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What happens when a childhood defined by abandonment, institutional care and trauma becomes the foundation for extraordinary resilience? How can one caring adult change the direction of a child’s life? And what needs to change to ensure that young people leaving care are given the support, stability and opportunities they need to thrive? In this very special episode of Just Curious, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard talk to sporting icon Fatima Whitbread MBE about the experiences that shaped her long before she became a world champion and Olympic medallist. Fatima describes being abandoned as a baby, spending her first 14 years in the care system and growing up without the emotional security most children take for granted. She explains how the kindness of one care worker, Auntie Ray, gave her a sense of belonging and purpose, encouraging her to look after younger children and helping shape the empathy and determination that remain central to her life today. Fatima also discusses how sport became an escape: a place where she could experience freedom, build confidence and begin to imagine a future beyond the label of being a child in care. The conversation also explores Fatima’s work with Fatima’s UK Campaign and her message is clear: improving outcomes for children in care requires collaboration, action and accountability across society. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

Corporate communications has moved from a service function to a place at the leadership table. But what does it take to become a trusted adviser to the C-suite? How should communications leaders prepare for crises they cannot predict, prove their value when prevention is invisible, and use AI for more than producing content? In this episode of Just Curious, hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard speak to global communications leader and author Tabita Andersson about her book, Chief Communications Officers at Work, which draws on conversations with practitioners from different organisations across sectors and countries. Tabita explains why critical thinking, commercial understanding and comfort with ambiguity have become essential CCO capabilities. She explores the importance of challenging constructively, presenting reputational risks clearly and building trusted relationships long before a crisis strikes. Preparation matters, she argues, but so do agility, decision-making and a ‘follow the sun’ approach to monitoring global issues. Tabita shares practical career advice for aspiring CCOs, from gaining broad experience to developing emotional intelligence, stakeholder mapping and the ability to influence without control. She also considers AI as a strategic partner for identifying gaps, testing scenarios and tailoring messages, and asks whether conventional metrics capture the full value of communications. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

How can brands tell complex stories in ways that genuinely move people? What does creative drama offer that conventional articles and social posts cannot? And, as artificial intelligence reshapes media, how can storytellers embrace new technology without losing empathy, judgement and human connection? In this episode of Just Curious, hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard speak to Juliet Riddell, Head of New Formats at the Financial Times and the creative force behind its Standpoint series. Juliet explains how journalism can draw upon drama, animation, music, poetry and live performance to reach audiences in unexpected and emotionally resonant ways. Juliet discusses projects including Capture, starring Jodie Whittaker, and Recall Me Maybe, featuring Stephen Fry, explaining how fictional storytelling can illuminate issues such as online safety, dementia, identity and AI. She also reveals what commercial brands can learn from foundations and not-for-profit organisations that grant storytellers genuine editorial freedom. Rather than controlling every detail, courageous partners can create space for surprising, distinctive work that stimulates meaningful debate and builds trust. Juliet makes the case for combining factual integrity with responsible emotion, using empathy and compassion to help audiences understand complex truths and see familiar issues differently. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

How do leaders build trust when technology, work and consumer behaviour are changing at speed? What does AI really mean for knowledge workers, and how can brands remain human when more of their customer experience is mediated by machines?  In a world of high-frequency change, the challenge is not simply to predict the future, but to understand what is changing, what is not, and where communications leaders should place their energy. In this episode of Just Curious…, hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard speak to applied futurist and author Tom Cheesewright about the practical future of work, reputation, AI and human connection. Tom explains why organisations should focus less on fixed predictions and more on agility, adaptability and the intersections between big external trends and internal business pressures. The discussion also addresses hybrid work, productivity, de-urbanisation, the changing meaning of status and the growth of the experience economy. Throughout, Tom makes a clear case for optimism, arguing that while the next 20 years will be challenging, businesses should not lose sight of human ingenuity, progress and possibility. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

How do you maintain trust when the media landscape is changing around you? What can leaders learn from artists, journalists and people whose perspectives are too often overlooked? And how can authenticity, curiosity and professionalism help someone build a reputation that survives setbacks, reinvention and public scrutiny? In this episode of Just Curious, hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard speak to broadcaster, journalist and cultural leader Brenda Emmanus OBE about her distinguished career across British television, arts and culture. Brenda reflects on joining the BBC at a time when few people on screen or behind the scenes looked like her. She shares how prejudice and self-doubt strengthened her determination to remain professional and authentic. From interviewing figures including Robert Redford, Sinead O’Connor and George Michael to becoming the BBC’s arts, culture and entertainment correspondent, she explains why the best interviews begin by recognising the human being behind the public image. The conversation explores what businesses can learn from the arts, including collaboration, experimentation and storytelling, and the challenge of building an identity and learning to value the experience you bring rather than pretending to know everything. Above all, this is a conversation about courage, consistency and continuing to take steps, even when the destination is uncertain. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

Digital identity is becoming one of the defining trust issues of modern life. Who should own our personal data? How can children be protected online without creating new privacy risks? And what does it really take for a technology brand to earn public trust when it handles some of the most sensitive information we possess? In this episode of Just Curious, hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard speak to Robin Tombs, co-founder and CEO of Yoti, the global digital identity platform. Robin explains how Yoti grew from a frustration with broken online identity systems into a company focused on helping people prove who they are safely, privately and simply. The conversation explores the challenge of communicating complex technology in language that ordinary people can understand, and why warmth, clarity and transparency are central to building trust. Robin discusses Yoti’s B Corp status, its founding principles and the role of its independent Guardian Council in holding the company accountable. He also explains how Yoti’s age estimation technology is being used across sectors including social media, gaming, vaping and adult content to protect children while preserving privacy. The discussion looks ahead to a future in which millions of UK adults may use reusable digital ID, reducing fraud and making online interactions safer. Above all, Robin argues that trust is not created by messaging alone, but by consistent action, ethical decision-making and designing every part of a business with the user’s interests in mind. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

Artificial intelligence is reshaping public relations faster than many practitioners expected. But what happens when the industry built on human relationships, creativity and instinct suddenly has to navigate governance, data literacy and machine collaboration? How can communications professionals embrace AI without losing the critical thinking and emotional intelligence that define great PR? And as generative engine optimisation transforms visibility online, are agencies and brands prepared for what comes next? In this episode of Just Curious... hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard welcome communications advisor, researcher and author Stephen Waddington to discuss his new book, ‘AI for Public Relations: A How-To Guide for Implementation and Management’. Drawing on insights from leading voices across global communications, Stephen explores how AI is already changing the structure of the PR industry, from entry-level recruitment through to leadership and governance. The conversation examines the growing importance of AI literacy, critical thinking and ethical decision-making, alongside concerns around job security, overreliance on automation and the danger of ‘outsourcing’ human judgement. Stephen also discusses the rise of GEO, why earned media is becoming increasingly valuable in AI search, and how agencies can position themselves to support clients in this evolving landscape. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

Naga Munchetty is a hugely respected household name in the UK, anchoring BBC Breakfast as well as presenting BBC Five Live. In this episode, Naga joins George and Nicky for an unflinching conversation about journalism, communication and the women’s health crisis. Naga reflects on her unconventional route into journalism, which has spanned a career across Reuters, CNBC, Bloomberg and the BBC. She shares how curiosity, analytical rigour and the discipline of asking the right questions have shaped her interviewing style, and why the best journalists know when to stay silent. At the heart of her approach is clarity: say little, facilitate much, and never make the story about yourself. The conversation then turns deeply personal. After decades of debilitating pain, heavy bleeding and dismissal, Naga was diagnosed with adenomyosis, a chronic condition affecting the uterus. She speaks candidly about the frustration of misdiagnosis, the culture of minimising women’s pain, and the stark reality that only a small fraction of research funding goes to women’s reproductive health.This episode is a masterclass in communication and a rallying cry for systemic change - honest, thought-provoking and ultimately empowering. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

In the last year there has been a growing backlash against DEI. As a result of political narratives and media framing, and as the language around DEI shifts, there is a risk that leaders are distracted from the real business value of inclusion.  In this episode of Just Curious..., hosts George Blizzard and Nicky Regazzoni are joined by Koray Camgöz, CEO of the Taylor Bennett Foundation, to explore the evolving conversation around diversity, inclusion and business performance in the communications industry. Koray reflects on why leading the Taylor Bennett Foundation was a natural next step in his career, outlining his ambition to help organisations build more inclusive and equitable workplace cultures. Drawing on his experience across agencies, industry bodies and global communications roles, he makes a clear case that inclusion is not a political issue but a commercial one, pointing to evidence that diverse teams deliver stronger decision-making, creativity and financial performance. We also talk about why some organisations are rebranding their initiatives, and the importance of being thoughtful and consistent in how inclusion is communicated internally and externally. Koray looks ahead to emerging challenges, including the impact of AI on bias, junior talent development and access to opportunity. And he has a clear call to action for leaders: start somewhere, be transparent, and commit to meaningful, consistent progress that builds trust over time. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

The world of work is changing rapidly, and leaders have to understand not only how it’s changing but how to adapt to accommodate this transformation. In this episode of Just Curious..., hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by Isabel Berwick, one of the UK’s leading voices on work, leadership and the future of the workplace. Drawing on years of interviews with global business leaders and her book The Future-Proof Career, she explores the leadership traits that matter most today, from authenticity and self-awareness to the importance of carrying authority lightly in increasingly transparent organisations. A major focus of the conversation is AI and its messy, uneven adoption across industries. Isabel argues that while investment is surging, many organisations lack clarity on use cases, training and ethics. She urges leaders to experiment without panic, to actively use AI themselves, and to prioritise trust as technology reshapes roles, hiring and performance management. The discussion also tackles some of the most sensitive workplace issues of the moment: the rollback and reframing of DEI initiatives, the rise of “fairness” as a unifying principle, ongoing challenges around social mobility, gender parity and ageism, and the persistent barriers facing female entrepreneurs seeking investment. This episode is a must-listen for any leader wishing to tackle the changing workplace positively and without fear. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

Angeline Murimirwa grew up as a subsistence farmer’s daughter in rural Zimbabwe to become a TIME 100 honouree and Africa Education Medal winner. She is now Chief Executive Officer of CAMFED, a pan-African movement supporting girls to go to school and become influential leaders and changemakers, and one of the world’s leading voices on girls’ education and social justice. In this episode of Just Curious…, Angeline shares her own deeply personal story that sits at the heart of CAMFED’s mission with hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard. She reflects on the moment her schooling was almost cut short due to poverty, and how being selected for CAMFED support transformed her life.  But she is clear that education alone is not enough. Drawing on lived experience, she explains why lasting change requires holistic support, from meeting basic material needs, to supporting transitions into livelihoods and leadership, and ultimately transforming education systems themselves. The conversation explores CAMFED’s unique model and examines leadership, partnership and reputation through a communications lens, highlighting the power of humility and collective action. Above all, Angeline offers a compelling vision for the future; one where educating the most marginalised girls reshapes communities, economies and entire nations. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

In this episode of 'Just Curious...' from The PR Network, we unpack the findings of ‘People, Pressure and Purpose’, a new report exploring the realities of international public relations. Hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard sit down with communications advisor and researcher Stephen Waddington and Matt Stewart, Vice President of Communications at Sysco Corporation. The discussion dives into critical issues such as burnout, blurred work-life boundaries and the need for leadership that models resilience. Stephen shares how the role of global comms leaders has evolved beyond media relations into a strategic management function, while Matt offers an in-house perspective on balancing central strategy with local flexibility across global teams. As well as stressing the importance of trust, judgement and cultural awareness, and the growing significance of comms in risk mitigation, stakeholder trust and business alignment, both guests look ahead at the skills tomorrow’s comms professionals will need: commercial acumen, critical thinking, ethical decision-making and the ability to use AI wisely. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

With more than 25 years’ communications experience, Gina Sheibley is one of Silicon Valley’s most respected communications leaders. She’s a huge believer in the power of human connection, and argues that emotional intelligence, curiosity and courage will always matter more than perfection. And that this is especially true in an age increasingly defined by AI. In this episode of Just Curious..., hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard talk to Gina, now Chief Communications Officer at Workday, about the importance of curiosity, grit and authenticity in building successful teams, and why diversity of thought and background are essential for great decision-making. Gina shares her journey from studying economics to discovering her passion for communications, and the lessons she’s learned leading teams at some of the world’s most influential tech companies. She reflects on how leadership shapes culture, explaining why she values bravery over fearlessness and believes that perfectionism can hold teams back. The conversation dives into the evolving role of communications within marketing, the balance between global alignment and local flexibility, and the power of listening when building international teams. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

AI has evolved from a futuristic concept into an essential business tool, and its implementation is now as much about reputation and ethics as it is about technology. In this episode of Just Curious..., hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard talk to one of the UK’s leading voices in artificial intelligence, Katie King, about the role of communicators in AI adoption. Author and international consultant Katie advises global organisations on business transformation and ethical AI adoption. She talks about the importance of reframing ‘artificial’ intelligence as augmented intelligence, highlighting how language shapes perception and can help build trust among employees and customers alike. She also explains how AI’s “golden hour” has been driven by access to big data and affordable computing power, and urges leaders to see AI as a board-level imperative that touches every department. And she shares practical steps for businesses; creating cross-functional AI task forces, developing playbooks, and implementing readiness audits and literacy training. This episode is a must-listen for communications leaders who want to integrate AI responsibly, strategically, and with humanity at its core. Get 25% off Katie's new book 'AI Strategy for Sales and Marketing' at koganpage.com using code AEMS25. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

In this episode of Just Curious…, hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by Hannah Vaughan Jones, former Sky News and CNN anchor and now a media consultant and moderator working with global leaders and organisations. Hannah shares her journey from political studies at Nottingham to a high-profile career in journalism, covering landmark events such as royal weddings, general elections and the Manchester Arena bombing. She opens up about the emotional toll of broadcasting during national tragedies while undergoing her own personal challenge - 15 rounds of IVF over six years. Hannah discusses the power of authenticity, both in the media and in leadership. Drawing on her journalistic experience, she explains how preparation and human connection are key to impactful communication, whether you're being interviewed or leading an organisation. She also explores the importance of owning vulnerability and the shift towards more human, relatable leadership, especially in a post-COVID world. From hosting global events alongside figures like Bill Gates, Dr Tedros, and King Charles III, to navigating drone malfunctions on stage with grace and humour, Hannah reflects on the moments that shaped her confidence and career. She speaks candidly about personal branding, the need for clear and honest crisis communication, and why being “truthful, not neutral” is more relevant than ever. Hannah’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every headline is a human being. Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.network LinkedIn: @theprnetwork Instagram: @prnetwork Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn