”I’m a roller-coaster fanatic!” Series 2, Episode 6. A conversation with Rebecca Hirst, CMO UK, EY

In Episode 6 of The Dangerous Women Collective podcast, Sophy speaks to feather-ruffler, Ted-talker, opportunity-grabber, risk-taker, roller-coaster fantastic, and CMO UK for EY - Rebecca Hirst. Rebecca has worked with some of the world's largest global brands, including EY, Samsung, Coca-Cola, Schweppes, Kellogg’s, Kleenex, Microsoft, IBM, United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Star Alliance. It is not surprising that this work has been widely recognised, most recently as one of Campaign Magazine’s 40 over 40 and a Marketing Week Top 100 Most Effective Marketers. And EY was recognised as the UK’s most valuable brand in 2024 by Brand Finance. As you might expect, we cover a lot in our Episode, touching on the following topics (and much more to boot): The power of following unconventional routes and the success that can follow. The similarities of B2C and B2B marketing, and the "fundamental excitement" of building a longer story arc to connect with B2B audiences. If only 5% of your audience is in market at any one time, how do you resonate and keep on resonating? The symbiosis of brand and reputation. Being a round peg in a square hole. Working in complex organisations and navigating senior leadership teams. The power of co-opting and holding on to sponsors - "stakeholder management extraordinaire." Why ruffling feathers (and getting paid for it!) works! Getting more comfortable with age and recognising the power of "little d" dangerous in pushing boundaries. Cultivating (or not) a personal brand and the need for real connections with your audiences. Conquering shyness and the Ted Talk (channeling the fact that "nobody is looking"). Being a voice of strength for other women, fostering empowerment, opening doors. Being part of the free school dinner gang (and the impact of the EY Foundation). Why true business equity should include people from all walks of life because that is how we diversify skills and thinking and effect lasting change. Managing being the only woman in the room. The importance of keeping in touch with mentors, allies, and sponsors from across our careers. Links LinkedIn Rebecca Hirst | Sophy Norris EY Sponsorship Selbey Anderson Items referenced in this episode Dangerous Women: Fifty reflections on women, power and identity London Climate Action Week 2025 The Authority Gap: Why Women Are Still Taken Less Seriously than Men, and What We Can Do About it Rebecca Hirst Ted Talk EY Foundation