Working Class to World Class

From growing up in Scotland to becoming a bestselling author read around the world, Jenny Colgan has built a global career through creativity and grit. In this episode, she reflects on her early life, finding her voice, and what it really takes to turn writing into lasting success.

From growing up in a humble household in Kansas City, raised by a nurse and a minister, to leading one of the world’s biggest creative networks as Global CEO of VML, Jon Cook reflects on where he came from, the values that shaped him, and what it takes to lead at the highest level.

Simon Hatter is a creative and entrepreneur who rose from a council estate after losing his father at a young age, surviving an abusive stepfather, and growing up in a world hostile to being gay. It’s a powerful story of resilience, courage, and success.

Gail Porter - the presenter and campaigner known to millions - shares her honest story, from the highs of fame to the toughest moments, and why she now speaks so openly about mental health. A big supporter of the Samaritans, this episode shines a spotlight on their work.

Wyclef Jean, the superstar who’s collaborated with Shakira, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston and co-founded the Fugees, opens up with a deep and personal story that starts in Haiti, moves through real hardship and eventually lands at the mansion. It’s a must listen for anyone, music fan or not.

Wesley ter Haar, the visionary founder behind a global media powerhouse, shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Amsterdam as a working-class kid to becoming a young entrepreneur. Discover how he transformed his passion and creativity into a business that has become the envy of the media world.

Anamika Gupta shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming cultural stereotypes in India to becoming one of the most respected b2b marketers in the world.

John Cherry is an Executive Creative Director working for some of the biggest advertising agencies in the world. He reminisces about family holidays by bus, living with dyslexia, and his rise to success.    

Jodene Van Lienden re-lives her turbulent upbringing, a breakdown in relationships, and bullying at school, all of which has fuelled her need and want to help others become their best selves today.

Music supervisor, Scott Velasquez, was brought up in a religious household where being gay was taboo. He candidly discusses his rise to success, working with global superstars like Lil Wayne, Chamillionaire, and Pitbull.

Joe Ngyuen shares his deeply personal story of life as a refugee, overcoming challenges that gave him the positive mindset to build a successful career.

Jeff Tan talks about bullying, religion, and not fitting in, and how this adversity focused him on becoming the success he is today.

Gordon Smith, well known for his performances at Kilmarnock, Rangers, and Manchester City, tells his story of living the dream as a football professional.

Bernard Ponsonby, a high profile broadcaster, tells how he could never have dreamt as a child that one day he’d be interviewing countless Prime Ministers and every single First Minister of Scotland.

Sir John Hegarty, one of the most prolific and respected figures in advertising takes a trip back down memory lane, reminiscing about the good old days.

Sometimes life is about being in the right place at the right time, and James Cross, Founder of Meanwhile, tells me about his serendipity past which led him to become an award-winning creative.

Rosemary Reed tells her fascinating story that changed her world from a proud cleaner to a TV Producer, mingling with the stars.

Working class, Allan Blair talks about his rising career, which now sees him as strategist for one of the biggest influencers in marketing, Gary Vaynerchuk of Vayner Media.

Beth Ann Kaminkow tells her emotional story of growing up in a single parent family and how many lessons in life set her up to become one of the most successful CEOs in advertising. * This recording was made prior to the launch of VML, through a merger of VMLY&R Commerce & Wunderman Thompson

Ross King, who has embraced our TV screens for over 3 decades tells his humble story, which eventually led him to Hollywood.

Eilidh Doyle, the most medalled Olympian in Scotland, for track and field, talks about her rise to the top with the support of her family.

Russ Lidstone shares his journey coming from a fishing town to working for and advising some of the biggest businesses in the world.

Business entrepreneur, Lee Puri, shares his working class journey that drove him to create a billion dollar business.

Meg Jones, Rugby Union legend shares her very candid story of how she became elite in her sport, whilst overcoming challenges along the way.

Whitney Tingle, CEO of Sakara Life tells what it’s like growing up in an entrepreneurial household - having everything one minute and nothing the next.