Join us as we dive into a conversation about the realities of success, the importance of authenticity, and the power of storytelling. From personal anecdotes about career choices to reflections on parenting in a digital age, this episode offers insights into finding balance in life and work.

Key Topics:

Andy's love for bookshops and his guilty pleasure of reading investment magazines.

The journey of Gymshark's founder, Ben Francis, and the myth of overnight success.

The impact of social media on self-perception and the importance of being genuine.

Reflections on parenting, discipline, and the digital world.

The power of storytelling and sharing personal truths.

Memorable Quotes:

"Everybody wants what you've got, but nobody wants to do the hard work that got you there."

"Self-confidence doesn't come from shouting affirmations in the mirror. Real self-confidence comes from giving the world irrefutable proof that you are who you say you are."

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#Success #Authenticity #Storytelling #Parenting #DigitalAge

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

01:25 The Importance of Hard Work and Sacrifice

03:54 The Reality of Success and Overnight Achievements

06:06 Teaching Resilience and the Value of Persistence

07:57 Self-Confidence and Authenticity

10:22 The Power of Storytelling in Business

12:52 The Role of Genuine Leadership

15:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

20:56 The Power of Storytelling

22:03 Art and Inspiration: Eric Pickersgill's Photography

23:43 The Importance of Being Present

25:42 Parenting in the Digital Age

27:34 Reflections on Parenting and Technology

29:00 Navigating Online Content and Safety

31:01 Finding Balance in a Digital World

32:47 Confidence: A Personal Journey

36:25 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Acceptance

In this episode we discuss the evolution of communication and marketing over the past 25 years, highlighting the importance of personal connections in business, the skills gap in the workforce, and the impact of AI and technology on the industry.

Andy shares insights from his experience as the founder of OWB Creative Comms and emphasises the need for authenticity in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Enjoy

Takeaways

• The transition from a small team to a larger organisation brings new opportunities.
• Personal connections in business are more important than ever.
• There is a growing demand for direct marketing and physical experiences.
• The skills gap includes both tech skills and soft skills like communication.
• Confidence and networking should be prioritised in education.
• AI can automate tasks but authenticity in content is crucial.
• Younger generations are focused on work-life balance and hold leadership accountable.
• The next generation board at DRPG empowers young voices in the company.
• Experiential learning is key for young people entering the workforce.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Andy Wilkinson and OWB Creative Comms

07:15

The Evolution of Communication and Marketing

12:52

Skills Gap: Technology vs. People Skills

16:03

The Future of Work: AI and Next Gen Boards

17:06

The Balance of AI and Authenticity

19:23

Inspiring the Next Generation in Creative Careers

24:47

Essential Skills for Future Generations

27:21

Navigating Technological Disruption in the Industry

30:33

Bridging the Gap Between Generations in the Workplace

32:23

Recommendations for Future Guests

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Ad Davies, a cultural architect who transitioned from sports coaching to business leadership. Ad shares his experiences from the football field to the boardroom, highlighting the power of storytelling and the importance of opportunity in shaping company identity.

Tune in to hear how Ad's unique journey can inspire and guide future leaders in any field.

Key Highlights:

Ad's early aspirations in sports and his transition to business leadership. The role of storytelling in building company culture and identity. Insights on leadership from Ad's time at Gymshark. The significance of being given opportunities and access in career growth.

Quotes:

"I always start keynotes by saying I'm a lad from a local area with absolutely no way I should have been stood on a pitch when Leicester won the Premier League." "The lessons I take from sport I'm constantly taking into business and vice versa."

#Leadership #Storytelling #BusinessGrowth

00:00 Introduction to Ad Davies

02:02 Ad's Journey and Early Aspirations

04:19 Career Development and Boxing Experience

05:29 Lessons from Sport Applied to Business

08:00 Cultural Insights from Gymshark

09:54 The Importance of Opportunity

12:04 Access and the Role of AI in Job Applications

13:49 Building Resilience and Confidence in Youth

16:41 Understanding Individual Styles in Leadership

19:30 Navigating Conversations and Leadership at Gymshark

22:18 Generational Shifts in Workplace Expectations

24:52 The Future of Careers: Shorter Roles and Value-Driven Work

26:42 Geographical Differences in Work Culture

27:36 Building a Connected Culture in Organizations

30:42 Emerging Talent in the Greater Birmingham Area

33:10 The Power of Storytelling in Shaping Culture

37:11 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations