Leadership in Colour from Shez Iqbal, Powered by Media For All [MEFA]

Shez Iqbal
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Leadership in Colour showcases outstanding leaders of colour sharing their personal journeys, offering valuable insights and advice, and highlights their current projects. Join us to hear from these inspiring leaders and expand your perspective on leadership.  

  1. Episode 26 -Take Matters Into Your Own Hands with Cynthia Callatin

    Jun 1

    Episode 26 -Take Matters Into Your Own Hands with Cynthia Callatin

    What does it really take to build a life across borders—and on your own terms? In this powerful episode of Leadership in Colour, we sit down with global mobility expert and expat coach Cynthia Callatin to explore what it means to take control of your journey, challenge expectations, and create opportunities where none seem to exist. From becoming a 40-year-old intern to rising as a Global Mobility Manager, Cynthia shares her unconventional career path and how she turned her passion for international experiences into a mission—helping others, especially Black women, navigate life abroad with confidence. We dive into:  The hidden world of global mobility careers (and why so few people know about it)  Why representation truly matters in global roles  The real, unfiltered truth about moving abroad—beyond the Instagram fantasy  Practical guidance on relocation, visas, family decisions, and cultural adaptation The mindset shift needed to turn a “dream” of living abroad into a real, actionable plan How Cynthia is empowering the next generation through mentorship and access to informationCynthia also shares her deeply personal decision to relocate to Guadeloupe—a life-changing move driven by family, identity, and purpose—and the realities that come with it: from resilience and sacrifice to raising globally aware children. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever thought:  "Can I really build a life somewhere else?" You don’t have to follow the path you’ve been shown—you can create your own. 🎧 Tune in to discover how to take matters into your own hands and step into a world of possibilities. Your feedback is always welcome, as we strive to enhance the content's value for you. Enjoy Leadership in Colour - Voices you may not have heard from before.

    34 min
  2. Episode 27 - Be Better with Anthony Abou-Zeid

    May 4

    Episode 27 - Be Better with Anthony Abou-Zeid

    What does it really take to grow in the advertising industry—and beyond? In this episode of Leadership in Colour, we sit down with Anthony Abou-Zeid Managing Partner at The Kite Factory for an honest, unfiltered conversation about career growth, identity, mentorship, and what “being better” actually means in today’s fast-changing business world. From his Lebanese roots and Australian upbringing to building a leadership role in the UK media industry, Anthony shares the realities behind agency life—cutting through the jargon to explain how strategy, creativity, and strong relationships truly drive success. This episode goes beyond titles and job descriptions. It’s about:  Navigating your identity across cultures  The difference between what clients want vs what they need Why curiosity and asking “why” can change your career  The real value of mentorship (and learning by observation)  Building teams with diverse thinking—not just similar backgrounds  Why “being liked” and “doing the right thing” aren’t always the same  And the simple but powerful mindset: just be betterWhether you’re starting out, switching careers, or already in the industry—this conversation offers practical insights without the usual corporate fluff. Key Takeaways:  Clarity beats complexity—ditch the jargon  Growth comes from curiosity, not just experience  Great leaders challenge, not just agree  Talent + personality = real differentiation in today’s market  If you’ve ever felt confused by industry jargon, unsure how to grow, or questioned where you belong—this episode brings clarity, perspective, and real-world advice you can actually use. Your feedback is always welcome, as we strive to enhance the content's value for you. Enjoy Leadership in Colour - Voices you may not have heard from before.

    50 min
  3. Episode 25 - Be A Grand Pr*cks with Nav Pal

    Apr 6

    Episode 25 - Be A Grand Pr*cks with Nav Pal

    What does it take to turn an idea into an award-nominated podcast in just four months? 🚀 In this episode of Leadership in Colour, we sit down with podcast producer and studio manager Nav Pal, who shares her inspiring journey from apprenticeship to leading a portfolio of 16+ podcasts—and building her own hit show along the way. From launching a podcast during the pandemic to earning recognition at the Independent Podcast Awards, this conversation dives deep into creativity, resilience, and the power of backing your ideas—even when no one else sees them yet. But this episode goes beyond podcasting. We explore:  ✨ Breaking into the podcast industry with no extra budget  ✨ Building a successful show from scratch (Grand Pricks) ✨ Representation in motorsport and media ✨ Dealing with online criticism and staying confident ✨ Mental health in South Asian communities ✨ Why you don’t have to share 100% of yourself with the world Nev also opens up about her personal experiences with mental health, therapy, and identity—sharing honest, practical advice for anyone navigating similar challenges. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, building a creative career, or just need a dose of real, unfiltered insight—this episode is for you. Your feedback is always welcome, as we strive to enhance the content's value for you. Enjoy Leadership in Colour - Voices you may not have heard from before.

    38 min
  4. Episode 24 - No Spin Intended with Ali Syed

    Jan 21

    Episode 24 - No Spin Intended with Ali Syed

    In this episode of Leadership in Colour, Shez Iqbal sits down with Ali Syed, Publisher Partnerships Lead at Roku (Canada, US & Europe), for an insightful conversation about mentorship, career zigzags, and the power of surrounding yourself with the right people. Ali shares his journey from an intern navigating visa challenges in London to leading partnerships for a global streaming platform, highlighting the pivotal mentors who shaped his career. From unexpected career pivots to the life lessons learned through sports like football and tennis, Ali offers a fresh perspective on leadership, growth, and networking beyond your industry. If you’re navigating your career, seeking guidance on mentorship, or curious about the behind-the-scenes of Roku’s global partnerships, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories. What you’ll learn in this episode: How mentorship can shape your career trajectoryThe importance of building a diverse network across industriesLessons from sports on focus, strategy, and human psychologyNavigating career setbacks and turning challenges into opportunitiesTune in to hear Ali’s unique take on leadership, growth, and networking — no spin intended! Your feedback is always welcome, as we strive to enhance the content's value for you. Enjoy Leadership in Colour - Voices you may not have heard from before.

    34 min
  5. Episode 23 - The Name I Grew Into with Darain Faraz

    12/04/2025

    Episode 23 - The Name I Grew Into with Darain Faraz

    In this powerful episode of Leadership in Colour, Shez Iqbal sits down with Darain – Co-founder of People Like Us, a movement reshaping conversations around diversity, ethnicity pay gaps, and representation across PR, communications, and the wider creative industry. From waiting tables at 16… to launching viral club nights… to becoming a PR leader across Australia and the UK… to shaping global brand marketing at LinkedIn… Darren’s journey is anything but ordinary. 🔥 He opens up about: Building People Like Us with his brother to challenge the ethnicity pay gapWhat it was like working at MySpace during its explosive peak and seeing Facebook quietly take overThe reality of walking into rooms where almost no one looked like himHow gratitude and ambition shaped his early careerThe moment he realized the industry desperately needed diversity — and decided to do something about itHis story is bold, reflective, hilarious in parts, and deeply inspiring throughout. If you care about leadership, equity, representation, career growth, identity, or breaking barriers, this episode will move you — and stay with you. 🎧 Tap play to hear the raw truth behind People Like Us, the power of representation, and the journey of a leader who refused to stay silent. Your feedback is always welcome, as we strive to enhance the content's value for you. Enjoy Leadership in Colour - Voices you may not have heard from before.

    37 min
  6. Episode 22 - The Power of Diversity: Growth Mindset with Matthew Chapman - Part 2

    10/27/2025

    Episode 22 - The Power of Diversity: Growth Mindset with Matthew Chapman - Part 2

    What happens when leadership meets empathy? In this inspiring episode, Matthew Chapman, CEO of SBFM, shares how he rose from humble beginnings in Bradford to leading with purpose and people-first values. From mentoring lessons at The Guardian to humanising the cleaner, Matt’s story redefines what leadership truly means. He talks candidly about imposter syndrome, the importance of feedback, and how to stand out by doing the right thing — even when no one’s watching. A conversation packed with warmth, humour, and insight for anyone ready to lead with heart and courage. 🔥 Listen now and rediscover leadership in colour. Your feedback is always welcome, as we strive to enhance the content's value for you. Enjoy Leadership in Colour - Voices you may not have heard from before.

    33 min
  7. Episode 22 - The Power of Diversity: Growth Mindset with Matthew Chapman - Part 1

    10/15/2025

    Episode 22 - The Power of Diversity: Growth Mindset with Matthew Chapman - Part 1

    In this episode of Leadership in Colour, we sit down with Matthew Chapman, Chief Executive of SBFM, whose career journey has taken him from The Guardian to Arsenal Football Club — and now to leading a company that’s redefining what it means to lead with purpose. Matthew shares how his upbringing in Bradford, his Jamaican and English heritage, and his early experiences in media shaped his approach to leadership, inclusion, and empowerment. Together, we explore how his company is humanising the facilities management industry — turning the often-overlooked role of “cleaner” into one of respect, dignity, and progression. From the lessons he learned in advertising and football hospitality to the values that drive him today, this conversation is full of authenticity, humour, and heart. 🔹 Topics covered: Finding identity and balance as a middle childLessons from The Guardian on ethics, culture, and purposeTransitioning from media to football and beyondHumanising the workplace: why every role deserves respectEmpowering people from the “global majority” to thrivePurpose before profit — and why it still drives successIf you’ve ever wondered how values can shape business, or how leadership can create genuine social impact, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and share your thoughts — because leadership comes in all colours. Your feedback is always welcome, as we strive to enhance the content's value for you. Enjoy Leadership in Colour - Voices you may not have heard from before.

    37 min
  8. Episode 21 - Don’t Offer Me a Cup of Coffee with Ladi Fagbola

    09/19/2025

    Episode 21 - Don’t Offer Me a Cup of Coffee with Ladi Fagbola

    In this episode of Leadership in Colour, Shez Iqbal sits down with Ladi Fagbola, E-commerce Account Director at Monks, to explore themes of identity, authenticity, and career growth. From navigating life between Nigeria and the UK to building a successful career in marketing and advertising, Ladi shares his journey of not quite fitting in anywhere—yet finding strength in authenticity. He opens up about lessons learned from academia, transitioning into advertising, the power of mentorship, and why diversity in the workplace makes all the difference. You’ll hear Ladi’s take on embracing constant self-development, staying true to your values (even in high-pressure sales situations), and why sometimes… you really shouldn’t offer someone a cup of coffee. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with honesty, cultural insights, and practical advice for anyone starting out in their career. Your feedback is always welcome, as we strive to enhance the content's value for you. Enjoy Leadership in Colour - Voices you may not have heard from before.

    34 min
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Leadership in Colour showcases outstanding leaders of colour sharing their personal journeys, offering valuable insights and advice, and highlights their current projects. Join us to hear from these inspiring leaders and expand your perspective on leadership.  

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