Episodes

  • Unlocking Agency Growth with Laura Vipond from Ogilvy
    May 7 2025

    In this episode, host and General Manager of ALF Insight, Amanda Rosevear, chats to Laura Vipond, Chief Growth Officer at Ogilvy.

    They discuss Laura's career journey, the importance of new business culture, and the strategies Ogilvy employs for agency growth. Laura shares her knowledge of how best to understand client needs, the evolving pitch process, and why she promotes the Positive Pitch Pledge, aimed at improving the pitching experience for both agencies and clients.

    The conversation also touches on the importance of emotional intelligence in business development and the long-term strategies for building client relationships.

    Plus, Laura answers the OnBD Quickfire Questions revealing which animated movie title best describes her career.

    00:00 Introduction to Laura Vipond and Her Career Journey

    03:53 Understanding Agency Growth Models

    08:13 The Importance of New Business Culture

    11:06 Ogilvy's New Business Strategy

    15:02 Identifying and Filling the Pipeline

    18:47 The Long Game: Asparagus Growth Strategy

    21:12 Evolving Pitch Processes and Client Expectations

    27:04 The Positive Pitch Pledge

    32:50 Quickfire Questions and Key Takeaways

    If you want to do business with the UK’s leading brands, request an ALF Insight demo.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Adapting to Change with The Standard’s Steve Cording
    Apr 9 2025

    Host and General Manager of ALF Insight, Amanda Rosevear is joined by Steve Cording, Head of Culture, Sport and TelCo at The Standard, the long-established regional newspaper for London.

    Steve shares his journey from sports journalism to media sales, the evolution of The Standard, the importance of storytelling, and the need for adaptability in the changing media landscape.

    Amanda and Steve also chat about navigating redundancy, the impact of AI on media, the future of audience engagement and the importance of multi-platform strategies.

    00:00 Introduction to Steve Cording and His Role

    06:06 The Evolution of The Standard

    08:49 Adapting to Change in Media

    11:55 Team Dynamics and Learning

    15:02 Skills and Adaptation in a Changing Environment

    18:07 The Impact of AI on Media

    21:07 Future Predictions for Media and Audience Engagement

    26:30 The Importance of Affiliate Partnerships and Loyalty

    27:18 Multi-Platform Strategies for Modern Brands

    29:47 Adapting to Change

    30:35 Support and Optimism for the Future

    32:03 The Role of Sports in Media Engagement

    32:57 Navigating Redundancies in the Media Industry

    36:10 Transitioning from Editorial to Sales

    39:06 The Role of Video in Sales Communication

    41:03 Advice for Newcomers in the Industry

    42:12 What Makes a Great Salesperson?

    45:30 OnBD Quickfire Questions

    If you want to do business with the UK’s leading brands, request an ALF Insight demo.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • What makes a ‘GOOD’ Business Developer ‘GREAT’?
    Mar 6 2025

    In this first episode of the new series, 'OnBD with ALF', host and General Manager of ALF Insight, Amanda Rosevear, delves into the intricacies of successful business development with guests, Rich McHardy, founder of The McHardy Collective, and Jody Osman, Chief Growth Officer at Propeller Group. The pair are also known for being the founders of The BD100.


    The episode explores what differentiates a good business developer from a great one, through the lens of The BD100—a community and annual awards event recognising top-performing business developers.


    Rich and Jody discuss the evolving nature of business development roles, characteristics of standout professionals, and the significance of creativity, strategy, and personality in sales.


    Plus hear what advice our guests would give their younger selves and what they’d name a movie about their life, as Amanda tasks them with answering the OnBD quickfire questions.


    The episode concludes with insights on future trends in business development and information about the upcoming BD100 Awards event at The Drum Labs.


    00:00 Introduction to OnBD with ALF

    00:47 Meet the Guests: Jody Osman and Rich McHardy

    01:18 The BD100: Origins and Purpose

    02:01 The BD100: Nomination and Judging Process

    03:21 Key Traits of Top Business Developers

    04:55 The Importance of Personality in BD

    17:35 Recognising Rising Stars in BD

    20:44 Evolution of Business Development

    22:49 The Expanding Role of Business Developers

    23:58 The Evolution of Business Development

    24:23 Balancing Stress and Support in Business Development

    26:07 The Importance of Research and Personalisation

    27:23 Building and Leveraging Relationships

    28:40 Advice for Aspiring Business Developers

    31:24 Quick Fire Questions: Insights and Reflections

    39:12 Upcoming BD100 Event and Conclusion


    If you want to do business with the UK’s leading brands, request an ALF Insight demo.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • OnBD with ALF - New series coming soon!
    Mar 5 2025
    Welcome to ALF Insight’s brand-new series focusing on everything you wanted to know about business development.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 min
  • Exploring Nutritional Science with ZOE: Insights from Jonathan Wolf & Sharlene Lopez
    Jan 15 2025

    Join Rory Sutherland in this episode of 'On Brand' with special guests Jonathan Wolf, CEO of ZOE, and Sharlene Lopez, founder of Medifesto. They delve into the world of nutritional science, the significance of the microbiome, and the innovative personalised nutrition programme by ZOE. Discover how ZOE's research is transforming health through food and learn about the evolving role of branding and marketing in the health technology sector. With discussions on behavioural change, the impact of ultra-processed foods and the future of health tech, this episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in health and nutrition. All views expressed are those of the participants, listeners should consult a medical expert before following any of these views or recommendations.

    00:00 Welcome and Guest Introductions

    01:29 Jonathan Wolf's Journey to Founding Zoe

    04:36 The Science Behind ZOE's Nutrition Programme

    07:01 Impact of Diet on Health and Mood

    22:47 Challenges and Successes in Health Tech Branding

    29:47 The Role of Marketing in Health Technology

    34:20 The High Stakes of Scientific Validation

    34:43 Disconnect Between Scientific Proof and Market Impact

    36:40 Brand Influence in Health Decisions

    37:43 The Role of Advertising and Brand Partnerships

    41:26 Challenges in Sustaining Behaviour Change

    44:58 Technological Advances in Health Monitoring

    47:08 The Importance of Messaging in Health Campaigns

    49:21 Rethinking Food and Health Guidelines

    01:02:58 The Future of Food Labelling and Consumer Information

    01:09:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    If you want to do business with the UK’s leading brands Request an ALF Insight demo.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • We're all going on a TUI Holiday - Global Brand Director Toby Horry talks to Rory
    Dec 11 2024

    Exploring Travel and Advertising with TUI's Toby Horry and Rory Sutherland. In this episode of On Brand with ALF and Rory Sutherland we hear from Toby Horry, Global Brand and Content Director at TUI. Discover Toby's career journey from a production manager at an indie film company to his current role at TUI. Learn about TUI's dynamic history, the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry, and the evolving trends in holiday booking. The discussion also explores the influence of digital transformation, the role of subscription and dynamic pricing models, the increasing importance of experiential travel for Gen Z, and the creativity in advertising. Join us for an insightful conversation packed with anecdotes and valuable industry insights.


    If you want to do business with the UK’s leading brands Request an ALF Insight demo.


    Chapters:-

    00:00 Welcome and Introduction

    00:19 Guest Introduction: Toby Horry

    01:31 Early Career and Family Influence

    02:42 Advertising Anecdotes and Insights

    08:46 Dynamic Pricing in Travel

    17:36 COVID-19 Impact on Travel Industry

    19:11 Repatriation Efforts During COVID-19

    21:13 The Future of Package Holidays

    23:31 Changing Trends in Travel and Leisure

    29:08 Vacation Policies and Economic Impact

    30:58 Economic Rationality in Travel

    31:28 Flexible Working and Consumer Behaviour

    32:09 The Case for Flexible Work

    34:52 The Impact of Technology on Work and Travel

    39:48 Marketing Strategies in the Travel Industry

    48:08 The Role of Video and Social Media in Travel

    49:46 AI and Its Implications in Travel

    51:17 Consumer Trends and Travel Recommendations

    56:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Soup-er Successful Marketing with Ruth Snowdon-Gough from Hain Celestial
    Oct 9 2024

    In this episode, Rory interviews Ruth Snowdon-Gough, CMO of Hain Celestial, a company known for its ‘dawn to dusk’ portfolio of brands including Sun Pat, Covent Garden Soup, Linda McCartney Foods and Ella's Kitchen.

    The discussion covers Hain's multi-year strategy for global growth, the meat-reduction trends influencing food consumption, and the evolution of vegetarian food toward flavour-rich offerings without taste compromise. They explore insights into educating children on cooking, whether soup deserves a bigger share of the portable meals market and the success story of Ella’s Kitchen.

    In ‘Top Two Challenges’, Ruth talks about balancing product sales with ethical goals and how the company manages the reputation of the McCartney family name when it comes to product development for the Linda McCartney range.

    If you want to do business with the UK’s leading brands Request an ALF Insight demo.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Samsung's Benjamin Braun on the Olympic sponsorship and minimax marketing
    Sep 11 2024

    In this episode of 'On Brand with ALF and Rory Sutherland,' host Rory Sutherland, Vice-Chairman of Ogilvy UK, sits down with Benjamin Braun, the Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung Europe.


    The discussion covers a range of topics including Samsung's creative use of their Olympic sponsorship, marketing tactics and digital transformation. Braun highlights the success of gifting special edition gold phones to Olympians, which led to a 23% increase in demand for Flip 6 phones. They also explore Samsung's innovative products like foldable phones, AI-enabled ovens and eco-friendly initiatives like solar-powered TV remotes. The conversation delves into the importance of user-centric design and dual-purpose products, and how Samsung balances premium offerings with affordable technology to democratize access. Rory and Benjamin further discuss the future of AI, the impact of aesthetics in consumer choice and effective marketing strategies that blend minimax (minimal resources for maximum output) and maxmax (heroic marketing efforts).


    If you want to do business with the UK’s leading brands Request an ALF Insight demo.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 5 mins