Just Curious...

• PR - An Industry in Flux. Reimagining our Future with David Gallagher

  In this insightful episode of Just Curious…, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by communications industry veteran David Gallagher for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation. With over 30 years of global agency experience, including senior leadership roles at Ketchum and Omnicom, David brings a wealth of perspective on the evolution of PR, the challenges facing the industry today, and the opportunities ahead.David discusses his shift from large agency life to co-founding Folgate Advisors, a flexible, independent consultancy model built to meet the changing needs of clients and the communications landscape. He also introduces The Advisory Club, a global WhatsApp community of over 1,000 senior comms professionals, which serves as a living forum for collective intelligence, shared learning, and candid discussion.Together, we explore the tensions between centralised and decentralised models, the impact of geopolitical instability, the rise of AI, and the shifting expectations of clients. David reflects on the need for PR to define its higher purpose, address its confidence crisis, and improve its own reputation.A highlight of the conversation is David’s optimism about the next generation of practitioners - those entering the field with fresh ideas, ethical instincts, and a digital-first mindset. The episode closes with a reaffirmation of the power of community, flexibility, and relevance in building future-ready agency models.Whether you’re an agency founder, in-house comms leader, or curious about the future of PR, this episode offers thoughtful commentary, practical insight, and a healthy dose of realism from one of the industry's most respected voices.Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.networkLinkedIn: @theprnetworkInstagram: @prnetworkConnect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedInConnect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

  --------  

  55:09
• From Meal Kits to Matcha: Building Brands with Purpose with Patrick Drake

  In this inspiring episode of Just Curious…, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by TV chef, author and co-founder of HelloFresh, Patrick Drake.Patrick’s entrepreneurial journey has taken him from scrubbing cars on a council estate to revolutionising global food and wellness habits, and he shares how his early drive for independence shaped his approach to business.From launching HelloFresh in a London living room to building his latest venture, Autonomy, a disruptive wellness brand born out of his passion for morning rituals and functional food, Patrick reflects on his personal approach to brand building. He talks about creating a brand-new category with HelloFresh, from carrot-costume street marketing to scaling a billion-meal-a-year global business. And he opens up about how he leveraged his personal brand and media presence to drive awareness, and why founder-led storytelling remains a crucial differentiator.We also explore the motivation behind Autonomy – a health-forward coffee and matcha creamer line powered by adaptogenic mushrooms – and how a homemade “Patrick coffee” evolved into a product now stocked in Goop HQ and endorsed by Gwyneth Paltrow herself. Patrick talks candidly about his use of vision boards, the power of manifestation combined with action, and the importance of building trust through integrity.From juggling breathwork and fatherhood to sharing values of authenticity, resilience, and human connection, this episode is full of energy, insights, and optimism.Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.networkLinkedIn: @theprnetworkInstagram: @prnetworkConnect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedInConnect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

  --------  

  51:08
• PR, AI and Purpose-Driven Leadership with Effie Kanyua

  In this episode of Just Curious…, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by Effie Kanyua, a leading figure in UK PR and media, and the first black female comms leader at a major publishing house. Effie reflects on her 25-year career, from her early days at the BBC to senior roles in top agencies and in-house at Bauer and Hearst UK. She shares insights on navigating cross-market campaigns, the evolution of the media industry, and the increasing role of AI in communications.Effie discusses founding her agency, We Are Warriors, and launching Lila Assistant, an AI platform built with ethics, privacy and inclusion at its core. She explores the potential and pitfalls of AI in media and comms, particularly the need for greater diversity in its development and use. The conversation also delves into the responsibility of the luxury sector in driving sustainable change, and the ongoing challenges in improving diversity and inclusion within the PR industry.As the UK Chair of the G100 Media, Arts and Communication wing, a global think tank driving gender parity, Effie outlines her vision for impactful change through collective leadership. We also discuss the importance of allyship, accountability in DEI efforts, and the power of female collaboration on a global scale.Effie’s story is one of purpose, resilience, and innovation; from creating platforms for underrepresented voices to championing ethical tech. Whether you’re in PR, media, tech or advocacy, this episode is full of inspiration and practical insight for changemakers across sectors.Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.networkLinkedIn: @theprnetworkInstagram: @prnetworkConnect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedInConnect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

  --------  

  46:48
• Balancing Corporate Strategy and Creative Storytelling with Zoe Melarkey

  In this engaging and wide-ranging episode of “Just Curious…”, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by Zoe Melarkey, Head of Communications at Ocado Retail, to explore the evolving world of consumer brand PR. With over 25 years of experience in both agency and in-house roles, Zoe reflects on her dynamic career working with major UK brands including Purplebricks, npower, MFI, and Ocado. From nostalgic tales of early internet days at Berkeley Communications, to leading multi-channel campaigns and navigating crises, Zoe shares honest insights and lessons from her journey.Zoe reveals behind-the-scenes stories, including working with Nigella Lawson, a clever PR stunt with the boy band Blue, and the realities of handling a high-profile crisis in today’s post-truth world. And she discusses the importance of authenticity, the shift towards unpolished, real-time content, and how to balance corporate and creative priorities, particularly when it comes to working with influencers and agency partners.The episode also touches on the challenges of measuring PR impact, the growing role of AI in communications work, and how to rebuild trust and reputation in times of crisis. Zoe shares candid reflections on balancing senior leadership with family life, the myth of “having it all,” and why being open, honest, and human is key to building brand loyalty.Packed with real-life examples, thoughtful perspectives, and practical advice, this episode offers a rich insight into the realities of modern PR, from campaign ideation to crisis management and everything in between.Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.networkLinkedIn: @theprnetworkInstagram: @prnetworkConnect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedInConnect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

  --------  

  52:15
• Building Agencies That Last: Lessons in Leadership with Andrew Bloch

  In this episode of Just Curious…, George Blizzard and Nicky Regazzoni sit down with Andrew Bloch, one of the most influential figures in the PR and marketing industry. Co-founder of the iconic Frank PR and now a consultant, non-exec, and M&A adviser, Andrew shares insights from his 30-year career, spanning agency life, brand building, talent management, and high-profile client representation, including his long-standing role as Lord Sugar’s spokesperson.Andrew reflects on his early beginnings at Lynne Franks, the founding philosophy behind Frank PR, and the evolution of ‘talkability’ as a core campaign strategy. He discusses the dynamics of agency partnerships, what makes a pitch successful, and the importance of chemistry and trust in client-agency relationships. As a consultant at AAR and partner at PCB Partners, he also unpacks the intricacies of M&A in the creative industries, including what buyers are looking for and how founders can best prepare for a sale.The conversation explores how the agency landscape is shifting in 2025, with thoughts on the rise of independents, network consolidation, hybrid working, and the role of hustle in driving agency success. George and Nicky reflect on their own agency journey and the enduring value of media relationships, authentic storytelling, and maintaining a differentiated proposition.Full of practical advice, industry anecdotes, and honest reflections, this episode is a must-listen for anyone working in PR, marketing, or creative leadership. Andrew’s candour and clarity offer an invaluable perspective on how to grow, sustain, and future-proof an agency.Find The PR Network online at www.thepr.networkLinkedIn: @theprnetworkInstagram: @prnetworkConnect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedInConnect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn

  --------  

  1:01:05

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About Just Curious...