Take A Chance On You

Alexandra Forsyth

Welcome to the Take A Chance On You Podcast hosted by Alexandra Forsyth. This podcast unlocks meaningful stories through conversation; following the success of Alexandra's latest TEDx Talk inspired by the topic of community, she provides a space for emerging talent, leaders, visionaries and challengers to take a chance on themselves and share their path of discovery through storytelling.

  1. 2D AGO

    The Art of Launching a Business: Insights from James Thomlinson

    In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth speaks with James Thomlinson, founder and CEO of Sprint Partners. They discuss James's journey from a 20-year career in marketing to launching his own consultancy, the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of continuous learning, and the dynamics of working from home.  James shares insights on time management, the role of automation in business, and the significance of nurturing talent and building company culture remotely. The conversation emphasises the emotional aspects of leadership and the importance of staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry.  In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of filtering information in a world overwhelmed by data, the significance of networking and community building, and the evolving role of technology and AI in entrepreneurship. They also explore generational differences in the workplace, emphasising the need for emotional intelligence and adaptability in leadership. The discussion concludes with encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks and embrace their unique journeys.     Takeaways Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth. Investing in marketing and being consistent is crucial for business success. Setting boundaries and learning to say no is important for time management. Automation can significantly enhance business efficiency and reduce workload. Creating a productive home office environment is key to success in remote work. Building a strong company culture is possible even in a remote setting. Providing constructive feedback is vital for nurturing talent. It's important to celebrate employee achievements and support their growth. Focus on being yourself and staying in your lane. Networking is essential for personal branding and growth. Starting small in networking can lead to bigger opportunities. The barriers to starting a business are lower than ever due to technology. Emotional intelligence is crucial in managing diverse teams. You must be all in when pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams. Take a leap of faith and just go for it; don't look back. You will find your tribe and community if you put yourself out there.     Chapters 00:00 Introduction to James Thomlinson and His Journey 03:11 Launching a Business: The Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur 06:12 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Adaptation 08:57 Navigating the Challenges of Starting a Business 12:04 Time Management and Setting Boundaries 14:48 The Role of Automation in Business Efficiency 17:58 Working from Home: Creating a Productive Environment 20:54 Building Company Culture Remotely 24:02 The Importance of Feedback and Nurturing Talent 26:46 Emotional Aspects of Leadership and Employee Transitions 30:01 Staying Relevant: Trends and Networking 33:42 Filtering Information and Overcoming Paralysis 39:21 The Importance of Networking and Community 45:01 Embracing Technology and the Role of Founders 51:46 Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace   Follow James journey - ⁠LinkedIn ⁠ Sprint Partners Consultancy - ⁠LinkedIn⁠ This episode was recorded in SHURE studio space.

    54 min
  2. FEB 9

    The Evolution of Marketing & Tech Recruitment With Cameron Wenham

    In this episode, host Alexandra Forsyth interviews Cameron Wenham, head of marketing & communications at Tech Fellow, discussing the dynamics of the technology recruitment landscape, the importance of community building, and the evolving role of marketing in recruitment.  They explore trends in the job market, the significance of soft skills, and the impact of generational shifts on recruitment strategies. The discussion also touches on personal growth, networking, and the challenges of remote work, emphasising the need for authority, relevance, and trust in marketing.  In this conversation, Cam and Alex discuss the significance of inner work and community in personal growth. She emphasises the importance of feedback, navigating work-life balance, and overcoming burnout. The dialogue explores how environment influences development, the evolving definition of success, and the necessity of discomfort for growth. Strategies for developing tenacity and boldness are shared, alongside insights into recruitment strategies for young professionals and the future impact of AI on work.   Takeaways   -              Get started and just have a conversation. -              The aim is to uncover the individual behind the job title. -              Tech recruitment is still strong despite market trends. -              Proof, passion, and pedigree are key for candidates. -              Generational shifts are impacting recruitment. -              Soft skills development varies across generations. -              Marketing should facilitate sales, not just brand. -              Community building is essential for brand presence. -              Remote work impacts talent discovery and engagement. -              Personal growth is a solo journey, but support is crucial. -              Feedback is key for me with growth. -              You can still be a big thinker in a nine to five. -              There are no limits to what you can achieve. Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Background 02:07 Tech Fellow Landscape 05:55 Trends in Recruitment and Market Dynamics 08:49 Career Path and Transition to Marketing 11:55 Growth and Community Engagement at Tech Fellow 14:54 Challenges in Recruitment and Marketing Strategies 18:09 Work Culture and Employee Fulfilment 21:51 Networking and Overcoming Anxiety 26:13 Neurodiversity and Mental Health in the Workplace 30:01 Authority, Relevance, and Trust in Marketing 34:08 Personal Growth and Finding Your Community 38:22 The Importance of Inner Work and Community 39:41 Navigating Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth 41:01 Overcoming Burnout and Finding Motivation 43:02 The Role of Environment in Personal Development 46:08 Redefining Success and Embracing Change 48:25 Growth Through Discomfort and Community Engagement 51:18 Strategies for Developing Tenacity and Boldness 57:05 Recruitment Strategies for Young Professionals   Follow Cam's journey - LinkedIn Tech Fellow - LinkedIn This episode was recorded in SHURE studio space.

    1 hr
  3. Don’t Wait Until 2026: Execute Your Goals Now

    12/31/2025

    Don’t Wait Until 2026: Execute Your Goals Now

    In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth reflects on the past year and shares strategies for executing goals in 2026. She emphasises the importance of self-reflection, crafting a personal mission statement, using feedback as a catalyst for change, building community, and empowering the next generation. Alexandra encourages listeners to take action, even when they don't feel ready, and to seek connection and support from others as they navigate their personal and professional journeys. The biggest takeaway, embrace the uncertainty of the future with optimism, hope and resilience, you're not alone on your journey. Takeaways: Becoming who you are meant to be by crafting a mission statement, putting thoughts into action and building your personal brand.New Year’s resolutions / vision board can be nice activities to complete, helping self-reflect on things that went well and areas for improvement, but we must focus on execution.Breaking down big goals into smaller actionable. You cannot do everything in one day. Decide how you can remove stressors from wanting to achieve success and think about longevity. Outreach to that person today, gain leads, feedback on proposal etc and then move forward.Build your personal brand by starting to share your stories in 2026.Feedback is your momentum for change if you want it. Think about how you can engage with feedback from others and focus on professional development / transferable skills.Surround yourself with people who challenge you. Self-reflection is crucial for personal growth.Seek out opportunities. The art of community, culture and networking.Start before you’re ready, I did with the podcast and I couldn’t imagine my life any differently. Chapters 00:00 New Year Reflections and Goal Setting 03:10 Crafting Your Mission Statement 05:55 Using Rejection as Momentum for Change 09:03 Building Community and Networking 11:54 Empowering the Next Generation 15:03 Taking Action Before You're Ready

    15 min
  4. The Art of Talent Agency: Insights with Alex Segal

    12/15/2025

    The Art of Talent Agency: Insights with Alex Segal

    Season 2 Collaborator - INSPO Social Networking Platform. In this engaging conversation, Alex Segal, Managing Director of InterTalent, one of the UK’s top talent agencies, reflects on the fast-paced changes in the entertainment industry throughout 2025 and expectations for the year ahead.    Alex discusses the importance of strategic planning during the holiday season as we approach Christmas and reflect on client engagements, setbacks and forward momentum.    Alex and his team approach the multifaceted role of InterTalent, and the necessity of adaptability in communication with confidence, emphasising the significance of risk-taking and innovation in talent management, as well as the need for personal branding in the digital age. He also shares insights on his Substack, Dealmakers, aimed at empowering others in the industry.    The importance of community, networking, and resilience in the entertainment industry underpins Alex’s key message, requiring personal growth, learning from competitors, and the significance of being organised and having a strong work ethic.    The discussion also touches on the exciting future of talent representation and the importance of embracing new platforms and ideas; Alex sharing his own experiences of resilience and grit.    Takeaways ·  2025 has been a year of relentless change in the entertainment industry. ·  December is now a frantic month for strategising and planning. ·  Talent agents must be adaptable and understand their clients. ·  Building trust and communication is crucial in talent management. ·   Risk-taking can lead to significant opportunities in the industry. ·   Personal branding is essential for success in today's market. ·   Embracing AI can enhance productivity but not replace relationships. ·   Consistency is key to building a successful career in talent management. ·   Gatekeeping knowledge in the industry is detrimental to growth. ·   Empowering others through shared knowledge can foster community. ·   Younger agents should be encouraged to explore Substack. ·   Networking happens best in person, not through Zoom or emails. ·   Don't be afraid to start; everyone begins somewhere.   Dealmakers - Substack.

    1h 15m

About

Welcome to the Take A Chance On You Podcast hosted by Alexandra Forsyth. This podcast unlocks meaningful stories through conversation; following the success of Alexandra's latest TEDx Talk inspired by the topic of community, she provides a space for emerging talent, leaders, visionaries and challengers to take a chance on themselves and share their path of discovery through storytelling.