The world of work is changing rapidly, and leaders have to understand not only how it’s changing but how to adapt to accommodate this transformation. In this episode of Just Curious..., hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by Isabel Berwick, one of the UK’s leading voices on work, leadership and the future of the workplace.

Drawing on years of interviews with global business leaders and her book The Future-Proof Career, she explores the leadership traits that matter most today, from authenticity and self-awareness to the importance of carrying authority lightly in increasingly transparent organisations.

A major focus of the conversation is AI and its messy, uneven adoption across industries. Isabel argues that while investment is surging, many organisations lack clarity on use cases, training and ethics. She urges leaders to experiment without panic, to actively use AI themselves, and to prioritise trust as technology reshapes roles, hiring and performance management.

The discussion also tackles some of the most sensitive workplace issues of the moment: the rollback and reframing of DEI initiatives, the rise of “fairness” as a unifying principle, ongoing challenges around social mobility, gender parity and ageism, and the persistent barriers facing female entrepreneurs seeking investment.

This episode is a must-listen for any leader wishing to tackle the changing workplace positively and without fear.

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Angeline Murimirwa grew up as a subsistence farmer’s daughter in rural Zimbabwe to become a TIME 100 honouree and Africa Education Medal winner. She is now Chief Executive Officer of CAMFED, a pan-African movement supporting girls to go to school and become influential leaders and changemakers, and one of the world’s leading voices on girls’ education and social justice.

In this episode of Just Curious…, Angeline shares her own deeply personal story that sits at the heart of CAMFED’s mission with hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard. She reflects on the moment her schooling was almost cut short due to poverty, and how being selected for CAMFED support transformed her life.

But she is clear that education alone is not enough. Drawing on lived experience, she explains why lasting change requires holistic support, from meeting basic material needs, to supporting transitions into livelihoods and leadership, and ultimately transforming education systems themselves.

The conversation explores CAMFED’s unique model and examines leadership, partnership and reputation through a communications lens, highlighting the power of humility and collective action. Above all, Angeline offers a compelling vision for the future; one where educating the most marginalised girls reshapes communities, economies and entire nations.

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In this episode of 'Just Curious...' from The PR Network, we unpack the findings of ‘People, Pressure and Purpose’, a new report exploring the realities of international public relations.

Hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard sit down with communications advisor and researcher Stephen Waddington and Matt Stewart, Vice President of Communications at Sysco Corporation. The discussion dives into critical issues such as burnout, blurred work-life boundaries and the need for leadership that models resilience.

Stephen shares how the role of global comms leaders has evolved beyond media relations into a strategic management function, while Matt offers an in-house perspective on balancing central strategy with local flexibility across global teams.

As well as stressing the importance of trust, judgement and cultural awareness, and the growing significance of comms in risk mitigation, stakeholder trust and business alignment, both guests look ahead at the skills tomorrow’s comms professionals will need: commercial acumen, critical thinking, ethical decision-making and the ability to use AI wisely.

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With more than 25 years’ communications experience, Gina Sheibley is one of Silicon Valley’s most respected communications leaders. She’s a huge believer in the power of human connection, and argues that emotional intelligence, curiosity and courage will always matter more than perfection. And that this is especially true in an age increasingly defined by AI.

In this episode of Just Curious..., hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard talk to Gina, now Chief Communications Officer at Workday, about the importance of curiosity, grit and authenticity in building successful teams, and why diversity of thought and background are essential for great decision-making.

Gina shares her journey from studying economics to discovering her passion for communications, and the lessons she’s learned leading teams at some of the world’s most influential tech companies. She reflects on how leadership shapes culture, explaining why she values bravery over fearlessness and believes that perfectionism can hold teams back.

The conversation dives into the evolving role of communications within marketing, the balance between global alignment and local flexibility, and the power of listening when building international teams.

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AI has evolved from a futuristic concept into an essential business tool, and its implementation is now as much about reputation and ethics as it is about technology. In this episode of Just Curious..., hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard talk to one of the UK’s leading voices in artificial intelligence, Katie King, about the role of communicators in AI adoption.

Author and international consultant Katie advises global organisations on business transformation and ethical AI adoption. She talks about the importance of reframing ‘artificial’ intelligence as augmented intelligence, highlighting how language shapes perception and can help build trust among employees and customers alike.

She also explains how AI’s “golden hour” has been driven by access to big data and affordable computing power, and urges leaders to see AI as a board-level imperative that touches every department. And she shares practical steps for businesses; creating cross-functional AI task forces, developing playbooks, and implementing readiness audits and literacy training.

This episode is a must-listen for communications leaders who want to integrate AI responsibly, strategically, and with humanity at its core.

Get 25% off Katie's new book 'AI Strategy for Sales and Marketing' at koganpage.com using code AEMS25.

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In this episode of Just Curious…, hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by Hannah Vaughan Jones, former Sky News and CNN anchor and now a media consultant and moderator working with global leaders and organisations. Hannah shares her journey from political studies at Nottingham to a high-profile career in journalism, covering landmark events such as royal weddings, general elections and the Manchester Arena bombing. She opens up about the emotional toll of broadcasting during national tragedies while undergoing her own personal challenge - 15 rounds of IVF over six years.

Hannah discusses the power of authenticity, both in the media and in leadership. Drawing on her journalistic experience, she explains how preparation and human connection are key to impactful communication, whether you're being interviewed or leading an organisation. She also explores the importance of owning vulnerability and the shift towards more human, relatable leadership, especially in a post-COVID world.

From hosting global events alongside figures like Bill Gates, Dr Tedros, and King Charles III, to navigating drone malfunctions on stage with grace and humour, Hannah reflects on the moments that shaped her confidence and career. She speaks candidly about personal branding, the need for clear and honest crisis communication, and why being “truthful, not neutral” is more relevant than ever. Hannah’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every headline is a human being.

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In 2009, Harlequins rugby player Tom Williams was banned from the sport for his role in the infamous "Bloodgate" scandal, one of the most shocking incidents in professional rugby history. In this episode of Just Curious…, Tom opens up about his involvement to hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard, recounting the win-at-all-costs culture that led to his participation in faking a blood injury to manipulate a substitution. He reflects candidly on the long-lasting personal, emotional, and professional impact of that decision, including the shame, anxiety, and identity crisis that followed.

Tom reveals how a lack of crisis planning and strong leadership at the club left him exposed and unsupported in the aftermath. He discusses the parallels between sport and other high-pressure environments, like financial services, where success can be dangerously conflated with rule-bending and manipulation. Now working in business, Tom shares how he's applied hard-won lessons from his experience to leadership, ethics, and decision-making in his career.

The conversation also explores deeper issues of whistleblowing, institutional culture, and the need for moral frameworks in elite sport. As Tom reflects on the importance of integrity and how he now teaches his children to stand up for what’s right, his story becomes more than just a tale about sport - it becomes about accountability, resilience, and redemption.

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In this episode of Just Curious…, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard talk to Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Rain shares her remarkable journey from economist to one of the UK’s most influential business leaders, and reflects on the CBI’s role in supporting British business through the pandemic, driving the net zero agenda, and shaping the UK’s economic future.

The show explores the power of collective action, the importance of international trade, and the vital role of the UK’s universities and innovation ecosystem. Rain offers an optimistic yet realistic take on sustainability, discussing how to balance growth with environmental responsibility and why better storytelling around climate and net zero is urgently needed. She also highlights the promise and complexity of AI, from revolutionising diagnostics in healthcare to transforming citizen access to services.

As a mother of four, Rain speaks candidly about the challenges of balancing leadership with family life and the importance of visible role models in reshaping perceptions of working women. The conversation spans everything from critical minerals and car clubs to age verification tech and the future of work. With warmth, insight and a clear-eyed view of both policy and people, Rain demonstrates why she is such a powerful advocate for business in the UK.

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