Explore every episode of the podcast Don't Shoot The Messenger
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 32: Job Search SOS. Ask the experts Q&A session with Lucy Cairncross, March 2025 | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:55:37 | |
Here's the latest 'Job Search SOS' episode. I'm back with Lucy Cairncross, MD of VMA GROUP to tackle the questions keeping job seekers up at night. This episode is packed with straight-talking advice on: š£ Cover letters: why they still matter (despite what everyone tells you), and what actually worksĀ š£ How to explain a disjointed career without badmouthing your toxic ex-boss š£ Getting your CV to the top of the pile (and why hiring a CV writer is definitely not the answer) š£ Following up on applications without looking desperate š£ Convincing hiring managers you're not overqualified and you won't get bored (code for 'too expensive' or 'flight risk'). Job searching is brutal and can feel lonely - but you're absolutely not alone in this. The questions we received show that even the most experienced comms professionals struggle with the same challenges. Let me know what other subjects you would be interested in hearing about from a career coach and a comms recruiter. You can send me a DM on LinkedIn. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 31: Job Search SOS. Ask the experts Q&A session with Lucy Cairncross, Jan 2025 | 24 Jan 2025 | 00:55:48 | |
This week Iām bringing you another Job Search SOS episode, a recording of a Q&A webinar I ran in mid January 2025, with Lucy Cairncross. the MD of VMA Group, the recruitment specialist for communications, marketing, digital and change roles. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 30: Nessa O'Gorman. Creating new career opportunities from burnout | 06 Dec 2024 | 00:31:27 | |
Nessa O'Gorman is a global product and marketing strategist who has had several career pivots. From an early career as an interpreter, she moved into marketing and product development, launching Expedia's first loyalty programme across 14 countries. And now Nessa has a new passion - wellbeing as the foundation of sustainable performance in work and in life. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 29: Job Search SOS. Ask the experts Q&A session with Lucy Cairncross - Nov 2024 | 19 Nov 2024 | 01:02:07 | |
Lucy Cairncross is the MD of VMA GROUP, the specialist marketing and communications recruitment and executive search firm. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 28: Louisa Houghton. Nailing a career-long mission to achieve work/life balance | 13 Sep 2024 | 00:24:50 | |
Louisa Houghton is Head of Communications at VMO2 Business. She is a storyteller and writer at her core. And having worked in the fast-paced world of telecoms for most of her career, she has experienced the speed of change from the inside. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 27: Nicole Bearne. When passion and profession collide: a career in Formula One | 23 Aug 2024 | 00:28:33 | |
Nicole Bearne had a fascinating communications career in Formula 1 and is now a board director at Motorsport UK, and an employee experience consultant. Working in an organisation with such big budgets and high profile has given Nicole so many unique experiences (bumping into Brad Pitt at work being one of the perks). Amongst other things, we talk about: š£ Turning your passion into a profession š£ The dangers of ignoring the employee (and the candidate) experience š£ From the glamour of working with the A list to ājumping off a cliffā into self-employment š£ Organising the most epic leaving do ever, with pyrotechnics, fireworks and flamejets You can get in touch with me at vicki@vickimarinker.com or find me on LinkedIn. Nicoleās website is www.comms-exchange.com You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 26: Shan Chatoo, communications warrior. Resilience, passion and empowerment | 19 Jul 2024 | 00:27:46 | |
Shan Chatoo calls herself a communications warrior. Alongside her work as a comms professional, she now combines the skill sheās developed in communication, with her passion for weights, to empower women to build mental and physical resilience. In this episode Shan will inspire you with her epic achievements, and how she picked herself up from her lowest ebb, when she was being bullied at work. We talk about: š£ How she developed a no-nonsense, no BS approach to life and work š£ The amazing mental and physical benefits of lifting heavy, and I mean HEAVY weights š£ The experience of being bullied at work, which led her to question everything š£ New beginnings - combining her two passions, and what they have in common. You can get in touch with me at vicki@vickimarinker.com or find me on LinkedIn. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 25: Polly Evans, 'the worst possible thing happened, on live TV' | 05 Jul 2024 | 00:34:11 | |
Polly Evans oversees UK audio production for the worldās largest interactive audio platform for kids. She started her career at the BBC, moving into reporting and becoming a TV news anchor. This episode is about a life and career-changing moment that happened to her on live TV, in front of hundreds of thousands of viewers. š£ How the worst possible thing can happen, and how she navigated her way through major personal change š£ Redefining her priorities and rebuilding her career š£ Putting herself in the path of luck, leading to amazing connections and unexpected opportunities š£ A terrifying and exhilarating stunt in a bi-plane. You can get in touch with me at vicki@vickimarinker.com or find me on LinkedIn. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 24: Olivia Lawson, natural networker | 10 May 2024 | 00:27:29 | |
We're back with series 3, and starting strong with internal communications consultant Olivia Lawson. Olivia's career has had several twists and turns, and a couple of sliding doors moments.Ā You can get in touch with me at vicki@vickimarinker.com or find me on LinkedIn. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 23: How to build a cohesive and diverse culture thatās fit for purpose, with Jenni Field | 07 Jan 2022 | 00:28:51 | |
In this, the last episode of series 2, I talk with Jenni Field, business strategist, author, podcaster and founder of Redefining Communications. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, including corporate culture, the challenges facing the physical workplace and how to future-proof your career in communication. We discuss: š£ The role of communicators in establishing a positive corporate culture š£ How to recruit for culture fit and build a diverse workforce š£ Toxic cultures - how they develop and what to do about them š£ Balancing wellbeing and productivity in organisations post-COVID š£ A pitch to the Queen and a flammable catsuit in a hot air balloon. If you have any suggestions for guests for my next series, please get in touch at www.vickimarinker.com You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 22: How to get your digital strategy right in a Covid world, with Tony Stewart | 17 Dec 2021 | 00:28:22 | |
In this episode I talk with Tony Stewart, Head of digital at scarlettabott and self-confessed digital geek, about how to get your digital strategy right in a Covid world. We discuss: š£ The 7 fundamental pillars on which to build a winning digital strategyĀ š£ How success leads to behavioural change š£ The technical challenge of ongoing remote working š£ A great example of using gaming technology to support a business challenge š£ Being responsible for Borisās presence on Twitter If youād like to get involved, please get in touch at www.vickimarinker.com You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 21: Review of COP26 and the evolution of the ESG agenda, with Robbie Sommerville | 03 Dec 2021 | 00:30:51 | |
In this episode, I talk with Robbie Sommerville, Director of ESG Communications at Credit Suisse about the impact of COP26 and the evolution of environment and social issues in different regions. We discuss: š£ The impact of COP26: moving from the focus on carbon to a more diverse range of environmental topics š£ Regional priorities across the ESG agenda and juggling those needs in a global organisation š£ The push and pull of profitability and purpose š£ Internal engagement as a driver of corporate responsibility š£ Encouraging leaders to champion diversity, equity and inclusion while avoiding tokenism š£ Ringing a gong to announce dinner If youād like to get involved, please get in touch at www.vickimarinker.com You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 20: What the corporate world can learn from how the Navy manages a crisis, with Sheena Thomson | 19 Nov 2021 | 00:34:37 | |
In this episode I talk with Sheena Thomson, an expert in international relations, reputation and crisis management, who started her communications career with the Royal Navy, about what the corporate world can learn from how the Navy manages a crisis.Ā We discuss: š£ Being thrown into the deep end, handling crisis communications for the Navy š£ How to keep a rational head when all around you are losing theirs š£ What constitutes a corporate crisis, and if itās ever as bad as what happens at sea š£ Rescuing a disastrous press trip and ensuring journalists got their story š£ An incident with a dead parrot and pretending to be Anneka Rice If youād like to get involved, please get in touch at www.vickimarinker.com You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 19: The unique challenge of working in retail communications, with Sam Bleazard | 05 Nov 2021 | 00:31:54 | |
In this episode I talk with Sam Bleazard, Employee Communications and Engagement Lead at Fortnum & Mason about the unique challenge of working in retail communications We discuss: š£ The challenge of working strategically in an environment where results are examined on a weekly basis š£ How retail has been affected by COVID, e-commerce, Brexit and the sustainability agenda š£ What goes on behind the beautifully curated shop floor of a high-end destination like Fortnum & Mason š£ How to nearly kill your CEO. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 18: Using technology to build a global internal community, with Kim England | 29 Oct 2021 | 00:33:49 | |
In this first episode of the second series, I talk with Kim England, VP of Global Employee Communications at Pearson, a self-confessed tech geek who is passionate about collaboration and community, about using technology to build a global internal community We discuss: š£ How education is having its āSpotifyā moment š£ Enterprise Social Networks - so much more than an intranet š£ Allowing the ānon-professionalā conversations to happen š£ Fighting Zoom fatigue, and motivating employees when morale is low š£ Being honest when things donāt go to plan š£ DJ Disco Kimbo and an embarrassing technology fail If youād like to get involved, please get in touch at www.vickimarinker.com You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 17: The impact of COVID on communication, collaboration and culture, with Rachel Miller | 04 Jun 2021 | 00:25:07 | |
In this, the last episode of series one, I talk with Rachel Miller, consultant, trainer, podcaster, and a recognised authority on internal communication, about the challenges internal communicators face to rebuild collaboration and company culture as we return to the workplace. We discuss: āļø What will never be the same again, post COVID āļø How to create a sense of belonging when teams are apart āļø The danger of burnout and being mindful of your own, and your colleaguesā mental health āļø Hybrid working and the new purpose of the physical workplace āļø Why you should only come up with fundraising ideas youāre willing to take on yourself! You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 16: Working on innovation projects that can change the world, with Vicki DeBlasi | 21 May 2021 | 00:30:28 | |
In this episode of the podcast, I talk with Vicki DeBlasi, who specialises in PR and marketing for innovation and technology projects. Weāre talking about the unique challenge of working on projects that have the potential to change the way we live and work. We discuss: āļø The role of psychology in communications and marketing āļø 5G, conspiracy theories and how to stop the spread of misinformation āļø What happens when innovation teams are homogenous and why diversity is fundamental to a projectās success āļø Tinder for cows! You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 15: The relationship between PR and journalism and the changing media landscape, with Neil Henderson | 07 May 2021 | 00:30:24 | |
In this episode of the podcast, I talk with Neil Henderson, a corporate communications director, whose earlier career was in broadcast journalism for the major TV networks.Ā We discuss: āļø The assumptions journalists make about PRs and vice versa āļø Is there such a thing as bad publicity? (See the European Super League fiasco) āļø How PRs can keep up with the changing media landscape āļø Why you should always check if the talent youāve booked has vertigo. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 14: How to run an international, virtual PR agency without burning out, with George Blizzard | 23 Apr 2021 | 00:24:54 | |
In this episode of the podcast, I talk with George Blizzard, co-founder of The PR Network, about the benefits and challenges of flexible working in all its forms. We discuss: āļø How to make job-sharing work for the benefit of all involved āļø How to build a strong company culture with a team you have never met āļø What big corporates could learn from more agile, flexible organisations āļø What pitching has to do with breastfeeding. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 13: How to prepare for the worst day of your business life, with Jonathan Hemus | 09 Apr 2021 | 00:32:18 | |
In this episode of the Don't Shoot The Messenger podcast, I talk with Jonathan Hemus, Managing Director of Insignia, who helps companies plan and rehearse for the worst-case scenario. We discuss: āļø Why most businesses find it so challenging to prepare for crises āļø Where the UK Government went wrong in their handling of COVID-19Ā āļø Who got it right: examples of superior crisis communications āļø The impact of cancel cultureĀ You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 12: Climate Change - preparing business for the ultimate crisis, with Mark Hutcheon | 19 Mar 2021 | 00:30:42 | |
In this episode of the Don't Shoot The Messenger podcast, I talk with Mark Hutcheon, who is a Director in the crisis and reputation practice at Deloitte, helping clients predict and prepare for large scale risks. We tackle the huge issue of the climate crisis and its impact on business. We discuss: āļø Whether industries such as Fast Fashion and Formula One can and should survive āļø The role of the communications professional in helping business prepare and plan for climate change āļø What Nikola Tesla and Arsene Wenger have in common āļø And possibly the most embarrassing anecdote any guest of the podcast has shared so far. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 11: ESG and corporate reputation in a post-COVID world, with Steve Earl | 05 Mar 2021 | 00:25:21 | |
In this episode, I talk with Steve Earl, agency MD who has led and grown communications consultancies over a 25-year career, working with companies going through sweeping change.Ā We discuss: āļø ESG - what is it and why does it matter? āļø How COVID has accelerated ESG-led transformation. āļø The challenges and opportunities for communications professionals. āļø Masquerading as Vinnie Jones in the name of PR.Ā Eric Cantona also gets a mention.Ā You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 10: Social Media for Leaders - trust, trends and tips, with Phil Szomszor | 19 Feb 2021 | 00:27:32 | |
In this episode of the Don't Shoot The Messenger podcast, I talk Phil Szomszor, a social media consultant for business leaders, brands and sales teams.Ā We discuss: āļø Why the 75% of UK CEOs who are inactive on social media are missing a trick āļø Social media silence, misuse and freedom of speech āļø What channels and formats are going to be big in the next 12 months āļø Coming out as an extreme ironerĀ If your leadership team needs convincing of the value of social media, stick this episode in their ears (from an appropriate distance). You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 9: Purpose - the link between corporate morality and customer/employee loyalty, with Ros Hunt | 05 Feb 2021 | 00:31:05 | |
In this episode of the Don't Shoot The Messenger podcast, I talk Ros Hunt who helps businesses define and communicate their core purpose and wider value to society.Ā We discuss: āļø Why purpose is important to customers, employees and shareholders, particularly during a pandemic. āļø How communications professionals need to be at the heart of this conversation.Ā āļø The fragile link between purpose and profit. āļø The danger of being dressed as a snowman in a shopping centre. I hope you enjoy this timely episode. Please have a listen, like and subscribe. You can get in touch with me on social media @thedstmpodcast. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 8: Public Policy - helping to shape the rules by which all business is governed, with Linda Griffin | 22 Jan 2021 | 00:27:19 | |
In this episode of the Don't Shoot The Messenger podcast, I talk with Linda Griffin, VP Public Policy at Activision Blizzard & King (the people who brought us Candy Crush). Linda started her career in Public Policy, often seen as a closed shop, as an outsider without any political affiliation.Ā We discuss: āļø What itās like to help shape public policy in the āWild Westā of technology. āļø Being an outsider and building a broad, strong network. āļø Corpsing in front of a President. Linda is warm and engaging, and itās a great episode. Please have a listen, like and subscribe and let me know what you think in the comments. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 7: Corporate Activism - the good, the bad and the completely misjudged with Kate Levine | 08 Jan 2021 | 00:31:55 | |
In this episode of the Don't Shoot The Messenger podcast, I talk with Kate Levine, who works with organisations seeking to drive positive change, about how corporate activism can be a force for good - and how to get it spectacularly wrong. We discuss: āļø How business can be a force for good and can help make long term, positive change. āļø How a football challenge to feed starving children scored a disastrous own goal for Mastercard. āļø A singalong with 4000 people about periods.Ā Kate has fascinating insights into this subject I knew so little about. Please have a listen, like and subscribe and let me know what you think in the comments. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 6: Sorry seems to be the hardest word - communicating during a crisis with Rod Cartwright | 18 Dec 2020 | 00:24:36 | |
In this episode of Donāt Shoot The Messenger, I talk with Rod Cartwright, corporate reputation and crisis communications expert about: āļø The āimpossible privilegeā of working on one of the most intense global crisis the airline industry has ever experienced. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 5: Pivoting, professional development and pushing through barriers - the Millennial experience, with Naomi Smith | 03 Dec 2020 | 00:22:56 | |
In this episode of Don't Shoot The Messenger, I talk to Naomi Smith - an HR turned communications professionalĀ - about how millennials navigate a successful career in a competitive market. * Is variety more important than loyalty? Please have a listen, like and subscribe. I'm on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @TheDSTMPodcast if you'd like to talk.Ā You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 4: The highs and lows of a portfolio career with Mallika Basu - the 'Mary Portas of food and drink' | 24 Nov 2020 | 00:28:05 | |
In this episode of Don't Shoot The Messenger, I talk to Mallika Basu, communications consultant, food and drink writer and entrepreneur.Ā We discuss the reality of having a portfolio career; how to organise yourself for the opportunities, as well as preparing for the challenges; and learning to say no. I'm on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @TheDSTMPodcast if you'd like to talk. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave me a review. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 3: How to have a successful career in internal communications with Trudy Lewis | 06 Nov 2020 | 00:23:54 | |
In this episode of Don't Shoot The Messenger, I talk to Trudy Lewis, communications consultant and executive coach, about her career in internal communications. Trudy shares her frustrations, aspirations and role models in this frank conversation.Ā You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 2: PR agency-client relationships and the highs & lows of pitching with Mark Schmid | 01 Oct 2020 | 00:26:11 | |
In this episode of DSTM I talk to Mark Schmid, Joint MD of marketing and communications agency Simmons x Schmid, about the pitching process and the importance of building long term client/agency relationships. Mark shares his pitching highs and lows and gives me the perfect answer to a question that's been bothering me for 20 years. You can find me here: | |||
| Episode 1: A life in PR - crazy stunts; controversy and coronavirus with Steve Marinker | 10 Sep 2020 | 00:28:37 | |
In this pilot episode, I talk to Steve Marinker, who has worked in PR agencies for years. We talk about career paths, serious corporate campaigns and crazy consumer stunts (Peperami smoothie anyone?). You can find me here: | |||