Shows
Don't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 32: Job Search SOS. Ask the experts Q&A session with Lucy Cairncross, March 2025Here'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:📣 Cover letters: why they still matter (despite what everyone tells you), and what actually works 📣 How to explain a disjointed career without badmouthing your toxic ex-boss📣 Getting your CV to the top of the pile (and why hiring a CV writer is definitely not the answer)📣 Following up on applications without looking desperate📣 Convin...2025-03-1455 min
Don't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 31: Job Search SOS. Ask the experts Q&A session with Lucy Cairncross, Jan 2025This week I’m 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. We answered questions from the communications community, and provided an update on the state of the job market.Topics included:📣 How to talk about a long gap in your CV📣 Whether to talk about your current salary during the interview process📣 How to negotiate when you don't know what package is on the tabl...2025-01-2455 min
Don't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 30: Nessa O'Gorman. Creating new career opportunities from burnoutNessa 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.In this episode we talk about:📣 How to bounce back from burnout📣 The foundations for a healthy and fulfilling life📣 Information overload and the trend towards personalisation in marketing📣 A shocking personal story about the danger of business...2024-12-0631 min
Don't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 29: Job Search SOS. Ask the experts Q&A session with Lucy Cairncross - Nov 2024Lucy Cairncross is the MD of VMA GROUP, the specialist marketing and communications recruitment and executive search firm.In this special episode of the podcast, I'm bringing you a recording of a Q&A session Lucy and I hosted for our communities of communications professionals, frustrated by the state of the job market and the horrendous application process.We answered a multitude of questions, including:📣 Should I be honest with a recruiter about my toxic boss?📣 How do tap into the 'hidden' job market?📣 Is gendered ageism real?📣 What should I include in my...2024-11-191h 02Don't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 28: Louisa Houghton. Nailing a career-long mission to achieve work/life balanceLouisa 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.In this episode, we talk about how her mission to achieve harmony between her work life and busy home life, has informed her career decisions.And also:📣 The experience of working with people who behave completely differently to you📣 Knowing when to talk away from a job that isn't working📣 How it fe...2024-09-1324 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 27: Nicole Bearne. When passion and profession collide: a career in Formula OneNicole 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:📣 Turning your passion into a profession📣 The dangers of ignoring the employee (and the candidate) experience📣 From the glamour of working with the A list to ‘jumping off a cliff’ into self-employme...2024-08-2328 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 26: Shan Chatoo, communications warrior. Resilience, passion and empowermentShan Chatoo calls herself a communications warrior. Alongside her work as a comms professional, she now combines the skill she’s 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:📣 How she developed a no-nonsense, no BS approach to life and work📣 The amazing mental and physical benefits of lifting heavy, and I mean H...2024-07-1927 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 25: Polly Evans, 'the worst possible thing happened, on live TV'Polly Evans oversees UK audio production for the world’s 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.We talk about:📣 How the worst possible thing can happen, and how she navigated her way through major personal change📣 Redefining her priorities and rebuilding her career📣 Putting herself in the path of luc...2024-07-0534 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 24: Olivia Lawson, natural networkerWe'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. In this episode we talk about: 📣 How reading one book can change your life📣 The impact of having entrepreneurial parents📣 Being a natural networker who was afraid of LinkedIn📣 There being no such thing as a wrong job📣 Whether it's better to be in the fish suit, or to be next to the person in the fish suit.You can get in touch with me...2024-05-1027 min
Redefining Communications with Jenni FieldChaos to calm: International culture and its impact on communication with Sarah Black S4 E10In this final episode, Jenni talks to Sarah Black, global communications consultant, about the factors to consider when communicating within an international culture. Sarah talks about the challenges of working across different cultures, miscommunication when it comes to corporate values, and leadership expectations. As well as how small things can cause discontent, a lack of connection, and why people might even come across as rude when that’s completely unintended.
They share tips and tools to help unpack where you are and where you come from, and really delve into how to think around the environment you ar...2023-09-0620 min
Comms from the Shed: interviewing diverse voices on our present and the future.Part 2 of our interview with Candid Career Coach, LinkedIn Top Voice and influencer Vicki Marinker. We meet the person behind the professional and talk Tik Tok, karaoke bars, content creation top tips and so much more. Essential listening.Intro to part 21min30s - Tik Tok, Employer Brand and recruitment: sharing short form tips and tricks.3mins30s - Tik Tok as educational platform and search engine.5mins - Going viral without any followers via the For You Page #fyp.7mins45s - Being a karaoke enthusiast, early gigs and wanting to be a backing singer 'when I grew up'.9mins30s - Seeing The Cure, Bananarama, Duran Duran and Prince - serving hot dogs and drinks at Wembley Arena.11mins30s - Being an...2023-02-0227 min
Comms from the Shed: interviewing diverse voices on our present and the future.Candid Career Coach and LinkedIn influencer Vicki Marinker took inspiration from her own candidate experiences to help clients with their job search. Join us for this two-part recruitment special on the job market in 2023. Essential listening.PODCAST notes2mins - January being one of the busiest times of the year for recruiters3mins - The role of recruiter as therapist, counsellor and advisor - 'has never been a transaction for me' - dealing with human beings and emotions.5mins - Managing expectations as a recruiter - and the candidate experience9mins - What is the legacy of 2021 and 2022 from a recruitment perspective?13mins - The outlook for 2023, candidates continuing to want more, and employers starting to take back control?16mins - Vicki's advice...2023-01-1033 min
Listen, Relax and Enjoy the Wonders of Full AudiobookEd Reardon's Week: Series 1-4: The hit BBC Radio 4 sitcom Audiobook by Christopher Douglas And Andrew NickoldsListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttps://hotaudiobook.com/freeID: 599044
Title: Ed Reardon's Week: Series 1-4: The hit BBC Radio 4 sitcom
Author: Christopher Douglas And Andrew Nickolds
Narrator: Barunka O'shaughnessy, Christopher Douglas, Full Cast , John Fortune, Philip Jackson, Sally Hawkins, Stephanie Cole
Format: Unabridged
Length: 11:11:09
Language: English
Release date: 10-06-22
Publisher: Penguin Books LTD
Genres: Fiction & Literature, Satire
Summary:
The first four series of the award-winning BBC Radio 4 comedy
Welcome to the world of Ed Reardon, writer and liver of life at the cutting edge - well, above The Cutting Edge, in a one-bedroom flat over a...2022-10-0611h 11
Enjoy Amazing Full Audiobooks in Literature, Comedy, Satire & ParodyEd Reardon's Week: Series 1-4: The hit BBC Radio 4 sitcom by Christopher Douglas And Andrew NickoldsPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/599044to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Ed Reardon's Week: Series 1-4: The hit BBC Radio 4 sitcom
Series: #1 of Ed Reardon's Week
Author: Christopher Douglas And Andrew Nickolds
Narrator: Barunka O'shaughnessy, Sally Hawkins, Christopher Douglas, John Fortune, Philip Jackson, Full Cast, Stephanie Cole
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 11 hours 11 minutes
Release date: October 6, 2022
Genres: Comedy, Satire & Parody
Publisher's Summary:
The first four series of the award-winning BBC Radio 4 comedy Welcome to the world of Ed Reardon, writer and liver of life at the cutting edge - well, above The Cutting Edge, in a one-bedroom flat over a h...2022-10-0611h 11Don't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 23: How to build a cohesive and diverse culture that’s fit for purpose, with Jenni FieldIn 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:📣 The role of communicators in establishing a positive corporate culture📣 How to recruit for culture fit and build a diverse workforce📣 Toxic cultures - how they develop and what to do about them📣 Balancing wellbeing and productivity in organisations post-COVID📣 A pit...2022-01-0728 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 22: How to get your digital strategy right in a Covid world, with Tony StewartIn 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:📣 The 7 fundamental pillars on which to build a winning digital strategy 📣 How success leads to behavioural change📣 The technical challenge of ongoing remote working📣 A great example of using gaming technology to support a business challenge📣 Being responsible for Boris’s presence on TwitterIf you’d like to get involved, please get in touch at www.vickima...2021-12-1728 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 21: Review of COP26 and the evolution of the ESG agenda, with Robbie SommervilleIn 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:📣 The impact of COP26: moving from the focus on carbon to a more diverse range of environmental topics📣 Regional priorities across the ESG agenda and juggling those needs in a global organisation📣 The push and pull of profitability and purpose📣 Internal engagement as a driver of corporate responsibility📣 Encouraging leaders to champion diversity, equity and inclusion w...2021-12-0330 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 20: What the corporate world can learn from how the Navy manages a crisis, with Sheena ThomsonIn 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. We discuss:📣 Being thrown into the deep end, handling crisis communications for the Navy📣 How to keep a rational head when all around you are losing theirs📣 What constitutes a corporate crisis, and if it’s ever as bad as what happens at sea📣 Rescuing a disastrous press trip and ensuring jo...2021-11-1934 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 19: The unique challenge of working in retail communications, with Sam BleazardIn this episode I talk with Sam Bleazard, Employee Communications and Engagement Lead at Fortnum & Mason about the unique challenge of working in retail communicationsWe discuss:📣 The challenge of working strategically in an environment where results are examined on a weekly basis📣 How retail has been affected by COVID, e-commerce, Brexit and the sustainability agenda📣 What goes on behind the beautifully curated shop floor of a high-end destination like Fortnum & Mason📣 How to nearly kill your CEO.If you’d like to get involved, please get in touch at ww...2021-11-0531 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 18: Using technology to build a global internal community, with Kim EnglandIn 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 communityWe discuss:📣 How education is having its ‘Spotify’ moment📣 Enterprise Social Networks - so much more than an intranet📣 Allowing the ‘non-professional’ conversations to happen📣 Fighting Zoom fatigue, and motivating employees when morale is low📣 Being honest when things don’t go to plan📣 DJ Disco Kimbo and an embarrass...2021-10-2933 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 17: The impact of COVID on communication, collaboration and culture, with Rachel MillerIn 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:⭐️ What will never be the same again, post COVID⭐️ How to create a sense of belonging when teams are apart⭐️ The danger of burnout and being mindful of your own, and your colleagues’ mental health⭐️ Hybrid working and the new purpose of the physical workplace⭐️ Why you shoul...2021-06-0425 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 16: Working on innovation projects that can change the world, with Vicki DeBlasiIn this episode of the podcast, I talk with Vicki DeBlasi, who specialises in PR and marketing for innovation and technology projects. We’re talking about the unique challenge of working on projects that have the potential to change the way we live and work.We discuss:⭐️ The role of psychology in communications and marketing⭐️ 5G, conspiracy theories and how to stop the spread of misinformation⭐️ What happens when innovation teams are homogenous and why diversity is fundamental to a project’s success⭐️ Tinder for cows!Send us a textYou...2021-05-2130 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 15: The relationship between PR and journalism and the changing media landscape, with Neil HendersonIn 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. We discuss:⭐️ The assumptions journalists make about PRs and vice versa⭐️ Is there such a thing as bad publicity? (See the European Super League fiasco)⭐️ How PRs can keep up with the changing media landscape⭐️ Why you should always check if the talent you’ve booked has vertigo.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedI...2021-05-0730 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 14: How to run an international, virtual PR agency without burning out, with George BlizzardIn 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:⭐️ How to make job-sharing work for the benefit of all involved⭐️ How to build a strong company culture with a team you have never met⭐️ What big corporates could learn from more agile, flexible organisations⭐️ What pitching has to do with breastfeeding.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resource2021-04-2324 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 13: How to prepare for the worst day of your business life, with Jonathan HemusIn 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:⭐️ Why most businesses find it so challenging to prepare for crises⭐️ Where the UK Government went wrong in their handling of COVID-19 ⭐️ Who got it right: examples of superior crisis communications⭐️ The impact of cancel culture Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources2021-04-0932 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 12: Climate Change - preparing business for the ultimate crisis, with Mark HutcheonIn 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:⭐️ The winners and losers in the best and worst-case climate scenarios ⭐️ Whether industries such as Fast Fashion and Formula One can and should survive⭐️ The role of the communications professional in helping business prepare and plan for climate change⭐️ What Nik...2021-03-1930 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 11: ESG and corporate reputation in a post-COVID world, with Steve EarlIn 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. We discuss:⭐️ ESG - what is it and why does it matter?⭐️ How COVID has accelerated ESG-led transformation.⭐️ The challenges and opportunities for communications professionals.⭐️ Masquerading as Vinnie Jones in the name of PR. Eric Cantona also gets a mention. If you’ve been wondering how to get to grips with ESG, this is a good place to start.Send...2021-03-0525 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 10: Social Media for Leaders - trust, trends and tips, with Phil SzomszorIn 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. We discuss:⭐️ Why the 75% of UK CEOs who are inactive on social media are missing a trick⭐️ Social media silence, misuse and freedom of speech⭐️ What channels and formats are going to be big in the next 12 months⭐️ Coming out as an extreme ironer If your leadership team needs convincing of the value of social media, stick this episode in their ears (from an appropriat...2021-02-1927 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 9: Purpose - the link between corporate morality and customer/employee loyalty, with Ros HuntIn 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. We discuss:⭐️ Why purpose is important to customers, employees and shareholders, particularly during a pandemic.⭐️ How communications professionals need to be at the heart of this conversation. ⭐️ The fragile link between purpose and profit.⭐️ 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...2021-02-0531 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 8: Public Policy - helping to shape the rules by which all business is governed, with Linda GriffinIn 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. We discuss:⭐️ What it’s like to help shape public policy in the ‘Wild West’ of technology.⭐️ Being an outsider and building a broad, strong network.⭐️ Corpsing in front of a President.Linda is warm and engaging, and it’s a great episod...2021-01-2227 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 7: Corporate Activism - the good, the bad and the completely misjudged with Kate LevineIn 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:⭐️ How business can be a force for good and can help make long term, positive change.⭐️ How a football challenge to feed starving children scored a disastrous own goal for Mastercard.⭐️ A singalong with 4000 people about periods. Kate has fascinating insights into this subject I knew so littl...2021-01-0831 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 6: Sorry seems to be the hardest word - communicating during a crisis with Rod CartwrightIn this episode of Don’t Shoot The Messenger, I talk with Rod Cartwright, corporate reputation and crisis communications expert about:⭐️ The ‘impossible privilege’ of working on one of the most intense global crisis the airline industry has ever experienced.⭐️ How history will judge the COVID communicators.⭐️ The value of a proper apology.⭐️ The definition of a Rodism. Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources2020-12-1824 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 5: Pivoting, professional development and pushing through barriers - the Millennial experience, with Naomi SmithIn this episode of Don't Shoot The Messenger, I talk to Naomi Smith - an HR turned communications professional - about how millennials navigate a successful career in a competitive market.* Is variety more important than loyalty?* What are the skills communications graduates need to learn to get ahead?* Where are the BAME role models, particularly at the top of the communications profession?Please have a listen, like and subscribe.I'm on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @TheDSTMPodcast if you'd like to talk. Send us a textYo...2020-12-0322 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 4: The highs and lows of a portfolio career with Mallika Basu - the 'Mary Portas of food and drink'In this episode of Don't Shoot The Messenger, I talk to Mallika Basu, communications consultant, food and drink writer and entrepreneur. 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.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources2020-11-2428 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 3: How to have a successful career in internal communications with Trudy LewisIn 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. I'm on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @TheDSTMPodcast if you'd like to talk.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources2020-11-0623 minDon't Shoot The MessengerEpisode 2: PR agency-client relationships and the highs & lows of pitching with Mark SchmidIn 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.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources2020-10-0126 min