Just Curious...

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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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
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Connect with Nicky Regazzoni on LinkedIn
Connect with George Blizzard on LinkedIn