Explore every episode of the podcast Marketing Careers Uncovered

With a background spanning business development, operations, training and development, and community development, Prabhjyot has always been attracted that roles where she can have a lasting impact. As she turned her sights to marketing we discuss how she:

• Turned the skills she developed in other roles towards marketing
• Learned from other marketers and people around her
• Developed a freelancing career, how she was able to compete and win new clients

Additional links to resources mentioned:

• 'The Fractional CMO Method' book by Casey Stanton: https://cmox.co/book/ 
• The Fractional CMO Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fractionalcmo/
• Toptal freelance talent platform https://www.toptal.com/

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We finally have a jingle of our very own! Have a listen...

With more great conversations lined up, could you spare a minute to leave a review?

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Stacey discusses her route into public relations, how she's progressed and rose through the ranks at Aspectus, and her work running the Aspectus Academy, an apprenticeship program focused on social mobility in the PR industry. We touched on:

• Whether PR really is just for extraverted party people?
• Why culture fit and the freedom to run with your ideas is so valuable when choosing where to work
• Learning lessons about collaborating, asking questions, and understanding different marketing channels, even when working in specialist roles

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Part two continues the conversation with Carolyn, focusing on

• Her work in crisis management, and the broader skills developed
• What candidates can learn from her experiences as a hiring manager, and how to position yourself for success
• Navigating performance management processes, especially when your goals aren't rapid progression or moving into management

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In the first of our two part episode, Carolyn takes us through her first steps and challenging her perceptions of what marketing was all about, before moving to the US - and back again - while building a successful career supporting institutions including The University of Houston, Glasgow Caledonian University and the NHS, picking up on:

• Why curiosity is an essential characteristic
• How communications is often the 'universal translator' for businesses
• Learning to manage people and teams effectively

Part 2 will continue the conversation - picking up on Carolyn's experience in crisis management, what her role as a hiring manager can teach us as candidates looking to progress and why being a manager and leading a team isn’t the only option on the table if you want to progess.

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Wendy shares her journey and learnings along the way, from her beginnings studying international trade, and having the marketing spark lit during one fateful module...

As we walk through her steps towards bigger and better roles, and ultimately her work with multiple firms on a 'fractional' basis, we pick up on:

• How all important networking skills aren't limited to extroverts, and ways to develop confidence.
• The importance of resilience, what it actually means and how to strengthen it
• Her self-inflicted 'gap analysis' and the approach to filling them

(apologies for some slight audio aberrations this time round, thanks in part to coming out the other end of the flu, and carpet fitters who still manage to make their presence known from the other side of the house... bonus points if you can spot them all!)

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In between interviews with aspiring and developing marketers, I'll be looking at what's on my reading list between now and the end of the year. I'll be sharing some mini-reviews as I go, with some of my key takeaways.

Let me know if there's anything I should be adding to the book pile 🙂

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From an Innocent smoothie bottle, to life as a successful freelance SEO and website copywriter, Alice gives us a zero BS overview of her career journey; including life in an agency, moving in-house and making the leap to freelance as she overcomes challenging environments, seizes every opportunity to learn and develop, and discovers where her passions lie. 

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Katie joins us to discuss the best and worst aspects of a career in marketing with her trademark, candid style. Sharing her own routes and approach to succeed despite learning difficulties, being told university wasn't 'for her' and toxic work environments, we discuss:

• How she created, and took every opportunity to stand out from the crowd
• Her first steps into the industry managing online communities with brands like Durex
• Working in toxic environments and her drive to go freelance.
• How ‘No Wanky Bollocks’ was created and it's role in calling out bullshit in business
• Why and how she built Antiquoted, a platform to help diverse voices and perspectives get heard in the media

(You can read Katie's article we discussed on No Wanky Bollocks at https://nowankybollocks.com/2023/07/06/red-flags-and-the-toxic-topless-boss/)

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Welcome to ‘Marketing Careers Uncovered’, the podcast where we explore the personal and professional development journeys of marketers.

A little taster of what's in store...

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From her beginnings in sales and recruitment followed by 15 fruitful years at Microsoft working with some of their biggest brands including Xbox, Windows, Surface and Office, Harriet walks us through her development as a marketer prior to starting her own consulting business.

We discussed:

•Making the transition from recruitment to marketing

•How marketing approaches evolved at Microsoft over 15 years

•Working with global marketing colleagues to localise and deliver impactful campaigns accross diverse markets

•Building strong relationships, leveraging networks and starting her own business.

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We spend some quality time with Matt Watkinson, renowned author and co-founder of a design consulting firm, about his latest book, “Mastering Uncertainty.” Matt shares insights on:

• thriving in an unpredictable world
• the process of getting a book from brain to page
• the importance of probabilistic thinking
• how to make better decisions in our personal and professional lives.

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Marketing recruiters Carly and Sarah from Macildowie join us to share their views on what employers are really looking for and how you can get ahead of the pack - whether you're just starting out or are slightly more seasoned. We discuss areas including:

• What recruiters actually do behind the scenes
• How to stand out in a competitive environment
• The impact of AI and emerging technologies

Connect with Carly or Sarah on LinkedIn to find out more about upcoming Macildowie Marketing Forum events

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Do you have what it takes to build a successful marketing agency from scratch?

Ashley Mason shares how she founded, grew and continues to develop her content marketing agency 'Dash of Social'

We discussed:

•Starting the journey: How pro-bono work and relentless networking paved the way for success.

•Building for growth: How she's built and structured a strong team as the business continues to grow

•Managing client relationships: Navigating challenging expectations and the value of clear communication.

•Growing a brand: The impact of awards like TEDx and 40 Under 40 on her career and personal brand.

•The realities of running your own business: Handling difficult clients, burnout, and ageism while trusting gut instincts.

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As Marketing Careers Uncovered hits its first birthday, our first ever guest, Sally Day return to take over as host and put me in the hot seat!

I discuss what I've learned from my guests over the past year, some of my own experiences as my career develops, how failure really is the best teacher you could hope for and the benefits of spreading your wings beyond your job description.

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Ever wondered how different it could be working in small teams with tight budgets compared to the sprawling departments of larger firms? Alexandra takes us through the realities of working in fast-paced startup environments, how she's pushed herself to progress and learned a lot about herself along the way. We discuss:

• Versatility: How Alexandra’s diverse experiences from content creation to strategic marketing have built a well-rounded skill set.
• Networking: Leveraging connections and mentors for career growth.
• Always learning: The value of staying current with industry trends and self-improvement.
• Embracing challenge: Taking on opportunities despite fear and uncertainty.
• Balancing structure and flexibility: Managing the demands of a fast-paced startup environment while maintaining personal discipline and structure.

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Julian's been busy tearing up Instagram and TikTok with his hot, extremely practical takes on strategy, navigating culture and getting ahead. And based on his background working with large brands and household names, he's certainly picked up a thing or two:

We sat down to discuss:

• What strategy, and strategic thinking is really all about
• Why being great at your job isn't what gets you promoted
• How artificial intelligence can help you get ahead.

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Wondering how to navigate the UK’s competitive marketing job landscape?

In this episode, I sit down with Gareth Cartman, a marketer turned recruiter, who recently conducted an in-depth study on the current state of the UK marketing job market. We delve into key findings from his report and discuss strategies for standing out, managing salary expectations, and tapping into hidden job opportunities. Whether you’re in the UK or elsewhere, Gareth’s insights offer valuable guidance for advancing your marketing career.

Read the full report

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Ever wondered how to truly measure the effectiveness of your marketing efforts?

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Laybourn, founder at Rockee, to discuss his journey from building a B2C e-commerce brand to becoming an expert in marketing effectiveness. We explore the challenges of proving marketing impact, the evolution of buyer behavior, and the role and limitations of AI in content creation. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out, Matt’s experiences offer valuable lessons on enhancing marketing performance.

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Ever wondered what it takes to excel in social media?

In this episode, I chat with Katie Barber, a social brand manager with experience across the UK, Europe, and Silicon Valley. We discuss her design background and how it paved the way for her first roles, balancing creativity with business goals, and why consistency is a superpower. Katie also shares how AI is influencing her work, reflections on starting her own business, and plenty of practical advice for aspiring social media managers.

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Curious about what it takes to scale and exit a digital business?

In this episode, I chat with Ryan Williams, Entrepreneur and Founder of a successful social media enterprise. Ryan shares his journey from IT professional to building and selling a thriving digital business. He opens up about the challenges along the way, lessons learned, and what life looks like after the big sale. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or fascinated by the digital landscape, this episode offers real-world advice from someone who’s been there, done that, and got the t-shirt.

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What does it take to write copy that doesn't just read well, but actually connects with people?

In this episode, I chat with Alice Brown about how she built her career helping brands uncover what their customers really think, and turning that into language that drives action.

We get into her shift from surf coaching to marketing, what most people get wrong about content, and why human insight still beats AI every time. Alice also shares a refreshingly practical take on how to get better feedback, what ‘big ideas’ really look like, and how to bring more of yourself into your work - without it turning into fluff.

Find out more about Alice and her work at https://www.7th-wave.co

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Ever feel like your career isn’t following a straight line? Kyle Hamilton’s certainly didn’t. From planning to become a neurosurgeon to washing dishes in France, shooting ski photography, and eventually running a marketing agency in the Canadian Rockies, his journey is anything but conventional.

In this episode, we explore why failing fast and often is key to success, how Kyle built a business around the lifestyle he wanted, and why stepping away from the noise of digital marketing can sometimes be the best move for entrepreneurs.

If you’re feeling stuck or considering a change, Kyle’s story is proof that you don’t need it all figured out - you just need to start.

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What happens when you realise the traditional career path isn’t for you? Marina never set out to become a marketer - yet years of hands-on experience led her to launch her own content marketing agency.

In this episode, we discuss how she built a business that fits her lifestyle, why formal marketing education isn’t always necessary, and the biggest lessons she’s learned along the way. Marina also shares her take on storytelling, authenticity, and the fine balance between keeping up with trends and staying true to your own approach.

If you’re thinking about taking control of your career or want an insider’s view on what it takes to stand out in content marketing, hit listen.

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What do political campaigns, global corporations, and social impact initiatives have in common? Influence.

I’m joined by Natasha Plowman, a communications strategist who’s worked across financial services, FMCG, and politics. She’s shaped corporate reputations at HSBC, Diageo, and Coca-Cola, and played a key role in the award-winning ‘This Girl Can’ campaign.

We explore how she transitioned from politics to marketing, the art of influencing, and why understanding the fundamentals of business is key to getting ahead. And she shares her thoughts on navigating the AI-driven marketing landscape while keeping human connection at the core.

If you’re interested in building a career in reputation management or just want to hear from someone who’s mastered the balance of business and influence, give her a listen.

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What does it really take to succeed in marketing? I spend some time with Lewis Kemp, founder of Lightbulb Media and co-founder of the University of Creative Idiots, to uncover the truths behind building effective marketing strategies.

From avoiding the trap of vanity metrics to navigating the world of personal branding and getting comfortable with consistency, Lewis offers his trademark unfiltered opinions and shares some hard-earned lessons. We also get into the evolving role of AI in marketing and why creativity remains irreplaceable.

Packed with practical advice and candid truths, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make marketing count.

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How do you go from faxing newspaper ads to building an AI tool that redefines creativity?

I chat with Leslie Walsh, Head of Strategy at Episode 4, about her journey from agency intern to the driving force behind RYA—a tool designed to deliver “radical yet acceptable” ideas at speed.

We explore the bold decisions and career moves that shaped her path, from leaning into new opportunities to taking on risks that paid off in unexpected ways. Leslie breaks down what it really takes to create an AI product, how to sell big ideas internally, and why focusing on what really matters to your audience makes all the difference.

If you’re curious about what goes into building AI tools or want to know how to make your own career leaps, you’ll love this conversation.

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Want to know how the latest event tech is reshaping marketing?

In this episode, I sit down with Vanessa Lovatt, Strategy Consultant and founder of Event Tech World. Vanessa’s been at the forefront of transforming how events are run, working with names like the Financial Times. We get into her biggest career lessons, the tools marketers should have on their radar, and what the future of event tech really looks like. Whether you’re an events pro or just curious about the tech driving the industry forward, this one’s packed with insights you can act on.

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What starts with cash-in-hand dog walking and ends with a £2M agency exit? But behind the shiny headline is the reality most people don’t talk about. Long nights, hard lessons, and the mental load of leading from the front.

Kathryn Strachan joins me to talk about what actually goes into building something that lasts. Breaking into marketing from scratch, scaling fast, burning out faster, and learning how to lead along the way.

No fluff or founder fairytales. Just the good, the bad, and the bits most people skip over.

Pick up a copy of her book 'Scaling Success: How to build a brand that breaks barriers' here

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What does it actually take to build a high-performing team - that stands up for years to come?

In this episode I sit down with Mick Rigby, founder and CEO of Yodel Mobile, to dig into the real work behind long-term team performance. Mick’s kept his senior team together for close to a decade, grown people from interns into leaders, and adapted his own leadership style through start-up chaos, growth, and a post-sale transition into a much bigger parent company.

Here’s what we get into:

• how to grow people at the pace they are ready for
• why loyalty lasts when you back people early and often
• how neurodiversity shapes leadership, decision making and pressure
• the shift from micromanaging to macromanaging as you scale
• what part of marketing AI will change - and what it won’t touch
• why creative intelligence and human judgement are rising in value again
• the leadership habits that actually keep teams together for a decade

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What actually makes a great PR pitch land - and what gets lost when you let AI write it for you?

Lizi Sprague started out cold-calling journalists from a pitch pod and faxing press releases for London ad agencies. Now she runs Songue PR, a San Francisco-based agency helping deep-tech companies build credibility in the AI age.

This episode is part war story, part wake-up call:

• what she learned from getting rejected 63 times (and still getting in)
• how pitchcraft actually works in 2025 - and why ChatGPT isn’t your shortcut
• what UK brands keep getting wrong about launching in the US
• and why earned media is becoming critical again in a world shaped by LLM search

If you’re building a comms career, scaling a brand, or just wondering what PR actually does these days, this one’s worth your time.

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Ever landed a role you didn’t quite feel ready for - and had to get good, fast?

Brandt Bodamer knows the feeling.

He took on a digital marketing role overseas with little more than curiosity, hustle, and a copy of Digital Marketing for Dummies in his bag. That leap became the foundation of a career that’s since taken him into agency leadership and founding Adduro.io - a growing adtech firm helping brands show up across streaming and audio platforms.

But this isn’t just a startup story.

We get into:

• How to earn credibility without faking it
• What it really takes to grow fast when you feel out of your depth
• Making the shift from capable doer to credible leader
• What building a business without investor cash actually looks like

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Getting the title is one thing. Getting taken seriously as a leader is another.

Louise Thompson knows that gap well. She spent years as a comms director before moving into coaching, and she’s worked with plenty of smart marketers who’ve found the step up tougher than expected.

We get into:

• why outputs don’t cut it at senior level - it’s all about outcomes
• the behind-the-scenes groundwork that makes meetings easier
• how to stop micromanaging without losing standards
• finding a leadership style that feels like you, not a copy-and-paste

If you’ve just stepped up to head-of or director, or want to position yourself as ready for the next big leap, there's plenty here for you.

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Ever felt like you didn’t have the right background to make it in marketing?

Brooke didn’t go to uni. She didn’t have a head start or a polished CV. What she did have was persistence, a lot of self-awareness, and someone willing to throw down a challenge - in the form of a sales book and a second chance.

Today she’s Managing Director at Broadley Speaking - a sales and marketing consultancy that helps businesses find and convert high-value opportunities.

In this episode, we talk about:

• how she broke into the industry with zero formal experience
• the moment a single interview nearly derailed everything
• what rejection taught her about leadership and listening
• why she hires for attitude, not academics
• and what resilience actually looks like when you’re living it - not just posting about it

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What if the biggest threat to good marketing isn’t budgets, tech, or AI - but overcomplication?

In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Keenen - ex-CMO, ex-BuzzFeed, now founder of ViVV Labs - to dig into why marketing so often loses its way. We cover the cost of vanity metrics, the illusion of attribution, and how confidence without clarity is everywhere.

We also talk about what it really takes to move from tactical work to strategic leadership - and why simplifying your thinking might be the most powerful thing you do.

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We talk a lot about optimisation in marketing - but too often, it means nudging a button colour or tweaking a landing page.

Slobodan ' Sani' Manić wants to change that. A former developer turned conversion strategist, Sani shares how one offhand comment flipped his view of marketers, and how it led him to a mindset built around asking better questions, not just running better tests.

We dig into:

• why most marketers inherit a narrow view of their role
• how SEO and CRO became siloed (and why that’s a problem)
• what real optimisation looks like - and what stops teams doing it
• the mental trap of always spotting what’s broken
• how to stay curious (and sane) in an AI-saturated world

A great listen for anyone who wants to think sharper, work smarter, and stop pouring water into leaky buckets.

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We often use the term 'customer centricity' – but what does that really look like in practice?

Monzo Bank is well known for clarity - not just in its product, but in how it speaks. And Harry helped make writing it a core business function.

We explore how words can influence culture, shape products, and power customer experience far beyond the marketing team. We get into:

• Why Monzo unified brand and UX writing under one team
• How writing became part of onboarding for every employee, and how they built guidance people actually use
• What most businesses get wrong about tone of voice and guidelines

If you’ve ever argued that “words matter” inside a business, Harry shows you how to prove it.

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Think a rebrand is just a new logo and some shiny new colours? Think again.

In this episode, I’m joined by Amy Walters, founder of Bloomify, to lift the lid on what a rebrand really involves — and why most businesses get it wrong. We get into how she’s approaching her own live rebrand, the difference between a refresh and a full rethink, and how to know if a rebrand is actually needed or just a shiny distraction.

You’ll hear:

• how Amy built her freelance business one step at a time
• the messy reality of rebranding your own business
• how real brand building starts by understanding the “why” behind the work
• A grounded, real-world look at what a rebrand really takes — and why it’s harder (and more personal) than it looks.

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After reading HubSpot’s 2025 trends report, I found myself wondering: is AI really reshaping marketing careers, or are we just getting swept along by another hype cycle?

In this episode, I’m joined by Em Brown, a junior exec navigating AI expectations before she’s had time to build her craft, and Sam Birkett, a seasoned strategist who’s lived through more than one marketing hype cycle.

Together, we get into:

• what AI means for skill-building, judgement, and career progression
• whether prompt-writing is replacing creative thinking
• how trend reports are shaping perception (and not always helpfully)
• and why knowing what good looks like still matters more than ever

One for anyone trying to progress in their career without losing their instinct to algorithms.

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