Don't Shoot The Messenger

Louisa Houghton is Head of Internal Communications, B2B at VMO2. 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 feels to go 'around the world in a week' 📣 A retro idea for internal communications prosSend us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

9/13/24 • 24:50

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:📣 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-employment📣 Organising the most epic leaving do ever, with pyrotechnics, fireworks and flamejetsYou can get in touch with me at vicki@vickimarinker.com or find me on LinkedIn.Nicole’s website is www.comms-exchange.comSend us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

8/23/24 • 28:33

Shan 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 HEAVY weights📣 The experience of being bullied at work, which led her to question everything📣 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.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

7/19/24 • 27:46

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 luck, leading to amazing connections and unexpected opportunities📣 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.Please subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Or you can send me a text message.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

7/5/24 • 34:11

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. 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 at vicki@vickimarinker.com or find me on LinkedIn. You'll find more information about LinkedIn Unlocked, the self-paced online course to master LinkedIn and accelerate your job search here: www.vickimarinker.com/linkedin-unlocked.Please subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

5/10/24 • 27:29

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:📣 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 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.comSend us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

1/7/22 • 28:51

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:📣 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.vickimarinker.comSend us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

12/17/21 • 28:22

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:📣 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 while avoiding tokenism📣 Ringing a gong to announce dinnerIf you’d like to get involved, please get in touch at www.vickimarinker.comSend us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

12/3/21 • 30:51

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. 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 journalists got their story📣 An incident with a dead parrot and pretending to be Anneka RiceIf you’d like to get involved, please get in touch at www.vickimarinker.comSend us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

11/19/21 • 34:37

In 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 www.vickimarinker.comSend us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

11/5/21 • 31:54

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 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 embarrassing technology failIf you’d like to get involved, please get in touch at www.vickimarinker.comSend us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

10/29/21 • 33:49

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:⭐️ 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 should only come up with fundraising ideas you’re willing to take on yourself!This is the last episode of season one, but I will be back with more interesting conversations about careers in communications. If you’d like to get involved, please get in touch at www.vickimarinker.comSend us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

6/4/21 • 25:07

In 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 can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

5/21/21 • 30:28

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. 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:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

5/7/21 • 30:24

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:⭐️ 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 resources

4/23/21 • 24:54

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:⭐️ 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 resources

4/9/21 • 32:18

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:⭐️ 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 Nikola Tesla and Arsene Wenger have in common⭐️ And possibly the most embarrassing anecdote any guest of the podcast has shared so far.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

3/19/21 • 30:42

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. 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 us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

3/5/21 • 25:21

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. 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 appropriate distance).Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

2/19/21 • 27:32

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. 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 get in touch with me on social media @thedstmpodcast.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

2/5/21 • 31:05

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. 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 episode. Please have a listen, like and subscribe and let me know what you think in the comments.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

1/22/21 • 27:19

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:⭐️ 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 little about. Please have a listen, like and subscribe and let me know what you think in the comments.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

1/8/21 • 31:55

In 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 resources

12/18/20 • 24:36

In 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 textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

12/3/20 • 22:56

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 resources

11/24/20 • 28:05

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. I'm on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @TheDSTMPodcast if you'd like to talk.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

11/6/20 • 23:54

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.Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

10/1/20 • 26:11

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?).Send us a textYou can find me here:WebsiteLinkedInAll resources

9/10/20 • 28:37