SEEMO

Social activist, fashion influencer and illustrator, Arooj Aftab has been breaking down barriers in the quest for inclusivity within the fashion industry. Arooj is now recognised as a spokesperson for body inclusivity and poses important questions about the language we use when it comes to promoting real and meaningful diversity. After discovering she had Neurofibromatosis at a young age, she appeared in the BBC Newsbeat doc, 'My Tumour Made Me Trendy' which revealed more about her story and coming to terms with her condition. Since then been heralded by British Vogue and Elle for her work on her platform and won 2019's Asian Media Award.She has since been a panellist for Instagram, appeared at Summer in the City and received support from Bustle, GUAP, BBC Radio London, Thiiird Magazine, Fizzy Magazine and more. Earlier this year she launched her #donewithdiversity project which sees her combine her passion for inclusivity within the fashion industry with her talent for illustration. The project aims to encourage brands and publishing platforms to rethink the language they use and to consider if they are truly inclusive to all.

Synth-pop singer/songwriter TRACE has been on everyone’s radar for her warm vocals, electronic sounds, and effortless mix of pop and R&B.In this episode, we discuss how TRACE discovered music and followed her passion, we learn about the music industry and the process of going independent. Trace shares her creative process for songwriting, where she finds inspiration and we discuss why it’s important to follow your own path.

In this episode we speak to Gail Gallie, Co-Founder at Project Everyone. Gail is a business leader with a strong sense of social purpose. Gail’s background is in marketing and advertising. She has worked for both advertisers and agencies, in the public and private sectors. Learn more about Project Everyone in their own words below:Project Everyone seeks to put the power of communications behind the Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Global Goals.Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a fairer world by 2030, where extreme poverty has been eradicated, climate change is properly addressed, and injustice and inequality are unacceptable.Devised by Richard Curtis, filmmaker and founder of Comic Relief, we are a team of communications and campaign specialists who sit at the heart of a global network of campaigning organisations, private sector partners, brands, governments, UN agencies, public figures, and social influencers. We are a not-for-profit agency who create campaigns, short films, multi-platform content, convene partners, and put on unique events that all accelerate progress towards the Goals

In this episode we speak with OJ Deady, Founding Partner and Creative Director of creative content agency TwelveA.M.Based in London, OJ is focussed on telling real people's stories. Fully committed to understanding his subjects and telling their stories in an un-guarded and authentic way, with great respect for what goes into narrative driven and honest imagery. OJ has worked across branded content, documentary and music videos. We discuss:Being free to create and developing your craftProcess of developing projects with Nicholas Kirkwood, Reserved, Moët & ChandonDirecting and producing Maverick Sabre ‘Into Hope’ music videoLong form content and documentary filmmakingCapturing emotion, energy and authentic storiesFinding inspiration from new and interesting places

In this episode we speak with Ivan Olita, who’s character could be identified as a contemporary Bruce Chatwin. Forcing himself to only dress in black and live out of a carry-on, he sees his real home not in a house but in the thousands of roads he walks.With one foot stateside in Los Angeles and the other in his native Italy, the filmmaker and creative director confidently moves between the worlds of cinema, art and fashion by successfully consulting for top tier brands and publications while pursuing his own personal research and development as a talented documentarian trained at Werner Herzog’s Rogue film school.The production company he founded, BRAVÒ, is spread across the globe with a team of seven creatives that deliver premium doc-formats for both commercial and editorial purposes. He is a Vimeo Staff Pick regular and his most recent projects have been featured on Nowness, National Geographic, The Atlantic, Director’s Notes, Short Of The Week, W Magazine, Aeon, Dazed, Vogue, and The New Yorker. In this episode we discuss:Ivan shares his career journey to date and how he founded BravoCreative process and where Ivan finds InspirationWerner Herzog filmmaking techniquesInforming narrative with factsDeveloping a feature and the inspiration for the narrativeTips for young creatorsImportance of mentorship

In this episode we speak with Paul Woolmington, currently the CEO of Canvas Worldwide – a creatively driven media and communications agency named Adweek’s 2020 Breakthrough Agency of the Year – that aims to reinvent its marketplace at scale. Under Paul’s leadership, Canvas has grown to become the world’s second-largest independent media agency. Paul is a ‘Renaissance’ entrepreneur of the media, advertising, digital, marketing and communications industry. He has held leadership positions at the highest levels both globally and domestically in management, media, integrated business, brand, digital and communications strategy at holding companies including IPG, Y&R Inc, WPP and MDC Partners. He co-founded Naked Communications Americas, founded The Media Kitchen, and was named one of the ten most creative/innovative people in marketing and advertising by Fast Company.Paul is also a senior fellow at Columbia University, advising in the cross-discipline ‘Committee for Global Thought’ initiative as well as a member of ‘The Digital Storytelling Lab.’ Born in Africa, raised in the UK, and now a US citizen, Paul has traveled extensively around the world both professionally and personally.We discuss:Working in the advertising industry between London and New York CityMad-Men Era / Madison AvenueBeing an intrapreneurRiding the wave of acquisitions, going public and founding new businessWhat it was like when Google and Facebook came alongEmbracing change

In this episode we speak with Hala Matar, a Bahraini film director based in Los Angeles and New York. Hala has directed films for Vice, NOWNESS, Interpol, CHANEL, Kenzo, Vivienne Westwood and Diesel. Hala graduated from the University of Virginia and began her career as an art curator in New York City where she ran the gallery Chiles Matar. Her work has been featured in Rolling Stones, Pitchfork, Vogue, NME, Spin, NME, W Magazine, Nylon, CNN and Harpers Arabia. We discuss:|Curating art for Dries Van NotenArt CurationDreaming of becoming a film director and making it a realityDoing whatever it takes to move forwardInspiration from heartbreakCreating the best ideas from 3 hours running

In this episode we speak with James Kirkham, Chief Business Officer at Defected Records as Chief Business Officer in January 2020. Joining the label as it enters its third decade. James is overseeing all social, content, marketing and PR activations at Defected, and makes an invaluable addition to the company as it navigates its position as an industry leader in a new era for the music industry.As one of the world’s foremost media industry speakers, he has appeared on stage for a number of years at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, featured in BIMA’s prestigious Top 100 for three years running and was recently selected as one of the top Leaders Under 40 in the sports business. He was also named in Campaign Magazine’s esteemed ‘Power 100’ in July 2019.We discuss:James career journey to dateDefected Records, an ecosystem and how the record label is evolvingHow creativity is born out of adversityDigital transformation, virtual events and innovation on the dance floorHow Defected has championed the music industry in 2020 during the pandemicPromoting records in this new event formatLove for Glitterbox and the soon to be released long form documentaryExciting plans for 2021 and beyond

In this episode we speak with Brigit Richie, Founder & CEO of WE. A business on a mission to provide individuals and companies (such as Google, Walt Disney, Instagram) the tools to implement a relational mindset. This mindset has a focus on empathy and teaches how to listen and connect to people, shifting culture one relationship at a time.We discuss:Diversity, Equity and InclusionCreating experiences they believe in for major companiesWorking with Google and the power of human experienceHow to understand inclusive language from a relational standpointThe importance of 'Creative Play'Getting into your flow state and being presentHow you can support inclusive cultures at work

In this episode we speak with Jonas Altman, who helps people do their best work. As the founder of award-winning design practice Social Fabric and author of best-selling book ‘Shapers - Reinvent The Way You Work’, Jonas creates learning experiences that transform people so they can elevate how they organise, collaborate, and innovate. Over the years Jonas has created fashion brands, ran a digital agency, launched London's first lifestyle and technology incubator, and now advises on  culture change to some of the world’s boldest organisations. Jonas is an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business and he enjoys surfing, riding the waves to unwind.In this episode we speak to Jonas about his new bestselling book titled ‘SHAPERS - reinvent the way you work’, the Shape of Work Program and the following topics:Innovation and where is the end?Role design - your work and relationshipsHow to get into your flow stateHow culture is changing at workLeadership stylesCOVID-19 - digital transformation and new ways of workingEducationIkigaiPolymath and SlashiesBiophilia the human connection with naturePomodoro technique

Noah Bernard is an experienced Brand and Creative Director with over 25 years of experience delivering best in class product, purpose and people marketing. A strong marketing professional skilled in Trend Analysis, Design, Apparel, Footwear, Technology and FMCG. Noah has led creative teams at some of the world's most loved brands such as Samsung, adidas and PUMA. In this episode we discuss his journey from being triathlete, to designing running shoes with a career highlight sitting at the Olympics with Usain Bolt when he broke the 100m world record. We discuss:We track about culture and giving backHow brands have reacted to COVID 19 and their marketing strategiesWho you are and how you play into this worldDoing what you know well and sticking to itIs there a drought of creativity?Is the CMO title dead?Brands after covidThe power of motion

In this episode we speak with Amanda Charchian a photographer who creates work with a feminine sensuality that celebrates the erotically charged.  Amanda earned a BFA from Otis College of Art and Design in 2010, and has been featured in publications such as New York Magazine, Vogue Italia, TIME, The Huffington Post, Interview Magazine, L’Officiel ART, i-D, Purple, and Turkish Vogue.  In 2016 Amanda released her first monograph, Pheromone Hotbox featuring works captured over three years.  Charchian has produced editorial and commercial work for Gucci, Chloe, Cartier, Garage, and Vogue Italia.  Amanda Charchian lives and works between Los Angeles and London.We discuss:Art, sculpting and photography her career journey to date between LA and LondonWorking on projects for brands such as GUCCI, Chloe and Cartier and working with cultural leaders like Travis ScottWhere Amanda gets her inspiration and why the sun is so importantWe talk about her book Pheromone Hotbox Less is moreNew book - Pleasure and Service 

In this episode we speak with Amy Kean, who has been in the media world for 14 years, initially cutting her industry teeth at the IAB as head of PR. She moved to create the social teams of each agency of the Havas Media Group, before moving into innovation and launching Havas Media Labs. In the latter half of her career she lead Mindshare’s strategy and insights across APAC, then headed back to the UK to run planning and strategy for Coty’s in-house digital agency, Beamly. Amy pens a column for Shots magazine and her first book of poetry – The Little Girl Who Gave Zero F*cks – has been a number 1 Amazon bestseller.We discuss:the message behind Amy’s best selling bookthe process of writing a bookthe ups and downs of the advertising world  why being weird is the new normal  

Brendan Walsh is a writer of screenplays, director and editor of commercials and films, and one of three partners in production company Oak Leaf Media. Oak Leaf solves communications problems with creativity and develops intellectual properties. Oak Leaf really likes movies and TV, and their favorite thing is to partner with other production companies and freelancers to create media.

In this episode we speak with Maya Bogle, Co-Founder at Talenthouse. We discuss the power of creative collaboration, driving innovation with brands and agencies, the incredible United Nations creative brief and what the future holds!Maya Bogle has over 30 years’ experience in advertising, consulting and partnership development and combines a deep understanding of the challenges the ad industry faces with a relentless desire for it to improve, adapt and progress.She is the co-founder of global creative community and collaboration platform, Talenthouse, which launched in 2009. Ten years later Talenthouse.com, Ello.co, and Zooppa.com merged to form TLNT Holdings, the world’s largest multi-discipline creative network with over 5 million members across 200 countries.Maya is driven by the TLNT mission to support and nurture creatives at every stage of their career by giving them access to opportunities for recognition, inspiration, learning, collaboration and income through partnerships with brands. She is passionate about democratising creativity and believes that a great idea can come from anywhere. She is championing the ad industry to recognise open-sourcing as an effective model to engage creators for authentic, diverse, culturally relevant creative work and influence across multiple markets and channels.Maya is a regular speaker at global industry conferences including Cannes Lions, Social Media Week, AdWeek, Media Summit, Web Summit. She was appointed as a Board Trustee to the Design & Technology Association in January 2020 to help drive their goal to support the creative curriculum across schools, colleges and Universities. Maya also enjoys coaching and mentoring and speaks at numerous educational establishments as well as judging creative awards throughout the industry.

Show Notes:This week I am sharing a special episode as it is a live recording from a recent Seemo event at Shoreditch House in London. The title of the event was 'Cuture, Collaboration and Creativity' and we had a stellar line-up - including Fabio Ruffet (Regional Brand Director, Bacardi Rum Europe - OJ Deady, Creative Director, TwelveA.M - Sam Blenkinsopp CEO & Co-founder of Trippin’ and Laura Campbell VP, Global Brand Partnerships of Talenthouse) The format of the evening was to have each panellist showcase a recent campaign that was true to being authentic and representing cultures in a collaborative way. Then we sit down for an insightful discussion followed by Q&A. Follow SEEMO:Our WebsiteTwitterInstagramFacebook

Show Notes:Scott Morrison has fuelled his passion of creativity and culture at some of the world’s most demanding, creative and culturally diverse brands including Saatchi and Saatchi, Wieden and Kennedy, Nike, Levi’s, Activision and Diesel. Today, Scott continues to learn from some of the world’s freshest startup thinkers and leaders at brands who inspire the new, the innovative and the slightly mad. Taking all that experience, Scott travels around the world meeting with senior stakeholders to unleash the BOOM! Hosting workshops and keynotes with brands such as Starbucks, Red Bull, Absolut, TK Maxx and ITV to name a few - to think in an innovate way about their business challenges. He is not interested in the fluff - and encourages clarity of the challenge and tangible actions to move the business forward. Scott believes the right people, the right environment and the right tools deliver the best results every time. In this episode we discuss Scott’s career and some campaign highlights and learnings, the power of culture at work and how to adapt in a new job, going from agency side to client-side, rigour in business, diversity, how brands are becoming platforms for positive change and Scott’s practical tips on how we can all unlock our creativity.Links Mentioned:Unleash the Boom! websiteScott's InstagramFollow SEEMO:Our WebsiteTwitterInstagramFacebook

Show Notes:Reuben works as a comedian, speaker, and facilitator and has over a decade's experience creating and hosting edutainment shows (live, online and podcast based) that encourage the next generation to explore their authentic potential. He's worked with the BBC, Channel 4, Virgin Media, Pearsons, and TEDX to name a few companies and hosted everything from intimate live music nights and comedy shows to larger entrepreneurial debates and festivals, whilst on this mission. Combining all his experience, Reuben now creates and host transformative experiences through Dream Rehab – helping companies and individuals achieve their goals through practical means, with a massive focus on the art of empathetic collaboration. In this episode, we discuss his career to date, being a comedian, the highs and lows of working on TV and Radio, creating a community for men's fashion, the importance of your mental health and Reuben shares his practical tips for anyone looking to achieve their goals.Links Mentioned:Dream RehabReuben's InstagramFollow SEEMO:Our WebsiteTwitterInstagramFacebook

Show Notes:Sherry Collins founded The Pitch Fanzine in 2015,  a movement challenging inequality, discrimination and the lack of diversity in the creative industries, while simultaneously showcasing outstanding contemporary talent in its publication Pitch. Published four times per year, talent such as creatives, directors, photographers, brand founders, animators, illustrators, producers and multi-disciplinary artists, are showcased in Pitch. Copies are distributed to an exclusive, hand-picked, targeted list of influencers and decision-makers in the creative industry. In 2017, Sherry launched the Pitch 100 Superwomen initiative, the yearly list of women working behind the scenes in the creative industry making things happen. Sherry also launched Pitch Futures in 2017 to inspire and educate primary school children about the opportunities available to them in the creative industry. In this episode, we learn how Sherry has developed Pitch Fanzine, we talk about the latest issue 'Pitch Cool' and the importance of diversity. Links Mentioned:The Pitch Fanzine websiteThe pitch Fanzine instagramFollow SEEMO:Our WebsiteTwitterInstagramFacebook

Show Notes:Sara Samra is an artist and fashion designer of the emerging brand Askaris, that is changing the narrative of Muslim women and making a stance for the fearless. In this episode, we discuss how Sara has been inspired by the history of Eritrea and the fearlessness of the women, why it’s important to educate the new generation on how to break down the stereotypes, why you just have to start with your idea and how Sara plans to empower women through a series of events, exhibitions and school workshops.Links Mentioned:Sara Samra instagramAskari Designs instagramFollow SEEMO:Our WebsiteTwitterInstagramFacebook

Show Notes:George Rawlings is CEO & Co-Founder of Honeypot - the “worlds first micro-dating app”. It’s dating done differently. Check-in to areas known as Honeypots and meet people there and then for a short date. This new geo-fence dating app connects singles in person, meaning it only works when you're inside a specific area aka the honeypot. George has recently been going viral on LinkedIn in the London area with his very cost-effective guerrilla marketing tactics that have dramatically generated awareness and increased app downloads whilst putting a smile on peoples faces! In this hilarious episode, George describes his career to date, where the idea for Honeypot came from, how he has evolved the brand with his co-founder, the importance of cutting through the noise and the strategies behind the guerrilla marketing tactics and what the future beholds.Links Mentioned:Honeypot webisteGeorge Rawlings InstagramArticle and ImagesFollow SEEMO:Our WebsiteTwitterInstagramFacebook

Show Notes:Ibrahim is a digital entrepreneur and co-founder of GUAP, which has grown from the world’s first video magazine to becoming a multi-platform youth media brand, covering all aspects of creativity and culture. In the last few years, he has become an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker and investor. Some achievements include being honoured as a “Digital Pioneer” by The Mayor Of London for his work in entrepreneurship in digital media and also named in the top 100 most influential BAME leaders in the UK Tech Sector published in the Financial Times. GUAP has partnered with major brands including Nike, Adidas, The Evening Standard, NME, BBC 1xtra, ICA & many more. In this episode we learn about how GUAP was founded and how it has evolved, the importance of creative collaboration, representing communities and culture in an authentic way and how to keep your mind level as an entrepreneur. Links Mentioned:GUAP WebsiteGUAP InstagramIbrahim's InstagramFollow SEEMO:Our WebsiteTwitterInstagramFacebook

Show Notes:Sereena Abbassi is the Worldwide Head of Culture & Inclusion at M&C Saatchi Group and is committed to creating organisational transformation that is grounded in creative and strategic thinking. Sereena is of the firm belief that the advertising industry has the power to transform and inspire a more connected world; as the industry is in a unique position that allows space for all of our individual and collective experiences to be brought together and shared, and where all our distinct nuances have the opportunity to be celebrated. Last year, Sereena was nominated as one of Campaign's 50 Trailblazers of the Future and Stars of 2018, Pitch Magazines 100 Creative Superwomen, and The Dots 100 top Black Creatives. In this episode we learn about Sereena’s current role, her upbringing, living abroad, the importance of culture, diversity and inclusion, her tips for anyone looking to set up inclusive initiatives in their own business and why happiness is key. Links Mentioned:Sereena's InstagramSereena's Twitter Follow SEEMOOur WebsiteTwitterInstagramFacebook

Show Notes: John Homme and Fahi Islam are Co-Founders of Apollonia Studios, an independent fashion brand that also serves as a contemporary design studio to create and produce pieces that are ethically sourced, high quality, long-lasting and slot nicely into the wardrobe of those that desire something a little less ordinary. They started with simple graphic t-shirts printed on high-quality organic cotton, to outerwear and accessories for both men and women. In this episode, we discuss the steps to take when building a fashion brand, why it’s important to extend beyond the product and create a holistic approach to your brand, the process of production, where they find their inspiration and how to keep motivated when doing your side hustle. Links Mentioned: Apollonia Studios website Apollonia Studios Instagram Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Chase Langford is a Los Angeles-based painter, having studied cartography at UC Santa Barbara, earning a BA in Geography. Chase has invented a distinctive visual language that is grounded in the natural and built environment. His impactful work recalls maps and aerial photography of sea coasts, mountains, farmland and cities through a calculated execution and craftsmanship. In this episode, Chase shares a lot of insight into how he became an artist, how he managed the duality of his lifestyle, the process of getting recognised and represented by art galleries and how sometimes the best way to start out is to just host a few parties in your living room! Links Mentioned: Chase Langford website Creating a Great Studio (YouTube) Chase Instagram Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Casey Bird is a creative, champion of freelancers and empowers female creatives. Over the past 10 years Casey has lived and worked in Dubai at Ogilvy, freelanced in London, Amsterdam and Paris....and most recently as Creative Lead in the Branded Content department at Refinery29. Casey was elected as the first President of non-profit organisation SheSays London and re-launched the mentoring scheme Who’s Your Momma - which is still active today. A big focus is championing freelancers and in 2017, Casey launched The Freelance Circle, a platform that provides freelancers a voice and invites them to anonymously review brands and agencies they have freelanced at, with the aim to improve the gig economy. Links Mentioned: The Freelance Circle SheSays Casey's website Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Trippin is a community bonded by a love of travel. Everything they do is to inspire people to take more trips. Trippin believes that travel has the power to change lives. It forges connections, opens our minds and reminds us that our differences are what makes the world an exciting place. In this episode we speak to Co-Founders; Kesang Ball and Sam Blenkinsopp and learn about where the idea for Trippin came from, how they engage with local storytellers to curate real city guides that are off the beaten path, raising investment, challenges overcome and how they pivoted, the vision and growth of Trippin, the importance of community and sustainable travel and how they are working with major brands such as Adidas and Farfetch. Links Mentioned: Trippin website Trippin instagram Join Trippin community Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Marine Tanguy has been working in the art world for the past seven years. An advocate for artists from a young age, Marine managed her first gallery at 21, opened her first art gallery in Los Angeles at 23 and finally created her current business, MTArt, to promote the artists she believed in across the globe. MTArt is the first artist agency promoting influential visual artists and specialising in talent management: building, growing and accelerating their careers. In this episode we learn how Marine built MTArt, how we should be adjusting our 'visual diet' and we explore the power of the creator. Links Mentioned: MT Art website Ted Talk - How social media visuals affects our mind Ted Talk - How art can transform our cities Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: 95% of Millennials feel the words ‘live and let live’ are words to live by, accepting others and being non- judgemental. PRIDE is the global celebration of inclusion and equality, which has been celebrated since the 1970s. Every year thousands of people around the world take to the streets to tell their story and to show their support for an inclusive and equal world, where there is room for everyone. This year marks just 50 years since the Stonewall riots. In this episode you will hear a live recording from an event I hosted with Gay Times and Talenthouse called ‘Evolution of LGBTQ content' where we discuss how brands can ensure authenticity when speaking with an LGBTQ audience. You’ll hear from the amazing Tag Warner CEO of Gay Times and Sarah and Reva who make up the electronic pop-duo NIMMO. Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Miroslav Radu aka 'Miro' is establishing himself in the creative industry and is currently studying Architecture at Central Saint Martin's. Miro has recently returned from Paris where he was interning at Louis Vuitton as an Accessories Designer and he now focuses on creating his own design collective with influences from Daniel Arsham. In this episode we discuss the way in which Education can sometimes make you critique yourself, how he uses ADHD as a superpower, being aware of mental health, experience interning for Louis Vuitton in Paris, how he plans to develop a collective and studio, championing diverse creatives and new wave talent, being a Polymath, importance of archiving your work and finding original forms of inspiration. Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Rob Eades aka Lean Student Chef; is an influencer and content creator with a focus on wellness, healthy food and workouts. In this episode we discuss how Rob set up his business and his focus on content creation, acting and presenting, why ‘influencer’ can be seen as a dirty word, how he navigates the marketing industry as a content creator, professionalising the Instagram page, the importance of transparency in the influencer world, how he manages his time, being nice, the importance of feedback and what the future beholds. Links Mentioned: Lean Student Chef Instagram Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Laura Jordan Bambach is Chief Creative Officer of independent creative agency Mr.President. For over 20 years, Laura has brought her fresh and experimental approach to the creative industries. Combining technical exploration with passionate storytelling, Laura has won numerous awards for her commercial work and been recognised globally as an innovator and industry leader across communications and design. Laura is former President of D&AD and also Co-Founder of SheSays; a global volunteer network which works to get more women into the creative industries and has more than 40,000 members across 43 cities. In this episode we discuss meaningful work, diversity in advertising, moving from Australia to the UK, why purpose is important for brands, the question of media first vs audience first, the exciting creative energy of India and the future ambitions of Mr.President. Links Mentioned: Mr.President SheSays D&AD Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Joe Kennedy is the co-founder of Unit London. Launched in 2013, Unit London is a breakthrough London-based contemporary art gallery that works closely with emerging international artists, providing a platform for artistic innovation. Joe and co-founder Jonny Burt are amongst the youngest gallerists in London, and have successfully established their gallery through their application of progressive branding and marketing strategies, with a core focus on digital and social media. In this episode we discuss how Unit London is driving transformation in the art world, the building blocks of growing an audience, setting up a successful art gallery, showing in USA, Europe and China, the power of mentors, breaking down the barrier of elitism and why do people have the power to decide what is good or bad art. Links Mentioned: UNIT London website UNIT London instagram Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Chenelle Croll is Group Director of Representation and Brand Extension at ITB Worldwide; an entertainment marketing, partnerships and talent agency. Chenelle has long been ingrained in the world of fashion - nurturing creative talent and helping shape the careers and brands of some of the most influential individuals in the industry, such as Katie Hillier and Juergen Teller. In this episode we discuss how the industry has evolved, the fine line of selling out, taking control and shaping your path, the art of true collaboration, meaningful engagement and owning it creatively. Links Mentioned: ITB Worldwide ITB instagram Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Jacek Bilinski is Co-Founder at Fanny's Kebabs, a new restaurant brand in London that is a fun, fresh, casual food hang-out, named after an original power woman of wallet-friendly recipes, Fanny Craddock. With a good idea of how to successfully launch a restaurant brand, Jacek recently launched Pave Projects, a support platform for new food and beverage start-ups and projects. In this episode we discuss Jacek's entrepreneurial journey, working at Red Bull, the importance of branding, business strategy and why the London food scene is booming right now. Links Mentioned: Fanny's Kebabs website Fanny's Kebab's instagram Pave Projects Follow Us: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Andrew Salgado is a Canadian Artist who lives and works in London and has exhibited his work around the world. His paintings are described as large-scale works of portraiture that incorporate elements of abstraction and symbolic meaning. Andrew received a BFA from University of BC and an MFA from Chelse College of Art & Design. In this episode, we have an honest conversation about the current state of the 'art world' today, how technology has democratised the industry, why Andrew became an artist, his creative process and how he finds inspiration. Links Mentioned: Andrew's Instagram BEERS London Gallery Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Serena Guen is Founder and CEO of SUITCASE Group, which includes Suitcase Media and Suitcase Magazine. Serena launched Suitcase Magazine in 2012, the world’s first multi-media travel and fashion magazine targeting readers with a global mindset. One step ahead of a tour guide, SUITCASE aims to inspire people, to help them discover different destinations and ultimately to change the way people travel. Serena is on the committee of Unicef’s Next Generation London and set up #CookForSyria in 2016 to aid Syrian children. What started as one dinner, turned into hundreds of restaurants offering a Syrian twist to their signature dishes, a best selling cookbook and fundraising more than £700,000 in process. In this episode we discuss how you start a magazine, side-hustles, growth, ambition, fundraising and standing by your idea. Links Mentioned: SUITCASE Cook For Syria Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Thomas Straker is a Chef and Founder of ‘Acre’ a new restaurant opening soon in London. Thomas has worked his way up through several Michelin Star restaurants, he re-launched Tom’s on Westbourne Grove in 2014 and then shortly after appointed as Head Chef at Casa Cruz, Notting Hill. In this episode we discuss what it takes to become a chef, managing a team, being accountable, millennials relationship with food, the process of opening your own restaurant, building a brand and why Thomas loves spoons and onions. Links Mentioned: Acre Instagram Acre Website Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Emma Gregson is Managing Director of ITB Worldwide, an entertainment marketing, partnerships and talent agency. Emma and her team have been involved in some of the biggest talent partnerships including Justin Bieber with #MyCalvins, Natalie Portman with Dior and Javier Bardem with Chivas Regal. ITB delivers strategic and creatively-led projects rooted in fashion, design, music, sport and entertainment for brands and individuals alike. Since its inception, ITB has remained at the forefront of culturally defining moments, acting a strategic conduit between brands and influential talent by offering holistic 360º services to global rights holders, agencies and non-profits from our headquarters in London, New York and Los Angeles. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of talent and influence, how brands are cutting through the noise, influence vs. advertisement and finding creative gold. Links Mentioned: ITB Worldwide website ITB Worldwide Instagram Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Jason Briscoe is a designer and Founder of The Workshop, a creative agency based out of Toronto working with global brands helping them find the vision and courage to take on the world. Jason helps non-profits through a workshop series called Impactor to accelerate positive change and he is also a professional bagpiper and supports next-generation talent get to the top of their game. Jason has also helped launch several startups including Yoyo Wallet, B4E Vault, Area, The Give, The Vision Mission and unreel.fm. In this episode we discuss the importance of design, how travel inspires creativity, why it’s important to construct your life in a meaningful way, finding your passion and why giving back is important. Links Mentioned: Jason's website Impactor The Workshop Follow SEEMO: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Isabel Farchy is the founder of Creative Mentor Network, a charity supporting diversity and inclusion in the creative industries. CMN works directly with schools across London to connect talented young people from diverse backgrounds, with those working in the creative industries and has partnered with 40+ creative businesses including Havas, Ustwo, Pulse Films and M&C Saatchi. Isabel  began in education as a Teach First teacher at one of London’s top performing ARK Academies. As Head of Creative Learning, she implemented a number of programmes – including Jamie’s Farm and First Story – to increase opportunities. After 4 years in the classroom, Isabel worked as an educational consultant, training student teachers for Teach For Lebanon in Beirut, and developing diversity programmes at Bootstrap and Livity, amongst others. Links Mentioned: Creative Mentor Network Follow Us: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Show Notes: Jonas is an experienced design strategist and entrepreneur. As Managing Partner at Social Fabric, an award-winning marketing consultancy, he helps organisations launch new ventures and adopt remarkable ways of communicating. With over 20 years of working within the creative sector, Jonas has partnered with clients including Sony Music, BBC, Tate Modern and Google. Jonas launched the first accelerator programme in London dedicated exclusively to the lifestyle industries and has enabled countless early stage businesses to secure investment and grow. He is a startup advisor, conference speaker and regular contributor to The Huffington Post and The Guardian. In this episode we discuss the 4 hour work-day, rhythms of working, productivity and creativity. Links Mentioned: Jonas Altman website Social Fabric website Follow Us: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Episode Summary Ben Tavassoli is an actor and musician. He has had lead roles in BBC and Netflix series ‘New Blood’ and most recently in feature film ‘An Acceptable Loss’ starring alongside Jamie Lee Curtis. He has also had roles in ‘Overlord’ (Paramount) No Offence (Channel 4) Silent Witness (BBC One) Tyrant (Fox) and Five By Five (BBC Three). Ben didn’t follow the most most conventional route into acting - he was at Leeds University and then joined Central School of Speech and Drama. In this episode we discuss the process of becoming an Actor, the highs and lows, and how to keep going when the going gets tough. Follow Us: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Welcome to the SEEMO podcast! Join our host Alex Semenzato on this weekly podcast that aims to help you see more. Our mission is to seek out extraordinary people, have intriguing conversations and explore what we can learn about creativity, productivity, workflow, mental health, different points of view, side-hustles, self-improvement, grit, screwing up, cleaning up, laughing, thinking, loving and everything else that matters!