Real Talk

In the sixth episode of Real Talk, Alex and Nickii are joined by Steven Sambrooks, Creative Strategy Director at global media platform Teads.Steven thinks ad effectiveness metrics don’t go far enough to measure holistic audience behaviours. Measuring clicks and view times only gives advertisers a partial insight into who is paying attention to their campaigns.IMA’s Global Executive Creative Director Simon Long and Media Director Ben Cunningham also join the discussion to dissect what “effectiveness” actually means.Great conversation, great company, no BS.

In this episode of Real Talk, Alex and Nickii are joined by Pregnant Then Screwed's Head of Campaigns and Communications, Lauren Fabianski, and IMA’s Lead Planner Jess.Every year, 54,000 women in the UK are pushed out of their jobs due to pregnancy and maternity related discrimination. Lauren believes that, while workplaces talk the talk when it comes to initiatives for working mums, they’re just not following through.The conversation discusses how working parents can be supported in adland, the importance of flexible working, and how it’s important to ensure audiences are represented in the makeup of an agency. Great conversation, great company, no BS.

In this episode of Real Talk, Alex and Nickii are joined by IPA President, Josh Krichefski.For decades, London has been seen as the heart of the advertising industry. It’s led to the belief that only in the capital can you find the best agencies or build a great career. But Josh believes London’s role is overblown, and that great talent can be found across the country. IMA’s Global Client Director Imogen Blackwood also joins the discussion to assess the strengths of regional agencies and the unique opportunities they offer to clients.Is now the age of the regional agency? Tune in to find out. Great conversation, great company, no BS.

In this episode of Real Talk, Alex and Nickii are joined by ITV's Business Development Director and all-round media expert, Jason Spencer.  Adland has been signalling the death of linear broadcast TV for a good few years now. But, for Jason, this belief is all down to lazy and inaccurate reporting. Also joining the discussion are Ben and Lizzie, two of IMA’s Media team, who highlight the challenges of reaching a younger audience. It’s a continuing debate in our industry, can Jason put it to bed?Great conversation, great company, no BS.

In this episode of Real Talk, Alex and Nickii are joined by Parallax founder, tech trail blazer and AI expert James Hall.  James wants to combat the scaremongering that often happens in adland when it comes to AI. People have speculated that AI is out to take peoples jobs, and James thinks that’s BS. IMA’s resident AI expert and Head of HX, Jack Sails also joins the chat.Great conversation, great company, no BS. Show notes: Tommy work by IMA – https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2e__mesNv3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Coke advert Jack refers to - https://youtu.be/VGa1imApfdg?feature=shared 

In this episode of Real Talk, Alex and Nickii are joined by best-selling author and creative director Amy Kean, and Bloom North’s Head of Allyship, Seb Randle, who is also founder of The Helpful Space. They delve into the bias we often see in the marketing world, where language to describe female leaders differs to their male counterparts. Expect frank and real discussion on whether imposter syndrome really is a thing, the importance of the words we use, and advice on what can be done to combat this bias. Great conversation, great company, no BS.Show notes:The Helpful Space - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-helpful-space/Good Shout - https://goodshoutcommunity.com/The study Amy refers to:  https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/womens-blog/2014/oct/03/when-will-we-stop-calling-successful-women-abrasive The Ted Talk Alex refers to: https://www.ted.com/talks/sheryl_sandberg_why_we_have_too_few_women_leaders?language=en

Real Talk is a new, straight-talking podcast from global marketing agency, IMA. Hosted by Managing Director Alex Uprichard and Chief Executive Partner Nickii Gray, each episode invites an industry leader to call BS on a topic relevant to the marketing world. From the north-south divide to whether robots are taking over the world, and everything in-between.This podcast is for brand leaders, marketers, and agency folk who want thought-provoking, straight-talking conversation. Expect episodes to be conversational, punchy and pacy.