In this episode of At Work With, Craig Strachan — CEO of Novel and former global podcast lead at Amazon Music — shares his squiggly career journey from marketing phone lines to leading Europe’s largest independent podcast studio. He opens up about lessons learned along the way, the leap from Big Tech to an indie startup, and why trust, fun, and authenticity sit at the heart of his leadership. Craig also dives into the future of podcasting, from fandoms and live shows to cross-media storytelling, offering an inspiring and candid look at the industry and the people behind it.
⏱️ Episode Highlights
00:00 | Intro & Beginnings – Childhood, early ambitions & first jobs
07:30 | Career Journey – From BT & Sky to Amazon Music
13:45 | Global Podcasting at Amazon – Strategy, launches & lessons learned
29:00 | Leap to Novel – Moving from Big Tech to leading Europe’s largest indie studio
36:40 | The Future of Podcasting – Storytelling, fandoms & industry shifts
58:20 | Leadership & Legacy – Trust, inclusion & advice for the next generation
In this conversation, Stacey discusses her journey of personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of change and adaptability. She reflects on her experiences in leadership roles, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the concept of 'lifeboats' in providing support. Stacey introduces her venture, Spark, aimed at helping new founders navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of AGI's transformative potential. The discussion also touches on the importance of empathy in leadership and the evolving landscape of work in the age of AI.
In this episode, Zertashia Awan, Amazon’s Director of Worldwide Customer Experience, shares how resilience and sensitivity have shaped her leadership journey. From childhood lessons and family stories of grit to navigating career highs, lows, and burnout, Zertashia reflects on why vulnerability and authenticity matter at work. She talks about cultural identity, finding balance in resilience, and the small daily rituals that keep her grounded. Beyond Amazon, she discusses founding a nonprofit school in Pakistan and mentoring startups, reminding us that true impact comes from focusing on people, purpose, and empathy.
In this conversation, Danny Harrison shares his journey from a young aspiring footballer to a professional athlete and now a mentor for young players. He reflects on the challenges of losing his father during a pivotal moment in his career, the sacrifices made for his passion, and the transition to a fulfilling role in education and coaching. Danny emphasizes the importance of hard work, resilience, and the need for support systems for young athletes navigating their careers.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Loss and Transition
02:32 Childhood and Early Influences
05:13 The Journey to Professional Football
08:11 The Sacrifices of a Young Athlete
10:48 First Professional Match Experience
13:46 Evolving Mindset in Professional Football
16:39 Transitioning to a New Career
18:30 Education and Coaching Pathways
21:09 Passion for Supporting Young Athletes
24:00 Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
26:53 Lessons for Young Players
29:21 Legacy and Impact
31:14 Rapid Fire Round and Final Thoughts
In this conversation, Sally shares her journey through the field of ophthalmology, discussing the challenges of medical training, the pressures of being a consultant, and the importance of work-life balance. She reflects on cultural influences, the dynamics of being a woman in a male-dominated field, and the support systems that have helped her navigate her career and family life. The discussion also touches on the future of ophthalmology, particularly the impact of AI on medical training and patient care.
In this engaging conversation, Akhil Saxena shares his journey from a middle-class upbringing in India to becoming a successful leader in major corporations like Amazon and Unilever. He reflects on the values instilled in him by his parents, the challenges he faced in his career, and the importance of mentorship and personal growth. Akhil discusses the lessons learned from both successes and failures, emphasizing the significance of compassion, hard work, and emotional intelligence in leadership. He also shares insights on self-discovery and the legacy he hopes to leave behind, concluding with a light-hearted rapid-fire round.
You can connect with Akhil via LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhilsaxena7/
Takeaways
In this episode, Ana Merchant sits down with Mimi Swain, Chief Commercial Officer at Ring and Blink, to discuss her career journey, values, and leadership style. Mimi shares her experiences growing up in Kansas as a second-generation Vietnamese American, the influence of her immigrant parents, and how these factors shaped her work ethic and perspective on success. The conversation delves into her transition from journalism to the tech industry, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons learned from diverse roles at companies like Dyson and Sonos. Mimi also addresses the challenges of imposter syndrome, the evolution of her leadership style, and the balance between personal and professional life. She offers advice to her younger self and reflects on the misconceptions surrounding leadership, emphasizing the importance of helping others and building resilience.
In this engaging conversation, Ana Merchant speaks with Ramona Hazan, the founder of a beloved hummus brand, about her remarkable journey from a computer engineer in South Africa to a successful entrepreneur in the UK food industry. Ramona shares her experiences of building a brand from scratch, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining quality. She emphasizes the significance of community, mentorship, and the personal sacrifices made along the way. The discussion also touches on her upcoming product launches and the values that drive her brand.
⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of gender-based violence.
In this conversation, Ana Merchant interviews Beth Knight, a prominent leader in sustainability and social impact. They discuss Beth's early life in Cornwall, her career journey, and the influences that shaped her leadership style. Beth shares her experiences in public speaking, significant humanitarian projects, and her time in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of community values. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating a career in a fast-paced environment, the recognition she has received, and her thoughts on sustainability in corporate settings. Finally, Beth reflects on the advice she values and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, shares his unique journey from growing up in a small town in Georgia to leading one of the UK's most beloved charities. He discusses the challenges of cultural identity, the evolution of his career from film to charity, and the innovative changes he is implementing at Comic Relief. Samir emphasizes the importance of digital transformation and the need for charities to adapt to a rapidly changing world. He also offers valuable advice for those in the corporate sector considering a transition to the charity world, highlighting the significance of social impact and community support.
In this episode of 'At Work With', I interview Lucy Cleland, co-founder and editorial director of Country and Townhouse magazine. We discuss Lucy's journey into journalism, the evolution of luxury publishing, and the importance of sustainability in the industry. Lucy shares insights on the challenges faced in the transition from print to digital, the impact of AI on publishing, and her vision for the future of luxury experiences. The conversation also touches on the importance of finding one's voice in journalism and the need for reliable media in today's climate.
Takeaways
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In this conversation, Peter McCleave shares his personal journey from a successful career to facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis. He discusses the challenges of finding a stem cell donor, the importance of mindset and resilience, and his role as the CEO of DKMS, where he advocates for increased awareness and diversity in stem cell donation. Peter emphasizes the need for community engagement and education to improve the chances of finding matches for blood cancer patients, while also encouraging individuals to consider becoming donors themselves.
To find out more about the great life saving work DKMS do and how you can get involved; visit; https://www.dkms.org.uk/
Step into the world of Charlotte Hill, CEO of The Felix Project, as she shares her journey from ambitious newcomer to leading London's largest food redistribution charity. Discover the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and how she's driving change in the fight against food waste and hunger. Get ready for candid insights and inspiring stories that will motivate you in your own career path.
