Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Stopgap Talks
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI & Marketing: Two Marketers, Two Career Stages, One Changing Profession | 25 Sep 2026 | 00:51:39 | |
AI & Marketing: Two Marketers, Two Career Stages, One Changing Profession AI is changing marketing. But does it change the way an early-career marketer approaches the profession compared with someone who has spent years building their marketing expertise? In the final episode of our Stopgap Talks AI Recruitment Series, we bring together two marketers at very different stages of their careers to explore how they're approaching AI, what they're learning and how they think the profession is changing. Jacinta Foreman, an early-career marketer, shares her experience of developing her marketing career at a time when AI is already becoming part of the everyday toolkit. Jennifer Kennedy, a senior marketing professional with 15+ years' experience, reflects on how AI has changed her own approach to marketing — from content and SEO to strategy, research, podcast production and building more efficient marketing workflows. Rather than asking whether AI will replace marketers, this conversation explores a more useful question: What does it mean to become a great marketer when AI can increasingly help with the execution? Two career stages. Two perspectives. One rapidly changing profession. For marketers starting out, AI can feel like both an opportunity and a source of uncertainty. For experienced marketers, it can mean rethinking established workflows and deciding which parts of the job should be automated, augmented or kept firmly human. But there is common ground. AI doesn't replace the fundamentals of marketing. It changes how quickly and effectively marketers can apply them. The marketers who stand out may not necessarily be the ones who know the most AI tools. They may be the ones who understand when to use AI, what to ask of it, what to challenge and where human judgement adds the most value. Listen to the latest episode of Stopgap Talks and hear two very different perspectives on how marketers are adapting to the AI era. And if you've been following our AI Recruitment Series, this conversation brings together the themes we've explored across the series - the candidate, the hiring manager and now the marketer. Because the future of marketing isn't simply about AI. It's about the people who know how to work with it. | |||
| AI & The Candidate Experience: What Do Candidates Really Want? | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:34:04 | |
AI is transforming recruitment — but what does that actually mean for the people looking for jobs? From AI-powered CV screening and automated communication to AI-assisted interviews, candidates are already experiencing a very different recruitment journey. But alongside the potential for greater speed, personalisation and accessibility come new questions around trust, fairness and whether candidates are becoming less visible in an increasingly automated process. In this episode of Stopgap Talks, Sarah Windsor is joined by Sarah Pieters, Founder of HeyMinty!, for a candid conversation about the human side of AI in recruitment. Together, they explore what candidates are excited about, what they're worried about, and how marketers and other professionals can stay relevant as AI becomes increasingly embedded in the hiring process. In this episode, some of the things we'll discuss:
It's a thoughtful conversation for anyone navigating the job market, hiring people, or trying to understand what the future of recruitment really looks like. Connect with our speakers
✨ Follow Stopgap Talks for more open, practical conversations about marketing careers, recruitment, leadership and the future of work. | |||
| FTC vs Interim vs Freelance: How to Make the Right Hiring Decision | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:20:23 | |
The way businesses hire is changing. With tighter budgets, shifting priorities and increasing pressure to move quickly, many organisations are looking beyond permanent recruitment to find the skills they need. But when should you hire on a fixed-term contract? When does an interim specialist make more sense? And where do freelancers fit into the picture? In this episode of Stopgap Talks, Stopgap consultants Zoe Vannozzi and Lara break down the differences between FTC, interim and freelance hiring, helping marketing leaders and hiring managers understand which solution is right for different business challenges. Whether you're covering maternity leave, delivering a transformation project, scaling a team quickly or simply need specialist expertise, this episode provides practical advice to help you make confident hiring decisions. In this episode, we discuss: 🎧 The differences between FTC, interim and freelance roles—and when to use each 🎧 The advantages and challenges of every hiring option 🎧 Common misconceptions about flexible hiring 🎧 How businesses can access specialist skills without committing to permanent headcount 🎧 What marketing professionals should consider when choosing a contract, interim or freelance career 🎧 The current hiring landscape and what employers are looking for 🎧 Practical advice for hiring managers planning their next recruitment Whether you're hiring your next marketer or considering your own career options, this episode will help you navigate today's increasingly flexible talent market with confidence. Connect with our speakers
✨ Follow Stopgap Talks for practical conversations on marketing careers, recruitment, leadership and the future of work. | |||
| No Safety Net: Why Small Agencies Play a Different Game | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:50:57 | |
What does it really take to build a successful business when there's no safety net? For leaders of small businesses and independent agencies, every decision carries weight. Every hire matters. Every client relationship counts. And the culture you create isn't something delegated to HR - it's something you live every day. In this episode of Stopgap Talks, Amanda sits down with Richard Morris, Founding Partner of Whistlejacket, to explore the realities of building and leading an independent creative agency. Having spent more than 20 years in senior leadership at global network agency DDB, followed by five years as CEO of Identica, Richard made the leap to launch Whistlejacket over a decade ago. The conversation explores what changed when the safety net disappeare, and the lessons he's learned about leadership, hiring and creating a culture where people can do their best work. Whether you're a founder, hiring manager or business leader, this episode offers practical insight into building resilient teams and creating workplaces where creativity and commercial success go hand in hand. In this episode, we discuss:
Connect with our speakers Richard Morris Founding Partner, Whistlejacket 🌐 www.whistlejacket.studio 🔗 LinkedIn Amanda Mc Carthy Consultant, Stopgap Recruitment 🌐www.stopgap.co.uk 🔗LinkedIn ✨ Follow Stopgap Talks for practical conversations with marketing, creative and business leaders on hiring, leadership and the future of work. | |||
| High-Performing Teams Aren’t Built by Accident... | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:52:49 | |
What does a high-performing team actually look like, and how do you build one in a way that feels human, not forced? In this episode of Stopgap Talks, Sarah Windsor is joined by Matt Turner - founder, speaker and coach - to explore the reality behind building teams that deliver both performance and meaning. Drawing on his experience scaling Clownfish Events into an award-winning business known for its exceptional culture, Matt shares honest insights into what truly drives team success; from leadership behaviours and trust, to the small, everyday actions that shape how people work together. Through a mix of practical advice and storytelling, this conversation brings to life what great culture looks like in practice. In this episode, we discuss:
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Connect with our speakers Matt Turner: Founder & Entrepreneur - Connect on LinkedIn | Website | Youtube Sarah Windsor: Principal Consultant, Stopgap - Connect on LinkedIn | Website ✨ Follow Stopgap Talks for more open, practical discussions about marketing careers, leadership, and life at work. | |||
| Why Most Customer Experience Strategies Fail (And What to Do Instead) | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:46:42 | |
Customer experience is one of the most talked-about areas in modern business, but despite the buzz, many organisations still struggle to translate it into meaningful, measurable impact. In this episode of Stopgap Talks, host John Hunt is joined by Charlie Sim, Partner at The Foundation, for a practical and thought-provoking conversation on what good customer experience actually looks like - and why so many businesses get it wrong. Drawing on his experience helping organisations become truly customer-led, Charlie shares how companies can move beyond surface-level CX initiatives and embed customer thinking into the way their business operates, from strategy and structure through to day-to-day decision-making. Together, John and Charlie explore the realities behind “customer-led growth”, unpacking the common mistakes organisations make, how different business models shape CX thinking, and where responsibility for customer experience should really sit. In this episode, we discuss:
Whether you’re a marketing leader looking to strengthen your organisation’s customer focus, or a professional curious about moving into CX, this episode offers clear, practical insight into one of the most important - and often misunderstood - areas of modern business. Connect with our speakers: John Hunt, Senior Consultant, Stopgap Recruitment. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hunt-2562ab4/ Charlie Sim, Partner, The Foundation. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliesim1/ ✨ Follow Stopgap Talks for more open, practical conversations on marketing, customer experience, and building high-performing teams. | |||
| The Importance of the Human Touch in Recruitment | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:40:13 | |
In a world where AI is reshaping the recruitment landscape, one question keeps coming up: what happens to the human touch? In this first roundtable episode of Stopgap Talks, our Leadership Team explore why human connection is still the most powerful part of the recruitment process; for candidates, for clients, and for the long-term health of employer brands. Together, they dig into:
From understanding personality fit and motivations, to guiding clients through market trends, to helping candidates navigate interview highs and lows, this episode is a reminder of why recruitment, at its best, is both a craft and a partnership. If you’ve felt the frustration of “the silent process”, struggled with AI-driven screening, or simply miss speaking to a real human during job searches, this episode is for you! | |||
| Returning from Maternity Leave: How to Rebuild Confidence, Balance and Career Momentum | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:44:48 | |
Stepping away from your career to have children can be one of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences — but returning to work afterwards often brings a mix of emotions: excitement, uncertainty, and sometimes, self-doubt. In this Stopgap Talks episode, hosts Sarah Windsor and Zoe Vannozzi open up an honest and compassionate conversation about what it really feels like to return to work after maternity leave — and how both employees and employers can make the process smoother, more supportive, and more empowering. Drawing on their own experiences and years of helping marketing and creative professionals navigate career transitions, Sarah and Zoe explore everything from the practical steps to take before you go on leave, to the emotional adjustment of returning to a new version of working life. In this episode, we discuss:
Whether you’re planning maternity leave, returning from it, or managing someone who is, this conversation offers real insight, empathy, and practical advice to help you navigate one of the biggest transitions in modern working life. Connect with our speakers:
✨ Follow Stopgap Talks for more open, practical discussions about marketing careers, leadership, and life at work. | |||
| Hiring Your First Product Marketer: What Really Matters | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:48:02 | |
Hiring your first Product Marketing Manager (PMM) can feel like a leap into the unknown. What skills matter most? How do you avoid chasing unicorns? And why does capability matter more than job titles when scaling niche roles? In this episode of Stopgap Talks, Sarah Windsor, Principle Consultant at Stopgap, is joined by Hattie The PMM, founder of productmarketers.com and a leading voice in the global product marketing community. Together, they unpack the challenges and opportunities of making that all-important first PMM hire—and share practical insights for hiring managers, founders, and marketers navigating this evolving role. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Whether you’re hiring, scaling, or building your PMM career, this is a must-listen. | |||
| Building Employer Brands from the Inside Out | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:42:42 | |
In this episode of Stopgap Talks, host Amanda McCarthy sits down with Grace French, Director and Head of Culture at Stand, to explore what it really takes to build an employer reputation that goes beyond the surface. Employer brand isn’t just a marketing exercise—it’s lived and experienced every day by the people inside your organisation. Grace shares her perspective on -
Whether you’re leading a team, hiring talent, or building culture, this conversation is packed with insight for anyone looking to strengthen their employer brand from the inside out. Connect with our speakers:
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| Reinvention After Redundancy: Building Back with Confidence | 11 Aug 2025 | 00:56:52 | |
In this episode of Stopgap Talks, host Amanda McCarthy is joined by Sara Tidy, a confidence and career reinvention coach who helps people rebuild after redundancy and other major career setbacks. Redundancy can shake more than just your job title—it can challenge your identity, self-worth, and confidence. In this honest and uplifting conversation, Amanda and Sara explore how to navigate the emotional impact, reframe your mindset, and take practical steps toward a stronger, more confident future. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Whether you’re facing redundancy, supporting someone through it, or simply curious about building resilience in your career, this episode offers hope, perspective, and actionable advice. Connect with our speakers -
Follow Stopgap Talks on Spotify, Apple or Amazon Music to never miss an episode. And if something in this conversation resonated—please share, comment, or drop us a message. | |||
| Redefining the Change: Menopause, Work and the Power of Reframing | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:42:22 | |
For too long, menopause has been treated as a taboo subject—whispered about, misunderstood, or completely ignored in the workplace. But what if we saw it differently? What if menopause wasn’t the end of something, but the beginning of a new phase of empowerment, clarity and strength? In this episode of Stopgap Talks, our Lead Consultant Kate Boston speaks with Michelle Vaughton—Founder of VOLT Consultancy, holistic performance coach, and former People Development Director—about why it’s time to reframe the conversation around menopause at work. Michelle brings over 30 years of experience leading cultural transformation across industries. With a background in both business strategy and wellbeing (she’s also a qualified yoga teacher), Michelle takes a holistic approach to people performance—and she’s passionate about building inclusive cultures that work for everyone. Together, they explore:
Whether you’re going through menopause yourself, supporting someone who is, or leading a team—this is a conversation for all genders and generations. It’s time to break the silence, shift the story, and build careers (and cultures) where no one gets left behind. Connect with our speakers -
Follow Stopgap Talks on Spotify, Apple or Amazon Music to never miss an episode. And if something in this conversation resonated—please share, comment, or drop us a message. #StopgapTalks #MenopauseAtWork #Menopause #Perimenopause #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #WomenInWork #CultureMatters #MarketingCareers #CareerLongevity #HolisticPerformance | |||
| Silencing the Inner Critic: Unlocking Confidence for Career Moves (and Interview Wins) | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:40:53 | |
In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Stopgap’s Lead Consultant Kate Boston sits down with transformative life coach Katherine Ashmore—creator of The Mindset Exchange—to tackle one of the most common but rarely discussed challenges in career transitions: the inner critic. Whether you're eyeing your next big role or supporting others through the hiring process, this episode is packed with “that’s me” moments. Katherine and Kate unpack how self-doubt, perfectionism and imposter syndrome subtly sabotage career decisions and interviews—and more importantly, how to shift your mindset for success. Expect honest insights, practical mindset tools, and stories from the frontlines of job hunting and hiring. You’ll walk away more self-aware, more empowered, and more ready to own your value—on your CV and in the interview room. Contect with our speakers - Katherine Ashmore
Kate Boston
Whether you're navigating a job move or want to bring more humanity into your hiring process, this episode offers both heart and strategy. | |||
| Mental Health, Identity & Finding Community in Recruitment | 18 May 2025 | 00:47:06 | |
In this episode of Stopgap Talks, host Amanda McCarthy sits down with performance and wellbeing coach James Pickles to explore the emotional reality behind job searching, recruitment, and leadership. Drawing from James’ own experience of burnout and recovery, they dive into how community—and genuine human connection—can be the key to protecting mental health in a fast-moving world of work. Together, they reflect on the silent struggles of job seekers, the emotional labour of recruiters, and the ways employers can lead with compassion and inclusivity. Whether you’re looking for your next role, building a team, or trying to support others in your workplace, this conversation offers fresh insight, real stories, and practical takeaways. Connect with the Speakers: James Pickles - James is a performance coach, speaker, and mental health advocate who helps high performers protect their wellbeing while sustaining success. His coaching and talks are rooted in lived experience, creating space for honest reflection and forward momentum. Amanda McCarthy - Amanda is a Stopgap consultant, passionate about supporting candidates with empathy and building inclusive communities in recruitment. Listen & Subscribe: Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Stopgap Talks and leave a review. Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable conversations and inspiring voices. For more insights on marketing recruitment and workplace wellbeing, visit Stopgap. | |||
| The Art of Networking | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:41:03 | |
Ever feel intimidated or overwhelmed by the idea of networking? Wondering if networking really matters post-pandemic? In today's episode, Claudine Farrell sits down with networking expert Benjamin Chilcott to unravel the art—and magic—of building powerful connections that genuinely help your career, business, and personal growth. Benjamin shares insights from his extensive career, personal experiences, and the practical workshops he facilitates, offering listeners valuable strategies on how to network authentically and effectively. Connect with the speakers: Benjamin Chilcott Interested in learning more about improving your networking skills or attending one of Benj's popular workshops?
Claudine Farrell:
Listen & Subscribe: Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring valuable insights and inspiring conversations your way. For more insights on marketing recruitment, visit Stopgap. | |||
| Reflections & Predictions: Marketing Recruitment in 2025 | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:28:55 | |
The marketing recruitment landscape is evolving faster than ever, and as we settle into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the lessons learned and look ahead to what’s next. In this special episode of Stopgap Talks, Claire Owen (Owner & Founder of Stopgap) and Rowan Lawrence (Director of People & Values) share their insights on the biggest challenges and opportunities in marketing recruitment today. 🌟 What’s in store?
The themes shared in this episode are more relevant than ever as we move forward into the year. Whether you’re a job seeker or a hiring manager, this conversation will help you navigate the shifting landscape of marketing recruitment in 2025. Connect with the speakers: For more insights on marketing recruitment, visit Stopgap. | |||
| Diversity & Inclusion in Recruitment: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:30:37 | |
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are more than just buzzwords—they are essential for building stronger, more innovative, and more successful workplaces. But how can businesses truly integrate DEI into their hiring processes? In this episode of Stopgap Talks, Rowan Lawrence and Amanda McCarthy explore why DEI should be a priority in recruitment and how companies can take practical steps to ensure an inclusive hiring process. They discuss everything from writing unbiased job descriptions to creating an interview experience that welcomes diverse candidates. Expect real insights, actionable strategies, and eye-opening stats—like how 76% of job seekers consider diversity a key factor when choosing a job (LinkedIn Talent Trends 2023). Tune in now for expert advice on fostering inclusivity from recruitment to onboarding! Connect with the speakers: For more resources on inclusive hiring, visit Stopgap. #StopgapTalks #DiversityInHiring #InclusiveRecruitment #DEI #WorkplaceInclusion | |||
| How Remote Work is Evolving for Marketing, Digital, and Creative Professionals | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:31:30 | |
The world of work has transformed dramatically in recent years, and few industries have felt this shift more acutely than marketing, digital, and creative sectors. Remote work is no longer a temporary solution—it’s a permanent fixture reshaping how professionals collaborate, innovate, and thrive. To explore how remote work is evolving, Stopgap Talks brings you an insightful conversation featuring our Principal Consultant Lara Fisher Jones and Senior Consultant John Hunt. In this episode, Lara and John dive into the opportunities and challenges that remote work presents for professionals and businesses in these dynamic fields. Whether you’re navigating remote work as a professional or adapting your hiring strategies as a business, this episode offers actionable insights to stay ahead in a rapidly changing work environment. The discussion reflects on lessons learned so far and anticipates what’s next for the future of work in these creative industries. Contact the Speakers - Have questions or want to connect? Reach out to our speakers: | |||
| Creating a Great Candidate Experience: Key Strategies for Employers | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:37:12 | |
In today’s competitive job market, a positive candidate experience can make all the difference. From the job description to the onboarding process, each step of the hiring journey shapes how candidates perceive your brand. But what does it take to truly engage and impress candidates throughout the recruitment process? To answer that question, our latest Stopgap Talks episode brings together Kate Boston, Lead Consultant, and Christelle Lycett, Senior Resourcer, to share their best practices and real-world examples for building a memorable candidate experience. This episode is a must-listen for employers who want to attract top talent, create a seamless hiring process, and build a strong employer brand. Connect with the Speakers - Want to learn more? Connect with Kate and Christelle for additional insights on recruitment best practices: | |||
| Building Your Digital Team: Recruitment & Development Strategies for Charities | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:38:08 | |
In this insightful episode of Stopgap Talks, Zoe Amar, a leading digital consultant, joins Sibylle Harrison to explore the key strategies for building effective digital teams within the charity sector. Together, they dive into the unique challenges charities face, including digital transformation, recruitment struggles, and the all-important decision between upskilling staff or hiring new talent. Tune in to discover Zoe’s expert tips on:
Whether you’re a charity leader or digital professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a high-performing digital team. 📞 Contact the speakers:
Check out the full episode and let us know what you think! #CharityRecruitment #DigitalTransformation #StopgapTalks #Upskilling #Nonprofit #DigitalLeadership | |||
| Ghosting in Recruitment - What's really happening? | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:25:28 | |
In this episode, Claudine Farrell (Lead Consultant) and Tess Leigh (Senior Consultant) pull back the curtain on a topic that frustrates many job seekers—recruiter ghosting. They explain the reasons behind it, what happens behind the scenes in recruitment, and offer actionable advice on how candidates, hiring managers and recruiters can improve communication. Tune in for a candid conversation that sheds light on the complexities of recruitment processes and why ghosting is not always what it seems. Connect with Claudine and Tess on LinkedIn for more insights, and visit the Stopgap website to learn how we can support your career or hiring needs! | |||