PR for Humans with Mike Sergeant
45 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 5 years ago -This is a podcast for pure-of-heart storytellers and people fed up with corporate smoke and mirrors. Former BBC correspondent Mike Sergeant goes out in search of fascinating human beings and their stories. Each person featured is a communications expert in some way. But this podcast goes WAY beyond the usual PR and Comms world to seek out some deeper truths. Actors, novelists, illustrators, journalists, podcasters, CEOs, charity leaders and TED talkers. They all feature here. Each conversation is completely unique. But the aim is always the same: tell a great story and learn the art of storytelling itself - in business and in life. Listen, enjoy, share and review!!!! Thanks so much.
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Episodes
Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
May 02, 2019 17:00 - 36 minutes - 16.6 MBFrancesco Lombardo is a much-sought after international speaker and trusted advisor who has coached some of the world’s most successful and affluent families for over twenty years. Through his extensive work with families, Lombardo has identified a universal connection between people’s relationship to money (Money Motto) and the impact this has on their families, businesses and legacies. His methodology and coaching approach - finding 'safe space' - is also highly valuable for communicators...
Safe Space with Francesco Lombardo
May 02, 2019 17:00 - 36 minutes - 16.6 MBFrancesco Lombardo is a much-sought after international speaker and trusted advisor who has coached some of the world’s most successful and affluent families for over twenty years. Through his extensive work with families, Lombardo has identified a universal connection between people’s relationship to money (Money Motto) and the impact this has on their families, businesses and legacies. His methodology and coaching approach - finding 'safe space' - is also highly valuable for communicators...
The 'inbound' PR method with Iliyana Stareva
March 26, 2019 04:00 - 31 minutes - 14.3 MBInbound PR refers to a new way of thinking about modern Public Relations. Inbound PR combines the best of two worlds - PR's core strength in content and writing and inbound marketing's ability to plan with numbers in mind and measure throughout the way. With the Inbound PR concept, PR people continue to focus on what they are great at (content) but also manage to alleviate the industry's biggest challenge - measurement and proving bottom line results. Iliyana Stareva is Global Partner Progr...
The 'inbound' PR method with Iliyana Stareva
March 26, 2019 04:00 - 31 minutes - 14.3 MBInbound PR refers to a new way of thinking about modern Public Relations. Inbound PR combines the best of two worlds - PR's core strength in content and writing and inbound marketing's ability to plan with numbers in mind and measure throughout the way. With the Inbound PR concept, PR people continue to focus on what they are great at (content) but also manage to alleviate the industry's biggest challenge - measurement and proving bottom line results. Iliyana Stareva is Global Partner Progr...
An honest view of PR with Shimon Cohen
March 01, 2019 05:00 - 40 minutes - 18.5 MBIn this episode, Mike talks to Shimon Cohen - Founder and Chairman of The PR Office. Shimon is a rarity in the PR world: someone who actually seems proud to be doing PR! While most agencies seem to be busy trying to reinvent themselves as 'digital influencers' or 'content strategists' or 'insight specialists' or 'strategic consultants', Shimon provides clients with "what they actually want" - which, in his view, is always either to be in the news or out of the news. To be talked about. Or to...
An honest view of PR with Shimon Cohen
March 01, 2019 05:00 - 40 minutes - 18.5 MBIn this episode, Mike talks to Shimon Cohen - Founder and Chairman of The PR Office. Shimon is a rarity in the PR world: someone who actually seems proud to be doing PR! While most agencies seem to be busy trying to reinvent themselves as 'digital influencers' or 'content strategists' or 'insight specialists' or 'strategic consultants', Shimon provides clients with "what they actually want" - which, in his view, is always either to be in the news or out of the news. To be talked about. Or to...
The changing story of charity comms with Kirsten Walkom
February 19, 2019 05:00 - 39 minutes - 18.1 MBGlobal charities and NGOs haven't escaped reputational scrutiny in recent years. As global communications director for Save the Children International, Kirsten Walkom is steering a new approach to storytelling and communications. The sector remains heavily reliant on powerful case studies and a sense of 'doing good'. But new levels of transparency and scrutiny mean that organisations like Save the Children have to be more agile and sophisticated in their public engagement. This episode i...
Storytelling and international PR with Farzana Baduel
January 26, 2019 05:00 - 40 minutes - 18.8 MBFarzana Baduel is the founder and CEO of Curzon PR. As a passionate advocate of strategic communications, she champions the power of PR as a dynamic force for building bridges and unifying the world’s voices into a global narrative. She set up Curzon PR in 2009, having previously served as Vice Chair of Business Relations for the UK Conservative Party. Farzana has been appointed as the resident public relations expert and ambassador for the Oxford Foundry, the University of Oxford’s entrepr...
Tony Langham - founder of Lansons and author of Reputation Management
January 26, 2019 05:00 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MBTony co-founded Lansons in 1989 and has advised Governments, organisations and companies on their image and reputation for over 30 years. He has an active non executive career and has been named by Debrett’s as one of the 500 most influential people in the UK. Tony is Chief Executive and retains an active consultancy role across a range of Lansons clients. His work is split between building reputations for organisations growing rapidly in the market and protecting the reputations of those w...
The circle - with Stiina Hintsa
January 26, 2019 05:00 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBAnnastiina Hintsa – the Chief Operating Officer of Hintsa Performance and the daughter of the company’s founder Dr Aki Hintsa – talks about the history of the Hintsa approach to wellbeing. From Ethiopia to the top of Formula 1 motorsport and into the boardrooms of the world, Stiina's mission is to help us optimise rather than maximise performance. What does that mean? How do we do it? And why is this important for leadership and communication? Find out in this episode of the podcast.
The circle - with Stiina Hintsa
January 26, 2019 05:00 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBAnnastiina Hintsa – the Chief Operating Officer of Hintsa Performance and the daughter of the company’s founder Dr Aki Hintsa – talks about the history of the Hintsa approach to wellbeing. From Ethiopia to the top of Formula 1 motorsport and into the boardrooms of the world, Stiina's mission is to help us optimise rather than maximise performance. What does that mean? How do we do it? And why is this important for leadership and communication? Find out in this episode of the podcast.
Storytelling and international PR with Farzana Baduel
January 26, 2019 05:00 - 40 minutes - 18.8 MBFarzana Baduel is the founder and CEO of Curzon PR. As a passionate advocate of strategic communications, she champions the power of PR as a dynamic force for building bridges and unifying the world’s voices into a global narrative. She set up Curzon PR in 2009, having previously served as Vice Chair of Business Relations for the UK Conservative Party. Farzana has been appointed as the resident public relations expert and ambassador for the Oxford Foundry, the University of Oxford’s entrepr...
Mike Sergeant on PR for Humans - Happy new year!
January 04, 2019 13:00 - 24 minutes - 11.2 MBIn the first podcast of 2019, Mike shares his excitement about the launch of his book PR for Humans. He outlines the principles in the book: how business leaders tell powerful stories. Enjoy. Please rate, review and share.
Mike Sergeant talks to Kevin Murray
November 02, 2018 04:00 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBMike talks PR, leadership and stories with one of the world's foremost experts: Kevin Murray - executive coach, communications adviser, author, and speaker. Kevin's mission to make leaders more inspiring and authentic communicators. He does this through coaching, and training, and by writing books that can help leaders everywhere. Kevin is the author of three books: "Language of Leaders” , and “Communicate to Inspire” and "People with Purpose" all of which focus on how managers can use the...
Mike Sergeant talks to Kevin Murray
November 02, 2018 04:00 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBMike talks PR, leadership and stories with one of the world's foremost experts: Kevin Murray - executive coach, communications adviser, author, and speaker. Kevin's mission to make leaders more inspiring and authentic communicators. He does this through coaching, and training, and by writing books that can help leaders everywhere. Kevin is the author of three books: "Language of Leaders” , and “Communicate to Inspire” and "People with Purpose" all of which focus on how managers can use the...
Mike Sergeant + Chris Booth
July 04, 2018 04:00 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MBIn this episode we dive into the world of photography with Mike's old friend and colleague Chris Booth. Mike and Chris worked together on the intake desk at APTV back in 1997 and later found themselves in Baghdad with the BBC at the peak of the post-conflict violence. After leaving the BBC and during a spell at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Chris found a new passion in photography - where his eye for a story has delivered some remarkable images. We talk about th...
Mike + Lisa Åkesson
June 27, 2018 04:00 - 37 minutes - 17.3 MBFor over 20 years, Lisa has coached actors (many have starred in leading roles in Hollywood films, West End productions and highly rated TV dramas), politicians, executives and public speakers. She runs RADA's “Executive Presence for Women” training. In this episode she tells Mike about ways to Increase personal impact, craft powerful stories and present confidently - how to become a memorable Public Speaker and stand out as the dynamic expert within a crowded marketplace. An episode crammed ...
Mike Sergeant + Molly Flatt
June 20, 2018 04:00 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MBMike talks stories with the author of 'The Charmed Life of Alex Moore" - the wonderful Molly Flatt. It's her debut novel and, without giving too much away, is unexpected and challenging and has some rather deep things to say about character and story. Molly started out in drama school before becoming a digital 'word of mouth' marketing expert. Then onto novel writing and digital publishing. This podcast is about the intersection between real stories and the (sometimes) pretend world of social...
Mike Sergeant + Molly Flatt
June 20, 2018 04:00 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MBMike talks stories with the author of 'The Charmed Life of Alex Moore" - the wonderful Molly Flatt. It's her debut novel and, without giving too much away, is unexpected and challenging and has some rather deep things to say about character and story. Molly started out in drama school before becoming a digital 'word of mouth' marketing expert. Then onto novel writing and digital publishing. This podcast is about the intersection between real stories and the (sometimes) pretend world of social...
Mike Sergeant + Lizzie Edwards
June 13, 2018 04:00 - 35 minutes - 16.1 MBIn this episode Mike gets some much-needed fashion advice from Lizzie Edwards - style consultant to senior business leaders. Lizzie's first book, 'Look Like The Leader You Are; A Seven Step Style Strategy For Ambitious Women', is published this month - June 2018.Mike and Lizzie discuss clothes, image and appearance in a fun episode. Important stuff here because - like it or not - the way you look is a massive part of communication.
Mike Sergeant + Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne
June 06, 2018 04:00 - 33 minutes - 15.4 MBIn this episode Mike talks to Lucina Bruce-Gardyne - founder of Genius Foods. Lucinda started Genius after failing to find quality gluten-free bread for he gluten intolerant son. In this episode, Mike and Lucinda explore the nature of entrepreneurship. How Lucinda came up with the idea, and the core belief that she needed to turn Genius into a £30m business. Great life lessons, from a passionate business leader!
Mike Sergeant + Paul Blanchard
May 30, 2018 04:00 - 46 minutes - 21.3 MBThis time we're turning the tables on Paul Blanchard, host of the wildly popular Media Masters podcast. In his time, Paul has interviewed everyone who's anyone in global media. He's also a 'PR consigliere' to global CEOs and business leaders. This episode is a treat! We range freely across communications, podcasting and life - from that rare creature in the PR world. Someone who actually started out running a real business and then built his own agency from scratch.
Mike Sergeant + Hazel Moore OBE
May 23, 2018 04:00 - 28 minutes - 13.2 MBMike discusses business, entrepreneurship and communications with Hazel Moore, the chairman of FirstCapital - an international investment bank headquartered in London with offices in Silicon Valley. In this episode we talk about communication from a financial perspective, learn some life lessons from a top business leader, and ask how the financial industry can work for women. Hazel was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to innovation and entrepreneurship. She's one of the country's leading ...
Mike Sergeant + Richard Miron
May 16, 2018 04:00 - 34 minutes - 16 MBThis is a real navel gazer! A podcast episode about podcasting. My guest this week is Richard Miron - the founder and owner of Earshot Strategies - a podcast strategy and production business. Richard spent 17 years at the BBC as a radio producer and foreign correspondent and then 10 years at the UN & World Bank as a senior communications official. This week on the show, we share stories and talk about the power or stories. We make audio about the power of audio. Why are we seeing an explosion...
Mike Sergeant + Richard Miron
May 16, 2018 04:00 - 34 minutes - 16 MBThis is a real navel gazer! A podcast episode about podcasting. My guest this week is Richard Miron - the founder and owner of Earshot Strategies - a podcast strategy and production business. Richard spent 17 years at the BBC as a radio producer and foreign correspondent and then 10 years at the UN & World Bank as a senior communications official. This week on the show, we share stories and talk about the power or stories. We make audio about the power of audio. Why are we seeing an explosion...
Mike Sergeant + Chris Roberts
May 09, 2018 04:00 - 25 minutes - 11.7 MBIn this episode, Mike talks video and storytelling with former Sky News colleague and presenter Chris Roberts. Chris spent more than 20 years on the frontline of international television news, first with ITN and then Sky as a senior reporter and presenter. He covered major news stories across the globe including the fall of the Berlin Wall, conflicts in Europe, Africa and Middle East, 9/11 and the Asian tsunami. Since launching InVision in 2011, he’s worked with a wide range of FTSE 250 compa...
Mike Sergeant + Richard Skinner
May 02, 2018 04:00 - 24 minutes - 11.1 MBIn this episode, Mike talks to Richard Skinner - Director of the Fiction programme at the Faber Academy and a tutor on its celebrated 6-month 'writing a novel' course. He's published a number of novels and volumes of poetry. He talks to Mike about the elements of storytelling, character and plot. A rich and wide-ranging conversation, with much to stimulate storytellers of all backgrounds - in both fiction, non-fiction, business and communications.
Mike Sergeant + Marcia Williams
April 25, 2018 04:00 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MBMike talks visual storytelling with the wonderful Marcia Williams. She's the writer and illustrator of around 60 delightful children's books on subjects like the Greek Myths, the Romans, the Canterbury Tales and war stories. In this episode, we discuss the craft of visual storytelling. What comes first: the words or the pictures? And what might the lessons be for storytellers in other walks of life, including the business world?
Mike Sergeant + Robin Kermode
April 12, 2018 04:00 - 22 minutes - 10.2 MBRobin Kermode is an actor, presenter, keynote speaker and one of Europe's leading communication coaches - working with politicians, CEOs and media personalities. He is also a respected media commentator on all aspects of public speaking and communication. In this episode, he tells Mike the secrets of good speeches, how CEOs prepare and why it's so important to clench the buttocks when presenting!
PR for Humans - the Power of Numbers with Marcus du Sautoy
April 04, 2018 04:00 - 26 minutes - 12.3 MBMike talks numbers with Britain's favourite mathematician - Marcus du Sautoy. He's the star of the TED stage, numerous TV shows and also professor for the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University. In this episode Marcus talks to Mike about how to communicate with numbers, what makes some numbers special and what business and politics can learn from the world of maths. A unique and fresh take on the challenge of numerical communications!
PR for Humans - Speech writing with Simon Lancaster
March 28, 2018 04:00 - 19 minutes - 9.1 MBMike catches up with Simon Lancaster, one of the world's best speechwriters. He started writing speeches for members of Tony Blair's cabinet in the late 90s and has gone on to write speeches for the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in the world.
Mike Sergeant + Mark Dolan
March 21, 2018 04:00 - 20 minutes - 9.38 MBMike and Mark take a stroll through Soho - discussing stand-up comedy, communication and public speaking. Mark Dolan is a TV star (Balls of Steel, The Last Word, The Jump), Radio and TV news commentator (appearing regularly on LBC and Sky News) and stand-up comedian (in action in London's top venues). He reveals the stand-up's secrets and how anyone can weave comedy into their presentations.
Mike Sergeant + Gerry Griffin, Skill PIll
March 14, 2018 04:00 - 24 minutes - 11.2 MBMike catches up with the king of mobile training - Gerry Griffin, founder of Skill Pill. Gerry's a seasoned PR pro who led client training at Burson Marsteller before going on to found his mobile training business. He's an engaging authority on reputation, training, content and the new world of digital learning.
Mike Sergeant + Gerry Griffin, Skill PIll
March 14, 2018 04:00 - 24 minutes - 11.2 MBMike catches up with the king of mobile training - Gerry Griffin, founder of Skill Pill. Gerry's a seasoned PR pro who led client training at Burson Marsteller before going on to found his mobile training business. He's an engaging authority on reputation, training, content and the new world of digital learning.
Mike Sergeant + Nick Barron, MHP
March 07, 2018 05:00 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MBMike talks to ex Edelman comms man Nick Barron now deputy CEO at MHP about the changing nature of PR and what it takes to build a successful agency.
Mike Sergeant + Neil Hedges
March 02, 2018 05:00 - 23 minutes - 10.8 MBIn this episode, Mike catches up with friend and former colleague, Neil Hedges, who has been a senior public relations consultant for more than 30 years. Now he's Chairman of Headland - the successful and fast-growing financial and corporate agency. Before Headland, Neil was the CEO and Chairman of Fishburn Hedges, the agency he co-founded in 1990, which became one of the UK's most successful communications firms. Neil is one of the most respected figures in PR. In a frank and broad rangi...
PR for Humans - Mike Sergeant + James Gordon-MacIntosh
February 26, 2018 05:00 - 29 minutes - 13.8 MBMike speaks to James Gordon-MacIntosh of Hope&Glory PR - a consumer brand and lifestyle agency. What's the meaning of PR? What's the difference really between corporate PR and consumer PR? Which campaigns cut through? It's all here in a fascinating conversation.
Mike Sergeant - Zoe Thorogood
February 17, 2018 05:00 - 21 minutes - 10.1 MBIn this episode, Mike catches up with Zoe Thorogood - director in the London office of APCO, one of the world's biggest strategic communications consultancies. Zoe has been a special adviser and press advisor to David Cameron. Now she's heading back to the rough and tumble of Westminster as chief of staff in Conservative HQ. Here she reflects on the connected worlds of politics and PR.
Mike Sergeant - Zoe Thorogood
February 17, 2018 05:00 - 21 minutes - 10.1 MBIn this episode, Mike catches up with Zoe Thorogood - director in the London office of APCO, one of the world's biggest strategic communications consultancies. Zoe has been a special adviser and press advisor to David Cameron. Now she's heading back to the rough and tumble of Westminster as chief of staff in Conservative HQ. Here she reflects on the connected worlds of politics and PR.
Mike Sergeant + Jeremy Bowen - BBC Middle East Editor
February 10, 2018 05:00 - 28 minutes - 13 MBIn this episode, Mike catches up with Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's Middle East Editor. Jeremy is one of the most experienced and respected news broadcasters in the world. Here, he tells Mike what the ingredients are of a great story, how to balance analysis with human storytelling, the dangers of war reporting and what business leaders and politicians can learn about media interviews and engaging audiences.
Mike Sergeant talks to Rupert Younger - co-founder of Finsbury PR agency
January 31, 2018 05:00 - 20 minutes - 9.39 MBIn this episode, we get under the skin of 'reputation' with Rupert Younger, co-founder of Finsbury (one of the world's most successful communications agencies) and founder director of Oxford University's Centre for Corporate Reputation. He reveals the 3 drivers of reputation, explains why it's never a singular concept and why it's possible to 'influence' but not to 'manage'. Required listening for anyone in the PR and reputation game.
Mike Sergeant talks to Narda Shirley - MD of Gong Communications
January 28, 2018 05:00 - 20 minutes - 9.6 MBIn this episode Mike Catches up with Narda Shirley, MD of Gong Communications. Mike last encountered Narda almost 20 years ago in the heady days of the Dot Com Boom. Now she's doing something rather different - trying to put purpose into PR.
Mike Sergeant talks to Narda Shirley - MD of Gong Communications
January 28, 2018 05:00 - 20 minutes - 9.6 MBIn this episode Mike Catches up with Narda Shirley, MD of Gong Communications. Mike last encountered Narda almost 20 years ago in the heady days of the Dot Com Boom. Now she's doing something rather different - trying to put purpose into PR.
Mike Sergeant talks to Guto Harri - ex comms director Boris, News UK, Liberty Global
January 20, 2018 05:00 - 21 minutes - 9.91 MBIn this episode Mike Sergeant interviews Guto Harri - former BBC correspondent and communications director. After leaving the BBC, Guto led a brilliant reputational turnaround at News UK after the phone hacking scandal. Then he took another big job at Liberty Global. Here he talks to Mike about storytelling and how to cut through in business.
Mike Sergeant talks to Guto Harri - ex comms director Boris, News UK, Liberty Global
January 20, 2018 05:00 - 21 minutes - 9.91 MBIn this episode Mike Sergeant interviews Guto Harri - former BBC correspondent and communications director. After leaving the BBC, Guto led a brilliant reputational turnaround at News UK after the phone hacking scandal. Then he took another big job at Liberty Global. Here he talks to Mike about storytelling and how to cut through in business.