In this insightful episode of Just Curious…, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by communications industry veteran David Gallagher for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation. With over 30 years of global agency experience, including senior leadership roles at Ketchum and Omnicom, David brings a wealth of perspective on the evolution of PR, the challenges facing the industry today, and the opportunities ahead.

David discusses his shift from large agency life to co-founding Folgate Advisors, a flexible, independent consultancy model built to meet the changing needs of clients and the communications landscape. He also introduces The Advisory Club, a global WhatsApp community of over 1,000 senior comms professionals, which serves as a living forum for collective intelligence, shared learning, and candid discussion.

Together, we explore the tensions between centralised and decentralised models, the impact of geopolitical instability, the rise of AI, and the shifting expectations of clients. David reflects on the need for PR to define its higher purpose, address its confidence crisis, and improve its own reputation.

A highlight of the conversation is David’s optimism about the next generation of practitioners - those entering the field with fresh ideas, ethical instincts, and a digital-first mindset. The episode closes with a reaffirmation of the power of community, flexibility, and relevance in building future-ready agency models.

Whether you’re an agency founder, in-house comms leader, or curious about the future of PR, this episode offers thoughtful commentary, practical insight, and a healthy dose of realism from one of the industry's most respected voices.

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In this inspiring episode of Just Curious…, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by TV chef, author and co-founder of HelloFresh, Patrick Drake.Patrick’s entrepreneurial journey has taken him from scrubbing cars on a council estate to revolutionising global food and wellness habits, and he shares how his early drive for independence shaped his approach to business.

From launching HelloFresh in a London living room to building his latest venture, Autonomy, a disruptive wellness brand born out of his passion for morning rituals and functional food, Patrick reflects on his personal approach to brand building. He talks about creating a brand-new category with HelloFresh, from carrot-costume street marketing to scaling a billion-meal-a-year global business. And he opens up about how he leveraged his personal brand and media presence to drive awareness, and why founder-led storytelling remains a crucial differentiator.

We also explore the motivation behind Autonomy – a health-forward coffee and matcha creamer line powered by adaptogenic mushrooms – and how a homemade “Patrick coffee” evolved into a product now stocked in Goop HQ and endorsed by Gwyneth Paltrow herself. Patrick talks candidly about his use of vision boards, the power of manifestation combined with action, and the importance of building trust through integrity.

From juggling breathwork and fatherhood to sharing values of authenticity, resilience, and human connection, this episode is full of energy, insights, and optimism.

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In this episode of Just Curious…, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by Effie Kanyua, a leading figure in UK PR and media, and the first black female comms leader at a major publishing house. Effie reflects on her 25-year career, from her early days at the BBC to senior roles in top agencies and in-house at Bauer and Hearst UK. She shares insights on navigating cross-market campaigns, the evolution of the media industry, and the increasing role of AI in communications.

Effie discusses founding her agency, We Are Warriors, and launching Lila Assistant, an AI platform built with ethics, privacy and inclusion at its core. She explores the potential and pitfalls of AI in media and comms, particularly the need for greater diversity in its development and use. The conversation also delves into the responsibility of the luxury sector in driving sustainable change, and the ongoing challenges in improving diversity and inclusion within the PR industry.

As the UK Chair of the G100 Media, Arts and Communication wing, a global think tank driving gender parity, Effie outlines her vision for impactful change through collective leadership. We also discuss the importance of allyship, accountability in DEI efforts, and the power of female collaboration on a global scale.

Effie’s story is one of purpose, resilience, and innovation; from creating platforms for underrepresented voices to championing ethical tech. Whether you’re in PR, media, tech or advocacy, this episode is full of inspiration and practical insight for changemakers across sectors.

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In this engaging and wide-ranging episode of “Just Curious…”, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by Zoe Melarkey, Head of Communications at Ocado Retail, to explore the evolving world of consumer brand PR. With over 25 years of experience in both agency and in-house roles, Zoe reflects on her dynamic career working with major UK brands including Purplebricks, npower, MFI, and Ocado. From nostalgic tales of early internet days at Berkeley Communications, to leading multi-channel campaigns and navigating crises, Zoe shares honest insights and lessons from her journey.

Zoe reveals behind-the-scenes stories, including working with Nigella Lawson, a clever PR stunt with the boy band Blue, and the realities of handling a high-profile crisis in today’s post-truth world. And she discusses the importance of authenticity, the shift towards unpolished, real-time content, and how to balance corporate and creative priorities, particularly when it comes to working with influencers and agency partners.

The episode also touches on the challenges of measuring PR impact, the growing role of AI in communications work, and how to rebuild trust and reputation in times of crisis. Zoe shares candid reflections on balancing senior leadership with family life, the myth of “having it all,” and why being open, honest, and human is key to building brand loyalty.

Packed with real-life examples, thoughtful perspectives, and practical advice, this episode offers a rich insight into the realities of modern PR, from campaign ideation to crisis management and everything in between.

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In this episode of Just Curious…, George Blizzard and Nicky Regazzoni sit down with Andrew Bloch, one of the most influential figures in the PR and marketing industry. Co-founder of the iconic Frank PR and now a consultant, non-exec, and M&A adviser, Andrew shares insights from his 30-year career, spanning agency life, brand building, talent management, and high-profile client representation, including his long-standing role as Lord Sugar’s spokesperson.

Andrew reflects on his early beginnings at Lynne Franks, the founding philosophy behind Frank PR, and the evolution of ‘talkability’ as a core campaign strategy. He discusses the dynamics of agency partnerships, what makes a pitch successful, and the importance of chemistry and trust in client-agency relationships. As a consultant at AAR and partner at PCB Partners, he also unpacks the intricacies of M&A in the creative industries, including what buyers are looking for and how founders can best prepare for a sale.

The conversation explores how the agency landscape is shifting in 2025, with thoughts on the rise of independents, network consolidation, hybrid working, and the role of hustle in driving agency success. George and Nicky reflect on their own agency journey and the enduring value of media relationships, authentic storytelling, and maintaining a differentiated proposition.

Full of practical advice, industry anecdotes, and honest reflections, this episode is a must-listen for anyone working in PR, marketing, or creative leadership. Andrew’s candour and clarity offer an invaluable perspective on how to grow, sustain, and future-proof an agency.

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In this episode of Just Curious, hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard sit down with Sarah Waddington CBE, a powerhouse in the PR and communications industry. A seasoned leader, activist, and interim CEO of the PRCA, Sarah shares her journey from agency founder to industry advocate. She opens up about her leadership evolution, the importance of professional development, and the systemic issues affecting PR, particularly the gender imbalance highlighted in the CIPR’s “Missing Women” study, which she developed with husband Stephen Waddington through their consultancy, Wadds,Inc.

Sarah also discusses Socially Mobile, the initiative she co-founded with Stephen to improve socio-economic diversity in PR, and how it's creating a new generation of diverse leaders. She delves into the challenges of hybrid work, inclusivity, and the role of social media in shaping reputations, both as a tool for opportunity and a source of controversy.

As the interim CEO of the PRCA, Sarah outlines her vision for industry advocacy, pushing PR professionals to be seen as strategic business partners as opposed to PR being an afterthought in marketing. She talks candidly about procurement challenges, reputation management, and how organisations must address real issues rather than applying PR as a quick fix.

With her characteristic passion, Sarah champions change, diversity, and better industry standards. This is an insightful conversation about leadership, resilience, and the future of PR, one that any communications professional won’t want to miss.

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In this episode, George and Nicky are joined by one of the UK’s most respected broadcast journalists, BBC TV presenter Sally Bundock. This insightful conversation explores the evolving media landscape, the growing impact of AI, and the importance of flexibility in the modern workplace. With nearly 30 years of experience in journalism, Sally shares her journey from reel-to-reel tape recorders and phone boxes to the fast-paced, tech-driven newsroom of today.

She opens up about the rise of misinformation and disinformation, revealing her own experience being deepfaked in a viral scam video, and discusses the crucial role of BBC Verify in maintaining trust and credibility in journalism. Sally also reflects on the challenges of maintaining impartiality in reporting, particularly during divisive stories like the Israel-Hamas conflict, and highlights the importance of giving space to multiple perspectives.

The conversation delves into workplace trends post-pandemic, with Sally championing hybrid working and work-life balance. She shares personal stories of how her unique schedule allowed her to be present for her children, especially during difficult times, and emphasises the value of making career choices that prioritise stability and wellbeing.

Listeners also gain practical insight into how communications professionals can successfully pitch stories to journalists and build relationships with media teams. With honesty, humour, and professionalism, Sally reflects on what makes a great interviewee, her admiration for sleep as a superpower, and the realities of navigating today’s 24/7 news cycle.

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In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Dwain Chambers, one of Britain’s most well-known athletes, to hear his extraordinary story of redemption, resilience, and accountability. From his meteoric rise as the fastest British man and a world championship medallist to his dramatic fall from grace following a doping scandal, Dwain opens up about the pressures of elite sport, the influence of those around him, and the life-altering decisions that shaped his journey.

He candidly shares his mental struggles, the overwhelming media scrutiny, and how he found himself isolated, lost, and uncertain of his future. But rather than letting failure define him, Dwain took ownership of his mistakes and worked tirelessly to rebuild his life, both personally and professionally. He reflects on the lessons learned, the importance of accountability, and the role of key people in helping him turn things around.

Now, through Chambers for Sport, he is using his experiences to educate young athletes about the risks of making the wrong choices and how to navigate pressure in the sporting world.

This episode is not just about sport; it's a compelling story of overcoming adversity, rebuilding a reputation, and learning that success and failure go hand in hand. Whether you’re in sport, business, or life, Dwain’s insights offer a powerful reminder that mistakes don’t have to define you - if you take control of your narrative.

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