I Shouldn't Say This, But...
324 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratingsThink of all the things you wouldn’t expect a Managing Director to say. This podcast is all about sharing those thoughts. Katy Leeson is the Managing Director of Social Chain, one of the fastest growing social media marketing agencies in the world. This podcast is an honest and frank dive into working life, but also highlights the importance of life outside of work. With an array of guests that are exceptionally open about their experiences and a feature from a fantastic therapist to help unpack all the important points, ‘I Shouldn’t Say This, But…’ is one of the most honest podcasts out there.
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Episodes
S5 Ep15: Katy Leeson is Leaving the Building
March 30, 2022 23:00 - 20 minutesI Shouldn’t Say This, But … this podcast has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. And this episode is going to be my last. At least for a while. When I started the podcast 4 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the journey it would take me on, the conversations it would generate or the relationships it would help me foster. Steven Bartlett had tasked me with creating a brand for myself, and I was determined to give it purpose beyond simply being a KPI. As I sat down to record t...
S5 Ep14: We are all influencers: Natalie Wills
March 24, 2022 00:00 - 44 minutesNatalie Wills is the Global Director of Marketing at Zalando and a fellow advocate for the power of social media for good. In this episode, we discuss: - The importance of authenticity online - Why we are all influencers - What we can learn from the way young people use social media - The importance of leading with your values - Zalando’s approach of casting diversity of influencer talent and talent whose values resonate with their own - The way social media is driving transparency...
S5 Ep13: Entrepreneurship, community and the joy of work: Matt Clements and Giles Harrison
March 10, 2022 00:00 - 42 minutesMatt and Giles founded Sculpd alongside their business partner Guy Vero at the peak of Lockdown, and have since sold over 100,000 at-home pottery kits. Beyond that, they’ve built partnerships with some of the most influential brands in the UK, including Bloom & Wild, Missoma and Papier. In this episode, we discuss: - The challenges that come with building a business in Lockdown - The role of social media in the formation of the Sculpd community - The importance of finding joy in your ...
S5 Ep12: Creating Change & Communities with Social Media: Daisy Morris
February 24, 2022 00:00 - 47 minutesDaisy is the person behind The Selfhood - who makes digital interactions feel more human and puts connectivity at the heart of content strategies for brands and their audiences. She birthed The Selfhood after noticing a huge gap in the market for business owners and creatives to understand social media and digital marketing in a fun, human and relatable way after spending years in the jargon filled world of ad agencies. In this episode we discuss: -The role of social media in creating cha...
S5 Ep11: Social media's role in the mental health fight: James Routledge
February 17, 2022 00:00 - 42 minutesJames Routledge co-founded Sanctus - a purpose-driven organisation that supports employee mental health through proactive and preventative one-to-one coaching in the workplace. He is also the author behind ‘Mental Health at Work’ - a book filled with stories, learnings and guidance for anyone on their mental health in the workplace journey. In this episode, we discuss: * The culture of permission arising around mental health * Social media as a force for good in the mental health fight...
S5 Ep10: The Anxiety Coach: Chloe Brotheridge
February 10, 2022 00:00 - 34 minutesChloe Brotheridge is an Anxiety Hypnotherapist, Coach, Podcast Host and Author who is dedicated to helping women free themselves from anxiety. In this episode, we discuss: - The importance of distinguishing your dream from the one’s being pushed by other people - Tips for a more purposeful and positive social media experience - How we can combat our inner critics Chloe: https://www.instagram.com/chloebrotheridge/?hl=en https://twitter.com/CBrotheridge?s=20 https://calmer-you.com/fre...
S5 Ep9: Social Media & Activism: Gina Martin
February 03, 2022 00:00 - 50 minutesGina is an activist, author and artist who uses her platforms to encourage real-world change. In this episode, we discuss: - The uncomfortable reality of activism - The intersection of social media and activism - The importance of setting work/life boundaries - The changes social media companies need to start making - Young people’s relationship with social media Gina: https://www.instagram.com/ginamartin/?hl=en https://twitter.com/ginamartinuk?s=20 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v...
S5 Ep8: Social Media for Good: Jay Flynn
January 20, 2022 00:00 - 30 minutesJay Flynn founded the Virtual Pub Quiz back at the start of the pandemic, and is living proof of the power of social media to be used for good. In this episode, we discuss: - Jay’s incredible journey from pub landlord to household name (and the social media mistake that started it all) - The challenges that have arisen as a result of digital stardom - The impact of the Virtual Pub Quiz on Jay’s life - The positive potential of social media Jay: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLcSqjJ...
S5 Ep7: Do I Have Productivity Dysmorphia? Anna Codrea-Rado
January 13, 2022 00:00 - 44 minutesAnna Codrea-Rado is a journalist, author and podcaster whose article ‘Do I have Productivity Dysmorphia?’ has changed they way both I and so many others view our achievements. In this episode, we discuss: * The impact social media is having on our view of success * The importance of finding joy in our free time * The productivity dysmorphia trap And so, so much more. Anna: https://www.instagram.com/annacod/?hl=en https://twitter.com/annacod?s=20 https://www.linkedin.com/in/annacod...
S5 Ep6: Social Media and Personal Branding: Ash Jones
January 06, 2022 00:00 - 47 minutesAsh is the Founder of personal branding agency Great Influence, and part of Social Chain’s founding team. The man behind the personal brands of the likes of Steven Bartlett and Julian Hearn, his experience and knowledge of social media as a tool for good is second to none. In this episode, we discuss: - The value in personal branding - The social media shift we’ve seen over the past decade - The life shift that comes with taking on a leadership role Ash: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a...
S5 Ep5: Comparison Culture: Lucy Sheridan
December 10, 2021 10:00 - 48 minutesLucy Sheridan is the world’s first and only comparison coach, using her work and the online community she has built to to empower others into live comparison free lives. In this episode, we discuss: - The role social media plays in fuelling comparison culture - The importance of getting to know your values - Defining your own success - Why leaders need to be conscious of the energy they bring - How social media can be used to overcome comparison culture Lucy: https://www.instagram.c...
S5 Ep4: Ending Online Abuse: Seyi Akiwowo
November 25, 2021 00:00 - 41 minutesSeyi Akiwowo is an absolute powerhouse. Through her charity Glitch, she is working hard to create a kinder, safer, more robust digital sphere. In turn, Seyi is empowering people to advocate for others whilst raising a generation of digital citizens who will carry these lessons into the future. In this episode, we discuss: - The online space as a continuation of our offline realities - The duty of care platforms owe to their users - The inadequacy of the Online Safety Bill - The concept...
S5 Ep3: The Importance of Authenticity: Gary Neville
November 18, 2021 00:00 - 33 minutesThere’s no social media presence more authentic than Gary Neville’s. In this episode, we discuss: - The importance of Footballers having an authentic social media presence - THAT Manchester United interview - His hopes for the digital world his daughters are growing up in - Where the curriculum is failing young people - Why the Glazer family are a threat to the soul of Football I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it. Gary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-n...
S5 Ep2: Behinds the Scenes of Social Media: Alex Holmes
November 11, 2021 00:00 - 37 minutesAlex Holmes has dedicated his career to making both schools and the digital sphere a safe space for young people. Deputy CEO at the Diana Award and advisor to the likes of TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Alex’s knowledge of social media and the issues facing young people today is second to none. In this episode, we discuss: - The power and legacy of young people today - What social media companies are doing to fight the rise in online abuse - and what ...
S5 Ep1: How to harness the power of YOU: Tiwalola Ogunlesi
November 04, 2021 00:00 - 36 minutesTiwalola Ogunlesi is using her platform to fight the generation cycle of low self-esteem, making sure that this generation of women and girls grow to be the most confident yet. In this episode, we discuss: - How to harness the power of you - Tips for improving your self-confidence, combatting imposter syndrome and getting to grips with your self-worth - How social media can be used to create communities of empowerment - Tiwa’s business - Confident and Killing It Tiwa: https://instagra...
S5: Season 5 Trailer
October 27, 2021 23:00 - 41 secondsI Shouldn’t Say This, But … Season 5 is coming VERY soon. With each episode featuring a brand new guest, it’s set to be our biggest and best yet! I can’t wait to share the first one.
S4 Ep25: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…your side hustle could change your life.
August 04, 2021 23:00 - 48 minutesIn this week’s episode, I talk to the wonderful Elizabeth Ogabi about the realities of creating your own side hustle, the significance of long-term vision in setting work/life boundaries and her fantastic new book ‘Side Hustle in Progress: A Practical Guide to Kickstarting Your Business.’ It was really interesting to get the other side of the debate when it comes to role side hustles play in the glamourisation of overwork and it was great to hear Elizabeth's perspective!
25: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…your side hustle could change your life.
August 04, 2021 23:00 - 49 minutesIn this week’s episode, I talk to the wonderful Elizabeth Ogabi about the realities of creating your own side hustle, the significance of long-term vision in setting work/life boundaries and her fantastic new book ‘Side Hustle in Progress: A Practical Guide to Kickstarting Your Business.’ It was really interesting to get the other side of the debate when it comes to role side hustles play in the glamourisation of overwork and it was great to hear Elizabeth's perspective!
S4 Ep24: I Shouldn’t Say This, But … Leaders need to be honest about the fact they don't know everything
July 28, 2021 23:00 - 20 minutesIn this week’s episode, I dive into the realities of leadership. I talk about the difficulties that come with leading a team through a pandemic, the silent struggle of perfection and the pressure I personally feel to deliver for my team. There is a false sense of expertise surrounding leadership roles and it is a huge contributing factor to the problems we face when we enter into them. It’s time we talked openly about this.
24: I Shouldn’t Say This, But … Leaders need to be honest about the fact they don't know everything
July 28, 2021 23:00 - 21 minutesIn this week’s episode, I dive into the realities of leadership. I talk about the difficulties that come with leading a team through a pandemic, the silent struggle of perfection and the pressure I personally feel to deliver for my team. There is a false sense of expertise surrounding leadership roles and it is a huge contributing factor to the problems we face when we enter into them. It’s time we talked openly about this.
23: I shouldn’t say this, but … I’ve been suffering with chronic pain since the age of 18.
July 21, 2021 23:00 - 37 minutesIn this week’s episode, I speak to the brilliant Rachel Carrell, founder of Koru Kids. We have a really candid conversation about the realities of living with chronic pain and the desire people have to hide their struggles. We also dive into Rachel’s fantastic business, looking at childcare as a people issue, not just a women’s issue, in addition to the importance of setting boundaries when working on something you’re passionate about.
S4 Ep23: I shouldn’t say this, but … I’ve been suffering with chronic pain since the age of 18.
July 21, 2021 23:00 - 37 minutesIn this week’s episode, I speak to the brilliant Rachel Carrell, founder of Koru Kids. We have a really candid conversation about the realities of living with chronic pain and the desire people have to hide their struggles. We also dive into Rachel’s fantastic business, looking at childcare as a people issue, not just a women’s issue, in addition to the importance of setting boundaries when working on something you’re passionate about.
22: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…we can make social media a positive place.
July 14, 2021 23:00 - 23 minutesIn this week’s episode, I dive into the positive side of social platforms. There are some obvious issues that need to be addressed across them all. Namely issues of trolling and abuse, which need to be dealt with quickly and with severity. But I’m not sure that it’s productive to let these issues dominate the conversation. I explore the idea that to want to make social media a more positive place, we need to highlight all the good that it facilitates, as well diving into the ways in which we...
S4 Ep22: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…we can make social media a positive place.
July 14, 2021 23:00 - 22 minutesIn this week’s episode, I dive into the positive side of social platforms. There are some obvious issues that need to be addressed across them all. Namely issues of trolling and abuse, which need to be dealt with quickly and with severity. But I’m not sure that it’s productive to let these issues dominate the conversation. I explore the idea that to want to make social media a more positive place, we need to highlight all the good that it facilitates, as well diving into the ways in which we...
S4 Ep21: I shouldn’t say this, but … taking a personal step back allows the mission to move several steps forward.
July 07, 2021 23:00 - 38 minutesIn this week’s episode, I speak to the fantastic Jamie Crummie; co-founder and director of the amazing Too Good To Go. We talk about everything from the value in detaching yourself from your ego when building a business and team, to the role of education in changing the culture of food waste in the UK and being proactive in your passions and the issues you wish to resolve. Jamie also shares some brilliant insights into what we can be doing to help reduce our own food waste.
21: I shouldn’t say this, but … taking a personal step back allows the mission to move several steps forward.
July 07, 2021 23:00 - 38 minutesIn this week’s episode, I speak to the fantastic Jamie Crummie; co-founder and director of the amazing Too Good To Go. We talk about everything from the value in detaching yourself from your ego when building a business and team, to the role of education in changing the culture of food waste in the UK and being proactive in your passions and the issues you wish to resolve. Jamie also shares some brilliant insights into what we can be doing to help reduce our own food waste.
20: I Shouldn’t Say This, But … leadership often comes at the expense of creativity.
June 30, 2021 23:00 - 23 minutesIn this week’s episode, I take a look at the way our brains change as we move into adulthood, and the impact this has on our creativity. I talk about my own experience of this and the way this change is mirrored as we move up in our careers. I also raise some big questions, like can you move forward in your career without becoming a manager? Do we have to sacrifice our creativity as we move through the ranks?
S4 Ep20: I Shouldn’t Say This, But … leadership often comes at the expense of creativity.
June 30, 2021 23:00 - 22 minutesIn this week’s episode, I take a look at the way our brains change as we move into adulthood, and the impact this has on our creativity. I talk about my own experience of this and the way this change is mirrored as we move up in our careers. I also raise some big questions, like can you move forward in your career without becoming a manager? Do we have to sacrifice our creativity as we move through the ranks?
S4 Ep19: I shouldn’t say this but...I have to work at finding balance - every day
June 23, 2021 23:00 - 47 minutesIn this week’s episode, I speak to the fabulous Emma Heal; Managing Director of alcohol free brand, Lucky Saint. We talk about her incredible career history, the importance of fitting your own life jacket first and how Emma perceives the role of Managing Director. We also take a look at why “I’m not drinking tonight” is becoming a more accepted stance. Get £10 off your first order of any single case of 12 (or larger) at luckysaint.co with the code SOCIALCHAIN
19: I shouldn’t say this but...I have to work at finding balance - every day
June 23, 2021 23:00 - 48 minutesIn this week’s episode, I speak to the fabulous Emma Heal; Managing Director of alcohol free brand, Lucky Saint. We talk about her incredible career history, the importance of fitting your own life jacket first and how Emma perceives the role of Managing Director. We also take a look at why “I’m not drinking tonight” is becoming a more accepted stance. Get £10 off your first order of any single case of 12 (or larger) at luckysaint.co with the code SOCIALCHAIN
18: I Shouldn’t Say This But … I used my anti-depressants as a crutch.
June 16, 2021 23:00 - 16 minutesIn this episode, I talk candidly about my experience with situational depression and the journey I’ve been on with anti-depressants. I discuss how it felt first being prescribed them, right through to how it feels now that I’m coming off them, as well as the importance of doing so effectively. The past two years have been hard, but I’m coming out the other side a much better person.
S4 Ep18: I Shouldn’t Say This But … I used my anti-depressants as a crutch.
June 16, 2021 23:00 - 15 minutesIn this episode, I talk candidly about my experience with situational depression and the journey I’ve been on with anti-depressants. I discuss how it felt first being prescribed them, right through to how it feels now that I’m coming off them, as well as the importance of doing so effectively. The past two years have been hard, but I’m coming out the other side a much better person.
17: I Shouldn’t Say This, But...I’m Struggling To Take My Own Advice.
June 09, 2021 23:00 - 49 minutesCate Sevilla is my spirit animal. In this episode we talk about Cate’s journey through huge companies, including Google, and how she came to write her incredible book, ‘How to Work Without Losing Your Mind’. We touch on the role that companies play in supporting us, and why it might not be what you think, alongside the right way to raise issues with your manager and what our work identities really mean.
S4 Ep17: I Shouldn’t Say This, But...I’m Struggling To Take My Own Advice.
June 09, 2021 23:00 - 48 minutesCate Sevilla is my spirit animal. In this episode we talk about Cate’s journey through huge companies, including Google, and how she came to write her incredible book, ‘How to Work Without Losing Your Mind’. We touch on the role that companies play in supporting us, and why it might not be what you think, alongside the right way to raise issues with your manager and what our work identities really mean.
S4 Ep16: I Shouldn't Say This, But...my brain crashed.
May 26, 2021 23:00 - 44 minutesIn this episode I talk to High Performance Expert & Psychiatrist, Dr T. We start this amazing conversation with WHY - why we’re both invested in preventing burnout and helping deal with crisis’. We also talk about how we both deal with being people pleasers but the positives this has brought to both our lives. Finally, we look at how restriction, change, uncertainty and threat can impact our emotions and the profound effect the past year has had on all of us. If you want some tips about how ...
16: I Shouldn't Say This, But...my brain crashed.
May 26, 2021 23:00 - 45 minutesIn this episode I talk to High Performance Expert & Psychiatrist, Dr T. We start this amazing conversation with WHY - why we’re both invested in preventing burnout and helping deal with crisis’. We also talk about how we both deal with being people pleasers but the positives this has brought to both our lives. Finally, we look at how restriction, change, uncertainty and threat can impact our emotions and the profound effect the past year has had on all of us. If you want some tips about how ...
15: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…sometimes I think, "what would I do if I were a man?"
May 19, 2021 23:00 - 34 minutesIn this episode I speak to the wonderful Tessa Clarke from OLIO - an app that exists to prevent food waste by connecting people. We have a very honest conversation about what it was like raising millions in investment for the business as a woman, we explore how important having a diverse business is and what it’s really like being a startup founder with a family behind the scenes. Tessa also leaves us with some important advice.
S4 Ep15: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…sometimes I think, "what would I do if I were a man?"
May 19, 2021 23:00 - 34 minutesIn this episode I speak to the wonderful Tessa Clarke from OLIO - an app that exists to prevent food waste by connecting people. We have a very honest conversation about what it was like raising millions in investment for the business as a woman, we explore how important having a diverse business is and what it’s really like being a startup founder with a family behind the scenes. Tessa also leaves us with some important advice.
S4 Ep14: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…I don’t want to work at home forever.
May 12, 2021 23:00 - 31 minutesThe office vs WFH debate continues. In this episode, I talk about which companies are in which camp when it comes to where and how they want to work. I also talk about what model we’re looking to implement at Social Chain but why, in reality, everyone’s working model should be different. We’re joined again by our podcast therapist, Karen, and we discuss the impact that WFH has truly had on our mental health and, for those that need it, how to switch back to office mode.
14: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…I don’t want to work at home forever.
May 12, 2021 23:00 - 32 minutesThe office vs WFH debate continues. In this episode, I talk about which companies are in which camp when it comes to where and how they want to work. I also talk about what model we’re looking to implement at Social Chain but why, in reality, everyone’s working model should be different. We’re joined again by our podcast therapist, Karen, and we discuss the impact that WFH has truly had on our mental health and, for those that need it, how to switch back to office mode.
S4 Ep13: I Shouldn't Say This, But...My Ambition Can Be Toxic
April 28, 2021 23:00 - 37 minutesIf you're looking for some guidance on your own personal development, this is the episode for you. This week's podcast is with the amazing @Alice ter Haar and Alice shares an amazing realisation - what she thought she wanted wasn't ACTUALLY what she wanted, and how she built her business, Badass Unicorn, because of it. We unpack her career journey and why understanding your values is key to where you want to get in the future. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Find out more about Alice's...
13: I Shouldn't Say This, But...My Ambition Can Be Toxic
April 28, 2021 23:00 - 38 minutesIf you're looking for some guidance on your own personal development, this is the episode for you. This week's podcast is with the amazing @Alice ter Haar and Alice shares an amazing realisation - what she thought she wanted wasn't ACTUALLY what she wanted, and how she built her business, Badass Unicorn, because of it. We unpack her career journey and why understanding your values is key to where you want to get in the future. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Find out more about Alice's...
S4 Ep12: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…stop telling me everything ‘will be fine’.
April 21, 2021 23:00 - 19 minutesThere are over 100 million #goodvibes posts on Instagram alone. But how much positivity is too much? We’re often met with ‘everything will be fine’ and ‘it could be worse’ when we express feelings of sadness, but sometimes this has the opposite of a positive effect. Joined by our podcast therapist, Karen, we dive into the impact that toxic positivity can have on us and our mental health and exactly what we can do about it.
12: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…stop telling me everything ‘will be fine’.
April 21, 2021 23:00 - 19 minutesThere are over 100 million #goodvibes posts on Instagram alone. But how much positivity is too much? We’re often met with ‘everything will be fine’ and ‘it could be worse’ when we express feelings of sadness, but sometimes this has the opposite of a positive effect. Joined by our podcast therapist, Karen, we dive into the impact that toxic positivity can have on us and our mental health and exactly what we can do about it.
11: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…I’m scared of setting boundaries.
March 25, 2021 00:01 - 35 minutesI’m rubbish at setting boundaries outside of work. Inside work, I find myself setting boundaries all the time. In this episode, I talk about why boundaries are so important in BOTH settings. I unpack the role that boundaries play in protecting our mental health and share my experiences and mishaps with setting boundaries for myself. Karen, our podcast therapist, also helps us to understand our boundaries when it comes to social media and exactly what to do if someone crosses our boundaries.
S4 Ep11: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…I’m scared of setting boundaries.
March 25, 2021 00:01 - 34 minutesI’m rubbish at setting boundaries outside of work. Inside work, I find myself setting boundaries all the time. In this episode, I talk about why boundaries are so important in BOTH settings. I unpack the role that boundaries play in protecting our mental health and share my experiences and mishaps with setting boundaries for myself. Karen, our podcast therapist, also helps us to understand our boundaries when it comes to social media and exactly what to do if someone crosses our boundaries.
S4 Ep10: Stefanie Sword-Williams - F*ck Being Humble
March 18, 2021 00:01 - 53 minutesSelf-promotion. It’s not an easy thing to do. We all struggle with it. But how do we overcome that fear of putting ourselves out there? That’s exactly what we discuss in this episode. Stefanie has an impressive and interesting history and shares with us why she’s done with tiptoeing around talking about success. We cover everything from the reason why not everyone needs a side hustle, to understanding why our emotions are triggered when we someone else sharing their achievements online. If y...
10: Stefanie Sword-Williams - F*ck Being Humble
March 18, 2021 00:01 - 53 minutesSelf-promotion. It’s not an easy thing to do. We all struggle with it. But how do we overcome that fear of putting ourselves out there? That’s exactly what we discuss in this episode. Stefanie has an impressive and interesting history and shares with us why she’s done with tiptoeing around talking about success. We cover everything from the reason why not everyone needs a side hustle, to understanding why our emotions are triggered when we someone else sharing their achievements online. If y...
9: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…Lockdown Has Changed Me, For The Better.
March 11, 2021 00:01 - 36 minutesThis is an episode of self-reflection. I look back over the past year since the first lockdown began and talk about the whirlwind that’s happened since then. Everything from coping with living on my own, to hugging my mum for the first time. From lockdown relationships, to navigating a business through this absolute whirlwind of a year. I also speak to our podcast therapist, Karen, and she gives us some wonderful tips for those who might be feeling uncertain about how to adjust to life in th...
S4 Ep9: I Shouldn’t Say This, But…Lockdown Has Changed Me, For The Better.
March 11, 2021 00:01 - 36 minutesThis is an episode of self-reflection. I look back over the past year since the first lockdown began and talk about the whirlwind that’s happened since then. Everything from coping with living on my own, to hugging my mum for the first time. From lockdown relationships, to navigating a business through this absolute whirlwind of a year. I also speak to our podcast therapist, Karen, and she gives us some wonderful tips for those who might be feeling uncertain about how to adjust to life in th...