreneurs.

Jade is also helping to drive forward NABS' Art Auction - submit your piece by 9 September and help to raise funds with your creativity nabs.org.uk/artauction

Jade is relatable, empathetic and speaks honestly about her experience of being working-class and LGBT while finding her way in the industry. In particular, her take on what happens when you don't come out until your twenties is super insightful.

Key takeaways:

• The fun and the fallout of coming out in your twenties and how this affects your mental wellness at work
• The micro stresses you can encounter as a working-class industry entrant
• Listening, listening, listening, helps a team to bond and grow

Resources:
NABS' Art Auction 

NABS Advice Line 

She Says 

The Other Box 

NABS All Ears 

Creative Adventur.es 

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

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Rania Robinson is CEO of Quiet Storm Advertising, co-founder of Create not Hate and a former president of WACL. She's also a naturally early riser, using her body-clock attuned 5am starts as valuable me-time to support her mental wellness. Rania realises 5am isn't a time for everyone, and in this easygoing chat Rania shares her tips for sustaining self-support, as well as the importance of sharing values in business and relationships - she runs Quiet Storm with her husband, Trevor Robinson OBE.

Rania is a great ambassador for the sandwich generation (kids, parents, menopause...) as well as an empathetic boss, and a huge believer in the critical importance of diversity in adland.

Key takeaways:

• Respecting your differences, as well as your shared values, is vital for genuine success
• Looking after yourself and others is an active practice
• Bosses need to realise that supporting their staff goes beyond perks - it's about not burning out your team, and respecting their work/life boundaries

Resources
NABS' grief support 

Quiet Storm https://quietstorm.co.uk/

Create Not Hate http://createnothate.org/

WACL https://wacl.info/

Diversity in Focus https://nabs.org.uk/diversity-in-focus/

All In Census https://advertisingallin.co.uk/

NABS Advice Line https://nabs.org.uk/how-we-can-help/advice-line/

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

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Trevor Robinson OBE is the co-founder of Quiet Storm, which he runs with his wife Rania (also a NABS Podcast guest) and Create not Hate, which works with young talent from underrepresented groups.

Trevor is the brains and creativity behind the legendary Tango advert in the 90s, having adopted a fearless attitude cultivated as a young creative, on the dole, trying to get into the adland industry.

He's passionate about creativity and diversity and is refreshingly down-to-earth, especially when speaking about working with Rania and looking after his mental wellness.

Key takeaways:

•  The drive for diversity needs to come from the top
• If you work with your spouse or partner, you have to get things out in the open 
• Don't be afraid of things going wrong in your career

Resources

Quiet Storm https://quietstorm.co.uk/

Create not Hate http://createnothate.org/

Creative Circle https://www.creativecircle.co.uk/

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

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James Fox is the outgoing CEO of Havas. First and foremost though, in his own words, he's a dad, and in this conversation he talks about the truth of being a working parent and a leader in adland with refreshing honesty and perspective. It shouldn't be unusual for an adland leader to say that it's OK and natural for parents to put their children first, but it is, and in this conversation James talks about how he manages the parenting/working combination.

James is also fascinating on the topic of the 'shadow board' at Havas, which enables people across the organisation to ask him questions about anything - anonymously. 

Key takeaways:

• Therapy is for everyone, not just for people in crisis
• Open communication is everything, between your peers and across your organisation
• Parental leave for dads is a wonderful thing; dads returning to work also need structured support

Resources:

NABS Managers' Mindsets 

NABS Advice Line 

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

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tw: alcohol addiction, depression

Natalie Bell is CEO, MG OMD and one of the industry's most prolific leaders, with a string of accolades to show for it. With her focus on people and mental wellness, she's well-placed to talk about leading with empathy. Natalie also has a moving story to tell: that of living with her mother's alcohol addiction, and how this has affected her. 

This is a thought-provoking and heartfelt discussion, which also delves into the importance of supporting managers in our industry.

Key takeaways:

Alcohol use disorder is a spectrum, and we need to talk more about what this complex condition looks like;

We still need to do more to make it OK to drink a little, or not at all, at industry events; and

Our industry needs to give more resource and support to managers, so they can support themselves and their teams.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

NABS Advice Line nabs.org.uk/how-we-can-help/advice-line/

NABS Walk and Talk nabs.org.uk/walk-and-talk/

Drinkaware drinkaware.co.uk/

Tabbin Almond winetowatercoaching.com/my-story

NABS Managers' Mindsets nabs.org.uk/managers/

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

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tw: suicide

Emma Flaxman is senior commercial comms lead at Channel 4 and a mental wellness influencer in adland, having led on mental health for the likes of PHD and Omnicom Group UK. Emma is superbly open about her own challenges, especially where they relate to becoming a single parent. She blogs about her experiences on her blog. In this brilliant conversation, Emma talks about spotting burnout in yourself and in your team as well as what life looks like for her as a senior leader raising two children on her own. We also discuss the importance of movement and recovering from the trauma of school sports to reclaim physical and mental fitness as an adult.

Key takeaways:

• Burnout often goes unrecognised until it manifests in behaviour changes
• Managers should ask their team members open-ended questions to understand how they're feeling
• Giving back to others can make you feel great, no matter how busy you are.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

NABS Managers' Mindsets
NABS Inclusive Leader
NABS Advice Line
Insanelynormal
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

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TW: premature birth; miscarriage

How we created a dads' community at work, with Ben Irons and Joe Dolan of Microsoft Advertising

Ben Irons and Joe Dolan are advertising leaders, coaches and working dads. Together they run Dads at Microsoft, a group that supports dads - and mums - across the world in the company. The group's listening circles are where parents come together for advice and support seasoned with good humour, which makes sense because Ben and Joe are definitely a good laugh as well as being very serious about the need for practical support for working parents. In this lively chat we cover a range of subjects that will resonate with all parents and managers of parents.

Key takeaways:

• How to run a listening circle for parents in your workplace - you don't need all the answers - but someone else in the group might have them;
• Role modelling is key, as is communication, when creating solutions to help your work-life blend; and 
• Self-care isn't selfish, it's a must-have when you're a parent.

Resources mentioned in this episode

Joe's LinkedIn 

Ben's LinkedIn 

NABS Managers' Mindsets 

NABS Advice Line 

Bliss charity for parents of premature and sick babies 

Miscarriage Association 

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

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How to make a big impact without burnout, with Bianca Best

Bianca Best knows about burnout - she experienced it, and has now written a book on how to avoid burnout while making an impact at work. Bianca is an adland powerhouse, a solo mum of four (five if you include her dog), a coach and a speaker, so she certainly knows about fulfilling your potential without damaging your mental wellness. Having got to the burnout point some years ago, Bianca knows how to bring yourself back from the edge of burnout, and how to avoid it in future.

Key takeaways:

• There are four elements to burnout: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
• The first step in overcoming burnout is to acknowledge any shame you have around it
• Ambition is a good thing that can exist alongside your mental wellness

Resources mentioned in this episode

Bianca's website

Big Impact Without Burnout

NABS Advice Line

NABS Managers' Mindsets

NABS on burnout in Marketing Week: here and here

NABS on burnout in Campaign

Support the show

If you work in advertising, marketing or media, NABS is here for you. Through good times and bad, we’re here to get you through all of life’s issues, in and out of work.

Want to build a network? We’ll connect you to the industry.

Aiming to be your best work self? We’ll develop your skills.

Need a listening ear, a friendly face, a confidential chat, some money advice or some help with your mental health? We’re here for that too.

NABS is your charity, generously funded by the industry. Thanks for having our back; we’ve definitely got yours.

Need A Bit of Support? Speak to NABS.

Sign up to the NABS newsletter

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Find out how you can support NABS...