What Just Happened? A Polpeo Podcast

Kate Hartley & Tamara Littleton
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The podcast that looks at the biggest brand crises of our time.

  1. FEB 12

    My CEO Did WHAT?!

    The Coldplay kiss cam incident in July 2025 was a great example of what can happen when a CEO is inadvertently caught in the line of fire for behaviour that is misaligned with company values. Leadership scandals can attract huge and intense public attention, and organisations need to prepare for such time as one of their senior leaders behaves badly. In this episode of ‘What Just Happened?’, hosts Tamara Littleton and Kate Hartley are joined by crisis communications expert Abby Mangold to discuss how CEOs are often placed on pedestals as symbols of organisational values, making their fall from grace feel personal and emotionally charged. Scandals become modern morality tales, amplified by social media, where judgement, memes and commentary unfold in real time. The episode highlights why predicting specific behaviour is impossible, and why organisations should instead prepare for the impact of leadership misconduct. Scenario planning, clear governance, and agreed decision-making processes are essential to avoid hesitation that can worsen reputational damage. Speed matters in a crisis, but panic does not; establishing the truth and clearly separating individual behaviour from organisational values is critical. A full transcript of today’s show is available to read here.

    32 min

  2. JAN 29

    The M&S Cyber Attack

    In April 2025, Marks & Spencer suffered a significant ransomware cyber attack that severely disrupted its operations for several months and cost the company an estimated £300 million in lost profit. Among the impacts were the theft of customer data, the failure of online sales and empty store shelves. In this episode of ‘What Just Happened?’, hosts Tamara Littleton and Kate Hartley are joined by crisis management expert Jonathan Hemus to discuss how M&S handled communications, particularly the prominent role played by CEO Stuart Machin. While generally praised for being visible, personal and accountable, the conversation highlights tensions between reassuring investors and showing empathy to affected customers. Machin’s description of the incident as a “bump in the road” sparked debate about tone, trust and perception during a crisis. The delayed disclosure of stolen customer data was heavily debated and criticised, but a strong argument can be made that M&S’s strong pre-existing reputation was critical in sustaining trust and enabling a relatively quick recovery in share price. The conversation emphasises the importance of clear strategic intent, rapid and frequent communication, and leadership courage. The episode also explores ransom payments, industry cooperation during crises, and why competitors may support one another. And the key takeaway is clear: organisations that invest in reputation, planning and leadership before a crisis are far better positioned to withstand one when it inevitably arrives. A full transcript of today’s show is available to read here.

    29 min

  3. 11/20/2025

    Del Monte Deaths

    Del Monte is a globally recognised brand that has been in existence for nearly 140 years. But in 2023, The Guardian and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism uncovered allegations that security guards at Del Monte Kenya had assaulted and even killed people suspected of stealing pineapples. Reports also revealed a decade-long pattern of brutality, including sexual violence, and claims that innocent passers-by were targeted while using a public road through the farm. In this episode of ‘What Just Happened?’, hosts Tamara Littleton and Kate Hartley are joined by strategic communications expert Marshall Manson to examine the complex and troubling story of Del Monte, focusing on the serious human rights abuses at its Kenyan pineapple farm and also the wider implications of a fragmented global brand. In 2023, supermarkets temporarily paused sourcing from the Kenyan site and Del Monte replaced its security contractor, but the company denied allegations of bribery and argued in court that, being based in the Cayman Islands, it was beyond Kenyan jurisdiction. Despite widespread coverage, the brand suffered no significant financial or reputational damage, and analysts continue to rate the stock as a strong buy. We discuss whether reputational and legal levers have failed to hold the company accountable, and talk about the vital role of investigative journalism in giving vulnerable communities a voice when internal systems and oversight break down. A full transcript of today’s show is available to read here.

    29 min

  4. 10/16/2025

    Disney “Don’t Say Gay”

    In March 2022, Florida’s Senate passed a bill to ban discussions of sexual orientation or gender identity in primary schools. The so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill stirred up major controversy at Disney, which has a complex history with the LGBTQ+ community, when it stayed silent despite having a significant presence in the state and being a major employer at the Disney World theme park. In this episode of ‘What Just Happened?’, hosts Kate Hartley and Tamara Littleton explore Disney’s LGBTQ+ history, from early bans on same-sex dancing to the evolution of “Gay Days” at its parks, and how its values have often conflicted with its behaviour. They look at how Disney’s then-CEO Bob Chapek’s argument that corporate statements rarely change opinions resulted in the corporation remaining silent after the “Don’t Say Gay” bill was passed. ANd how, after a backlash from employees and the public, he apologised, halted political donations in Florida, and pledged $5 million to support LGBTQ+ rights groups. They are also joined by founder of the Diversity Standards Collective Rich Miles, who explains that neutrality is not an option when it comes to human rights. He stresses that brands must align behaviour and policy with their stated values, review outdated internal policies, and engage both employees and consumers in open dialogue. The conversation underscores that authenticity, clarity of values, and proactive communication are essential to avoid reputational crises in an increasingly polarised environment. And it highlights the risks brands face when trying to remain neutral on human rights issues. A full transcript of today’s show is available to read here.

    24 min

  5. 10/02/2025

    Everything is NOT Awesome: Greenpeace v LEGO

    Until 2014 Shell had enjoyed a 50-year-long brand partnership with LEGO. But it came to an abrupt and high profile end after Greenpeace’s “Everything is Not Awesome” campaign, which targeted the long-standing partnership due to Shell’s Arctic drilling activities. Initially reluctant to end the deal, LEGO faced mounting public pressure after Greenpeace released a viral, emotionally powerful video that used LEGO imagery to highlight environmental damage. The backlash ultimately led LEGO to announce it would not renew the arrangement. In this episode of ‘What Just Happened?’, hosts Kate Hartley and Tamara Littleton are joined by PR consultant and brand activism expert Sara Collinge to unpack why the Greenpeace campaign was so effective. They discuss Greenpeace’s ability to creatively invert LEGO’s own brand values and slogans, and to strategically involve children and social media to drive emotional engagement. And they look at how LEGO’s initial corporate response lacked humility and failed to acknowledge responsibility. The discussion expands into how brands can avoid becoming targets of activism, emphasising the need for organisations to align their internal actions with their public values, examine historical partnerships, and be honest about where risks lie. They argue that authentic brand activism must involve sacrifice, not just PR, and urges companies to do the hard work of auditing their values, supply chains, and communications before crisis hits. Transparency, accountability and timely action are key to staying on the right side of public opinion. A full transcript of today’s show is available to read here.

    32 min

  6. 07/10/2025

    Spanish Football on Trial: Sexual Assault at the World Cup

    During the medal presentation at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Luis Rubiales, then-president of the Spanish Football Federation, forcibly kissed Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips. The act, which Hermoso did not consent to, led to widespread condemnation and calls for his resignation. Rubiales initially defended his actions, but eventually faced suspension by FIFA and later was found guilty of sexual assault. In this episode of ‘What Just Happened?”, hosts Kate Hartley and Tamara Littleton are joined by Emma Woollcott, a partner at Mishcon de Reya, to explore the fallout from the incident. They discuss power imbalance, Rubiales’ lack of remorse, and the cultural issues that enabled his behaviour, including previous allegations and inappropriate conduct. The episode discusses the importance of organisational culture, the need for leaders to accept feedback, and the role of internal communication in preventing misconduct. It also highlights why businesses must monitor culture to spot warning signs, and reflects on the broader impact of the scandal, including Hermoso’s bravery in pressing charges, the role of public backlash, and the Spanish women’s team’s solidarity. A full transcript of today’s show is available to read here.

    25 min

  7. 04/24/2025

    Miracle on the Hudson River

    In January 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 suffered a dual engine failure shortly after take-off from LaGuardia Airport due to a bird strike. Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and First Officer Jeff Skiles conducted an emergency landing on the Hudson River and, remarkably, all 155 passengers and crew survived. In this episode of “What Just Happened?”, hosts Kate Hartley and Tamara Littleton are joined by aviation psychologist Gill Green to discuss the extraordinary calm and leadership demonstrated by ‘Sully’, who made the critical decision to land on the Hudson, executing it flawlessly with support from his co-pilot and crew. The conversation explores key themes including decision-making under pressure, the importance of flight training, and the psychological and physiological responses to crisis. It highlights Crew Resource Management (CRM), a system fostering communication, cooperation, and trust among flight crew, which proved essential in the successful outcome. Communication strategies, such as Sully’s deliberate use of words like “brace” and “evacuate,” illustrate the power of clarity in crisis. The episode underscores the value of leadership, teamwork, psychological safety, and preparedness, offering insights applicable not only in aviation but across industries facing high-pressure decision-making. A full transcript of today’s show is available to read here.

    43 min

  8. 04/10/2025

    Culture of Fear: Lessons from the Harrods Abuse Scandal

    This episode of “What Just Happened?” explores the widespread abuse committed by former Harrods owner Mohammed Al Fayed and its lasting impact on the Harrods brand. Decades of sexual assault allegations came to light after Al Fayed’s death in 2023 and, despite previous media investigations and survivor reports, systemic failures – including legal threats, NDAs, and a culture of fear – prevented accountability. Harrods has since accepted vicarious liability and faces compensation claims from hundreds of women. Hosts Kate Hartley and Tamara Littleton are joined by Anne Marie Blake to discuss how the scandal has significantly damaged Harrods’ public reputation, with YouGov data showing declines in brand favourability, pride, and recommendation scores. We look at how organisations can prevent such abuse by fostering psychological safety, encouraging whistleblowing, and listening meaningfully to staff. And we explore the need for leaders to act with integrity, confront wrongdoing, and create environments where employees feel safe to speak up, stressing that silence or complicity can make individuals enablers. The conversation also covers transparency and cultural change, and how leaders need to see speaking up as vital to organisational success, rather than being a threat. The Harrods case stands as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the urgent need for accountability at every level. A full transcript of today’s show is available to read here.

    32 min
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The podcast that looks at the biggest brand crises of our time.

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