PR Not BS

Lauren's second podcast guest is Lewis Steeper, who along with his wife is the founder of the Oliver Steeper Foundation, following the tragic death of their son in 2021.Lewis shares Oliver's story, and how he went to nursery as a fit, healthy nine month old baby who later choked while eating his dinner. After being told that all was well and it wasn't an emergency, Lewis and Zoe arrived at the nursery to find paramedics doing CPR while they were running to the ambulance. Other difficulties ensued. They were unable to travel with him in the ambulance due to COVID restrictions; he may not survive the hour journey to London, because they didn't have the necessary equipment; a helicopter couldn't be used due to lack of equipment. Oliver survived the journey, but the brain damage was already done, so he had zero chance of survival.  Lewis shares the harrowing story of what they went through, including how Oliver's kidney was donated to help someone else.During this terrible time, Lewis had a message from Lifevac Europe asking if he'd seen their product. You can imagine his answer! However, due to his curiosity, he eventually looked at the product and then he met the guy who'd messaged him and after that in February 2023, he and Zoe set up their charity, where they provide LifeVacs to nurseries.LifeVacs are anti-choking devices which are non-invasive, and they clear airways by suction. He explains how and when it should be used. This device has saved over 3,800 lives globally and it's 98.9% effective.He also talks about campaigning in parliament about ratios of children to staff and how allowing more children to be in a nursery with less staff members is detrimental to a child's education, well-being and safety.  Sadly, this is still ongoing.If you are a parent of a young child in nursery, which is most young working parents these days, then this podcast is a must to listen to.To contact Lewis:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TOSFoundationUKInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tosfoundationuk/Website: https://www.tosf.org.uk/If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

My guest today is Michael McEwan, a journalist who I've recently met on LinkedIn.Michael, a Scot, is a disability campaigner and freelance journalist.  He has worked for the BBC, STV and written for many different publications about disability and non-disability care issues.He talks about how as a youngster he wanted to get into media, but didn't know how and also having cerebral palsy himself it made his journey that much harder. Talking about his school life, time at university and then employment, he explains how his biggest bugbear is that generally people and employers see the disability rather than the person. People regularly underestimate his capabilities.We have a conversation about whether self-employment is an option that people with disabilities often feel they have to take to be able to follow the career they want in life.  Michael shares some of the many problems that occur when you are out and about and if for example you want to use the disabled toilet, in many places it can either be inaccessible, or if it is, often used as a store room. So working from home can be an easier option.Michael talks about the work he's been involved in, in the past some of which was funded by the Scottish Government – when he went around speaking about the challenges facing people with disabilities day to day.Like me, in his early days of working in the media, Michael worked on a hospital radio, where he volunteered. He now presents a podcast and has also had two documentaries commissioned. When people tell him he can't do something, his answer is always, I'm going to prove you wrong!Website: https://www.michaelmcewanmedia.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mcewan-ba4a8784/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RAD1OMANIf you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

Today's episode of PR Not BS is going to be a little bit different because I've handed over to Lauren to interview her guest, Richard Tidmarsh!Richard is based in the Chippenham area and runs two businesses – Casali Recruitment and The Chippenham Dog Walker and Pet Care Services.Casali is a generalist recruitment business who works with a number of businesses both locally and UK wide helping them to recruit for jobs including forklift drivers, call centre staff, welders, stewards for sporting events and more!Richard has a sales background of 30 years which he uses to sell jobs to candidates and candidates to jobs and he enjoys it so much that it doesn't feel like a job to him.Lauren and Richard talk about what it's like to work with family as Richard works with his wife in his dog walking business. They set the company up 12 years ago after temporarily fostering a job and missing the interaction on a daily basis.Networking has been vital for both Lauren and Richard so they talk about the meetings that Richard went to before he joined Business Buzz a year ago where he met Lauren for the first time. One thing that Richard shares is that he's noticed how many other groups he has been to where he feels like he is constantly being sold to and he likes that you don't get that at Business Buzz.If you'd like to know more about Richard you can find him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-tidmarsh-firp-6b305a1 and www.casalirecruitment.co.ukIf you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

My guest today is a member of one of my networking groups, and I'm pleased to be talking to Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam of The FD Consultant.The FD Consultant is a collective of part time finance director consultants. After qualifying as an accountant, Romesh spent several years working at FTSE 100 businesses. Since 2008 he has either been full time chief financial officer or finance director of several successful businesses. He is passionate about helping businesses grow, which is why he set up the group five years ago; to be able to share his skills and expertise. Romesh shares how many businesses don't need or don't have the budget for a full time finance director but do perhaps need  support. This is where The FD Consultant comes in. He talks about how when running a business most of us don't have the skills to do everything, and instead of worrying about finance and administration, by using part time finance directors, they can focus on their skills and passions.He also explains how understanding and preparing for what is ahead in your business is so important, and how not managing cash flow is the main reason many businesses fail.Just having a passion for what you do isn't enough – the business has to be viable, profitable and have positive cash flows. Romesh uses a wonderful bathroom scales analogy – you  keep thinking I'm fine, I'm in good shape, but then when you get on them, the numbers aren't okay!  And the numbers don't lie. So it's all about being prepared, and looking at and learning to understand data, which is what he helps people to do – in a way that works for them, rather than using fancy accounting terms! We also talk about PR, and Romesh shares what he has done since starting the business.  Among the things he does, which he refers to as a learning curve – he has a podcast.To contact Romesh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romesh-jeyaseelanayagam/Website: https://www.thefdconsultant.com/You Tube podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjkFJ4VONDkIf you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

My guest today is my bestie, who I've known for around 15 years, Lis McDermott.Lis is a novelist, poet and writing mentor. As you'll hear we have quite a lot in common!Lis has recently mentored me to write my second book and she talks about why she finds that weird, as I'm a writer, but also how it works.She talks about what she has learnt about PR and marketing from me and how that has impacted on her as an author as well as how important it is as a small business to be able to build relationships with the companies and suppliers that you regularly work with.Lis also shares how her business has evolved in both what she does but also in how we work together. As a photographer, she regularly worked with me and now as an author she does some writing for me.  She talks about some of the bad LinkedIn images that people used to use – things have gotten better, but it's important to have updated professional images to show the authentic you.Lis talks about how she moved from photography into writing, and talks about the snobbery around being self-published, compared to being with an established publishing company. She also shares why she writes and how despite not being a millionaire, it is something she continues to do and still loves.To contact Lis:Website: https://www.lismcdermottauthor.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lismcdermott/Substack: https://lismcdermottauthor.substack.com/If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

My guest today is Dane Whitehurst, Creative Director of Burgopak, who designs and produces packaging for different brands and products worldwide. The business is all about translating brand values into the ‘wow' factor.Over the years the company has produced around 400 million of their patented systems!Dane talks about why packaging is important and should be one of the priorities to get in place when you have a new product. Afterall, you spend time developing a product, so why would you not present it in the very best way to your consumers? The packaging is the first thing that a consumer will see, so their experience needs to leave a good impression.He talks about the things that have to be considered when creating packaging apart from it needing to be aesthetically interesting; it has to be commercially viable, responsible and sustainable. The company has spent a lot of time on research and development to create their systems. They can then adapt these to match the specific client's needs.He shares some of the companies that they've worked with over the years, which includes many banks and healthcare companies including; Ancestry, Revolut, Thriver, Motorola, O2, Vodafone.Dane also talks about how packaging has become part of PR – especially with the social media trend for unboxing.Looking at Burgopak packaging and hearing Dane talk about it, you can see that packaging is more than just boxes!To contact Dane:Website: https://burgopak.com/Email: info@burgopak.comIf you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

Today we have a very special episode as I sit down and talk to Lauren Roberts who is my stepdaughter and has been working with me in the business for just over a year. We're sharing the behind the scenes of what it's like to have a new aspect into our relationship.Lauren joined me as a media consultant and has learnt everything from scratch as what she did previously was quite different before she went on maternity leave. She always wanted to work in the world of media but after deciding to take a gap year she fell into the world of work starting off at a payday loan company before moving into credit control at an oil company which was much closer to home.When Lauren fell pregnant with her first child, she knew that it was time to have a conversation about joining me within Scott Media. I get Lauren to share with me what she's learned about me in the last year which is mainly about the different hats I wear as business owner, wife, mum, friend and more and how easy it's become to be able to switch between those hats when needed.Lauren shares with us all about her entrepreneurial side growing up and how she had a small business where she was able to print our Scott Media body warmers and cold cups!We discuss the differences in working with the media and Lauren's previous role of chasing down invoices and late payments for a large company and how she's really enjoying meeting and writing about the amazing businesspeople that we get to work with and how networking and building relationships plays a huge part in running a small business.If you want to find out more about Lauren you can connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-roberts-b29a34172/If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

My guest today is a fellow PR and marketing guru – Gemma Finch, the founder of Burford Creative.Although we work in the same field, we are not competitors, because of the different areas we live in, the variety of clients we work with, and the fields we tend to interact with. Therefore, we talk about collaboration, and even recognise while talking that there are some areas where we can already collaborate.After sharing how she got into PR and marketing, Gemma talks about how she founded Burford Creative, and how it is now progressing.We both agree that building relationships with client's long term, taking time to understand their audience, is more important than telling them that we can deliver unrealistic expectations in a short time. It's about being honest with clients and delivering them the best valuable PR/marketing possible.Gemma's world, working with clients in the Cotswolds is very different to mine – it's a far more rural area, which brings with it different challenges.We have an interesting conversation about the perceptions of our ‘reach' on social media as being for free; the whole ‘unboxing' trend, and how that may be changing.  Gemma believes that if you want big traffic you need to pay influencers for their time and the work they do, because for many it's their job. She talks about how this might work in the future, and also shares how she works with clients to look at the market and fill gaps, and then how they found an influencer to be a platform for the products. Gemma shares how they then support that client to enhance the buying experience for their customers.We certainly agree we're in a changing landscape when it comes to journalism, PR and marketing.If you'd like to contact Gemma:Website: https://www.burfordcreative.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-finch/If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

Todays' guest is Janet Shreeve of Shreeve Care Services. Janet and I have been working together for nearly two years, and it's been an amazing time.Janet is passionate about her job, and as you'll hear and although at retirement age, she has no intention of retiring! She strongly believes age has nothing to do with anything, and it's all about your perspective on life and how you approach it.Janet shares her journey of working in care and how it led her to create her own business at the age of 66. Her biggest passion is about being able to advise people about care and what's available because people just don't know what they're entitled to or what their rights are. Along with an ex colleague Janet has also set up a living care service – again, something that people misunderstand or are unaware of and she explains very clearly what it means, and what it doesn't mean. It's not actually 24 hour care but it is care tailored to each specific client and it's about enabling them to stay in their own home.She also talks about how social care is the Cinderella of our services – it's not the NHS and it's not something everyone talks about.Janet explains the huge dilemma facing many care homes, after the National Insurance increase, and the poor state that it's in at the moment. And she explains how if social care received the support it should, it would help the NHS to clear beds.We talk about how PR has impacted on her business, and the importance Janet places on it and how it has already helped her business in many ways.Janet also talks about some very exciting retreats taking place later this year about health and wellness– and both are taking place in Italy.To contact Janet:Website: Https://Shreevecareservices.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetshreeve/To find out more about the retreats, you can email her on: janet.shreeve@shreevecareservices.co.ukIf you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

Today's guest is Hayley Knight, who like me works in PR and journalism.  She has been in PR for more than 10 years in a range of different jobs, from working at an in-house agency, then as a freelancer, and now running her own agency.Her journey to become a journalist is definitely interesting, as you'll hear!She specializes in working with social impact/change and purpose led businesses, helping them by developing big change driven campaigns for their businesses.Much of her work involves doing research, running surveys, and helping develop campaigns. Her own big passion is wildlife conservation.We have a conversation about managing conversations about purpose impact and getting paid for the work she does. Haley is finding that now, there appears to be a trend for investors who are looking for sustainable, socially driven businesses to invest in, but also, they work with clients who have very flexible budgets. When recording Haley was working from Turkey, having spent some time travelling, and she shares her plans for the future, which will still involve more travel. She and her partner are enjoying the perks of being able to travel and still work – usually somewhere warm!We talk about my favourite subject of PR not BS, and Haley shares a perfect anecdote that is an example of complete BS.Haley admits to being the worst PR in the world, when it comes to her own. She hates having to promote herself. However, Be Yellow was on the Small Business 100 list for 2024, which she was very excited about, and would recommend any small business to apply for it.To contact Haley:Website: https://www.beyellow.life/If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

The title of today's podcast may sound like a joke, but you will soon find that there are very important things that affect all of us connected to the business that my guest works in. Even so, you may notice the odd loo pun…Becky Wall, along with her husband Charles is the co-owner and founder of a luxury mobile toilet company, A Plush Flush and also the co-owner and managing director of the Loo of the Year Awards.She talks about growing up in a farming background, then working as an events organiser who became very unhappy with the condition of many of the toilets that she hired.  She decided there was a niche and need for luxury mobile toilets and set up the company.They have built up a fantastic number of loyal clients, and the company was nominated for Loo of the Year awards in 2009. After winning this, they mentioned the award on their website and immediately saw the benefits of PR, as they gained some big clients.  In 2021 they had the chance to purchase the Loo of the Year Awards which Becky did and they haven't looked back –now in its 37th year.You'll be fascinated to hear about the grading system for the awards and learn what it is that sets a Bronze award loo apart from a Diamond award loo. Like food awards, the people entered for the awards don't know when they'll get an unannounced visit.We talk about why it's so important to have loos that people want to visit for health reasons – which is often overlooked, or not considered as seriously as it should be.On the company website, there is even a very useful map showing where the best toilets are in the UK. And you can even plan a route.To contact Becky:Awards website: https://www.loo.co.uk/A Plush Flush website: https://www.aplushflush.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063480856655Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplushflush/Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-plush-flush/Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-wall-bem-a69b7a7b/If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

As a PR specialist and expert, the main aim of my professional life is to help people and their business or organisation to become more visible.In this episode I'm looking ahead to predict the things that the media will be interested in and help you to understand how you can get your voice heard by talking about those themes.As always, my over-riding message is that strong human interest stories are incredibly important and are still going to be important. Especially when it comes to authenticity.I talk about the anniversaries that are appearing in 2025, other big events, such as the Women's Rugby World Cup, and looking at how if it is a passion of yours, or linked to where you live, or linked to your business you can talk about these events and celebrate them too.Looking ahead to 2025, there are some main trends emerging:With the continuing development of AI, I have words of caution around its use, which also underlines the importance of using your own voice.Paywalls and subscription options will become more prevalent which also has implications for PR.C-suite and CEO thought leadership and activism is on the rise, and if that's you, it's about speaking up and sharing opinions.Linked to the continued use of social media, employee advocacy is something that will come to the fore.Listen for more tips and trends!You can still book your place on my No BS Media Summit. To find more information and costs, follow the link to buy your tickets: https://scottmedia.uk/product/the-no-bs-media-summit/If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

Today I'm welcoming back my amazing client and friend, Chris Hunt Skelley MBE and owner of 2 Olympic medals. Chris, for anyone who doesn't know him, is a Judo champion who won a gold medal in Tokyo, and a bronze medal in Paris. This year has been a particularly traumatic one for Chris, who has had a lot of struggles with his mental health, leading up to taking part in his third Paralympics. I know you'll be equally as shocked as I was when you hear why.  On more than one occasion this year, he was questioned about his condition. Even though the competition organisers had already received information about Chris' ocular albinism, they asked for more, which brought back memories of his teenage years when he was admitted to a psychiatric ward because the doctors thought he was making things up in his own head! This sent Chris in a downward spiral with his mental health.Chris also talks about how much support he gets from his lovely wife Louise Hunt Skelley, his coaches, family and friends too. He also talks about the highly emotional interview that Louise did with him in Paris after he'd just won his bronze medal.We talk about the important job his sponsors do, and how they help athletes to access the training they need.Having recently been diagnosed with Coeliac disease, Chris explains how this can mean that when travelling outside of the UK, he has to pack food to take with him, to keep him healthy. And, when they have a weight restriction, this doesn't help! If Chris' attitude to life doesn't impress you, nothing will!To contact Chris:Website: https://chrishuntskelley.co.uk/media/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher.skelley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.skelley.3LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hunt-skelley-mbe-ply-73014212b/ X: https://x.com/ChristopherSke2If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

Today's guest is a good friend of mine, plus I'm also a client of hers; she helped me to get my book published, and she is, Asha Clearwater from Turquoise Tiger Press.Asha is a content coach, book mentor and publisher who helps people to write books, create books and also create content. We have a great deal in common, in our love of books and writing, our love of telling stories and we even trained at the same journalism college!We talk about why, as two professional writers telling stories for a living, I felt the need to work with Asha to get my book published. We look at it from both our points of view – Asha when imposter syndrome kicked in, as she felt she would be 'judged' by a fellow writer (she wasn't)! She shares with me how she approaches the telling of stories when working with writers. How she helps them to find the exciting introduction within a whole load of information to create a narrative that turns into an interesting and entertaining book to read.Asha speaks about how she was motivated to set up her own publishing company, having come across issues with her wife's publisher. Self-publishing can be a minefield for many potential authors wanting to get their stories out in the world. It is so easy to fall down a rabbit hole and end up with a publisher who is there for their end and is not supporting the author. She wanted to and has created a publishing business where people keep control of their own publishing rights.  She explains her process, and also her fees.We also have a conversation about a very special friend of ours, Paralympian athlete Louise Hunt Skelley. Asha discusses how she ghost wrote Louise's book; how they worked together to build up her story, highlighting the contrast between Louise's public success and the everyday challenges she faces due to her disability.To contact Asha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashaclearwater/If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

My guest today has already been on my podcast. His episode has been my most popular one so far and I couldn't wait to have him back for an update.The last time Mike Rees spoke to me, he was standing (for the third time) as an independent candidate in the election for the Police and Crime Commissioner of Wiltshire. Sadly, Mike didn't win, but came third, behind the labour and conservative party.We talk a lot about the world of politics and how the outcome is stacked against you in so many ways when you are an independent, and particularly how underhand things are. Sadly, Mike's passion, qualities and qualifications were completely wasted on the people of Wiltshire who didn't seem to understand what the PPC is; plus the timing of the election wasn't good because it was the council elections at the same time.Mike joined the police service at 18 and shares the very varied career path he then followed. We talk about some of the cases that have stayed with him long after leaving the force.The issues that still need addressing in the police is something else we discuss, and Mike has strong views as to why some of these things still haven't been dealt with.Mike shares what his other passions are in life; running a children's cancer charity and boxing, which he participated in for years, winning many competitions. He explains how boxing helps people to gain some discipline. And he talks about the business he runs now – a forensics cleaning business - and you probably need to ensure you're not eating when he talks about it!To contact Mike:Website: http://www.forensiclean.co.uk/Charity Website: fatboyscharity.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-rees-6823441b/overlay/contact-info/If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

My guest today is friend and client, Kate Usher who has recently published a new book.Kate works with organisations, companies and businesses to have modern conversations about the menopause. Why? Because too many women end up leaving jobs when they hit the menopause, because they are misunderstood or can't cope with the symptoms, which can be different for everyone.She shares how after being made redundant in 2008 from a 20 -year career in corporate, then on maternity leave following which she started up a career as a coach. However, she started to experience a whole range of symptoms and had no idea what they were – until her first hot flush. This led her to start working with individuals about the menopause.Kate explains how she began to talk to people, to encourage them to have conversations, because we all either directly or indirectly know someone who is going through this phase of life.We talk about how it is closely linked to social perceptions of age, and what it means to women.And importantly, for large organisations and companies it is a financial issue, because they can lose 10% of their most talented people – so Kate helps them understand how they can support women.  Lastly, Kate talks about the book that she has published with her husband Neil – “A Couple's Guide to Menopause”. They write about the experience of going through this as a couple and how they can support each other. Everyone needs to listen to this podcast, because there is no getting away from the fact that all of us will know someone who is going through the menopause!  You might learn something new…To contact Kate:Website: https://menopauseinbusiness.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateushermenopause/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateusher/ If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

Today's guest is someone I used to work with and haven't seen for several years, and as you'll hear we had a wonderful time catching up. Nat Low and I met when we worked at ITV and were making documentaries, then lost touch. He has now recently launched a new business, although remaining working in factual video and TV, he is also moving towards the world of PR, and his brother Toby is joining him.  We discuss the huge changes that have come about in the world of TV, documentaries and the many different streaming services that are available. In his business, he works with a small number of high value clients, and he now is looking to grow that number of clients but is also looking to provide something of value. Although already working with some FTSE 100 companies, the business wants to grow the number of those clients. They create films for companies to tell the stories of their results – which may sound like a difficult subject to make interesting. However, Nat explains how his company can create engaging films that can be used in-house, or even as documentaries.  BAE Systems and HSBC bank are among his corporate clients. He shares an example of how something seemingly very mundane became incredible and was even taken up and developed into an episode of Panorama – this was only possible because the client was happy to take a risk and trusted Nat. The subject of AI comes up, and you might be both surprised and fascinated to hear how Nat and his team make use of it. To contact Nat visit his website: https://www.Capital-stories.com If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe  

Today's guest is full of fascinating stories, and I know you're going to enjoy this podcast!Jane is a correspondent for Business Insider, who lives just outside New York City and works from home. Originally from the UK, she has worked in the US for 19 years. Business Insider is an online media outlet that as its name suggests focuses on tech and finance. However, there is a division called Insider Life, which is where Jane works. She focuses on real life; human interest stories, but, because much of the audience of Business Insider are people who are high achievers and go-getters, they are looking for stories that are going to help them through their life and work - stories where they can learn, be inspired or take away a message. Jane has always wanted to work in journalism, most likely because her dad was a journalist – an editor, in Darlington in the northeast of England. There was never really anything else on her radar. When she finished university, after a short stint working in PR, she got a job in a local newspaper. From there she moved up, and because of having lived with her journalist dad, she knew how the business worked, she moved through several jobs and crossed off the stuff she needed to pass the modules to become a qualified Westminster Press journalist (exactly the same training as me!)  As you'll hear, Jane has had a fascinating career working in different areas of the country and with different news outlets, including Bella magazine at one point.  But as you'll hear, what she loved most was being there for breaking news; covering stories and events as they happened. We talk about the time she worked with Piers Morgan – which is extremely interesting – hearing from someone who has worked with him.  Jane talks about the travelling she has done too before she was asked to go and work on a relaunch of the National Inquirer, based in the US. And of course, she jumped at the opportunity. Jane shares some funny, crazy and sad stories that she's written about during her career.   I know you'll be looking forward to her coming on as a guest in the future. To contact Jane: Twitter: https://x.com/JaneRidleyNY Business Insider:  https://www.businessinsider.com/  - search Jane Ridley to see everything she's written! If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

My guest today is someone I know well, and who I work with – the wonderful, Dave Southby. Dave is a financial adviser. Many of people aren't too sure what they do, but Dave's short definition is, ‘helping people plan for their financial future'. However, he's what I'd call a ‘dream maker' – and you'll hear why during our conversation.  He has been in business for three years and loves what he does. Particularly, he enjoys having conversations with people and encouraging them to do the things they want to do while planning a financially secure future.  We have a conversation about Dave's journey from working in the motor trade, before retraining as a financial advisor, and why that role actually helped him recognise what he enjoyed, what his strengths are, and what he wanted to do in life. We also talk about networking, and Dave quite rightly points out how important and how helpful it is for small business owners, especially when starting out. When you are in an employed role, you generally don't get the opportunity to meet other business owners or the breadth of businesses that you do when you network.  The growth of his business is important to him, for many different reasons; wanting to develop what his business offers in the community; wanting to take on new staff to help out with the parts of business he doesn't enjoy; wanting to meet the demand. Community and charity are two things that you'll hear us speak about in some depth, as both are very important to Dave in his life and business. Dave's passion for his business shines through in our conversation – he isn't your normal financial guy!  To contact Dave: Website: https://www.davesouthbyfp.co.uk/ Email: dave.southby@sjpp.co.uk If you would like to contact me, you can visit my website at www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

I have a lot of synergy with today's guest, Carol Driver as she is also a journalist. She has been in the industry for 25 years, is now freelance, but has had a number of very interesting jobs. She became an editor at quite a young age working with local newspapers - with huge responsibility - she then progressed in the industry to work with national papers, such as the Daily Mail; MailOnline as travel editor; working on UK News; as editorial direct of a group of magazines then full circle, back to MailOnline as editor of Femail.She talks about the importance of connecting with readers through stories, and how it is vital to understand the multi-dimensional elements of someone; readers need to be able to engage and resonate with their personal backgrounds too.The birth of her child was the driver to become freelance and we talk about how that was a hard decision but now it is something she embraces and loves.  And how after working with many women wanting to share their stories but no idea where to go, she set up a company called Make the Headlines to help those women do exactly that..We talk about the changes in journalism and how collaboration is important in that world and in the world of PR.  How we can support each other in helping our clients to get their stories out into the world. She shares tips about what makes a good national story and what doesn't, and how to ensure you are doing the best you can to promote the coverage you are getting and how useful it is to look for awareness days that are linked to you or your business.To contact Carol:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carol.driver.796Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/carol_driver_/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroldriver/If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

My guest today is someone who belongs to the same coaching group as me. Rachel Haith is the owner of Inspired Life Group and she's a coach, speaker and health and, in her own words, a well-being nut.As part of her resettlement training when leaving the RAF, Rachel chose to do a professional coaching diploma, initially as a personal development tool, but quickly realised it was something that she loved and what she wanted to do – and she still loves it!Rachel explains how she loves helping people to realise their own potential – to see that they can be more and do more than they think.  She also talks about the different needs people have for coaching and how people use coaches for a variety of reasons, and even in different ways. And as she shares in one example, the problem often isn't why they initially visit her.She talks about the transferable skills that she took from her time in the RAF and how they were incredibly useful. But she also found that there were things about being self-employed that came as a culture shock – particularly, leaving a very structured environment to one where you have to do everything and anything.Another big change after leaving the RAF was needing to be visible in her new role- something she had never had to consider previously. However, she has embraced this and is now very visible on social media as well as running a podcast with a friend, called the Renny Show – a fortnightly dose of honesty and positivity. To contact Rachel:Website: https://www.inspiredlifegroup.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspiredlifegroupInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rachelhaithcoach/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-haith/ If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

I'm particularly pleased to introduce my guest today – PR Maven, Helen Neal of HN Communications, a communications agency specialising in climate and sustainability. Helen is passionate about this subject; an area she has been working in for around 7 years. She shares very useful tips and ideas for small businesses about how you can become more sustainable and care for the planet. And she explains how you can commit to becoming a B Corp – a benefit corporation - even as a small business or solopreneur.  She talks about monitoring your carbon impact and explains how you can track this, linking it to your Xero or QuickBooks so that you know exactly where and what you are spending, making conscious decisions about where your money goes.Helen explains very clearly how and why the way PR and communications have been done in the past doesn't necessarily work when talking and communicating about sustainability in business; it shouldn't be the same approach.  It's far more about the actions you are taking – not what you're going to do or what it looks like. It's also about traceability and being specific so you can track what you are doing back to the source and showing accountability.Like me, Helen didn't choose to run her own business, and she talks about how she built a career and was also able to be the mum that she wanted to be.If you want to know more about how you can make your business more sustainable, listening to this podcast is a must!To contact Helen:Website:  https://www.hncomms.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-neal-02261129/If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

Today my visitor isn't even in the same country as me! I'm talking to Jaz Goven who is based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.Jaz is a therapist who has created a programme to support people to make change- ‘Fast Track Technique, and she tells me all about how it works, and how it came about.  Pre-Covid she regularly used to travel the world to give workshops, but now does most of her work online, or locally. But she now also has seven other trainers around the world who train people.Jaz also tells me about how she left England on a holiday and knew from that moment, she wanted to live somewhere different.  And she also talks about what she did before becoming a therapist – and how having gone through change herself, she wanted to help others do the same. She particularly loves empowering others to become the person they want to be.We talk about the world of networking and how important it is, with Jaz sharing some of the ones she particularly loves. And, how it can be much harder networking in Thailand, due to language barriers.At 72, the ‘r' word – retirement doesn't come into her vocabulary, and we talk about why.To contact Jaz:Websites: https://www.fasttracktechnique.com/https://www.magical-u.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fasttracktechniqueIf you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

Today's guest is a someone I know really well, and loved interviewing and I found out lots of things I didn't know – a 17-year-old teenager. We talk about what it's like living with a parent who runs their own business and how it impacted on them.  They share how at primary school, they did their own junior Dragon's Den – along with other schools to compete to create a product and with a business plan – something quite hard to do at that young age. Their group won, because rather than just draw some ideas, they did surveys and had a strong business plan, and this teenager was chosen as the MD.  The teenager talks about how their love of drama grew, and how over time they've embraced the fact that they want to be a performer – particularly after encouragement from teachers, telling them they could sing!  Now they're studying Performing Arts and thoroughly enjoying it. They tell me about how they've learned that not always getting the biggest role in the show doesn't mean you're wasting your time, and that has influenced their thinking with other decisions around auditions. We talk about how working in the performing arts – YOU are the product and how important PR is, and how you go about it in this business. They share their favourite musicals and particular songs, and then about how being a performer is what they want to be doing for their future career. At present they have two jobs – one working in a café in Swindon and the other, a performing job, where they go to live events and parties as heroic characters, and they share some of the characters they've had to portray. We end with a fun Q & A, with me asking them if they know what some of the old gadgets from the past are and we even talk emojis.  If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

I've known today's guest for about eight years – and she's a very special person in my business as you'll soon hear!  Today I'm talking to Hannah Edwards of Empowered VA Services, my right-hand woman and someone without whom I couldn't imagine running my business! Hannah shares how we met for a morning breakfast at McDonald's, and how we got on straight away – she remembers far more details than I do.  She talks about what she does for me – and it's obvious on hearing about the list of things she does, why I would now struggle to run my business without her.  Working with me, a journalist, she has to deal with my incredibly busy diary; the massive amount of emails I receive each day and then help with messaging clients. Plus, she also organises the logistics for when we travel to events and when we attend business expos.  After starting her business in 2017 and working on lots of one-off projects, often for ‘I'll give you a testimonial' offer, she wanted to work somewhere where she'd be able to develop her VA work – and she talks about how this has developed. Recently she was named one of the TBE's 20 Inspiring Women of the South West, and is also one of Theo Paphitis' SBS winners. Hannah also shares how much she has learnt about PR while working with me, and shares the three things that she thinks businesses should be doing to be visible.  To contact: Hannah Website: www.empoweredvaservices.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahedwards_va/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweredVA  If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

My guest today is a rugby union professional, known for playing Lock at Bath Premiership Rugby.  He recently retired from the game at the age of 37 and shares with me his journey.Dave has played rugby since the age of 8, and has played professional rugby for Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, and France, for 20 years, and for well over 10 years with the international team. Unlike many professional rugby players who are forced to leave, he chose to leave the profession and talks to me about how difficult that transition was– from being an elite sportsman, moving to a new stage in your life. He shares how difficult it is to go from being in the spotlight, where everyone recognises you for what you do, to leaving and not being that rugby player anymore. However, you're still the same man – the same person and he talks about how he has come to terms with that, and made use of his ‘fame' in a positive way.We also talk about the tragic death of Rob Burrows, and how the incidence of MND and other forms of degenerative brain conditions are significantly higher amongst rugby players. And also, following the moving images of the photo of Rob with his friend Kevin carrying him, how important the camaraderie and the strength of relationships are between people playing rugby. Dave then talks about his new ventures – the portfolio career he is developing.  His first foray into having his own business was running a bar, in the back of a renovated horse-box which he takes to events. The second is his training and leadership business, where he has the opportunity to use all of the skills he gained over the years as an elite sportsman. His passion for working with companies to help them is obvious.Whether you are a rugby fan or not, you'll find Dave's story interesting. To contact Dave:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-attwood-98698045/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.aperobarIf you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

I met my guest today while in Las Vegas, last year, for a tech conference and from the off, we just got on. John who is also a journalist, is based in San Francisco, California where he is best known for writing for Entrepreneur.com, a huge site.  Mainly his column is made up of stories about trends and tips and tricks to help people get their company growing faster and doing better. Advice for young entrepreneurs and professionals about how to do their job better, and how to run their business – how to get the word out about their company. Also, though like me, John also has to write about awareness days.He tells us about how he started out in journalism in the 90s, initially writing for TV stations, but with his eye on the upcoming entrepreneurs of that time, including Elon Musk fascinated him. He began writing more stories about entrepreneurs and eventually left TV, moving to where the opportunities took him.We share stories about the difficulties of living as a freelance journalist both in the UK and the US.  About how we are bombarded with stories that just aren't that newsworthy – but the sender thinks it's the best thing ever! John explains how he deals with this.We also talk about writing controversial stories, where John explains how he deals with this and how the impact of writing about a famous person affects his earnings. This idea of earning more when an online story gets more clicks (per page), has been around for some time in the US, but only just starting to have an impact here in the UK.With the changing landscape of the journalism, we talk about it and how anyone coming into the business can prepare themselves for those changes.John and I have a lot of fun talking about the differences between the US and UK – and I know you'll love listening to our conversations. To contact: JohnTwitter: https://twitter.com/jboitnottThreads: https://www.threads.net/@jboitnottSubstack: https://substack.com/@boitnottIf you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

Today's guest is the lovely Dani Seatter, who I met whilst networking in the Cotswolds. Dani runs a sustainable lifestyle brand called Eco-able, and, at the time of recording, she's also a published children's author of two books. Both were sustainably printed and have a sustainable message. As well as an online shop, Dani also has a physical retail shop in Cirencester.After working as an early years professional for many years, Dani wanted her next career to be something that gave her purpose; something that would do some good in the world. After a conversation with her sister about Plastic Free July, and how difficult it was to find good products all in one place – that was her lightbulb moment.She talks about how many of us don't always make the sustainable choices we should, because of the busy lives we lead and the pressures on our everyday lives. This is why she set up her business.Like me, Dani loves being involved in a community, and Cirencester, where she is based, is a community of independent shops and businesses where she is able to ask customers what they want, which helps her business to evolve. We also talk about all the other things she can get involved in within the community.Eco-able has applied for awards and found the process of applying very useful in terms of having to look closely at the business and recognise what you have done well. This year she has signed up as a judge for local awards.We discuss the media coverage that Eco-able has had and the variety of magazines and articles where the business has appeared.  And of course, we talked about sustainability and how businesses, and particularly small businesses can start to make changes in a manageable way.Dani finishes by telling me about the amazing plans she has for the next year or so.To contact Dani:Website: www.Eco-able.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eco_ableIf you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

My guest today has recently spent time with me for work experience, and he's lived to tell the tale! Ben Redondo Beck is in his 3rd year at university, studying journalism. At school, he enjoyed English and media studies and like many of us, maths not so much. However, he kept going back to English. Initially he considered doing a law degree, but then started his journalism course, and loves it. The course has a lot of practical units, which he particularly loves, and the university has a TV studio set up very much like a professional studio and he's loved the opportunities he has had working on those parts of the course. They also recently worked on a module about crisis management, which he found very fast paced, and we talk about why learning about that is important. They are taught to understand how working journalists get their news stories which is wonderful training. Ben has a combination of skills including content writing, an ability to tell stories and handle the tech. He doesn't see himself in the newsroom, but he does look forward to being able to create and editing content etc. Whilst working with me, I introduced Ben to networking, which after the initial nervousness, he thoroughly enjoyed. Also, he found being a guest on this podcast very different, because he is usually the person that asks the questions – and found it strange not knowing which questions were coming!  To contact: Ben LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-redondo-beck-09b33a305/ If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

My guest today is someone who has recently joined my circle of amazing women in business. Vanessa White is an accredited breakup and divorce coach based in Cirencester.She shares what being a breakup and divorce coach actually means, and how she supports people emotionally and practically on their journey through that difficult time.Vanessa started her business only a year ago after juggling two different jobs and since then her business has taken off.  After gaining a degree in nutrition, she worked in the NHS as a Registered Dietitian. Following that she worked in the food industry, and after a long career break, worked with special education needs students in a school. On reflection, she realises that all of her previous careers have built up the skills that she now uses in her own business: empathy, good communication and a good listening- being some.Vanessa talks about how because of her own difficult relationship and ultimately her divorce she has been able to use her own lived experience, and the other skills she has to develop her successful business, supporting others going through the same thing.We talk about what it means to be in an abusive relationship and how it takes away your self-confidence and how Vanessa managed to change her situation and learn to value her self-worth.  As you'll hear, she is now a strong, confident woman who knows what she wants from life – and is helping others to discover their self-belief.Vanessa talks about how she makes use of social media and networking for her PR, and how she understands the need to share her story.She has recently developed a relationship with a national journalist with regards to sharing her area of expertise.To contact Vanessa:Website: https://www.vanessawhite.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessawhitecoaching/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-white-332a03287/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094770073631If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

My guest today is a man of many careers, but in all, and most importantly – he is a communicator. All of the professions Alastair Greener has worked in have focused on being able to talk to people: - hospitality, sales, acting, presenting and performing, and teaching other people how to present well. I've known Alastair for some years, and as you'll hear in our conversation, we have collaborated on a few occasions, and we plan to work together even more later in 2024. He talks to about the importance of being your authentic self and how particularly important that is as a speaker – hence the title of today's podcast – a quote by Oscar Wilde. He shares some excellent tips on what makes a good speaker; the importance of planning, and how to deal with the unexpected when speaking, including hecklers in the audience. Lastly, he talks about a fascinating and valuable project he has begun, complete with valuable data about generational communications, particularly in the workplace.  This comes from his passion for communicating effectively with different audiences – we have to understand each other. To contact Alastair: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairgreener/ Website: https://www.presentyourself.co.uk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alastairgreener  If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

Today's guest is a fellow journalist, Sue Kinnear who is the voice of afternoon bulletins for BBC Wiltshire and Gloucestershire and also an experienced radio producer and presenter. In her current role, she has to produce three minutes of news for her bulletins. This means she has to find, write and present bulletins every hour, between 2pm and 6pm  – and it has to fit three minutes precisely. Sue has years of experience in both radio and TV, and like me, she loves telling stories. Most of us have no idea how incredibly hectic it can be gathering the information together for each day from the morning journalist, ready for the afternoon radio shows, plus being aware of breaking news. And remember this isn't for just one station, but two! You'll be fascinated to hear how down to the last minute this can be.  Also like me, Sue loves being engaged with local news. She has sole responsibility to make decisions about which stories go out in her bulletins. It is her job to keep everyone in touch with what's happening nationally, but also for the local area – because listeners' communities are important to them. She in turn loves the relationship that she can build with local listeners. We talk about the importance of including where you are based when you send a story to a journalist. If someone sends a story to Sue and it doesn't say Gloucestershire or Wiltshire at the top, it will get deleted because she has so many emails and having to work to such a tight schedule, she can't waste time with stories which are irrelevant to the areas she covers. Also, Sue underlines the importance of building a relationship with journalists – she recognises the names of people who have helped her with good stories previously, and so is more likely to use them again.  To contact Sue: Email: Sue.kinnear@bbc.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/SueKinnear If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

In today's episode Fiona speaks to Mike Rees, who is standing as an independent candidate in the upcoming election of a new Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner.  Mike stood as a candidate back in 2021 and came second to the person who secured that post representing the Conservative Party. With no political party support or apparatus, backed by volunteers and a small budget from supporters, Mike spent his own money and time to stand up for what he believed in. In this podcast Mike shares why he's going for the role again – a role he actually believes should not exist. Given that it does, he feels that the person who oversees the county's police force should not be influenced by party politics.  He was inspired by the recent success of another independent candidate David Tully who stood as an MP for Rochdale. With no experience in campaigning and no political agenda, David came second. His campaign was all around caring for his community and the issues of importance in Rochdale. He lost to George Galloway. Mike talks about his first campaign and also how much he learned and this time he's ready for the fight at hand. With the support of his family, he's ready to hand over his business to a manager and devote his time totally to the role.  For Mike, there are many issues to tackle within Wiltshire Police: a demoralized and frightened grass roots police force. too much spin among the police leadership and poor leadership. a lack of transparency over monies and how they are being spent.  a lack of detail over performance when it comes to solving crimes.  a lack of public access to the police.  As PCC, Mike says he would be honest about any challenges. He believes there has been a lack of investment in the police nationally, including Wiltshire and that needs to be addressed. Anyone who wants to keep in touch with Mike and his campaign can do so via his Facebook page here - https://www.facebook.com/MikeReesPCC If you want to find out more about Fiona & Scott Media why not join her group on Facebook – Fiona Scott's PR Tribe – here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

Today's guest is Rob Curtis who is a client and someone I've known for several years in Wiltshire's small business community. He's a digital marketing whizz now running his own company The Pursuit Agency however I knew him before that and supported him when he was about to ‘go it alone'. He's also a bit like Tigger, from Winnie the Pooh, darting around with boundless energy or so it seems, moving from one idea to another.  This young entrepreneur is incredibly passionate about the world of digital marketing and that becomes obvious when you hear him talking, or when you meet him. Having previously worked for another agency, Rob started his own business, The Pursuit Agency less than two years ago, and has already won the national title of Start-up of the Year with the Great British Business and Community Awards. He's also taken on his first team members and now ensures that his clients understand that they were on a digital marketing journey – not a destination. Rob talks to me about how he uses his love of strategy and processes to help his clients focus on what's important for them, so they don't feel like they're wading through treacle with all the ‘digital marketing' ‘stuff. By talking to both them and their customers, he finds the right solution for them. He also explains how this is something which flexes and changes over time – there's no one-size fits all and things change over time. He makes it clear that this type of PR requires budget and there's no getting away from that. Companies have to be prepared to commit to the power of digital marketing.  Rob also shares how important his family are to him and his success. Telling me the story of how he and his now wife, becoming parents at the age of 19, built a loving family unit from a very young age and how they've both supported each other to pursue their professional ambitions. During lockdown, Rob made the decision to find out if he has ADHD, after several people mentioned to him in passing that he may have that neuro divergence. He was finally diagnosed in early 2023 and he shares what's happened since. Getting this diagnosis has helped his family to understand him and he, himself. To contact Rob:Website: https://thepursuitagency.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-curtis-the-pursuit-agency/ If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

My guest today, Zoe Hewitt, swapped her role as a set designer in film and tv to be an interior designer – because the skills are pretty much the same. There are obviously other reasons, which you'll hear about. Zoe has known what she wanted to do since being a young child, and got useful careers advice from school – unlike many of us and especially me who was told that I could choose between being a secretary or a nurse – which did I fancy?  Zoe has always been proactive, and has made her own opportunities. In fact, she's never really been employed, but has always been a freelancer.  During her time as a set designer, she worked in theatre and worked in tv including on the iconic series Torchwood, filmed in her home town of Cardiff. Now, living in Bristol, she has built a career around making a difference to someone's life by the use of interior design – to bring, joy, calm, or peace- whatever the client is looking for. Her main style is all about colour – people don't go to her for beige! To contact Zoe: Website: https://www.stylemongersofbristol.co.uk/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/stylemongersofbristol/  If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

I was imagining my guest today talking to me from sunnier climes, only to be told that he was actually in a very cold LA! Nathan is the CEO of Miller Ink, a strategic communications agency with headquarters in LA, and offices in New York and San Francisco. He has spent the last 20 years in communications, working with a variety of large corporate clients, high profile individuals, entertainment leaders and some non-profit advocacy groups. He previously worked at the UN as the chief speechwriter and communications director at the Israeli Mission to the United Nations; in Brussels with a ‘think tank' working on EU issues; and in politics in LA and in Washington.  When Facebook started in 2004, Nathan was a freshman at college, had a Facebook account before many other people, and used this to his advantage in his first PR job. Nathan talks about how he works on crisis management with some very large US companies, including representing a custodial bank in a lawsuit with the Federal Reserve!  It may seem odd for someone who works at this level to chat to a fellow PR from another country who specialises in working with small and micro businesses. Yet, as you will hear, we have a lot in common.  One is the mantra of No BS when it comes to PR!  To contact Nathan: Website: https://miller-ink.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/millerinkla/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MillerInkLA Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MillerInkLAI If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

Today's guest has been described as a serial entrepreneur – a title she hates! However, Rachel has been running different businesses over the last 20 odd years. Prior to Lockdown, she and her husband ran a software business, but thanks to the huge changes that took place, 50% of their clients left. Like many small businesses, they were left wondering where they were going to make the money to pay for everything. Her husband, Elliot is an amazing pizza cook, so he suggested they started selling pizzas. I'm sure when many of you hear this, you'll be thinking, how on earth would that work. Rachel and Elliot were incredibly well organised, and most of this is down to the fact that Rachel likes to know the figures and plan ahead. Plus, she also understands and knows how to use marketing well. When it comes to competition, she has a great attitude – which is almost ‘bring it on'. This isn't just about Pizza – it's about understanding how to run a business successfully. Apart from feeling hungry as you listen to us chat, after listening, you are all going to wish you lived within CasaGees' delivery radius! To contact Rachel: Website:  casagees.co.uk   If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

I want to introduce you to Trish Lynch, a very experienced broadcaster, interviewer, presenter and moderator, who shares the amazing story of how she almost fell into this business.  She went to a casting with a friend who was actually going for the job, and because no one turned up, they invited Trish to interview.  She ended up with a video of her on a news desk with Eamon Holmes and David Frost.  That one video got her foot in the door, and there has been no stopping her since. Not that it was an easy ride - she had to learn and build the skills that have served her over the years.It's likely that not many of us know what a moderator is. It's a facilitator, a host, or an MC – basically the person in charge of everything that is happening on a stage.Her biggest tip is for interviewers is, always research, because you are often in a situation where you need to fill in, and if you don't know anything about your speakers – then you will be left floundering.We've all heard of ‘resting bitch face' – well Trish tells me about the ‘listening face'… To contact Trish:Website:  https://www.trishlynch.co.uk/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishsinclair/If you would like to contact me: www.Scottmedia.uk or if you'd like to join my Facebook group: Fiona Scott's PR Tribe 

Today's guest, is Dave Nelson of Truffle and Thyme, a catering business based in North Wiltshire.For many years Dave had worked in the catering and events industry in London, and latterly in the West Country, in a variety of operations and management roles. Then COVID hit, and had a drastic effect on the entire hospitality industry and Dave's job evaporated. His new business grew out of necessity, when recognising he needed to do something to make a living, was able to make use of all of the things he had learned in the many kitchens, he'd worked in during his career.  And of course, use his life-long passion for food.He explains how he recognised the trend for grazing, which was something he could curate and manage from home and had the perfect skills to do.Dave shares how he managed to produce his grazing boxes from home, while his family were also home in Lockdown. As you'll hear, he went to great lengths to insure he kept managed health and safety rules. Now he has a unit in Wiltshire as his business grows.Today, at the same time of year that his business began three years ago, he is busy putting together, Christmas hampers.If you come on any of my workshops, you will be lucky enough to savour the delights of Dave's amazing grazing platters.  Also, if you look at any of his links to his website or social media – warning – you may start to feel peckish. We also talk about PR too!  To contact: Dave visut Website: https://www.truffleandthyme.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truffleandthymeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truffle_and_thyme/ If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

My main aim in my professional life as a PR specialist and expert, is to help people and their business or organisation to become more visible.Looking ahead to 2024, in this episode, I predict the things that the media will be engaged with, and share how you can get your voice heard, talking about those themes. I look at more general ‘trends' to be considered in how PR will continue to be shaped over the next year. This includes the continuing importance of social media, of video content and the growing domination of generations who communicate via online tools. My over-riding point is, as always, strong human-interest stories are incredibly important. And, as sadly, there is further contraction of the traditional media, there will be a great demand for those stories – so it's vital start thinking and planning ahead. This alone will put you ahead of your peers. Among the trends I talk about, three things I see as important in 2024:The rise of AI will continue, and understanding how to use it well and mindfully is important. Having an authentic voice – personality is going to become more important, not less.  The need to understand Generation Z if you are an employer, or if they are your clients/customers. Also, thought leadership will become more important on LinkedIn. Listen in for more tips and trends! If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

Today's guest is Natalie Brown, the author of ‘Confessions of a Crummy Mummy – The Baby Years'. She is also a freelance journalist and parenting blogger.Natalie talks about how starting out her career working on local newspapers has set her up for the journey her career has taken her on.She shares with me how she ended up writing her book, after having a baby in lockdown, and how being a journalist and working in PR, doesn't necessarily mean you get everything right when marketing your own book. Natalie also will possibly surprise you with her great insights about publishing – she thought writing the book was the hard part!One of her main tips, as you've heard on many of my podcasts, is the importance of your local community vs national.  The value of contacts is something else that Natalie talks about, and how helpful having those within any profession is vital. Her contacts helped start her off in her freelance career.She also shares how her blog developed into a space where people pay for her to publish their guest blogs on her platform, bringing in an income stream. And she has tips for generating traffic to your blog from other social media.To contact Natalie: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConfessionsOfACrummyMummyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/confessionsofacrummymummy/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrsnataliebrownBlog: www.crummymummy.co.ukIf you would like to contact me: www.Scottmedia.uk or if you'd like to join my Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/162841034317598 

My guest today is client and friend, Laura Dent who talks with passion about her business, So Fresh & So Clean, based in Swindon. Along with her husband, Laura has run the cleaning company for the last twelve years.  They offer commercial cleaning, and also specialist cleaning, biohazard, hoarding services, mental health cleans and after death cleans. For Laura, the most important part of her business and the one she gets the most reward from, is doing mental health cleans. Recently the business has set up a Community Interest Company (CIC), to be able to fund these type of cleans by donating a percentage of their profits. Another extremely important thing for her, is that her staff are treated well, and that their physical and mental health and cared for too. They have recently set up free counselling, 24/7 for their staff, should it be needed. Laura also talks passionately about the people for whom the company work. In cases of mental health and after death cleans, generally, people have little understanding of the issues surrounding hoarding, and the reason why people get into the situation they're in. You may also be shocked to hear about the after death cleans, but also moved by the care that Laura and her team take in dealing with these cases.  To contact: Laura Website: www.sofreshandsoclean.org.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/S0FreshS0Clean LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/so-fresh-&-so-clean-uk-ltd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofreshandsocleanukltd/ If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

Faith Roswell, my guest for this podcast, wears many hats.  She is a writer, former model, self-defence educator and journalist. We talk about how after studying English literature, sociology, art and critical thinking at university, she went on to become a full-time model, which she gave up to become a cage fighter, but COVID put a stop to that.  Faith talks about how she overcame the stereotypical idea we have about modelling and how a case involving outing predators in the modelling industry set her up to become a spokesperson for model safety. She is now writing a book about psychological self-defence. You need to listen in to hear how Faith has juggled all of the different areas of her life and how it is all about remaining genuine in whatever you do. Faith is certainly not your typical ‘anything' and she delights in disrupting ‘norms' and false narratives. To contact Faith: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithroswell https://www.instagram.com/faithroswellofficial/ If you would like to contact me: www.Scottmedia.uk or if you'd like to join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

David Gillespie is an actor who has appeared on TV, radio and on stage, and he is also a corporate coach – he is all about communication.You may well know David as the curate, Duncan Boyd in EastEnders, a role he came back to after a gap of nearly 34 years.  He also played Selby, one of the original crew members in Red Dwarf.A co-author of 5 books on communication, David knows his subject, as you'll hear in our conversation. Like me, he is a nosey person, which works well for both of his careers.We talk about engaging with people, and how even when you give a presentation, you are there to entertain, and you are in the world of show business.David's passion for communication comes through during the whole podcast, and you can't help but be drawn in to hear his story.A brilliant tip from him: - interested = interesting.  The more interest we take in other people, the more interesting they find us.To contact David:Website: https://www.Dave-Gillespie.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegillespieconsulting/If you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

Todays guest is Stefan Thomas, the author of ‘Business Networking for Dummies'.Not surprisingly, we talked a lot about networking, something we both do and find incredibly good for our businesses.Stefan sees networking as part of PR for your brand, and the most efficient way to increase and maintain your visibility­. He has used networking so well that now people talk about him and what he does to others, in a positive way.He was an early adopter of many things, including social media, when people thought he was mad wasting time on it. But now, his so-called madness has paid off. Also, like me he doesn't see the point in keeping his personal and business life separate on social media. People like to see that the things that you're doing, because they often find they share interests with you, which in turn draw them to you.And you need to listen to find out about Micro Moments…To contact Stefan:Website: https://www.stefanthomas.bizLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanthomasbiz/If you would like to contact me: www.Scottmedia.uk or if you'd like to join my Facebook group: Fiona Scott's PR Tribe

Today my visitor is Jane, better known as Lady Janey, who I met on one of my courses a few years ago. She shares what she learnt on that course and what she's achieved since using that knowledge.   A very busy lady, Jane is a consumer champion, who presents on radio, appears on TV, writes for publications, her own blog and national papers.  She talks to me about her blog and how that has developed, to the point of earning an income from it. Her business grew out of the fact she was worried about the falling standards of customer services in the UK. The advice that was out there about getting in touch with companies, or customer service, was often very confusing. Initially, she started as a mystery shopper, and writing and talking about it, helped to build her business. Jane gives some excellent tips about booking summer holidays – one of the main ones being, to pay by credit card, and the other, to have a contingency fund to get you back from somewhere, should you get stuck, and you have to cover the costs at the time. She also gives some tips on avoiding scams. One of the things that Jane says annoys most people about customer service, is not being able to get hold of people. And she has a great answer to that. A fascinating and hugely important tip she has is - be a better customer – you will get a better experience.   Listen to the podcast to find out why!  To contact Jane: Website: https://ladyjaney.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyjaney75/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyjaney75/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladyjaney75/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ladyjaney75 If you would like to contact me: www.Scottmedia.uk or if you'd like to join my Facebook group it's Fiona Scott's PR Tribe and it's here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe 

My guest today is former detective superintendent, Julie Mackay, who with my friend, broadcast journalist Robert Murphy, co-authored the best-selling true crime book, ‘To Hunt a Killer'.During our talk we manage to cover everything from stories of crime, the importance of intuition, changes in policing, cold cases, media and the police, to period poverty!A retired detective superintendent, Julia shares her experiences working in the police, as a female, and how she overcame it all, because of her passion for solving crime, and loving being a police officer.She talks about the case at the centre of her award-winning book which she led a team who finally found the killer of Melanie Road who was murdered in Bath in 1984. Her murder led to Britain's biggest man hunt at the time. At that time, I was iin Bath, a teenager myself, about to start my degree at Bath Spa University. We were all scared and, as the Bath Rapist, was also active at that time we worried about every dark corner, every late night walk. Julie talks about how incredibly hard it is to work a serious crime case, even after 20 years, due to the amount of paperwork, forensic and digital evidence, including DNA, and the fact that there are still witnesses who have information they want to share. Often buried within that mountain of work, there can be key facts or nuggets of information which get missed. Yet it was ground-breaking DNA work which led to Melanie's killer being finally brought to justice. You will be totally riveted listening to this episode.Julie can be found here https://juliemackay.co.uk/If you would like to contact me: www.Scottmedia.uk or if you'd like to join my Facebook group it's https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

Today's guest is a first in terms of what she does, which is quite niche. Melissa Hobson writes about the ocean; marine science, marine conservation and interesting studies about the sea and the creatures within.Journalist and writer Melissa has been published in The Guardian, National Geographic Online, New Scientist and many other scientific publications. She is not a scientist herself, but a freelance writer who is passionate about anything to do with the ocean and conservation, and the people who are working on fascinating initiatives.  One of the recent stories Melissa worked on was about the tagging of a rare and huge species of stingray. As you can imagine, pictures and footage is vital when writing about these subjects, and most of themagazines expect beautiful images.Once again her career speaks to how she can work far more easily with those who have the right ‘assets' – the correct knowledge, experience, great videos and great imagery which showcases what they do. To hear more about her her own story, how she finds the marine conservation organizations, individual scientists or biologists and people she wants to work with, and the stories she has share – tune into the podcast.To contact Melissa:Website:  www.MelissaHobson.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melpud/If you would like to contact me: www.Scottmedia.uk or if you'd like to join my Facebook group it's Fiona Scott's PR Tribe ask to join and mention this podcast by name. 

Today my guest and I have a fascinating talk about old school journalism and the differences between the past and present in the industry.And Marcus Grodentz has lots of knowledge to share, having started as a copy boy in a news agency in London, and now, having worked in the industry for several years, he has moved into a PR career, before later becoming a life coach.A great talking point is our use of mobile phones, and how they weren't even in the picture when we started our jobs in journalism. People seem to have forgotten what the main purpose of phones is!Marcus shares interesting stories from his time when he joined a newspaper at the age of 16.You know I love having conversations with people, and Marcus agrees – after all PR is a communication industry. Now working as a coach, the conversations continue on a wide variety of subjects and with interesting people. Marcus uses the various skills he has developed as a journalist and working in PR for his work as a coach. He has to know which skill to draw on, and also use another of his most important skills - being a good listener.Also, how do you know when a coach is a good coach, rather than just someone who has decided to call themselves that? Marcus' answer is – it's all about building trust in him.  He doesn't see coaching as solving problems, but as a conversation around challenging belief systems and gaining clarity.To contact Marcus:Phone number: 07915 888168Email: novusilc@aol.comWebsite: https://wwww.novuslifecaoching.comIf you would like to contact me: www.Scottmedia.uk or if you'd like to join my Facebook group: Fiona Scott's PR Tribe

Today's guest is Olivia Foster who is a TV producer working for shows like This Morning, Who Dares Wins and many more. Before working in TV, Olivia was a journalist working for magazines such as Heat, Grazia and Marie Claire, which she loved. She talks about how she finds TV a far more dynamic medium to work in. She also explains what a producer actually does, because few of us know (I do because I was a producer myself full-time with ITV) and it involves far more than you could imagine. So, what if you want to be on TV?  Olivia's great tip for this is to get yourself in front of a camera, so that you can build up your confidence, and talk without falling over words. Film yourself on your phone, get other people to film you, do social media live talks, give talks in front of audiences - try everything to get yourself out there. Be visible and present.  She shares with me her love of funny stories, and some of the bonkers stories that can appear on TV, plus on the flip side, she also likes the warm and fuzzy moments too. Olivia also talks about the types of ideas that she will be looking for over in the coming months.  Like many of my journalist guests who have been on before, Olivia talks about the importance of knowing about the person you are pitching your ideas to. Don't just send something over without checking out the sort of stories that the relevant journalist works on. We end with a discussion about social media, AI and how things are changing.  To contact Olivia: Twitter: https://twitter.com/LivsFoster Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/livsfoster/ If you would like to contact me: www.Scottmedia.uk or if you'd like to join my free Facebook group it's Fiona Scott's PR Tribe. 

Today I'm joined by my friend and client, Louise Hunt Skelley PLY.Louise has been working with me for a year, after retiring from a career as an elite athlete, as a former top 10 wheelchair tennis player. Since retiring and ready to take the next step in her career, she has fully embraced PR. She shares why she thinks the investment in PR is well worth it, and how it has helped her to build her confidence.Having competed at two Paralympic Games, she is now self-employed with several different hats; mentoring, consultancy, speaking engagements, and commentating – again at Wimbledon this year.One challenging thing Louise talks about is how people perceive her, as a disabled person. She hates being labelled, and the way some people assume because she is a wheelchair user and her legs don't work – neither does her brain!  Louise shares some stories about this, and goes on to say how she wants to break those stigmas and assumptions.Louise also talks about working with businesses to recognise how they can support a disabled employee, and not just by having wheelchair accessibility, which is a must anyway. It's about inclusion for everyone.She talks about her top tips for recognising red flags when approached by PR people, and why you should be wary of them. To contact Louise:Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouiseHunt1LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-hunt-skelley-ply-992b90177/Website: https://www.Louisehunt.co.uk/ If you would like to contact me: www.Scottmedia.uk or if you'd like to join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe