Creative Moves: Left Career, Right Path

Kabir Malik
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Join host Kabir Malik as he explores career pivots and unexpected second, third or even fourth, acts. Each episode features him in conversation with someone who made their mark in their chosen profession, before stepping away to pursue something entirely different. These are stories of reinvention, risk and reward. We start by diving in to what drove their initial success, hearing about the professional highs and personal challenges of their first career, to the moment they realised it was time for a change, and how they made the transition into their next role. Whether you’re starting out and wondering how to get your ideal job, or you’ve felt the pull of a new direction and wondered what it might involve to take the first step, we hope you’ll be inspired by the conversations we have, as we hear about the creative moves each guest made in their career that led them to the path they’re on. Visit www.creativemoves.co.uk for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4 days ago

    Ep 16 • From Wham!'s Entourage to Managing Top Talent • Jon Fowler

    In this episode we talk to Jon Fowler, whose first established career was as PA to Andrew Ridgeley, one half of Wham!, the band who conquered the world in the 80s. Having made up one half of the band's entourage before ending on a high with a Final concert at Wembley Stadium, he turned the relationship professional and worked closely with Andrew for the next few years. Using the observations he made whilst following Wham! around the world, he then moved into tour management before landing a job in promotions at Sony Music Entertainment, ending up as director of international marketing. After that he returned to talent management, and diversified to include both TV and print as well as music (albeit to a lesser degree as time passed). He also developed a deep closeness with the other half of Wham!, George Michael. Continuing to have a hand in the management of a select roster of talent, he also offers mentorship to individuals who are looking to make a move into, or within, the creative sector. And he would love another hit single. Connect with Jon https://www.instagram.com/jonnyboyfowler13?stkn=MWY4YTJzcHU2Mm44ag== https://www.jfmediamentor.com/ References (discussed) Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped: Watch on BBC iPlayer HERE Riding the Showbiz Wave: Listen on Spotify HERE CONNECT WITH KABIR https://www.linkedin.com/in/kabirmalik/ https://www.kabbage.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/kabbagemix/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep 16 • From Wham!'s Entourage to Managing Top Talent • Jon Fowler

  2. 4 Aug

    Ep 15 • From Child Actor to Events Artistic Director • Ben Taylor

    In episode 15 we talk to Ben Taylor, who entered the workforce whilst still at secondary school. Treading the boards in the West End with the Royal Shakespeare Company as a child actor, he mingled amongst adults, and learnt the craft that would take him to places he could have only imagined before. Upon leaving school Ben was whisked from cleaning toilets one Friday, to sharing the studio, and screen, with co-leading actor, none other than Bette Davis, on a Disney film. From which point he acted in many productions across the UK, and even as far afield as India, alongside some of the biggest names in film and TV.   Turning his hand to the other side of the camera, both producing, and directing, documentaries, he eventually moved full-time into running his own events company, House of Honey, as founder/artistic director.   As he questioned the fame and fortune that acting had blessed him with, his quest for life's meaning led him to explore various paths of spirituality, and philosophy, and he explains his overwhelming and compelling obligation to bring meaning, community and especially love, to as many people as possible, having benefited himself from being raised in an unconditionally loving and multicultural family.   He is now also studying psychotherapy. CONNECT WITH BEN https://www.instagram.com/givehouseofhoney/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/houseofhoney.org/   CONNECT WITH KABIR https://www.linkedin.com/in/kabirmalik/ https://www.kabbage.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/kabbagemix/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep 15 • From Child Actor to Events Artistic Director • Ben Taylor

  3. 30 Jul

    Ep 14 • From Global Creative Direction to the Art of Island Living • Rafaela Perera

    In this episode we're joined by Rafaela Perera, an executive creative director working across brands, in particular television networks.   Starting out her career in creative at an independent, boutique advertising agency in Australia, Raf took time-out in the Canary Islands (where her parents emigrated to Australia from) having experienced burn-out for the first time. We hear how she 'relaxed' during that period by starting a nail-painting business before becoming a ramp agent for an airline. Upon her return to Melbourne, within five months a friend suggested she tried spending time in London, from where the second phase of Raf's career, and identity, took shape.   The third phase began when she and her family moved permanently to the Canary Islands, upon which Raf decided to try her hand at being an artist specialising in ceramics, and she has her first exhibition scheduled for late 2026.   Raf's story is both inspiring, and thought-provoking, with her undeniable creativity, tenacity and humility shining through.   ** TRIGGER WARNING: This show contains discussion around mental health **   CONNECT WITH RAF https://www.instagram.com/rafaelapererastudio/ https://www.rafaelaperera.com/ CONNECT WITH KABIR https://www.linkedin.com/in/kabirmalik/ https://www.kabbage.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/kabbagemix/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep 14 • From Global Creative Direction to the Art of Island Living • Rafaela Perera

  4. 1 Jul

    EP 13 • From Building a Creative Powerhouse to Crafting Novels • Nicky Sargent

    In this episode, we talk to Nicky Sargent, who initially entered the workforce in an advertising agency in Bristol, transferring to their London office after 6 months. Nicky then changed jobs to work for EMAP, initially selling advertising space before moving across to publishing, and was part of the team that launched Television Week. Following that role came a job at Molinare, where she was forced into working with Vikki Dunn, a fateful partnership that ultimately defined the rest of their lives, and with whom she would go on to co-found The Farm Group, which for decades was the most iconic and beloved TV post-production company in the UK, with multiple sites in London as well as Bristol and Manchester, and also Los Angeles, USA. Currently working on her third novel (which was short-listed for the Marlowe & Christie Novel Prize), Nicky also provides non-exec director and trustee support to various organisations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    EP 13 • From Building a Creative Powerhouse to Crafting Novels • Nicky Sargent

  5. 23 Jun

    Ep 12 • From Capturing Sound to Shaping Style • Ryan Chandler

    From his first job at Bowers & Wilkins, luxury British audio brand, it was a given Ryan would end up working with sound.  Moving from recording studio to recording sound on-set and location for film and TV, an opportunity too good to resist led him to taking over independent fashion store Meet Bernard, with his wife Dani, in 2016. Transforming the business into a successful fashion and lifestyle brand with men's & women's stores in East Dulwich, they’ve proved that a discerning eye for product-buying, combined with a talent for informative and inclusive social content, is a winning formula that appeals to their community of highly-engaged local, and online, customers. Connect with Ryan Chandler https://www.instagram.com/stories/rhinosan/ Resources and links mentioned Meet Bernard - men and women's fashion and lifestyle stores https://www.meetbernard.com/ Connect with Kabir Malik https://www.instagram.com/kabbagemix/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kabirmalik/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep 12 • From Capturing Sound to Shaping Style • Ryan Chandler

  6. 16 Jun

    Ep 11 • From Medical Films to the Science of Joy • Tina Woods

    Episode Summary Having been fascinated with science and the story of life since the age of 10, Tina studied medicine in the US with the intention of qualifying as a gynaecologist; but life had other plans for her once she graduated from University. ​ Establishing a successful career in medical production companies in the UK and the US, Tina moved to a senior position in an advertising agency in the healthcare sector before eventually forging her own path as a social entrepreneur, focussed on improving human and planetary health. ​ Along the way she also completed an MBA, became a published author and, in the past few years, has learnt to DJ, playing at conferences as well as parties she organises as part of her drive to harness the power of music, joy and connection for a happy, healthy and long life. Connect with Tina Woods https://www.colliderhealth.com/ https://www.longevityrave.world/ https://www.instagram.com/tina.technotic/ Resources and links mentioned 'Live Longer with AI: How artificial intelligence is helping us extend our healthspan and live better, too' https://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-Longer-artificial-intelligence-healthspan/dp/1838646159 https://www.livelongerbetter.org/ Connect with Kabir Malik https://www.instagram.com/kabbagemix/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kabirmalik/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep 11 • From Medical Films to the Science of Joy • Tina Woods

  7. 30/10/2025

    Ep 10 • From Book-keeping to Beat Counting • Kabir Malik

    In the final episode of Creative Moves, things come full circle as our host Kabir Malik steps into the guest chair. This time, it’s his old boss and friend, Joce Capper, asking the questions. From his early days working at the Passport Office to becoming the go-to sales guy for post-production houses across Soho, Kabir’s career has been anything but ordinary.   He shares stories from along the way, in a candid chat about resilience, self-retraining and how his love of music, and his gift for really listening, have led him into a whole new chapter where he’s finally following his true passions.   ** TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion around mental health, addiction and childhood trauma ** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep 10 • From Book-keeping to Beat Counting • Kabir Malik

  8. 23/10/2025

    Ep 09 • From Statutes to Stories • Manish Chauhan

    Manish Chauhan works as a Finance Lawyer specializing in Derivatives and always had a passion for writing. At 17, he was told by his creative writing teacher to go and live life before he should even think about writing a novel.   Now his first book is slated with Faber (Jan 2026), he talks community and critique circles. His is the story of someone who took the ‘sensible’ path, all the while making space for the work he truly loved, that wouldn’t let go. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep 09 • From Statutes to Stories • Manish Chauhan
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Join host Kabir Malik as he explores career pivots and unexpected second, third or even fourth, acts. Each episode features him in conversation with someone who made their mark in their chosen profession, before stepping away to pursue something entirely different. These are stories of reinvention, risk and reward. We start by diving in to what drove their initial success, hearing about the professional highs and personal challenges of their first career, to the moment they realised it was time for a change, and how they made the transition into their next role. Whether you’re starting out and wondering how to get your ideal job, or you’ve felt the pull of a new direction and wondered what it might involve to take the first step, we hope you’ll be inspired by the conversations we have, as we hear about the creative moves each guest made in their career that led them to the path they’re on. Visit www.creativemoves.co.uk for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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