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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In this insightful episode of Just Curious…, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by communications industry veteran David Gallagher for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation. With over 30 years of global agency experience, including senior leadership roles at Ketchum and Omnicom, David brings a wealth of perspective on the evolution of PR, the challenges facing the industry today, and the opportunities ahead.

David discusses his shift from large agency life to co-founding Folgate Advisors, a flexible, independent consultancy model built to meet the changing needs of clients and the communications landscape. He also introduces The Advisory Club, a global WhatsApp community of over 1,000 senior comms professionals, which serves as a living forum for collective intelligence, shared learning, and candid discussion.

Together, we explore the tensions between centralised and decentralised models, the impact of geopolitical instability, the rise of AI, and the shifting expectations of clients. David reflects on the need for PR to define its higher purpose, address its confidence crisis, and improve its own reputation.

A highlight of the conversation is David’s optimism about the next generation of practitioners - those entering the field with fresh ideas, ethical instincts, and a digital-first mindset. The episode closes with a reaffirmation of the power of community, flexibility, and relevance in building future-ready agency models.

Whether you’re an agency founder, in-house comms leader, or curious about the future of PR, this episode offers thoughtful commentary, practical insight, and a healthy dose of realism from one of the industry's most respected voices.

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In this inspiring episode of Just Curious…, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by TV chef, author and co-founder of HelloFresh, Patrick Drake.Patrick’s entrepreneurial journey has taken him from scrubbing cars on a council estate to revolutionising global food and wellness habits, and he shares how his early drive for independence shaped his approach to business.

From launching HelloFresh in a London living room to building his latest venture, Autonomy, a disruptive wellness brand born out of his passion for morning rituals and functional food, Patrick reflects on his personal approach to brand building. He talks about creating a brand-new category with HelloFresh, from carrot-costume street marketing to scaling a billion-meal-a-year global business. And he opens up about how he leveraged his personal brand and media presence to drive awareness, and why founder-led storytelling remains a crucial differentiator.

We also explore the motivation behind Autonomy – a health-forward coffee and matcha creamer line powered by adaptogenic mushrooms – and how a homemade “Patrick coffee” evolved into a product now stocked in Goop HQ and endorsed by Gwyneth Paltrow herself. Patrick talks candidly about his use of vision boards, the power of manifestation combined with action, and the importance of building trust through integrity.

From juggling breathwork and fatherhood to sharing values of authenticity, resilience, and human connection, this episode is full of energy, insights, and optimism.

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In this episode of Just Curious…, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by Effie Kanyua, a leading figure in UK PR and media, and the first black female comms leader at a major publishing house. Effie reflects on her 25-year career, from her early days at the BBC to senior roles in top agencies and in-house at Bauer and Hearst UK. She shares insights on navigating cross-market campaigns, the evolution of the media industry, and the increasing role of AI in communications.

Effie discusses founding her agency, We Are Warriors, and launching Lila Assistant, an AI platform built with ethics, privacy and inclusion at its core. She explores the potential and pitfalls of AI in media and comms, particularly the need for greater diversity in its development and use. The conversation also delves into the responsibility of the luxury sector in driving sustainable change, and the ongoing challenges in improving diversity and inclusion within the PR industry.

As the UK Chair of the G100 Media, Arts and Communication wing, a global think tank driving gender parity, Effie outlines her vision for impactful change through collective leadership. We also discuss the importance of allyship, accountability in DEI efforts, and the power of female collaboration on a global scale.

Effie’s story is one of purpose, resilience, and innovation; from creating platforms for underrepresented voices to championing ethical tech. Whether you’re in PR, media, tech or advocacy, this episode is full of inspiration and practical insight for changemakers across sectors.

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In this engaging and wide-ranging episode of “Just Curious…”, Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard are joined by Zoe Melarkey, Head of Communications at Ocado Retail, to explore the evolving world of consumer brand PR. With over 25 years of experience in both agency and in-house roles, Zoe reflects on her dynamic career working with major UK brands including Purplebricks, npower, MFI, and Ocado. From nostalgic tales of early internet days at Berkeley Communications, to leading multi-channel campaigns and navigating crises, Zoe shares honest insights and lessons from her journey.

Zoe reveals behind-the-scenes stories, including working with Nigella Lawson, a clever PR stunt with the boy band Blue, and the realities of handling a high-profile crisis in today’s post-truth world. And she discusses the importance of authenticity, the shift towards unpolished, real-time content, and how to balance corporate and creative priorities, particularly when it comes to working with influencers and agency partners.

The episode also touches on the challenges of measuring PR impact, the growing role of AI in communications work, and how to rebuild trust and reputation in times of crisis. Zoe shares candid reflections on balancing senior leadership with family life, the myth of “having it all,” and why being open, honest, and human is key to building brand loyalty.

Packed with real-life examples, thoughtful perspectives, and practical advice, this episode offers a rich insight into the realities of modern PR, from campaign ideation to crisis management and everything in between.

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