How I Became ..‪.‬ Ashley Samuels-McKenzie and Charles Parkinson

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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Email: info@weunify.co.uk

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Tess Alps, currently serving as a Non-Executive Director of Channel 4, boasts over 40 years of profound experience in the dynamic realm of advertising. Notably, she held the positions of Founding CEO and Chair at Thinkbox, the influential marketing body for commercial TV in the UK, representing a staggering 99% of TV advertising revenue. Establishing this company in 2006, Tess embarked on a mission to underscore TV's enduring effectiveness, articulate its dynamic future across all technologies, and fervently advocate for creativity.

Before her pivotal role at Thinkbox, Tess Alps served as the Chairman of the PHD Group in the UK. During her impressive 13-year tenure with PHD, she assumed various roles, including a notable six-year stint leading Drum, the content division of the group, where she pioneered the revolutionary concept of brand content.

In Episode 45, Tess shares invaluable insights, addressing challenges faced by women in the workplace, navigating the emotional terrain of miscarriages and grief, and emphasising the empowering mantra, "It's Never Too Late."



We Discuss:

- Embracing a distinctive upbringing that shaped your perspective

- Nurturing aspirations of becoming an actress

- Initiating your professional journey in the dynamic fields of advertising and sales

- Navigating the challenges of being a woman in a predominantly male-dominated career

- Coping with the profound loss of your mother

- Confronting the emotional hurdles of dealing with miscarriages

- Unveiling the pathway to becoming a chairperson in your career journey

- Emphasising the significance of perpetual learning in personal and professional growth

- Pioneering the establishment of Thinkbox

- Discovering the empowering truth that it's never too late to pursue your dreams



Chapters:

(00:00:00) The Power of Women in Leadership

(00:04:12) Lessons on Running Businesses and Organizations

(00:08:13) TV Series and Mantras

(00:12:33) Channel 4's Ownership of IP and Rise of On-Demand Viewing

(00:16:39) The Influence of Drama in My Life

(00:20:43) Navigating a Male-Dominated Environment

(00:24:52) The Power of Listening in Sales

(00:28:46) Making a Career Change

(00:33:11) Grieving and Regrets

(00:37:32) Grief and Loss in Pregnancy

(00:41:57) Professional Counseling and Recovery

(00:46:24) The Role of a Media Agency

(00:50:51) The Importance of Valuing Differences and Teamwork in Leadership

(00:55:05) Nurturing Talent for Success

(00:59:29) Learning from Failures and Long-Term Goals

(01:03:45) Expanding the Chairperson's role in external organizations

(01:08:22) Reflections on Career and Future Plans

(01:12:42) The Origins of Thinkbox

(01:16:49) The Importance of Independent Research in Advertising Effectiveness

(01:21:10) Appointment Process and Privatization of Channel 4

(01:25:16) Ensuring the Future of Channel 4

(01:29:26) Channel 4 Board Meetings and Decision Making

(01:33:57) The Power of Data in Media Advertising

(01:38:14) What Makes a Great CEO

(01:42:36) The Catholic guilt of confessing sins

(01:46:43) Never Too Late

(01:50:49) Magic Skills and TV Show Appearances



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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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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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Recorded Live On Stage At SXSW 2024 At The British Music Embassy



During the early '90s, Simon Williams pioneered the renowned indie label Fierce Panda, which became synonymous with launching singles by iconic bands such as Coldplay, Supergrass, Death Cab For Cutie, Ash, Keane, The Maccabees, and numerous others. Serving as a cornerstone of London's independent music scene, Fierce Panda bridged the gap between the UK's vibrant musical underground and mainstream charts.



In one of four special episodes filmed at SXSW, we delve into the Britpop era of the '90s, addressing topics ranging from coping with suicide and mental health struggles to emphasising the importance of vocalising one's experiences.



We discuss:

- Childhood in Clapton

- Coping with the loss of your father at the tender age of 5

- Emergence of Britpop and Grunge movements

- Transitioning from NME to establishing your own record label, Fierce Panda

- Collaborating with renowned artists such as Coldplay, Keane, The Bluetones, and others

- Releasing the single that transformed Coldplay's trajectory

- Navigating mental health challenges during a difficult period in 2019

- Offering advice and support for individuals grappling with their mental health



Chapters:

(00:00:00) Finding a Way Out

(00:01:00) Unscripted Journeys of Inspirational Figures

(00:02:14) Simon Williams: The Journey

(00:03:22) Celebrating Life

(00:04:29) Uncovering a Childhood Trauma

(00:05:38) The Subconscious Impact of Personal Trauma

(00:06:42) The Birth of the Camden Town Scene

(00:07:45) Starting Out with Compilation EPs

(00:08:50) Bands on Major Labels and Cold Play's Journey

(00:09:54) Changing the Music Scene in 1999

(00:10:58) Reflecting on the Journey of Fierce Panda

(00:11:58) Mental struggles and the music industry

(00:13:05) A Personal Journey through Mental Health

(00:14:07) A Close Call and a Lifeline

(00:15:13) Seeking Help for Mental Health

(00:16:14) A Mission to Keep You Alive

(00:17:18) Writing as Therapy and Reflection

(00:18:17) Embracing Life and Overcoming Mental Challenges

(00:19:21) Celebrating 30 Years

(00:20:31) Ignoring the Advice of Others

(00:21:33) Challenges in the Music Industry

(00:22:32) The Power of Being Honest with Yourself

(00:23:37) Celebrating 30 Years of Fierce Panda

(00:24:44) A Boiling Pot: The Journey of an Artist

(00:26:07) Birthday Wishes from Friends and Fans

(00:27:33) Happy 30th Anniversary to Fierce Panda Records

(00:28:38) Not actually dead yet



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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

Alison Hutchinson CBE, CEO of Pennies, an award-winning fintech charity, also serves as Senior Independent Director at DFS plc, Yorkshire Building Society, and Foresight Group Holdings Ltd. Awarded a CBE in 2016 for her contributions to the economy and charities, Alison has a diverse background, including 15 years at IBM overseeing global operations, leading e-commerce solutions in the financial services sector, and serving as CEO of a digital subsidiary joint venture with Accenture and Barclays at Barclays Bank. Her tenure at The Kensington Mortgages Group PLC as Group CEO culminated in a successful sale to Investec in 2007 just before the financial market crisis.

In this episode, we delve into the keys to business success, underscore the significance of diligent work ethic, and share invaluable career insights.



We discuss:

- Growing up in West Scotland

- Early exposure to family businesses from the age of 8

- Commencing University studies at the young age of 16

- Navigating the loss of your father

- Embarking on a career journey at IBM

- An encounter with a special individual during a skiing trip

- Ascending to the role of CEO at Barclays B2B

- Balancing decisiveness with compassion in leadership

- Guiding a company through the challenges of a financial crisis

- Transitioning to the role of CEO at Pennies, marking a significant career change



Chapters:

(00:00:00) The Importance of Career Change and Impact

(00:04:17) The Mission of Penny and Digital Giving

(00:08:18) Growing Business Independently

(00:12:23) Valuing and Supporting Employees

(00:16:09) Overcoming Challenges in Dance

(00:20:05) Advice to My Younger Self, Building Inner Strength

(00:24:17) Handling Grief and Moving Forward

(00:28:28) Starting my Journey at IBM

(00:32:31) IBM's Position in the Global Smart Card Market

(00:36:21) A Ski Trip Love Story

(00:40:24) A Tough Time in Tamworth

(00:44:19) The Importance of Asking for Help

(00:48:20) Presenting to the CEO of IBM

(00:52:25) Joining Barkley's B2B

(00:56:25) Transformations and Restructuring

(01:00:35) The Importance of Mentors and Tough Conversations

(01:04:39) Lending to the Self-Employed

(01:08:26) The CEO Offer and Decision Making

(01:12:13) Challenges and Decisions in the Financial Crisis

(01:15:57) Transitioning to a New Chapter

(01:19:49) The Birth of a Charity

(01:23:46) Running a Charity Business

(01:27:47) Finding Balance and Managing Energy in Life

(01:31:48) Living Honestly and Making Choices

(01:36:03) Giving Back to Communities

(01:39:50) Sharing Ideas and Technology in the Charity Sector

(01:44:13) Boosting Charity through Technology and Teamwork



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