What if design wasn't about aesthetics at all-but about empathy?In this episode Abbie is joined by Karl Randay, Experience Director at 383, to explore why human-centric design is the edge marketers can't afford to ignore. With a career spanning design, strategy, and digital transformation, Karl shares how putting people-not platforms-at the centre creates work that resonates, engages, and lasts.We unpack how businesses can move beyond surface-level branding to design experiences that truly serve their audiences. From accessibility and inclusivity, to testing and iteration, to breaking down silos between design and marketing, Karl reveals the frameworks and mindset shifts that elevate campaigns into meaningful connections. Along the way, he shares stories from the field and practical advice for marketers looking to embed empathy into every touchpoint.What You'll Learn- Human-Centred Thinking: Why empathy, inclusivity, and accessibility are non-negotiable in modern marketing.- Practical Frameworks: How testing, iteration, and collaboration sharpen design impact.- Beyond Aesthetics: Why the best design isn't about looking good-it's about solving problems for real people.Karl's insights remind us that when we design with humans in mind, we don't just create better marketing-we create better experiences that make a difference.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
Is YouTube the new Google for brands?In this episode of Marketing vs. the World, Abbie sits down with Stuart Stubbs, founder of Navigate Video, to uncover how businesses can dominate online through the power of YouTube. With two decades of experience in digital video, Stuart shares how brands can move beyond treating YouTube as a dumping ground for ads and instead harness it as a true search, engagement, and conversion platform.What You’ll Learn- Search Power: Why YouTube is now the world’s second biggest search engine and how brands can show up where their audiences are looking.- Content Strategy: How to balance Shorts, long-form videos, and playlists with a consistent cadence that keeps viewers engaged.- Brand Growth: Practical ways to measure value beyond views and build authentic, trust-driven channels that convert.Stuart offers practical advice on making content discoverable through titles, thumbnails, and timestamps, while also explaining why cadence and commitment matter more than chasing “viral” hits. He shares how YouTube can drive sales, boost brand authority, and create deeper connections with audiences when done with intention.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
Email marketing’s a powerhouse, and in this episode of Marketing vs. the World, I chat with Jamie Woodbridge, co-founder of The Inbox Club, about why it’s a must for businesses. With 4.5 billion users and killer ROI, Jamie, a former sales guy turned email guru, breaks down how to nail newsletters—think sharp segmentation, punchy CTAs, and emails that actually get opened.Jamie also gets real about his mental health struggles, from anxiety and depression triggered by a high-stress job to finding balance with help from his wife, a supportive GP, and exercise. His story’s a raw reminder to keep it human in the grind, blending pro tips with a nudge to rethink email and your own well-being.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
Curious about Gen Z’s digital habits? In our new Monday Clicks Minis, I talk with Isabella Chang, a 15-year-old on work experience at Monday Clicks, passionate about business, sports, and baking.With lots of buzz around how Gen Z searches and shops, Isabella reveals surprising insights on what fuels this generation and how brands can shine in a crowded digital landscape.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
Google’s AI Mode is shaking things up in the UK, but it’s not curtains for search - it’s a chance to get smarter. In this episode, I’m spilling the tea from our team’s experiments and what we’ve learned from the US rollout: lean into richer content, sharper tech tweaks, and amplify your PR and social game to keep shining.It’s all about going deep with content - think detailed FAQs, authentic author bios, killer image optimisation, and homepage journeys that feel effortless. As consumer habits shift, weaving SEO with real, heartfelt storytelling is how brands pop. AI might scrape the web, but it’s human spark and know-how that make the difference. I’m here to walk you through the chaos with honest insights and a nudge to keep creating boldly.Google’s AI Mode is shaking things up in the UK, but it’s not curtains for search - it’s a chance to get smarter. In this episode, I’m spilling the tea from our team’s experiments and what we’ve learned from the US rollout: lean into richer content, sharper tech tweaks, and amplify your PR and social game to keep shining.It’s all about going deep with content - think detailed FAQs, authentic author bios, killer image optimisation, and homepage journeys that feel effortless. As consumer habits shift, weaving SEO with real, heartfelt storytelling is how brands pop. AI might scrape the web, but it’s human spark and know-how that make the difference. I’m here to walk you through the chaos with honest insights and a nudge to keep creating boldly.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
Is AI rewriting the rules of SEO? In this episode, Marius Tudor, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at National Express joins me, to dive into AI-driven search and its impact on brands. We explore how tools like Google’s AI Overviews and crawler-blocking tech are pushing brands toward richer content like video to stay visible.Marius shares strategies for future-proofing your brand’s visibility and loyalty by optimising SEO for conversational AI queries, adapting to shifting user behaviour, and leveraging platforms like TikTok as search engines for younger audiences.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
How do fashion brands retain customers in a competitive, budget-tight market? In this episode of Marketing vs the World, Naomi Davies, founder of NMD Marketing, shares her expertise in fashion retention strategies. With roots in luxury accessories and a fine art degree, Naomi built her agency focusing on Klaviyo email marketing and paid ads. We explore the challenges of rising ad costs, lean teams, and delivering results on tight budgets, emphasising the importance of listening to customers.Naomi believes in crafting a unique brand voice, using smart segmentation, and creating timely email automations to personalise customer journeys. She warns against over-segmentation and shares tips on using lo-fi, user-generated content for Meta ads to build authentic connections.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
Can AI really deliver SEO content that ranks without turning into soulless spam? In this episode, I’m joined by Tom Winter, founder of SEOwind, a SaaS platform blending AI with human insight to craft content that nails Google’s elusive EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).Tom, a decade-long SEO veteran and self-proclaimed “dinosaur,” shares his refreshingly grounded take on why AI content often flops and how to fix it.What You’ll LearnAI’s Limits Exposed: Why instant AI content perfection is a myth. The Cyborg Method: Combine human insight and AI for standout results. EEAT Mastery: Prioritise measurable quality over keyword stuffing. Process Unpacked: Scrape competitors, build rich briefs, and refine drafts. Tom dives into SEOwind’s meticulous approach and the crowded AI startup landscape, revealing why treating AI as a teammate, not a magic wand, is the key to authentic, scalable content.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
How does a brand remain vibrant for 20 years while transforming lives through cycling? In this episode, I sit down with Adrian Warren, Director of Cyclescheme, the UK’s top cycle-to-work provider, as they mark their 20th anniversary. Adrian reveals how Cyclescheme evolved from a small Bath bike shop into a movement that’s empowered over a million employees to cycle to work.We dive into Cyclescheme’s growth, the marketing strategies that motivate employers and employees to adopt cycling, and how content drives their mission. Adrian shares insights on keeping the brand dynamic, his personal journey to becoming a passionate cyclist, and leading a purpose-driven team, highlighting how Cyclescheme has reshaped behaviours and created a lasting impact.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
How do you navigate organisational change and build strategic partnerships? In this episode, I’m joined by Emma Duke and Chaya Mistry, communications experts who empower in-house teams to lead change and influence stakeholders. From their unique blend of coaching and PR expertise, they share how to overcome resistance, foster trust, and drive impact in today’s fast-evolving business landscape.What You’ll LearnHuman-Centred Leadership: Put people at the core of change.Strategic Influence: Build partnerships through listening and presence.Overcoming Barriers: Navigate red tape with curiosity and coaching.Systemic Thinking: Align teams for organisation-wide impact.Emma and Chaya’s insights reveal how curiosity and connection can transform challenges into opportunities, one conversation at a time.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
How do you turn a kitchen experiment into the UK’s top collagen brand? In this episode, I am joined by Darcy Laceby, the 27-year-old co-founder of Absolute Collagen, who built a beauty empire with her Mum, Maxine. From a quirky art project at 19, Darcy sparked a direct-to-consumer hit, growing from a £350,000 first year to millions, even landing in Boots stores.What You’ll LearnAuthentic Storytelling: Craft brands with heart.Community Love: Build trust that lasts.Smart Growth: Use feedback to soar.True Grit: Lead with purpose and warmth.Darcy’s story shows that heart and hustle can change the game, one sachet at a time.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
Can marketing drive real change? Join me as I sit down with Shannon Walker, founder of Social Disruption, who’s revolutionising brand storytelling with purpose. From her Caribbean roots in a close-knit family, Shannon shares her pivot from luxury PR to building a business cantered on impact.We dive into digital fatigue and why audiences crave authentic, inclusive narratives—think stories championing disability, culture, and community. Her bold challenge to rethink brand influence will spark your creativity.What You’ll LearnPurposeful Storytelling: Craft campaigns with authentic impact.Inclusive Narratives: Amplify diverse voices in marketing.Ethical Influence: Navigate the industry with integrity.Community Connection: Harness the joy of giving back.Shannon’s proof that marketing can be a force for good, built one powerful story at a time.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
Curious if your website could save the planet? I’m joined with Matt Wheeler, eco-warrior behind Made by Studio and Green Tech Gathering, who’s slashing the web’s carbon footprint.In this episode, we’re unpacking how to build lean, green websites—ditching bloated code and energy-hogging videos. Matt drops jaw-dropping stats, like a homepage pumping out 360 tons of CO2 a year, and gets real about his autism and ADHD, fuelling his chaotic-creative hustle.What You’ll LearnGreen Web Hacks: Trim code and media to cut emissions.Carbon Truths: Why your site’s secretly killing the planet.AI’s Toll: How data-heavy sites spike emissions.Profit & Planet: Sustainable sites that boost your bottom line.Matt’s proof that eco-friendly websites aren’t just nice—they’re a must, built pixel by relentless pixel.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
Curious about cracking the wild beast of Amazon marketing? I’m diving into the chaos with Michael Doroszuk, Holistic Search Senior Manager at Colgate-Palmolive, back by demand after last year’s agency-brand breakdown.In this episode, we’re unpacking Amazon’s ad ecosystem, SEO quirks, and sales hacks—a raw guide for brands hungry to shine. Michael’s spilling the unfiltered truth on why it’s his favourite playground, from vendor-seller tangles to balancing paid ads with organic grit.What You’ll LearnAmazon Ad Playbook: How brands can boost visibility without burning cash.SEO Survival: Tricks to outsmart Amazon’s search and rise up.Vendor vs. Seller Smackdown: What setup wins for your hustle.Review Power: How one review or bad delivery can flip everything.Organic Grit: Blending ads with hustle for lasting impact.Michael’s proof that winning on Amazon isn’t a fluke—it’s a grind, built step by relentless step.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
How do some people master social media algorithms while we’re just double-tapping memes? In this episode, Tash Courtenay-Smith—strategist, non-exec director, and algorithm geek who’s been outsmarting platforms since the early days joins me.From Google to TikTok (24 million views, anyone?), Tash spills how she did it. Spoiler: it’s not viral luck—it’s grit, consistency, and reading the rules.What You’ll LearnAlgorithm Basics: How Tash outranked giants on Google with just a book and sheer will.TikTok Grind: Why 10 months of showing up beat chasing quick fame—24M views later.Low-Cost Content: How she cuts editing costs with an offshore team and AI tools.Neurodiversity Edge: Why her autistic focus became her secret weapon.Rulebook Wins: Follow the platform’s instructions—sounds boring, works like a charm.Tash proves success isn’t luck—it’s built, step by stubborn step. She’s real about the slog—flat numbers and dreaded live streams.Packed with no-nonsense tips, this one’s a goldmine!Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
What happens when a Mum with no business degree takes a kitchen-table idea and turns it into a £3.5 million beauty empire?In this episode, I sit down with Lucy Pearce, the fearless founder of House of Amour, a DIY beauty brand that’s rewritten the rules of at-home glamour. Lucy’s not here with a polished pitch or corporate buzzwords—she’s bringing raw, unfiltered hustle, showing how she built a loyal tribe on social media that feels more like mates than metrics.What You’ll Learn:From Hunch to Heavy Hitter: How Lucy spotted a gap in the beauty game and turned a DIY idea into a £3.5 million brand—without a business degree in sight.Cracking the TikTok Code: The secrets behind her viral success, and how she’s made at-home lash and nail treatments a must-have for her community.Building a Tribe, not a Following: Discover why Lucy’s social media strategy is less about faceless fans and more about real connection—and how you can do the same.The Power of Grit Over Glamour: Why raw honesty and community vibes have outshone slick marketing in growing House of Amour.Motherhood Meets Million-Pound Dreams: Lucy gets candid about the chaos of balancing kids and a skyrocketing business, from warehouse tantrums to midnight meltdowns. She shares how embracing the mess has fuelled her resilience and kept her grounded.Our conversation is packed with practical takeaways for anyone looking to turn a side hustle into something massive, plus an honest peek at the rollercoaster of building a business while keeping it real.Lucy’s story is messy, inspiring, and a brilliant reminder that the best empires start with nerve, not a textbook.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
What happens when you combine the complexities of running a franchise with the challenges of growing in a competitive digital landscape?In this episode, I sit down with Danny Hall, founder of FSE Digital, to explore the ins and outs of franchise marketing in 2025. Danny shares his expert insights on how franchises can thrive with the right local SEO strategies, optimise Google My Business listings, and create a powerful social media presence. He shares the dynamics between franchisors and franchisees and provides actionable tips for improving local marketing efforts and boosting franchise success.What You’ll Learn:Local SEO for Franchise Growth: Discover how to optimise Google My Business and enhance local visibility to stand out in the competitive franchise market.Building Strong Franchisee-Franchisor Relationships: Learn how clear communication and strong partnerships between franchisors and franchisees can drive marketing success.Effective Social Media Strategies for Franchises: Find out how to leverage social media to engage local communities and franchisees.The Power of Partnership Marketing: Understand how collaboration between franchisors and franchisees can lead to more impactful marketing campaigns.Adapting to Change: Danny also shares his personal experience with empty nest syndrome, offering an honest look at how life transitions can impact both your personal and professional life. He shares how embracing change has opened new opportunities for growth, reflection, and deeper connections.This episode is full of practical advice for franchise owners looking to level up their marketing efforts, with a heartening perspective on navigating life changes and staying connected to your core values.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
How can TikTok’s SEO strategies boost your brand visibility?In this episode, I sit down with Victoria Douglas from Curious Social, a seasoned social media consultant, to explore how TikTok’s powerful search capabilities are reshaping brand connections.Vic shares how TikTok is more than just an entertainment platform—it’s a discovery tool that can significantly elevate your brand, as long as you know how to harness its features.What You’ll Learn:How to Harness TikTok for Visibility: Learn how TikTok’s algorithm and search function can help your brand cut through the noise in a crowded market.Why Authenticity is Key: Discover how genuine, relatable content can foster deeper connections with your audience and drive engagement.Content That Works: Why businesses should focus on creating content that is entertaining, educational, and solves problems, rather than just optimising for search.Vic also shares her personal journey navigating both ADHD and perimenopause, offering anhonest and relatable insight into how these life experiences impact her daily life and work. She discusses the challenges of maintaining focus and productivity while managing both conditions, and how embracing self-awareness and adaptability has allowed her to turn these challenges into strengths.This episode offers actionable advice for brands looking to use TikTok for more than just trends—it’s about building authentic, lasting relationships.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
How can a solid brand strategy and personal resilience transform both your business and your life? In this episode, we sit down with Adam, co-founder of Pink Leopard and Studio 3.5, to explore why refining your brand strategy is essential as your business grows.Adam explains that brand strategy should be an ongoing focus, offering insights on how understanding your ‘why’ leads to greater clarity, focus, and success, both professionally and personally.What You’ll Learn:How to Refine Your Brand Strategy for Growth: Why a strong, evolving brand strategy is crucial for businesses in the £2–15 million range to create a lasting foundation for success.How to Use Your ‘North Star’ to Guide Decision-Making: The importance of having a clear guiding principle that helps you stay on track and make better, more informed decisions for long-term goals.Why Branding Should Be Treated as a Long-Term Investment: Understanding why building a brand is an ongoing process that brings clarity and ensures your business thrives over time.How to Navigate Personal and Professional Loss: Adam shares his experience of coping with grief during the pandemic, offering insights on how to manage personal struggles while balancing work and family life.This episode provides practical steps for refining your brand, building resilience, and finding strength through both personal and professional challenges.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
In this episode of Marketing vs. The World, host Abbie Dando sits down with Jake, Managing Director at Curated, to discuss why 2025 might be the year your business should take a step back to take a step forward. Jake shares his unconventional journey into leadership, his experience of transforming Curated into a consultancy-driven agency, and why adopting a holistic, connected marketing strategy is crucial in today’s fast-paced world.On a personal note, Jake reflects on the challenges of balancing professional success with finding time to “just be” amidst life’s constant demands. It’s an inspiring and insightful conversation for marketers, business owners, and anyone striving to strike the perfect balance.Jake’s Career JourneyFrom football coaching and university to leading a behaviourally driven marketing agency.How operations and marketing work hand-in-hand to drive success.Why Businesses Need to Take a Step BackThe importance of stepping back to review business and marketing strategies.How Curated’s framework—Enhance, Expand, Evolve—guides businesses towards sustainable growth.Key Marketing Insights for 2025Why short-form video content will dominate platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels.The growing importance of SEO-driven content that prioritises user intent across platforms (not just Google).Why businesses must connect paid media with organic content to ensure long-term ROI.Personal Reflection: Finding Time to “Just Be”Jake opens up about the struggle to slow down and enjoy life amidst work, family, and daily pressures.The importance of setting boundaries and prioritising personal well-being.Key Takeaways:A strong, connected strategy is essential for sustainable success—don’t operate in silos.Balance is key: businesses need both quick wins and long-term planning to thrive.Set boundaries to create space for personal reflection and well-being.If you enjoyed the discussion about managing time and reducing "micro stresses," check out this insightful podcast: The Top Things Doctors Are Missing & Why We Are Sicker Than Ever.Subscribe & ShareEnjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to hit follow and share it with a colleague or friend who might benefit. Join us every other Monday for more inspiring discussions and practical marketing tips.Got questions or want to connect? Connect with our host Abbie on LinkedIn or Instagram and let us know your thoughts on this episode.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.