The Ad Race

In this episode, Fayola Douglas interviews Ben Titchmarsh about navigating Cannes Lions, the importance of networking, and how to thrive in the fast-paced world of PR and marketing. Ben Titchmarsh is  Associate Director at Propeller Group, a prominent PR agency in London and New York specialising in the worlds of marketing, media and technology. Ben works across Propeller’s client roster, wit...

In this episode, Fayola Douglas interviews Dipti Shah, a seasoned Strategic People & Culture Advisor and Founder of Conscious Rebel Leadership. They explore the evolution of leadership, diversity, and culture in the advertising industry. Sharing some practical insights on fostering inclusive environments, managing change, and leading with consciousness and rebel spirit. Connect with Dipti Shah...

In this episode, Fayola Douglas interviews Sheeraz Gulsher, Co-Founder of People Like Us. Sheeraz shares his journey from studying English and creative writing to becoming a champion for diversity and inclusion in the marketing and PR industry. He discusses the importance of representation, the impact of campaigns, and the importance of industry transparency and equity. Find People Like Us https:/...

In this special Christmas episode of The Ad Race podcast, host Fayola Douglas is joined by Yasmin Arrigo - journalist, editorial director and creator of ADventure and Dino Myers-Lamptey. Founder at The Barber Shop, to delve into the world of Christmas advertising. The trio discusses the creativity and emotional storytelling behind iconic Christmas campaigns, starting with the much-anticipated John...

In this episode of the AdRace podcast, host Fayola Douglas sits down with Shanice Hoo Mills, a visionary communication strategist and founder of Kallure. Shanice shares her journey from studying fashion and the arts to becoming a leader in the PR industry. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of navigating corporate spaces, the importance of community and diversity, and her transition to entr...

In this episode of the AdRace podcast, host Fayola Douglas interviews Ally Owen, an inclusion activist and founder of Brixton Finishing School. They discuss Ally’s unique journey from studying Egyptology to becoming a leading figure in advertising and marketing. Ally shares her insights on the importance of diversity, representation, and the need for change within these sectors. The conversation a...

In this episode of The Ad Race podcast, host Fayola Douglas interviews Tiwalola Adebayo, a globally recognised coach specialising in positive psychology. Tiwalola shares her journey from studying Spanish and business management to becoming a life coach and founder of 'Confident and Killing It.' She discusses the importance of aligning one's career with personal strengths, the challenges faced duri...

In this episode of the AdRace podcast, host Fayola Douglas interviews Cynthia Mutede, a strategic marketing leader with over a decade of experience in brand growth and multicultural marketing. Cynthia shares her journey from studying in South Africa to working in China and the UK, detailing her experiences at various companies, including Nature's Bounty and Nestle. She discusses her current role a...

In this episode of The Ad Race, Fayola Douglas interviews Jermaine Balfourth, Associate Design Director at Oliver and founder of BLACQ Space. Jermaine shares his journey through the creative industry, highlighting the importance of mentorship, community, and meaningful work. He discusses his educational background, the challenges he faced, and the pivotal role of supportive teachers in shaping his...

In this episode, Fayola Douglas interviews Sachini Imbuldeniya, co-founder and CEO of House of Oddities, a creative agency focused on promoting diversity and equity in the industry. Sachini shares her journey from a challenging educational background to her experiences in editorial and commercial work. She discusses the importance of representation, the founding of Studio Pi to support underrepres...

In this episode of The Ad Race podcast, host Fayola Douglas interviews Adam Azor, EVP Global Marketing for Sportradar. Adam shares his journey from his early career aspirations, the importance of work experience, and the challenges of navigating the marketing sector. Adam reflects on his time at various agencies, including BD Network and B&B, and offers insights into the evolving landscape of...

In this episode of "The Ad Race" podcast, host Fayola Douglas is joined by Chris Maho, an Afro-Spanish commerce professional with a passion for PR and influencer marketing. Chris shares his journey from growing up in Spain to moving to London, driven by the city's diversity and fashion scene. He discusses the challenges of pursuing a non-traditional career path, the importance of mentorship, and t...

For this episode of The Ad Race podcast Fayola Douglas is joined by Kalpna Tandon. After 12 years in the advertising industry, working at Be-Hookd, FRUKT, Coolr, Nerds, and a laundry service, Kalpna founded Vibe Worthy—a culture marketing and empowerment consultancy for brands and music artists.  Find Vibe Worthy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/vibe-worthy/ Follow us over on Inst...

For this episode of The Ad Race podcast Fayola Douglas is joined by Ali Munro. Ali is a Creative at Grey London who studied fine art before entering the world of advertising. He is a D&AD One to Watch and New Blood White Pencil winner. He has delivered award winning work across clients including PlayStation, Spotify and Fortnite. Away from work Ali utilises his design skills to explore some of...

In Season 3 Episode 2 of The Ad Race podcast Fayola Douglas is joined by Arun Lloyd, Associate Director at Hope&Glory PR, a creative consumer comms agency based in London.  Arun has been in the PR industry for 10 years, starting out at Dynamo before joining Hope&Glory back in 2018, spending four years working on some of their largest clients including Sony, LinkedIn, American Airlines...

In Season 3 Episode 1 of The Ad Race podcast Fayola Douglas is joined by Nishma Patel Robb, President of WACL.  Nishma is known to be one of the UK’s top marketing leaders and a great champion for representation and inclusion in our industry. Through her work at Google she pioneered how marketing and technology can play a critical role in addressing societal inequalities. Nishma has also...

Host of The Ad Race podcast Fayola Douglas is joined by Dionne Maxwell . Dionne is passionate about diversity, inclusion, and belonging as well as race equality issues. She is Director of Diversity, Belonging and Engagement at Jungle Creations where she leads the social media first publisher in developing and implementing Jungle's diversity and belonging strategy. She is also Chief Amplifier...

For Season 2 Episode 4 Fayola Douglas is joined by Elizabeth Anyaegbuna founder of 16x9 media agency, WACL member, Mentor at MEFA and current Bloom president. Elizabeth champions inclusion and equity authoring Bloom’s Allyship Code of Conduct, she is also a mentor and co-founded the inclusion group Bloom in Colour. Elizabeth shares her career journey from a degree in Law to becoming a me...

Welcome back to The Ad Race Podcast, it is Season 2 Episode 3 which is our Christmas Special. Fayola Douglas is joined by passionate storyteller Rose Latiff who has worked in brand experience and for Cannes Lions, so she knows how to spot a winner. The pair have watched a range of Christmas ads and are sharing some very honest feedback. From the big supermarket ads like Aldi and Tesco to the class...

For Season 2 episode 2 of The Ad Race podcast Fayola Douglas is joined by Leila Faatar, Founder, CEO and CSO of Platform 13.  With more than 25 years’ proven experience, Leila Fataar has the unique ability to speak entrepreneurial, cultural and corporate fluently. Having worked both in senior leadership roles in-house the likes of adidas and Diageo, and through founding her own platforms and...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Ad Race. Fayola Douglas is joined by Bukola Garry, Head of Cultural Impact at M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment London.  Bukola’s passion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion reaches well beyond her role at M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, she’s been on the advisory board for black-owned SMEs. She is also a mentor for Apprentice Nation and the NABS...

Fayola Douglas is joined by Amplify Creative strategist Chelsea Mtada. Chelsea has a background in beauty and journalism and is always sharing her interesting insights. She's the founder of Night Stand Service, Gen Z’s first sexual wellness brand - Connecting a new generation of lovers to SEX, DATING & RELATIONSHIPS.  In this episode, Fayola and Chelsea talk about how sex and relationship...

Fayola Douglas is in conversation with Kalpna Tandon, Operations Director at Be-Hookd. Kalpna joined Be-Hookd in 2021, but has worked at quite a few agencies you will have heard of including FRUKT, Coolr, Nerds and laundry service.  In this episode we are going to be finding out about Kalpna’s journey into advertising, from her master's in Journalism, working in Pr, her time as an accoun...

Welcome back to The Ad Race. Fayola Douglas and Luis Donegan-Brown are discussing some of the 2022 Christmas Ads. This year with the cost of living crisis and sustainability at the fronts of our minds brands have been trying their hardest to make their customers feel like they are heard. From the funny spots to emotive campaigns, Fayola and Luis will be delving into the best of this years ads and...

Welcome to the sixth episode of The Ad Race. For this in-conversation episode, Fayola Douglas is joined by David Ogiste, Founder of Nobody's Café an Experiential & Events Collective.  Before founding Nobody’s Cafe in 2020, David held past roles at RPM and Culture Trip. In this episode, David discusses his career, covering his university days in Leeds, a stint in Dubai, moving to Lond...