Advertise on podcast: Events That Made Me with Liz Taylor

“I had lost 3 million pounds worth of business” In the season finale of Events That Made Me - Boardroom to Box Office, Liz Taylor steps into the spotlight as her close friend Ruth Langsford takes over the interviewer's chair. Liz shares the challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the tough business decisions she had to make to keep her company afloat. Liz and Ruth discuss the importance of brand building, diversifying into new ventures, and how she used the pandemic period productively. Plus, Liz gives an insight into what’s next for her - could retirement be on the cards?  — Liz Taylor’s 30-year career in event planning has built an impressive portfolio of events, including celebrity weddings, charity fundraisers like Children in Need with Gary Barlow and huge gala dinners such as the Winter White Gala at Kensington Palace for HRH Duke of Cambridge, as well as the Manchester United Champions League winning after party in Moscow and Coronation Street’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. Liz Taylor Instagram - @liztaylorconsultancy X - @ConsultancyLiz Facebook - facebook.com/LizTaylorConsultancy LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liztaylor-tlc Website - liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk

“What is learned is that life is sometimes very unfair.” Liz Taylor discovers the events that made Tony Award-winning producer Kevin McCollum. Liz and Kevin discuss how his success has come despite the loss of two very important people in his life. You’ll hear the story of how Kevin came to produce the global phenomenon that is ‘Rent’. And Kevin shares the stories behind his other successful productions, like Avenue Q' 'In the Heights' and ‘The Drowsy Chaperone'. Plus, Kevin opens up about his personal life, including raising two children who are following artistic paths. – Liz Taylor’s 30-year career in event planning has built an impressive portfolio of events, including celebrity weddings, charity fundraisers like Children in Need with Gary Barlow and huge gala dinners such as the Winter White Gala at Kensington Palace for HRH Duke of Cambridge, as well as the Manchester United Champions League winning after party in Moscow and Coronation Street’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. Liz Taylor Instagram - @liztaylorconsultancy X - @ConsultancyLiz Facebook - facebook.com/LizTaylorConsultancy LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liztaylor-tlc Website - liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk

“We’re selling something nobody needs” How do you sell a 5 million pound diamond? What’s it like running a business alongside your family? And how do you find guidance when life feels hopeless? Liz Taylor sits down with Jody Wainwright, Managing Director of the jewellery brand Boodles, who has the answers to all of these questions, and more. Liz uncovers the events that made Jody turn left or right, including how Jody endured the personal and professional setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic Plus, you’ll hear about the moment at 19 that Jody describes as the “highlight of my life”. – Liz Taylor’s 30-year career in event planning has built an impressive portfolio of events, including celebrity weddings, charity fundraisers like Children in Need with Gary Barlow and huge gala dinners such as the Winter White Gala at Kensington Palace for HRH Duke of Cambridge, as well as the Manchester United Champions League winning after party in Moscow and Coronation Street’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. Liz Taylor Instagram - @liztaylorconsultancy X - @ConsultancyLiz Facebook - facebook.com/LizTaylorConsultancy LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liztaylor-tlc Website - liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk

“If you don’t leave, you’ll be trapped here forever.” What does it take to be a West End star? You’re going to find out on this episode of Events That Made Me. Liz Taylor is discovering the events that made actress and singer Marisha Wallace. Marisha has appeared in shows on the West End and Broadway, including Cabaret, Dreamgirls, Aladdin, and Something Rotten. But it hasn’t always been glitz and glam. You’ll hear about Marisha’s divorce, how someone she trusted scammed her out of thousands of pounds, and how a vocal surgery almost ended her dreams before she even got started. Plus, you’ll hear how Marisha’s break came when she was playing a dancing egg.

“ Fundamental common sense is probably my superpower.” Liz uncovers Mark’s transformation from troubled youth to the successful entrepreneur he is today. Mark Hawthorn is the CEO and founder of the Landmark Group - a business with a multi-million pound property portfolio.  Mark attributes much of his success to “common sense” but you’ll hear how events such as his parents' divorce and the pandemic played a key role. Mark and Liz discuss what he learned from starting out at  Halifax Estate Agents, and why he wouldn’t have wanted to be his own manager. Plus, you’ll hear about the events that led to Mark being recognised by Boris Johnson in 2020 for his charitable work.

“Either you go tonight, or tomorrow it will be in the papers” Richard Bailey is the former CEO of Rothschild & Co, one of the world's leading banking groups, so he knows what it’s like at the top. You’ll hear about the defining moments from Richard’s career, including high-stakes deals, hostile takeovers, and the challenges of the 2008 recession. Plus, Liz uncovers how Richard was motivated by growing up in a mining family.  Finally, Richard talks about his philanthropic efforts, particularly raising £34 million for Chetham’s School of Music. Liz Taylor Instagram - @liztaylorconsultancy X - @ConsultancyLiz Facebook - facebook.com/LizTaylorConsultancy LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liztaylor-tlc Website - liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk

“From then on I was obsessed with theatre, and I still am.” Jamie Wilson has already made a significant impact on the theatre world, and he’s only just getting started.   Liz discovers how a mishap at drama club ignited Jamie’s passion for the theatre, and how it’s been fueled by the people he’s worked with.  You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how Jamie came to work with stars like Carrie Hope Flecher and Vanessa Williams in productions like The Devil Wears Prada, Calamity Jane, and Sister Act. Plus, get a front-row seat to what can go wrong on opening night. Liz Taylor Instagram - @liztaylorconsultancy X - @ConsultancyLiz Facebook - facebook.com/LizTaylorConsultancy LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liztaylor-tlc Website - liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk Jamie Wilson Instagram - @jwponstage X - @jwponstage Website - jamiewilsonproductions.com

“ I love our industry to bits, but it's getting a lot harder.” You’ve eaten in his restaurants, now get ready for the story of how Marcello went from working in a Pizza Express in Cheshire to opening restaurants worldwide. Liz uncovers some of Marcello’s pivotal moments, like his transition from art school to business school, the influence of his father’s legacy, and the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Plus, you’ll hear the business trick that shocked even Liz. Liz Taylor Instagram - @liztaylorconsultancy X - @ConsultancyLiz Facebook - facebook.com/LizTaylorConsultancy LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liztaylor-tlc Website - liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk Marcello Distefano Instagram - @marcellodistefano X - @marcellomgd LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/marcello-distefano

"I was taught to chase happiness” You’ve heard Sam’s Scoop, now it’s Liz’s turn. You might recognise Sam as being portrayed by Billie Piper in the hit Netflix movie Scoop. Today Liz Taylor sits down with the real deal to uncover the events that made her. Sam was the mastermind behind that interview between Emily Maitlis and Prince Andrew, in this episode, you’ll hear how a working-class background and a single mother's tenacity led to the groundbreaking interview that shook the world.  From challenging class barriers to leaping from law to media, Sam's story is a masterclass in navigating life's twists with grace. This is an episode about breaking moulds, chasing happiness, and the power of being fearlessly oneself. Liz Taylor’s 30-year career in event planning has built an impressive portfolio of events, including celebrity weddings, charity fundraisers like Children in Need with Gary Barlow and huge gala dinners such as the Winter White Gala at Kensington Palace for HRH Duke of Cambridge, as well as the Manchester United Champions League winning after party in Moscow and Coronation Street’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. Liz Taylor Instagram - @liztaylorconsultancy X - @ConsultancyLiz Facebook - facebook.com/LizTaylorConsultancy LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liztaylor-tlc Website - liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk Sam McAlister Instagram - @mcalis10 X - @SamMcAlister1

"My job is to visit all the children and report to Mr and Mrs Claus." Ahead of the festive season, Liz is joined by two very important people directly from the North Pole. Find out what really happens in the run-up to Christmas and get an exclusive insight into that magical family.  Liz Taylor’s 30-year career in event planning has built an impressive portfolio of events, including celebrity weddings, charity fundraisers like Children in Need with Gary Barlow and huge gala dinners such as the Winter White Gala at Kensington Palace for HRH Duke of Cambridge, as well as the Manchester United Champions League winning after party in Moscow and Coronation Street’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. Liz Taylor Instagram - @liztaylorconsultancy Twitter - @ConsultancyLiz Facebook - facebook.com/LizTaylorConsultancy LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liztaylor-tlc Website - liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk

“I’m committed to this woman and everything she’s given me” You know Ryan Thomas from Coronation Street and Neighbours, today on Events That Made Me, Ryan joins Liz to share what he’s been up to since his time off the screen. Ryan shares what family life is like back in Manchester and the projects that are on the horizon. Liz Taylor’s 30-year career in event planning has built an impressive portfolio of events, including celebrity weddings, charity fundraisers like Children in Need with Gary Barlow and huge gala dinners such as the Winter White Gala at Kensington Palace for HRH Duke of Cambridge, as well as the Manchester United Champions League winning after party in Moscow and Coronation Street’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. Liz Taylor Instagram - @liztaylorconsultancy Twitter - @ConsultancyLiz Facebook - facebook.com/LizTaylorConsultancy LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liztaylor-tlc Website - liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk Ryan Thomas Instagram - @ryanthomas84 Twitter - @ryanjamesthomas

“There is always a way to do anything” Paul Baker made his millions by selling brioche, he joins Liz to tell her how he went from a family run bakery in Devon, to co-founder of the the international bakery business the St.Pierre Groupe Paul reveals how he’s twice bounced back after “staring into the abyss”. And she shares some of his most important learnings from a life in business. Plus, what’s next for Paul since he’s sold his business to the largest bakery company in the world? Liz Taylor’s 30-year career in event planning has built an impressive portfolio of events, including celebrity weddings, charity fundraisers like Children in Need with Gary Barlow and huge gala dinners such as the Winter White Gala at Kensington Palace for HRH Duke of Cambridge, as well as the Manchester United Champions League winning after party in Moscow and Coronation Street’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. Liz Taylor Instagram - @liztaylorconsultancy Twitter - @ConsultancyLiz Facebook - facebook.com/LizTaylorConsultancy LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liztaylor-tlc Website - liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk Paul Baker LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/paul-baker-7847aa11/

“In every fragrance I create, I'm telling you the story of my life” You may be familiar with Jo Malone’s scents; Lime Basil, Pomegranate Noir, Wood Sage. Today, Jo Malone joins Liz Taylor to share how she created the Jo Malone brand, how her sense of smell is her superpower, and what’s next for her new business, Jo Loves. Liz Taylor’s 30-year career in event planning has built an impressive portfolio of events, including celebrity weddings, charity fundraisers like Children in Need with Gary Barlow and huge gala dinners such as the Winter White Gala at Kensington Palace for HRH Duke of Cambridge, as well as the Manchester United Champions League winning after party in Moscow and Coronation Street’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. Jo Malone  Instagram - @jomalonecbe Twitter - @jomalonecbe Website - joloves.com Liz Taylor Instagram - @liztaylorconsultancy Twitter - @ConsultancyLiz Facebook - facebook.com/LizTaylorConsultancy LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liztaylor-tlc Website - liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk

“I never played a leading lady because I was a little chubby” Jodie Prenger has been a star on both stage and screen. In this episode of Events That Made Me, Jodie reveals how her love for entertainment started with Drag Queens in Blackpool.  Jodie tells Liz how winning I’d Do Anything in 2008 launched her career in theatre as she played Nancy on the West End, and eventually led to her current role on Coronation Street (even though she didn’t even audition.) Liz Taylor’s 30-year career in event planning has built an impressive portfolio of events, including celebrity weddings, charity fundraisers like Children in Need with Gary Barlow and huge gala dinners such as the Winter White Gala at Kensington Palace for HRH Duke of Cambridge, as well as the Manchester United Champions League winning after party in Moscow and Coronation Street’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. Liz Taylor Instagram - @liztaylorconsultancy Twitter - @ConsultancyLiz Facebook - facebook.com/LizTaylorConsultancy LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liztaylor-tlc Website - liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk Jodie Prenger Instagram - @msjodieprenger

“I'm not ashamed to say I’m fully through the menopause now.” Emma Neville is far from just being Gary Neville’s wife. In this tell-all conversation with Liz, Emma reveals how she handled the shock of going through early menopause, and how this has empowered her to help other women. Plus, Liz and Emma discuss how going through counselling led Emma to becoming a counsellor herself and working alongside Bury Cancer Support Centre. Liz Taylor’s 30-year career in event planning has built an impressive portfolio of events, including celebrity weddings, charity fundraisers like Children in Need with Gary Barlow and huge gala dinners such as the Winter White Gala at Kensington Palace for HRH Duke of Cambridge, as well as the Manchester United Champions League winning after party in Moscow and Coronation Street’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. Liz Taylor Instagram - @liztaylorconsultancy Twitter - @ConsultancyLiz Facebook - facebook.com/LizTaylorConsultancy LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/liztaylor-tlc Website - liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk