Why Belonging Matters More Than Fitting In with Kathryn Jacob OBE

Rachel and Marco sit down with Kathryn Jacob OBE – CEO of Pearl & Dean, co-author of three best-selling books, and one of the most thoughtful voices in British media. From her early career chaos with Chris Evans to her OBE-worthy work on inclusion, Kathryn shares honest, funny and insightful lessons on leadership, resilience, and knowing when to change your shoes (yes, literally and metaphorically).

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Chapters:
05:30 – Kathryn'ss Career in 60 seconds: Virgin Media, cinema, and more
08:00 – Getting an OBE (and nearly mistaking it for a tax demand)
10:00 – Creating cultures of inclusion and true belonging
12:00 – The power of mentorship and finding your “hand at your back”
18:00 – Biggest career fuck-up: wearing the wrong ‘shoes’
22:30 – Why “fitting in” isn’t the same as “belonging”
24:00 – Behind the books: The Glass Wall, Belonging, and Creativity
28:00 – Creativity, elitism, and letting go of the gatekeepers
31:00 – What real leadership looks like (hint: it’s not ego)
34:30 – Magpie moments: learning from others
36:50 – Final advice: if it doesn’t feel right, it might not be you

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