60 episodes
How I Became ... Ashley Samuels-McKenzie and Charles Parkinson
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- Business
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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How do you become a CEO? How do you run a £10-£100m+ company? How do you start your own company? Learn from people who've done it, here on How I Became...
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E56 | Love, Loss and Drive: The Story Behind The Woman At The Helm Of Paramount+ UK
Anna Priest, the Senior Vice President and Head of Paramount+ for the UK and Ireland, played a pivotal role in the successful launch and rapid growth of the streaming service. Her efforts were instrumental in building the brand and expanding its subscriber base through strategic partnerships with major players like Sky, Three, and Virgin.
Before her tenure at Paramount+, Anna held senior marketing positions at A+E Networks, Britbox and Comic Relief. She cut her teeth and learned her craft at the BBC. She is a commercially savvy, results-driven business leader with a knack for launching and scaling products and brands. Her expertise lies in driving significant growth in complex organisations, while also inspiring, motivating, and unifying teams to deliver their best work and advance their careers.
In this week’s episode, we delve into Anna's experiences and the pivotal moments that shaped her: dealing with divorced parents, coping with the loss of a close friend, and making impactful changes in her career.
We discuss:
- Navigating life with divorced parents
- Moving from London to Blackpool
- Landing her first job opportunity at the BBC
- Meeting a special person at Radio 1
- Contributing to CBeebies, CBBC, BBC Three, and Comic Relief
- Managing burnout
- Advocating for equality in the workplace
- Understanding the significance of ‘treading water’ in your career
- Grieving the loss of a close friend
- Rising to SVP, Head of Paramount+ UK & Ireland
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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 Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion
Credits:
Director: Charles Parkinson
Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie
Editor: Catherine Singh
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Intro(00:04:10) Yellowstone recommendation and childhood experiences(00:08:41) Life in the North(00:12:58) Life Changes and Moving Forward(00:17:31) Navigating Relationships and Life Lessons(00:22:12) From Children's TV Presenter to Media Planning(00:26:18) From Media Planning to Marketing(00:30:25) Falling in love and career progression(00:34:34) Balancing Work and Life(00:52:04) Remembering a Dear Friend(01:01:04) Music and Laughter during Difficult Times(01:05:48) Fin -
E55 | Learn How to Set Winning Goals: Business Mastery Tips from Ex-Meta VP Leigh Thomas
Leigh Thomas, formerly the Vice President of Global Partnerships for Meta in EMEA, has led a senior team providing strategic C-suite support and advice to some of the world’s most sophisticated businesses across industries such as CPG, Autos, Retail, Tech/Telco, and eCommerce. She brings over 20 years of experience from her tenure in creative agencies, including her roles as Managing Director at Saatchi & Saatchi, London, and CEO at DARE, awarded Digital Agency of the Decade.
Beyond her professional achievements, Leigh is deeply committed to gender equality and serves as an enthusiastic executive for WACL (Women in Communications and Marketing London). She also contributes her expertise as an advisor on the board of Pennies, driving forward the digital micro-donation movement in the UK. Recognised as a Campaign A-lister and a BIMA top 100 achiever, Leigh's contributions to the industry are extensive.
Episode 55 of our podcast delves into real-life experiences of apartheid in South Africa, provides guidance for those looking to pivot their career goals, and discusses strategies for creating positive global change.
We discuss:
Experiencing apartheid in South Africa during childhood
Facing a transformative life event at the age of five
Embarking on a ballet career and achieving professional status
Transitioning from ballet to the world of advertising
Insights on meeting a significant other and maintaining a healthy marriage
Climbing the career ladder to become CEO of Dare
Managing parental challenges during a child’s difficult times
Achieving leadership at Meta, one of the world's most renowned companies
Strategies for fostering global equality
Watch on YouTube
Follow us @HOWIBECAME__
We're on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook
Unity & Motion - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content
Email: info@weunify.co.uk
This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion
Credits:
Director: Charles Parkinson
Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie
Editor: Catherine Singh -
E54 | Skepta Unveils 'Tribal Mark': Inside His Black Superhero Universe
Recorded Live At SXSW 2024 At The British Music Embassy.
We sat down with Co-Producer Adam Strawford and Skepta at SXSW to discuss his debut film Tribal Mark.
Flipping the script on James Bond, Tribal Mark is the first glimpse of a complex Black Secret Service story that Skepta, together with co-director Dwight Okechukwu, have been working on since 2021.
We discuss:
- Embracing Nigerian heritage in the UK
- Bringing Tribal Mark from vision to reality
- Tips for aspiring creatives
- Crafting a superhero for Black actors
- Advocating for diversity on set
- Transforming challenges into creative fuel
Watch on YouTube
Follow us @HOWIBECAME__
We're on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook
Unity & Motion - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content
Email: info@weunify.co.uk
This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion
Credits:
Director: Charles Parkinson
Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie
Editor: Catherine Singh -
TEASER: The Skepta Episode Coming Soon...
COMING SOON...
Recorded Live At SXSW 2024 At The British Music Embassy.
Join us for an exclusive conversation with Co-Producer Adam Strawford and Skepta at SXSW as they delve into their debut film, Tribal Mark.
Tribal Mark offers a fresh take on the spy genre, presenting a captivating narrative set within the Black Secret Service. Skepta, alongside co-director Dwight Okechukwu, has been crafting this visionary project since 2021.
Follow us @HOWIBECAME__
We're on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook
Email: info@weunify.co.uk
This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion
Credits:
Presenter: Charles Parkinson
Presenter: Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie
Editor: Catherine Singh -
E53 | Defy the Doubters: Frank Turner Opens Up On Addiction & Music Evolution
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
Watch on YouTube
Follow us @HOWIBECAME__
We're on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook
Unity & Motion - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content
Email: info@weunify.co.uk
This is a -
E52 | Unlocking AI: How To Pivot To An AI-Driven Business Model | The Amigo Partnership, Mat Kiddie
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
Watch on YouTube
Follow us @HOWIBECAME__
We're on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook
Customer Reviews
I need more of this!
I just found out about the ‘How I Became’ podcast and now I am completely hooked! My first watch was the episode with Charithra Chandran of Alex Rider and Bridgerton fame and WOW, it was like listening to her autobiography in an afternoon. The program format that Ashley and Charles employ and the insightful questions they ask in such an informal manner allow a guest to tell their story in their own way. Genius! There were so many things that resonated with me in that two hour period - not only about Charithra, but gold nuggets of wisdom that I can apply to my own life. Isn’t that why we ready biographies in the first place? I need more of this!