Leigh Thomas, formerly the Vice President of Global Partnerships for Meta in EMEA, has led a senior team providing strategic C-suite support and advice to some of the world’s most sophisticated businesses across industries such as CPG, Autos, Retail, Tech/Telco, and eCommerce. She brings over 20 years of experience from her tenure in creative agencies, including her roles as Managing Director at Saatchi & Saatchi, London, and CEO at DARE, awarded Digital Agency of the Decade.
Beyond her professional achievements, Leigh is deeply committed to gender equality and serves as an enthusiastic executive for WACL (Women in Communications and Marketing London). She also contributes her expertise as an advisor on the board of Pennies, driving forward the digital micro-donation movement in the UK. Recognised as a Campaign A-lister and a BIMA top 100 achiever, Leigh's contributions to the industry are extensive.
Episode 55 of our podcast delves into real-life experiences of apartheid in South Africa, provides guidance for those looking to pivot their career goals, and discusses strategies for creating positive global change.
We discuss:
Experiencing apartheid in South Africa during childhood
Facing a transformative life event at the age of five
Embarking on a ballet career and achieving professional status
Transitioning from ballet to the world of advertising
Insights on meeting a significant other and maintaining a healthy marriage
Climbing the career ladder to become CEO of Dare
Managing parental challenges during a child’s difficult times
Achieving leadership at Meta, one of the world's most renowned companies
Strategies for fostering global equality
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Overcoming a Life-Changing Surgery
(00:05:53) Formative Years and Finding Inner Resources
(00:11:35) Apartheid and Rebellion in South Africa
(00:17:00) Ballet: A Storytelling Art
(00:22:16) Pursuing a Career in Dance
(00:27:37) Breaking Down Barriers through Dance
(00:33:02) Nelson Mandela's Time in Prison and Building a Better Future
(00:38:51) The Reality of Coincidence Bias and Checking Bias & Privilege
(00:44:24) From Ballet to Advertising: A Love Story
(00:50:01) The Liberating Idea of Having Wings
(00:55:37) The True Gods of Happiness
(01:01:20) Empowering Others for Better Solutions
(01:06:31) Selling Your Agency and Understanding Context
(01:11:43) Collaboration in Business and Marketing Services
(01:17:10) Salary Negotiation and Interview Process
(01:22:31) Working with Partners in the Auto Manufacturing Business
(01:28:03) Working with Extraordinary Leaders at Meta and Facebook
(01:33:23) Focusing on Goals and Supporting Leadership
(01:38:34) Investing in Success
(01:43:53) Bullying and Supporting a Child in Pain
(01:49:23) A Mother's Graceful Response
(01:55:04) The Shift in Business Strategy
(02:00:23) Seeking Support and Finding a New Identity
(02:05:58) Living a Bold and Extraordinary Life in the Next Year
(02:11:06) Setting Crazy Goals for a High Performing Life
(02:16:22) A Journey of Inspiration and Growth
(02:22:24) How I Became and How I Am Becoming
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Unity & Motion - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content Email: info@weunify.co.uk This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion Credits: Director: Charles Parkinson Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie Editor: Catherine Singh