Spin Unspun

Inside the World of Corporate Affairs at Mars

Chris Dugmore, Corporate Affairs Director at Mars Food & Nutrition Europe, discusses the strategies, challenges, and evolution of corporate communication within this global powerhouse.
Key takeaways:
Navigating Diversity: Discover how Mars effectively navigates diverse cultures, segments, and geographies, ensuring cohesive communication strategies across the board.
Purpose-Driven Leadership: Explore the integral role of purpose-led leadership in shaping Mars' corporate affairs initiatives, reflecting a commitment to sustainability, ethics, and innovation.
Strategic Coordination: Gain insights into the meticulous coordination efforts undertaken to ensure alignment across global markets, segments, and corporate messaging.

Revolut’s Head of Corporate Communications on Communicating Trust and Innovation

We’re joined by Michael Bodansky, Head of Corporate Communications at Revolut, to explore his journey from agency life to in-house corporate communications. Drawing from his diverse background at agencies like Ogilvy and Freud's, Michael shares valuable insights on the evolving role of corporate communications in today's fast-paced business environment.
Key Takeaways:
Discover the parallels between advertising planning and corporate communications, and how understanding human behaviour is essential in both fields.
Gain insights into the differences between agency and in-house environments, and the importance of depth versus breadth in communications.
Explore Revolut's focus on innovation and trust, and how these pillars drive their communication strategy.
Learn about the challenges and opportunities of engaging with investors while maintaining transparency and clarity in communications.
Get practical tips for recruitment and building a strong corporate culture based on values and collaboration.

Rachel Garstang of Grosvenor on the Power of Finding Your Champions

Rachel Garstang, Head of Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at Grosvenor, shares insights into the renowned urban property portfolio, including managing iconic spaces like London's Mayfair and Belgravia.
Rachel shares her strategic approach to demonstrating the business's soul and addressing societal expectations through compelling storytelling.
Discover the significance of locations like Grosvenor Square and the business's commitment to long-term stewardship in the ever-evolving real estate landscape.
Connect with hosts Damian Reece, and Jeremy Durrant.

The Evolution of Corporate Communications with Visa’s Jennifer Scardino

Jennifer Scardino, Senior VP; Head of Communications Europe at Visa, shares her dynamic career journey spanning the corridors of power in political offices to the helm of global communications and corporate affairs at Citi, Santander, and Visa.
Discover the invaluable lessons learned during Jennifer's early career, like crafting news clips manually and navigating the politics of photo ops, through to the underrated art of campaigning in corporate communications, a skillset acquired during Jennifer's formative years and now finding renewed relevance in today's corporate landscape.
Connect with hosts Damian Reece, and Libby Wallis.

Aligning Corporate Affairs with Impact: Judith Everett at The Crown Estate

In this episode, we unravel the wisdom of Judith Everett, Executive Director Purpose, Sustainability & Stakeholder at The Crown Estate. Discover the stark differences between corporate affairs at major global entities like AstraZeneca and Shell versus the unique challenges and freedoms Judith navigates at The Crown Estate.
Find out how Judith makes purpose a guiding force behind strategy, operations, and investment, and uncover the keys to authentically embedding purpose throughout an organisation, making it more than just words but a lived reality.

A Unique Vantage Point: The Corporate Affairs Journey of Sky’s Matt Ridsdale

Matt Ridsdale, Group Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Sky, shares his diverse career journey, from becoming joint CEO at Tavistock at 28, then initiating transformative strategies as Executive Director at Camelot (operator of the National Lottery) to steering the helm of corporate affairs at Sky.
From conducting strategic reviews to integrating his teams in corporate affairs – corporate communications, consumer PR and events, social and influencer communications, internal communications, policy and public affairs, and ESG, Matt reflects on mentorship, leadership styles, and the value of learning from colleagues.
Connect with our hosts, Damian Reece, Senior Council, and Katie Gabriel, Senior Account Director at Instinctif Partners.
Email tellmemore@instinctif.com for more information.

The Role of Corporate Comms in Tackling Climate Change: Luke Herbert at Climate Group

Luke Herbert, the Executive Director of International Communications at Climate Group, discusses how companies can navigate talking about climate action and some of the latest twists from greenwashing to net zero challenges.
Discover the smart strategies and initiatives driving change as Luke shares his expertise in the intersection of corporate affairs and environmental responsibility.
Connect with our hosts, Damian Reece, Senior Council, and Helen Dodd, Head of Sustainability at Instinctif Partners.
Email tellmemore@instinctif.com for more information.

A leading framework for Corporate Affairians – Alex Cole of the Ithaca Centre

After 20 years leading corporate affairs for three multinational organisations, Alex Cole is dedicated to developing her peers and successors to become better “corporate affairians” at the Ithaca Centre for Corporate Affairs Leadership. From a career beginning in politics, working under Jack Straw, to honing her craft at the likes of Bupa, Sainsbury’s and Cadbury Schweppes, Alex tells us about her newest passion, helping directors of communications and corporate affairs succeed with the help of the Ithaca Leadership Framework.
In the  final episode of Season 2, Damian is joined by Jeremy Durrant, Instinctif’s Chief UK Media Strategist, hearing Alex’s wisdom from her broad career and insights at the top of corporate affairs.
Visit our podcast page at  www.instinctif.com/thinking/spin-unspun.
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Matt Grayson of Redrow on football and housebuilding

What have Premier League football and housebuilding got in common when it comes to comms? Matt Grayson knows thanks to a career that has taken him from Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, to Redrow via a stint in banking with HBOS.
In this episode Matt talks about how football and homes lie at the heart of communities and what communicating effectively with fans and homeowners has taught him. He discusses the ups and downs of life in the Premier League and the frustrations and opportunities for housebuilders. 
To listen, visit our podcast page at www.instinctif.com/thinking/spin-unspun.
We’re also on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/instinctif-partners/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InstinctifPtnrs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instinctifpartners/

Banking on reputation – Andrew Walton of Lloyds Banking Group

In banking, trust is the key commodity. Andrew Walton, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Lloyds Banking Group, shares his insight into managing reputation and effective communications at a time when banking is once again under intense scrutiny. What lessons have been learnt from successive banking crises? What are the key reputation issues that banks face? How is Lloyds differentiating itself? What makes a great communications leader?
To listen, visit our podcast page at www.instinctif.com/thinking/spin-unspun.
We’re also on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/instinctif-partners/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InstinctifPtnrs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instinctifpartners/