59 episodes
How I Became ... Ashley Samuels-McKenzie and Charles Parkinson
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- Business
How do you become a CEO? How do you run a £10-£100m+ company? How do you start your own company? Learn from people who've done it, here on How I Became...
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E55 | Learn How to Set Winning Goals: Business Mastery Tips from Ex-Meta VP Leigh Thomas
Leigh Thomas, formerly the Vice President of Global Partnerships for Meta in EMEA, has led a senior team providing strategic C-suite support and advice to some of the world’s most sophisticated businesses across industries such as CPG, Autos, Retail, Tech/Telco, and eCommerce. She brings over 20 years of experience from her tenure in creative agencies, including her roles as Managing Director at Saatchi & Saatchi, London, and CEO at DARE, awarded Digital Agency of the Decade.
Beyond her professional achievements, Leigh is deeply committed to gender equality and serves as an enthusiastic executive for WACL (Women in Communications and Marketing London). She also contributes her expertise as an advisor on the board of Pennies, driving forward the digital micro-donation movement in the UK. Recognised as a Campaign A-lister and a BIMA top 100 achiever, Leigh's contributions to the industry are extensive.
Episode 55 of our podcast delves into real-life experiences of apartheid in South Africa, provides guidance for those looking to pivot their career goals, and discusses strategies for creating positive global change.
We discuss:
Experiencing apartheid in South Africa during childhood
Facing a transformative life event at the age of five
Embarking on a ballet career and achieving professional status
Transitioning from ballet to the world of advertising
Insights on meeting a significant other and maintaining a healthy marriage
Climbing the career ladder to become CEO of Dare
Managing parental challenges during a child’s difficult times
Achieving leadership at Meta, one of the world's most renowned companies
Strategies for fostering global equality
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Unity & Motion - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content
Email: info@weunify.co.uk
This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion
Credits:
Director: Charles Parkinson
Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie
Editor: Catherine Singh -
E54 | Skepta Unveils 'Tribal Mark': Inside His Black Superhero Universe
Recorded Live At SXSW 2024 At The British Music Embassy.
We sat down with Co-Producer Adam Strawford and Skepta at SXSW to discuss his debut film Tribal Mark.
Flipping the script on James Bond, Tribal Mark is the first glimpse of a complex Black Secret Service story that Skepta, together with co-director Dwight Okechukwu, have been working on since 2021.
We discuss:
- Embracing Nigerian heritage in the UK
- Bringing Tribal Mark from vision to reality
- Tips for aspiring creatives
- Crafting a superhero for Black actors
- Advocating for diversity on set
- Transforming challenges into creative fuel
Watch on YouTube
Follow us @HOWIBECAME__
We're on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook
Unity & Motion - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content
Email: info@weunify.co.uk
This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion
Credits:
Director: Charles Parkinson
Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie
Editor: Catherine Singh -
TEASER: The Skepta Episode Coming Soon...
COMING SOON...
Recorded Live At SXSW 2024 At The British Music Embassy.
Join us for an exclusive conversation with Co-Producer Adam Strawford and Skepta at SXSW as they delve into their debut film, Tribal Mark.
Tribal Mark offers a fresh take on the spy genre, presenting a captivating narrative set within the Black Secret Service. Skepta, alongside co-director Dwight Okechukwu, has been crafting this visionary project since 2021.
Follow us @HOWIBECAME__
We're on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook
Email: info@weunify.co.uk
This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion
Credits:
Presenter: Charles Parkinson
Presenter: Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie
Editor: Catherine Singh -
E53 | Defy the Doubters: Frank Turner Opens Up On Addiction & Music Evolution
Recorded Live At SXSW 2024 At The British Music Embassy.
Frank Turner kickstarted his musical journey as the frontman of post-hardcore outfit Million Dead, later transitioning to a predominantly acoustic solo career after the band's disbandment in 2005.
Throughout his solo career, Frank has launched nine studio albums, with his latest release, "FTHC," hitting the number 1 spot on the UK albums chart in 2022, just a week after its debut.
In the second instalment of a four-part special recorded at SXSW, we explore themes of pursuing one's dreams despite contrary opinions, resisting conformity, and confronting the challenges of addiction.
We discuss:
-Being sent to boarding school at 8 years old
-Securing a scholarship to Eton
-Picking up the guitar at 11 and forming a band
-Drawing inspiration from Joe Strummer and immersing in the Punk scene
-Engaging in band performances and touring
-Embarking on the first tour at the young age of 16
-Going to Cambridge University or never returning home again
-Navigating a journey marked by struggles with addiction
-Transitioning into the realm of Acoustic/Folk music
-Not being confined to one specific box
Chapters:
(00:00:00) The Start of a Folk Album Journey
(00:01:41) Reinventing and Sustaining Success
(00:03:29) Childhood in Hampshire
(00:05:14) Sent Away to Boarding School
(00:06:47) Privatized Education and Elite Schools
(00:08:20) Boarding School Experience and Punk Influence
(00:10:02) Discovering the Punk Scene
(00:11:30) The Class Stratification in the UK Music Industry
(00:12:59) Following My Own Path
(00:14:36) Discovering Iron Maiden
(00:16:08) Discovered Punk Music
(00:17:40) Hardcore Bands and Underground Shows
(00:19:11) Punk and the Straight Edge Movement
(00:20:38) Pursuing a Career in the Music Industry
(00:22:09) Estranged relationship with father
(00:23:53) Beginnings with Drugs
(00:25:26) The North London Music Scene
(00:26:55) Struggling with a Work-Life Balance
(00:28:19) The Nihilistic Period
(00:29:51) My Musical Journey
(00:31:30) Transition to Folk Music
(00:33:06) Following an Artistic Imperative
(00:34:35) Encouraging Artistic Experimentation
(00:36:10) Ambition and Success in the Music Industry
(00:37:35) Frustrating Times and Handling Success
(00:39:00) Doing Things My Way
(00:40:27) A Poem: Finding Inspiration and Filling Empty Rooms
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We're on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook
Unity & Motion - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content
Email: info@weunify.co.uk
This is a -
E52 | Unlocking AI: How To Pivot To An AI-Driven Business Model | The Amigo Partnership, Mat Kiddie
With over 25 years of experience spanning global network and medium-sized independent advertising, integrated, and digital agencies, Mat brings a wealth of expertise in creative, and digital strategy. Beginning his career as a Senior Account Manager at Ogilvy in the early 2000s, Mat has since climbed the ranks and successfully established and sold his own companies.
Currently serving as CEO of the Amigo Partnership, an integrated creative agency, Mat leads a team dedicated to seamlessly integrating human and artificial intelligence to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of every stage of the creative process. From commercial insight and creative ideation to emotional engagement and evaluation, their approach ensures deeper, smarter, stronger, and faster commercial impact for their clients.
In this week's discussion, Mat shares valuable insights for business owners, delves into the entrepreneurial mindset and explores the transformative potential of AI in shaping the future of businesses.
We discuss:
- Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs and engineers
- Commencing your marketing career in Australia
- Returning to London and joining Ogilvy
- Contemplating entrepreneurship and launching your own venture
- Building a thriving business, expanding its reach, and eventually selling it
- Experiencing a transformative epiphany while on vacation
- Taking a period of gardening leave for reflection
- Inception of the agency 'Amigo Partnership'
- Achieving a turnover exceeding one million pounds
- Exploring the impact and implications of AI
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Seeking Happiness and a New Beginning
(00:03:51) Influences and Inspiration
(00:07:43) A Fascination with Advertising and Marketing
(00:11:38) Starting a New Agency
(00:15:14) Setting Yourself Up for Success
(00:19:10) Starting a Company: Dreams and Passions
(00:22:59) Taking Calculated Risks and Managing Costs
(00:26:27) Increasing Your Pipeline through Networking
(00:30:35) Building a Boutique Network
(00:34:34) The Calculation for Selling Your Company
(00:38:30) The Moment of Realisation
(00:42:30) Taking a Risk and Exiting the Business
(00:46:25) Reflections on Leaving a Company and Starting a New Venture
(00:50:19) Differentiation and Collaboration in Business
(00:54:14) Highlights from Recent Projects
(00:58:11) Breaking Through Revenue Growth Barriers
(01:02:18) Filling Talent Gaps, Empowering Diversity in the Workplace
(01:06:15) The Goldman Sachs 10ks SB course
(01:10:26) Augmented Creativity and Intelligent Progress
(01:14:29) Understanding your audience and AI integration in business
(01:18:21) Adding Value through AI in the Service Industry
(01:22:32) Advantages and Concerns of AI in Business
(01:26:40) The Machine's Lack of Empathy and Potential Bias
(01:30:51) The Potential Danger of AI-generated Content
(01:34:43) Supporting Children to Live Their Best Life
(01:38:34) The Superpower of Dyslexia
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E51 | Turning Dyslexia Into Your Business Superpower with Paul Wright | Head of Uber Advertising UK&I
Paul Wright, as Head of Uber Advertising for Uber UK&I, spearheads a dedicated team focused on driving business success. His career journey began at Sky, transitioning from TV sales to the burgeoning commercial web arena. Along the way, he co-founded a sports-focused ad network and held pivotal digital roles at Bauer and AOL.
Venturing into Apple's inaugural ad business, iAd, Paul assumed leadership across international markets. He's also played integral roles in various Adtech ventures, notably contributing to Sizmek's acquisition by Amazon in 2019. A fervent advocate for the potency of digital advertising in bridging brands with consumers, Paul champions diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
In this week's episode, we delve into strategies for scaling businesses, addressing workplace bullying, and offering valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
We discuss:
- Childhood spent in a boarding school environment
- Commencing career journey at Lloyds Bank
- Securing a position at the then-unknown TV company, Sky
- Witnessing the emergence of the internet era
- Going bust on the first day of the 2002 World Cup
- Establishing and expanding the first business venture
- Extracting valuable lessons from roles at Apple and Amazon
- Confronting workplace bullying challenges
- Managing dyslexia while navigating career challenges
- Embracing a new career path with Uber
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Overcoming Challenges: Dyslexia to Entrepreneurship
(00:04:18) Uber Ads and Brand Targeting
(00:08:11) Creating an Ecosystem within Uber
(00:12:09) Unusual Upbringing and Starting in Advertising
(00:16:080) The Revolution of Sky TV
(00:20:02) The Rise and Fall of Sports.com
(00:23:56) Starting a New Business
(00:27:41) Starting a Business and Seeking Funding
(00:31:32) The Sales Process and Validation
(00:35:38) Finding Opportunities After Unemployment
(00:39:34) From Omnicom to Apple: A Journey in Digital Advertising
(00:43:28) Working with Eddie Cue at Apple
(00:47:39) The Second Bounce of the Ball
(00:51:45) Dyslexia and Entrepreneurship Challenges
(00:55:38) Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace
(00:59:29) Managing a Team During Uncertainty
(01:03:14) The Importance of Values in Business
(01:07:14) Dealing with Workplace Bullying
(01:11:14) Strain on Relationships and Confidence Issues due to Bullying at Work
(01:15:34) The Importance of Listening to Teams and Preventing Bullying
(01:19:43) Culture and Leadership Training
(01:23:32) Joining Uber and Building a Team
(01:27:19) Building Trust and Providing Value
(01:31:10) Collaboration and Feedback in Leadership
(01:35:12) Learning from Pirates and the Hype Cycle of AI
(01:39:01) The Business Model of AI and its Impact
(01:43:04) Leading a Team in an Uncharted Direction
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