In this episode we talk to Jon Fowler, whose first established career was as PA to Andrew Ridgeley, one half of Wham!, the band who conquered the world in the 80s. Having made up one half of the band's entourage before ending on a high with a Final concert at Wembley Stadium, he turned the relationship professional and worked closely with Andrew for the next few years.

Using the observations he made whilst following Wham! around the world, he then moved into tour management before landing a job in promotions at Sony Music Entertainment, ending up as director of international marketing. After that he returned to talent management, and diversified to include both TV and print as well as music (albeit to a lesser degree as time passed). He also developed a deep closeness with the other half of Wham!, George Michael.

Continuing to have a hand in the management of a select roster of talent, he also offers mentorship to individuals who are looking to make a move into, or within, the creative sector.

And he would love another hit single.

Connect with Jon

https://www.instagram.com/jonnyboyfowler13?stkn=MWY4YTJzcHU2Mm44ag==

https://www.jfmediamentor.com/

References (discussed)

Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped: Watch on BBC iPlayer HERE

Riding the Showbiz Wave: Listen on Spotify HERE

CONNECT WITH KABIR

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kabirmalik/

https://www.kabbage.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/kabbagemix/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 15 we talk to Ben Taylor, who entered the workforce whilst still at secondary school. Treading the boards in the West End with the Royal Shakespeare Company as a child actor, he mingled amongst adults, and learnt the craft that would take him to places he could have only imagined before. Upon leaving school Ben was whisked from cleaning toilets one Friday, to sharing the studio, and screen, with co-leading actor, none other than Bette Davis, on a Disney film. From which point he acted in many productions across the UK, and even as far afield as India, alongside some of the biggest names in film and TV.

Turning his hand to the other side of the camera, both producing, and directing, documentaries, he eventually moved full-time into running his own events company, House of Honey, as founder/artistic director.

As he questioned the fame and fortune that acting had blessed him with, his quest for life's meaning led him to explore various paths of spirituality, and philosophy, and he explains his overwhelming and compelling obligation to bring meaning, community and especially love, to as many people as possible, having benefited himself from being raised in an unconditionally loving and multicultural family.

He is now also studying psychotherapy.

CONNECT WITH BEN

https://www.instagram.com/givehouseofhoney/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/houseofhoney.org/

CONNECT WITH KABIR

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kabirmalik/

https://www.kabbage.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/kabbagemix/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we're joined by Rafaela Perera, an executive creative director working across brands, in particular television networks.

Starting out her career in creative at an independent, boutique advertising agency in Australia, Raf took time-out in the Canary Islands (where her parents emigrated to Australia from) having experienced burn-out for the first time. We hear how she 'relaxed' during that period by starting a nail-painting business before becoming a ramp agent for an airline. Upon her return to Melbourne, within five months a friend suggested she tried spending time in London, from where the second phase of Raf's career, and identity, took shape.

The third phase began when she and her family moved permanently to the Canary Islands, upon which Raf decided to try her hand at being an artist specialising in ceramics, and she has her first exhibition scheduled for late 2026.

Raf's story is both inspiring, and thought-provoking, with her undeniable creativity, tenacity and humility shining through.

** TRIGGER WARNING: This show contains discussion around mental health **

CONNECT WITH RAF

https://www.instagram.com/rafaelapererastudio/

https://www.rafaelaperera.com/

CONNECT WITH KABIR

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kabirmalik/

https://www.kabbage.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/kabbagemix/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.