In this stirring episode of The Captivate Podcast, we unravel the tapestry of James Trott's life — from the whimsical dreams of a star-bound child to his ascent into the echelons of media mastery. Join us as James walks us through the nostalgic pages of a childhood memory book, his spirited sprints across the rugby field, and his bold splash into the world of water polo with Olympic aspirations. Now at the helm of global media strategy, James offers an introspective look at the pivots and leaps of his journey, shedding light on how the dreams we weave can transform into the legacies we build.

Key Takeaways:

1. Childhood Aspirations:

- Rediscover the childlike wonder that had James reaching for the stars, and the poignant role his mother's memory book plays in preserving those early sparks of ambition.

- Examine the transition from cosmic dreams to earthly passions, revealing how childhood aspirations can set the stage for unexpected life paths.

2. Athletic Endeavours and Lessons Learned:

- Delve into James's athletic pursuits, from rugby fields where strategy and grit are forged, to the disciplined waves of competitive water polo.

- Unpack the life lessons gained from sports — resilience, teamwork, and the power of redefining success.

3. Media Strategy and Innovation:

- Trace James’s evolution into a media strategist, navigating the changing tides of digital marketing and cultural engagement.

- Explore the innovative strategies at play in James’s role at Coca Cola, where he directs global media efforts to captivate and connect.

4. Philosophy on Life and Work:

- Reflect on James’s philosophy of life, where mindfulness and adaptability reign supreme in both personal well-being and professional excellence.

- Consider how James’s journey underscores the importance of pivoting gracefully amidst life’s inevitable changes.

Quote Highlights:

- "We're all just a little stardust mixed with dreams of what could be."

- "In the game of life, sometimes the best plays come from the most unexpected shifts."

- "Mindfulness isn't just meditation; it’s mediating between what life expects of you and what you expect of life."

Tune in to witness how James Trott maps the galaxies of his mind to the strategies in the boardroom, proving that sometimes, the journey from stardust to stardom is just a dream away.

In this raw and riveting episode of The Captivate Podcast, we sit down with Tom Fenwick-Smith, a digital creative and innovator with a surprising side passion for Muay Thai. We kick things off with Tom’s tale of how a charity boxing match led him down an unexpected path, teaching him the true meaning of grit, determination, and the beauty of getting back up after a hard fall.

Key Takeaways:

1. Muay Thai Journey:

- Discover how a pre-COVID charity boxing match pushed Tom to face his fears.

- Hear about his training with a world champion K1 Thai fighter and the lessons learned from taking punches every week.

- Understand the parallels between the discipline of Muay Thai and life’s challenges.

2. Creative Career Path:

- Follow Tom’s unconventional journey from the film industry to advertising, driven by his love for storytelling.

- Learn how Tom’s dyslexia became a superpower in his creative process.

- Explore the transformative impact of the School of Communication Arts 2.0 on his career.

3. Personal Reflections:

- Hear Tom’s take on empathy and how small, genuine moments can make a big difference.

- Dive into his belief in the power of pain and discomfort as catalysts for growth.

- Appreciate the value of meaningful connections and small victories in life and work.

4. Advice for Aspiring Creatives:

- Tom emphasizes the necessity of curiosity in the creative field.

- Provides a heartfelt recommendation for young talents looking to break into the industry.

Quote Highlights:

- “If boxing is chess, Muay Thai is 3D chess.”

- “Losing builds self-esteem through incremental change.”

- “We live in a world of grey, and it's those small moments of empathy that colour it.”

Slip behind the scenes with Michelle Sarpong, the vibrant heartbeat at the core of the7stars. In today’s episode, Michelle opens the curtains on her almost six-year dance through the dynamic corridors of the agency, tracing the arcs and sparks that keep her chasing the horizon. From the rigid frameworks of law school to the fluid realms of media, hers is a story woven with threads of passion, resilience, and relentless evolution.

With Michelle’s voice as your guide, explore how she has sculpted her space within the7stars, turning her diverse past into a formidable bridge between the hungry demands of commerce and the nuanced needs of clients. She speaks of the human core of this industry—how the support of colleagues and the pulse of a dynamic work setting have been the bedrock of her growth.

She’s not one to sidestep the heavy hitters—Michelle tackles the big questions about AI’s splash in the media pool, dispelling fears with a poet’s grace. She argues for a harmony where technology clears the underbrush, setting the stage for human creativity and strategic finesse to play their parts.

Then there’s the shifting sands of workplace dynamics—hybrid models, talent retention, and what fun looks like when the world is watching through a post-pandemic lens. Michelle sketches a landscape transformed, advocating for a blend of flexibility and the irreplaceable spark of in-person collaboration.

And yes, while the stakes are high, Michelle lets her vibrant spirit shine through, from tales of her love for Arsenal to serendipitous late-night moments that steered her toward a career in media. Her energy captivates, her insights cut deep, and her passion for the pulse of media is unmistakable.

Whether you’re deep in the game, just peeking through the door, or thinking of switching lanes, this episode promises a deep dive into the evolving world of media, packed with raw insights, seasoned advice, and the infectious zeal of a woman who lives and breathes this industry.