untalented

Trevor Robinson, founder and Executive Creative Director of QuietStorm, joins the Untalented Summer Series to talk about what drove him to build one of the UK's most original creative agencies. Trevor shares why creative ownership matters, how resilience shaped his career, and how hard it is to recognise greatness.

A true highlight from Cannes: sitting down with the one and only Sir John Hegarty - founder of BBH. Decades of experience, distilled into one conversation that's packed into just 5 minutes. 

Max Ottignon, Co-Founder of Ragged Edge, shares expert insights into branding in the age of AI, exploring how to harness artificial intelligence effectively and why human creativity remains at the heart of great brand strategy.

Luke shares his journey into publishing. The full scoop into the shift from traditional mass media to today's digital-analogue landscape and what it means for the future of publishing.

The dynamic duo behind brand consultancy, Benji Wiedemann and Alex Lampe, share their 18-year journey through design, technology, and strategy. A deep dive into what's shaped their approach and how they connect brands with culture and community.

James Kirkham breaks down the power that is culture, why it's essential in modern marketing and what it takes to stand out.

Amazon's Head of Marketing, Lucrece Sicat Loeb, joins us to unpack the ins and outs of the creator economy. This episode explores influencer marketing myths and reveals why authenticity and community are key to success.

Liam Parkinson, Co-Founder and CGO at Inflverse, dives into the world of influencer marketing and talent management, sharing key strategies creators need to succeed and what drives lasting success.

Co-founder of Supernova, Tom Sneddon, gets chatting about what real success looks like today. Tom is all about the social-first mindset, and sometimes this level of creativity isn't about luck.

Known for his subversive innovation, Stephen Mai is a culture-first marketing genius. This is a deep dive into how to build brands that break rules and truly resonate.

Listen to the founder of edition+partners, Tom Garland, dive into the world of brand strategy, exploring the challenges of revitalising legacy brands and the rise of standout names like On Running and Lacoste.

Adam Field, ex-Head of Marketing at Reiss and former strategist across social platforms and sports fandoms, joins us to talk about what actually builds brand loyalty in 2025. This conversation pulls back the curtain on modern marketing with substance. 

William and Chris, the creative minds behind Studio Drama, join us to talk about designing brands that actually stick. Known for their expressive work in brand identity, art direction, and type design, the duo shares how they bring personality to every project

Director Ben Doyle joins us for a sharp, culture-forward conversation on what it really means to create in a world that moves at the speed of the scroll.

Viv Greywoode gets into his journey into his career in design. Now, as Head of Design of Stink Studios, the creative superstar unpacks favourite projects, integrations of AI, and how to keep on top of the game. 

Creative superstar, Wayne Deakin, discusses the evolution of his leadership style. A brutally honest conversation on bold branding today and keeping commercially relevant while staying true to creative principles.

We're at SXSW London?! Welcome to our new Summer Series, we're partnering with Canva to bring you a fresh batch of industry insights from the people killing it in the game right now. Our micropodcast format means that you'll only get ten minutes of the juiciest conversations around South by South West London. We're kicking things off with a word from Tom, the Creative Director of Canva Europe, with Untalented host and founder of Untalented Ollie Scott. 

In this episode of Untalented, Jaime Robinson, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Joan Creative walks us through her remarkable journey from TGI Fridays to top agencies like Chiat/Day and Goodby Silverstein, and ultimately to launching Joan in 2015. Jaime shares what drove her to build an agency that creates smarter, more resonant work, especially for women, and the milestones that have defined Joan's rise: from the iconic Netflix “Rules for the Modern Woman” campaign to expanding across New York, London, and Berlin. We get into leadership, storytelling, tight deadlines, and the creative resilience required to thrive in modern advertising. Jaime also talks about the role of AI, competing with networks, and why the industry needs to stop playing it safe and start acting like it believes in itself again.

The brains behind creative company, Small World - Dan and Sadia - join Untalented to talk all things entertainment-first content.  We talk about why the old ad model is breaking and how entertainment-first thinking is becoming the blueprint for capturing modern attention. Dan and Sadia open up about what it really means to make work that audiences want to spend time with, not just tolerate. From building narratives that feel more like shows than spots, to partnering with platforms and creators from the ground up, Small World is proving that brands can act more like cultural studios and still drive impact. It's a conversation about attention, experimentation, and why the most resonant work starts with a real point of view.

Welcome to Season 2 of Untalented. In this episode, we're joined by Laura Petruccelli Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of nice&frank. She's a creative leader, straight-talker, and breaker of old agency habits. From launching FrankShop to leading by planting seeds, Laura shares what it means to grow a culture where people feel empowered, not overpowered. We get into the challenges of leading as a woman, the importance of forming your own point of view, and why the best creative work doesn't come from harmony, it comes from people who care enough to clash, challenge, and create something better. Check out nice& frank's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@niceandfrank/featured

After 70 episodes, hundreds of insights, and nearly half a million monthly listeners… it's time. Untalented Series 1 is officially wrapped. In this finale, founder Ollie Scott joins our Managing Partner Woody Woodcock to take a walk down memory lane. Looking back on the wild ride, the pair share our 10 biggest takeaways from three years of conversations with the most interesting creative leaders around the world.

In this episode of Untalented, we sit down with Diego Zaks, VP of Design at Ramp, to break down the myths of corporate innovation. Why do most companies claim to embrace failure but actually punish it? How can speed, iteration, and a true commitment to learning lead to better design and smarter product decisions?

In this episode of Untalented, we sit down with Omid Amidi, the Chief Creative Officer of McKinney, to talk about his unconventional journey from a mutual funds assistant to an award-winning creative powerhouse. From launching his career with a YoungGuns win to shaping iconic campaigns like Share a Coke, Omid shares insights on what it takes to cut through industry white noise, why relatability is overrated, and how creativity should challenge rather than conform.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Arif Mansuri. Arif has worked at the most reputable businesses on the planet, the likes of JPMorgan, Metalab, Huge and so on. He has held pivotal roles at leading companies, contributing significantly to advancements in technology and innovation. Join us as we delve into Arif's journey, exploring his experiences, challenges, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Tune in for valuable insights on career growth, strategic thinking, and leadership in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Arif Mans, a Strategy and Growth Advisor at Huge, to dive deep into his journey and insights on strategy, growth, and leadership across industries. From his time at JPMorgan to shaping the future at Huge, Arif shares his valuable experiences on navigating corporate strategies and what it takes to lead in a creative agency. Tune in for valuable insights on career growth, strategic thinking, and leadership in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented Podcast. Today we are joined by Caroline johnson Co-Founder of The Business Model Company. In this episode, Caroline Johnson discusses key topics shaping the creative industry: - The issue with the "all-you-can-eat buffet" model and its impact on agency differentiation. - Shifting from a service-driven culture to one focused on value and outcomes. - The importance of combining creativity with commercial thinking for long-term success. - Rethinking pricing models, client engagement, and new revenue strategies. - Leadership commitment and how it drives successful business transformations. - Practical advice on embracing change and adding real value for clients. Tune in for actionable insights on how creativity can lead to growth and innovation.

Welcome Back to another episode of the Untalented Podcast. This episode we are joined by After Hours, a design studio launched by the wonderful Jasmine Gallagher and Shy Trutwein. We discuss how it all works, the positive impact it has on creative, the non negotiables to making it successful, and how it's the best thing for their clients.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented Podcast. In this episode we talk to Global CCO of BBH, Alex Grieve.  Alex is one of the most awarded creatives and creative leaders in the world. He's won everything from Black Pencils to Cannes Grand Prixs. But also built and facilitated environments for some of the most talented creatives to prosper and make their best work.  This episode is filled with buckets of wisdom and fascinating insight. Insights into what's it's like running successful departments and where creatives may/could go wrong when taking the step up to leadership level.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented Podcast. Today is a Boys only podcast, Ollie and Sean the two usual hosts dive into some interesting topics. Sean and Ollie talk about the 10 insights Ollie has picked up from his anonymous group called Good CEOs.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented Podcast! Today, we're joined by Sophie Lewis, a brand strategy expert with a track record of driving business growth through the power of brand insight. Sophie excels at helping brands understand their role in culture and creating clear, jargon-free strategies that resonate with both teams and audiences. From simplifying complex business challenges to crafting briefs that inspire, Sophie's work with top brands like Starbucks, American Express, and Heinz Beanz has led to impactful, measurable results. Tune in as we dive into her approach to creating brand strategies that truly make a difference.

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating journey of Rachel West, Executive Director at Buck. From her beginnings as a studio manager to her rise through the creative ranks, Rachel shares insights on navigating career shifts, building confidence, and leading with empathy. We explore the importance of self-belief, the non-linear path of creative careers, and the power of determination in overcoming challenges. Rachel reflects on her unique experiences, including multiple sabbaticals, transitioning between roles at major agencies, and the lessons learned along the way. She also discusses the intricacies of managing global teams and how deeply personal experiences, like her family's background in therapy, have shaped her leadership style. We touch on her thoughts on the evolving landscape of creative industries, the role of trust in client relationships, and why listening and understanding people on a human level is key to success. Rachel also shares her perspectives on burnout, balancing work-life dynamics, and the significance of finding value beyond just work. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with humor, humility, and valuable takeaways for anyone looking to make an impact in the creative world.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented podcast Today we are joined by nothing short of a genius being Brian Collins Co- founder of Collins. we discuss Brian's diverse journey into becoming one of the best in the game. sharing a bunch of laughs, definitely one of our most intriguing guests but overall a pleasure to speak with.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented podcast, today we are joined by co-founder and CEO of Working Not Working. We talk about the future of the company and Justin's experiences as an award winning creative director.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented podcast. In today's episode, Sam is joined by CCO of Weber Shandwick, Yan Elliott. A fantastic episode, full of wisdom, laughs and tears.  They cover a bunch of topics: - What Mother was like at 12 people.  - Yan's favourite work.  - Secrets to a happy creative partnership. - Why it's hard to sell, and what made Robert Saville so good.  - What it's like stepping up from CD to ECD. - How to create an environment where creatives can thrive. - How they made the first-ever blind pregnancy test.   - Life at Weber Shandwick and the importance of an aligned leadership team. - Advice for younger creatives, and what he looks for in junior creative portfolios

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented podcast. Today we are joined by code & theory Extraordinaires Craig Elimeliah and Stacy Tarver-Patterson  In todays episode Ollie's travelled to New York to get insights on why code & theory is so important and how it differs to generic agencies, Ollie thoroughly enjoyed the chin wag with these two characters and we hope you do too.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented podcast. Today we are joined by new author, public speaker and the helping hand to those who experience toxic upbringings with family members.  We had a great chat. Josh is not just a guest to ollie he's also as stated “in his top 10 best friends” and that's pushing it… 

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented Podcast. Today Molly is joined by the partner and CCO at T&PM. We hope you enjoy listening to the insights of what it was like to embark on Toby's journey all the way up to such a crucial role in the creative industry.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented podcast. In todays episode ollie is joined by creative strategist, film director and image maker Omar Karim. With hands-on experience from top tech companies and innovative projects, Omar brings invaluable insights into how AI is transforming industries and shaping the future. Tune in for engaging discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice on harnessing AI's power to drive success in your career and business. 

David Johnston joins Woody on the most recent episode of The Untalented Podcast.  David is the founder and CEO of Accept & Proceed, who's work encompasses strategy, brand identity, experiences and content.  They cover a bunch of topics: - How to design for the future - How it feels to be talented  - David's early creative life - What it means to be a human - The authentic truth of business - And much much more.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented Podcast. In todays episode Ollie has had the pleasure of talking to Polly McMorrow, CEO of McCann London.  Polly has achieved too much to mention.  We could tell you about how she ran some of the biggest accounts at BBH and transformed a department over the course of 14 years.  Or we could tell you about how she once boarded a plane to sell a client some work.  But, this is untalented, and we wanted to really get to know what made Polly, Polly.  And how is she going to approach running one of the most prestigious brands in advertising.  Tune in to hear how Polly hovers her infectious authenticity over everything she does.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented Podcast. Today we are joined by a duo Andrew Long and James Millers. These two are Executive Creative Directors @ Leo Burnett They have been there for the past 7 years climbing the ranks, and most recently promoted into Executive Creative Directors. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented podcast. Today we are joined by the Global ECD of Landor Chris Moody. a quick introduction into Chris: Prior to joining Landor, I lead the brand practice at McKinsey & Company and was Chief Design Officer and Global Principal at Wolff Olins. I believe brands must serve businesses better, delivering on both commercial and sustainability goals.  Modern organisations need a clear and meaningful brand purpose to drive a distinctive portfolio of offers, which should be brought to life as a digitally-native presence. I look to bring together design, strategy and new technology to help create organisations that are more exciting, relevant and useful for people.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented podcast, today we are joined by CEO and co-founder of the branding agency Koto. Prior to founding Koto, James has 20+ years of experience working at some of London's leading studios. working with some of the biggest named brands including:  Airbnb, Discord, Google and more. Anyone who has worked with James would refer to him as a natural leader and innovator in the creative direction space, but also just an overall great guy, we hope you enjoy this podcast as much as Ollie enjoyed hosting it. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented Podcast. Today we are joined with Melissa Eshaghbeigi. Melissa Eshaghbeigi is a Creative Strategist and Cultural Researcher with a knack for forecasting trends.  After recently relocating from Toronto to London, Melissa sits down with Megs and Ellie to chat about what it is to be an Ethnographic Researcher and why she sometimes doesn't fit into the traditional ad agency structure. The girls discuss what an insight really means, the weird and wonderful pockets of the internet you can find them and the rise of independent strategists going against the grain of old school advertising.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented Podcast. in todays episode we are joined by Lorenzo Fruzza, The chief design officer at Havas London. We dive deep into Lorenzo's journey up till now and what steps he took to become a Chief design officer, alongside what that role actually is?  Great return for woody on this one, picking Lorenzo's brain on conceptual design and the role agencies should play to build memorable brands. 

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented Podcast. In todays fascinating episode we are joined by Alex smith author of the world renowned "No Bullsh*t Strategy book" It sweeps away all the garbled corporate nonsense and dry academic theorising to leave you with pure strategic sauce, which can be actioned right away. It'll make you see your business in a totally new light, and effortlessly unlock insights you didn't know you had in you.  Ollie lowkey fanboy'd Alex in this one and really dove deep into his strategic insights leaving out any jargen, just picking his brains on the topics of the book and strategy as a whole 

Welcome back to another episode of the untalented podcast. We take a deep dive into the influence of exceptional mentors and the intricacies of strategic business planning in this insightful podcast discussion. Our guest, Sam Hornsby @TRPTK, shares heartfelt anecdotes about the pivotal role his history teacher, Mr. Houston, played in shaping his academic journey and fostering his potential, including guidance for Oxford. We explore the evolving landscape of creative services and strategic consultancy, delving into the intersection of branding, design, communications, and production. From understanding cultural nuances to long-term brand value creation, Sam sheds light on the holistic approach required for enduring business success. Additionally, he reflects on his experiences working on projects like Disney's Shanghai Disney Resort, showcasing the meticulous considerations involved in tailoring amusement attractions to Chinese consumer preferences.

Welcome back to another episode of the Untalented podcast with our special guest, Asad Shaykh, Head of Strategy at Grey London. In this conversation, we dive deep into the power of strategy, what brand truly means, and being in the business of people. Asad shares personal insights, emphasising the importance of continuous dialogue and exploration, childhood fascination with technology and navigating the world of pitching.

Stink Studios Head of Design, Viv Greywoode is the latest guest on Untalented by UNKNOWN. Viv talks about his experience navigating through the industry, stepping into the likes of AKQA, Head, TBWA/MAL and so on. From changing careers, to chatting about who inspires him every day. Viv and Sean touch on topics around diversity, leadership and guidance to designers and creatives trying to break into the industry.

In this episode of the Untalented podcast, our hosts dive into a lively discussion with Will Poskett, an award-winning strategist known for his wisdom and wit. They kick off with a fun icebreaker game of "This or That" before delving into Will's journey in the industry and his insights on strategy, creativity, and the future of advertising. Join the conversation as they explore topics like talent nurturing, diversity in the industry, defining strategy, and the impact of Define In on brands. Discussion Highlights: - Icebreaker Game: This or That - Will's Background and Influential Figures - What is Strategy? - Challenges in the Advertising Industry - Importance of Diversity and Inclusivity - Initiatives to Attract Young Talent to Strategy - Founding of Define In and Its Mission - Impactful Strategies for Brands Join us for an insightful and engaging conversation that sheds light on the ever-evolving landscape of advertising and strategy!

Welcome to Episode 42 of the Untalented Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating journey of Toby Southgate, from his roots in investment banking to his current position as a marketing mastermind. Join us as Toby shares invaluable insights into the power of creativity and the transformative potential of collaboration in the world of marketing.  In this episode, Toby Southgate opens up about his career trajectory, offering firsthand accounts of his transition from the structured world of investment banking to the dynamic realm of marketing. Through personal reflections, Toby illustrates how his diverse experiences have shaped his approach to problem-solving and innovation in the industry.  listen to how Toby leverages the power of creativity to unlock new    possibilities for brands, and learn firsthand the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful results. From building strong partnerships to fostering a culture of innovation, Toby shares practical strategies for harnessing the collective genius of teams to achieve marketing excellence.