Standing Out, Standing Strong

My guest today is redefining what a modern production company can be. Ana de Diego is the founder of Spark & Riot, a female-led production company and film & television studio built on the idea that great work happens when talent meets purpose. With a background in socially-driven storytelling and a portfolio that spans global brands and long-form projects, she's built a company that doesn't just produce content, it builds meaningful, culturally relevant stories. From commercials to entertainment, Ana's mission is consistent: create, collaborate, and leave a lasting impression. We talk about scaling a company with intention, bridging branded and narrative storytelling, and why purpose-led creativity isn't a trend – it's the future. So join me for a cuppa tea with Ana!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

Today I'm joined by Sharlene George, founding partner at The Sweet Shop, which has grown from its roots in New Zealand to a global production company. Sharlene started out as a producer, and has built an incredible career, shaping stories and supporting directors, and more recently moving into longer form work and branded entertainment. What I love about her work is the focus on storytelling and purpose, from indigenous stories to projects that support sustainability and the next generation. So grab a cuppa tea and join me as I chat with Sharlene George!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

Today's guest is someone I've known for over twenty years, and someone who's always stood out. We first worked together at JWT, and even then Christine Jones had a very clear voice. She knew what she thought, she said it, and she didn't wait for permission. Since then she's built an extraordinary career, from global creative leadership roles at Ogilvy and Ridley Scott Creative Group, to now founding her own company SirenXYZ, a female led creative business focused on telling stories for women, by women. But what's interesting about Christine is that she doesn't follow the expected narrative. She has strong views on where we are as an industry, on confidence, on opportunity, and what it really takes for women to succeed. This is a conversation about leadership, resilience, and perspective, and one that might challenge a few assumptions along the way. So grab a cuppa tea and join me for a chat with Christine Jones!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

Today I'm joined by Margo Mars, founder of Lief, a London-based studio built around authentic storytelling and championing diverse voices. Margo has a rare mix of creative instinct and real leadership, and recently she's taken that a step further with the launch of Lief Entertainment Company, exploring how brand-backed work can support premium, auteur-led storytelling. What I love about Margo is how grounded she is, in both the creative and the human side of the industry: how stories are made, who gets to make them, and how you protect creative integrity while building something sustainable. So grab a cuppa tea, and join me as I chat with Margo Mars!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

Today on Standing Out, Standing Strong I'm joined by Kerry Furrh and Olivia Mitchell, the directing duo known as Tusk. They met at USC, call themselves "a two-headed monster," and have built up a bold career across film, commercials and music videos, all with a style that's playful, precise, and unapologetically theirs. Most recently, they returned to Tribeca with their queer love story Ripe, and it's now headed towards becoming a feature. We talk about creative control, visual risk-taking, collaboration, and what it means to fully own your voice. Join me for a cuppa tea with Tusk!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

Today on Standing Out, Standing Strong, I'm joined by  Ali Brown, president and partner at the award winning PRETTYBIRD, and founder of Ventureland. She's helped shape some of the most creative voices in our industry, across both LA and London. Ali is one of the most respected producers in our business, and after this conversation, you'll understand why.Join me for a cuppa tea with the multi-talented Ali Brown!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

Today's guest on Standing Out, Standing Strong is a director whose work feels honest, grounded, and quietly powerful. Fiona McGee is an Australian filmmaker who's built an impressive career across comedy, drama, and documentary, picking up serious awards along the way. But it's never been about the accolades, it's always been about the work. In this conversation, we talk about authenticity in casting, creating a calm and collaborative set, breaking into the American market, balancing motherhood with directing, and the realities of being a female director in what can still feel like a secret club. We also touch on AI, and why she finds it both fascinating and terrifying.Join me for a cup of tea with the director Fiona McGee!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

Hello and welcome to Standing Out, Standing Strong! Today I'm Joined by Rochelle Palmer, co-founder of Untold Studios, the worlds first cloud-based creative studio, built to unlock talent wherever it exists. What fascinates me isn't just the technology, it's the courage and the decision to build something independent , future-facing and unapologetically craft obsessed. Recently I've had the pleasure of working with Untold and it's been a truly wonderful experience, especially with so many familiar faces from The Mill, Ben Hampshire and Luke Olson to name a few.Join me for a cup of tea and a fascinating conversation with the inspiring Rochelle Palmer!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

This week on Standing Out, Standing Strong, I'm joined by Jess Coulter, director at O Positive, one of the most distinctive comedic voices working today. This year marks the 4th Super Bowl spot that Jess has directed, a milestone that very few directors reach, and even fewer women. Her work combines sharp comedy with emotional intelligence, and her journey into directing is anything but traditional. Jess is known for storytelling that's funny, honest and deeply human, but what really stood out about our conversation was her openness about creativity, motherhood, ambition, and the reality of juggling it all without losing your sense of self. Join me for a cup of tea as I chat with Jess Coulter!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

Today on Standing Out, Standing Strong, I'm joined by Stephanie Thiel from Mirimar, a company I had the absolute pleasure of working with recently, and one that genuinely stood out for its culture, collaboration, and humanity. Steph plays a key role at Mirimar, and what really struck me is how intentional they are about the way they work, not just the work they make. This conversation is less about job titles, and more about what it takes to create an environment where people can actually do their best work.So please join me for a cup of tea as I chat with Steph!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

Welcome to Season 2! This week on Standing Out Standing Strong, I'm joined by someone who is not only an extraordinary filmmaker, but a genuinely wonderful human: Georgi Banks-Davies!Georgie knew she wanted to make films from the moment she walked out of a cinema at 4 years old, and she's followed that instinct ever since, from her BAFTA winning TV debut I Hate Suzie, to Paper Girls, to Kaos, and most recently directing the full second season of The Night Manager now streaming on Amazon Prime. Her career spans bold storytelling at scale. Alongside that long-form work, Georgi has directing commercials all over the world, projects that sharpened her visual language, sense of play, and love of collaboration. So grab a cup of tea, and join me as I chat with the wonderful Georgi Banks-Davies!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

My guest today is someone who's been designing her own path since she was a teenager, and is now helping a whole new generation do the same. Calypso Rose is a British entrepreneur and founder of OffScript, a summit and platform helping young people and their parents navigate a future of non-linear careers, entrepreneurship, and AI. Calypso describes herself as an accidental entrepreneur. At 22 she created Clippykit, those transparent, customizable photo handbags that grew from a small first order into a full blown brand, with celebrity fans and major retail partnerships. She then cofounded the Indytute, an experience company built around experiences (not things), running everything from ukulele classes to pop-up workshops in places like Selfridges, literally filling department stores with live experiences. Now with OffScript, she's taking everything she's learned—the wins, the loses, the pivots—and turning it into practical guidance: how to think like an entrepreneur, how to build resilience, and how to find your place in a world where AI and creativity collide. So grab a cup of tea, and join me for a conversation with the wonderful Calypso Rose!—If you're in a position to make a donation, your contribution will go directly towards helping young people who couldn't otherwise afford to attend the 2026 OffScript Summit on the 24th & 25th of January, 2026. Every small amount can make the difference between watching from the sidelines and being in the room.Donate here.In partnership with 20/20 Levels https://2020levels.org/Instagram: @iamcalypsorose@offscriptgenWebsite:www.offscriptgen.comSupport the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

For today's episode, I'm talking to Donna Lamar, an award-winning creative and production leader with more than twenty years of experience shaping culture for some of the worlds biggest brands. She's now a Senior Creative Leader at Spotify, working where music, entertainment and marketing meet. Before that, she helped lead the Twitter re-brand as Global Executive Creative Director, headed production at Wieden + Kennedy/Amsterdam, and was a Creative Director on Gatorade at TBWA/Chiet Day, helping reinvent the brand for a new generation. Donna's a writer, producer, and trans-media story teller who's worked with Nike, Adidas, and Apple, always looking for new ways to connect stories, platforms and people.  She also brings that same energy to causes like Heal the Bay, and to championing diversity in surf and board sports.  So grab a cup of tea, and join me for my conversation with the multi-talented Donna Lamar!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

I'm excited to welcome a very special guest this week: the fabulous Lalita Koehler. Lali's career is anything but traditional. She started out in tech at Yahoo, and found her way into advertising almost by accident. But from that unexpected beginning, she went on to lead production at agencies like Martin Agency, Omelette, Saatchi & Saatchi, the Publicis Group, and most recently she served as Global President at Craft Worldwide. She's a passionate mentor and a leader who proves that resilience, reinvention and curiosity can take you anywhere. Since recording this conversation, Lali has moved on from her role at Craft, but rather than remove parts of our discussion that reflect her leadership in tech and production over the last few years, I wanted to keep them in, because they capture an important part of her story. Lali blends tech, creative vision, and human connection in a way that truly stands out, and I can't wait to see what she does next.So grab a cup of tea, and join me for a wonderful conversation with Lali Koehler!.Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

Today on Standing Out, Standing Strong, I'm joined by Kati Haberstock, Director of Production Operations at Erich and Kallman. Kati brings a rare mix of technical savvy, empathy, and curiosity to everything she does. We talk about leadership, motherhood, and what it means to stay human and adaptable in an era of constant change. So grab a cup of tea, and join me for a conversation with Kati Haberstock!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

I'm excited to welcome a very special guest this week - the one and only Lora Schulson. Lora is redefining what it means to make creative work in a world driven by innovation. As Global Chief Production Officer at 72 and Sunny NY, she helps some of the worlds biggest brands bring culture shaping ideas to life. With more than two decades of experience, she fuses artistry with strategy, and technology with taste, reminding us that in an age of automation, the real creative edge is still human. So grab a cup of tea, and join me for an inspiring conversation with Lora Schulson.Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

Today's guest is one of the mostly quietly brilliant editors working today. Charlie Harvey is humble, focused, and deeply respected in the industry. She works with care, patience, and genuine collaboration. Charlie's edited everything from Superbowl spots to emotional, award winning campaigns. Our conversation is thoughtful,  honest, and full of insight about storytelling, leadership, motherhood, and resilience in an industry that often asks for everything all at once.  So grab a cup of tea, and join me for an inspiring conversation with Charlie Harvey!See her work here.Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

Today's guest is the one and only Kirsten Rutherford, a globally experienced creative leader and part of the leadership team at TBWA. With nearly three decades in the industry across three continents, Kirsten's work has been awarded by all the major festivals, and even sits in the MOMA's permanent collection. Beyond the accolades, Kirsten is known for her mentorship, her trademark kindness, and a balance of passions that range from teaching gym classes to baking, always inspiring others to bring their best selves, both inside and outside of work. Passionate about purpose driven creativity, Kirsten champions diversity in advertising, nurtures talent to do the best work of their lives, and brings her signature of kindness, creativity and cultural impact to every project. So grab a cup of tea, and join me for an inspiring conversation with Kirsten Rutherford!Website: Kirstenrutherford.comSupport the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

This week I'm excited to introduce a strong voice from the brand side - Claire Randall. She is one of those rare people who built something extraordinary and stayed grounded throughout. Claire began her career as a TV producer at Satchi & Satchi London, and nearly 3 decades ago took a huge leap and founded Claire Randall Consulting. What started as a bespoke service for one global advertiser has grown into a world leading production consultancy, operating across Europe, North America, Latin America, The Middle East and Asia, with over 70 clients and a team of experts around the globe. Claire is known not just for her strategic mind, but for her integrity, generosity, and fiercely collaborative spirit. She's a regular voice in key industry conversations, and her company (now in its 29th year) is proudly women-owned with a majority female leadership team. She's hands-on, insightful, and refreshingly human in an industry that's constantly evolving, and I'm so happy to have her on the podcast. So grab a cup of tea, and join me for an inspiring conversation with Claire Randall!Website: https://www.claire-randall.co.uk/Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

Today's guest is fearless, resilient, and one of the hardest working people in the business - the one and only Sophie Gold. She has a brilliant eye for talent, an intuitive gift for client service, and a tenacity that's helped her carve out something truly special in a fiercely competitive industry. With a mix of bold taste and business savvy, she's built Eleanor Films into one of the top production companies out there, earning serious recognition along the way, including being named an Ad Age A-List Standout Production Company in 2025. Sophie's journey hasn't been without its challenges, but she's navigated it all with drive, creativity, and a very clear sense of purpose.So grab a cup of tea, and join me for an inspiring conversation with the brilliant Sophie Gold!Website: EleanorInstagram: @eleanorunlimitedSupport the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

For this week's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with my dear friend Clare Donald. She's sharp, empathic,  and one of the most grounded people I've had the pleasure of working with. After a hugely successful career across production and operations, most recently as head of production at Publicis, she took a sabbatical in 2024 to pursue a long held passion for humanitarian work. She completed an MFC in International Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response at Manchester University, adding yet another string to her already impressive bow.Now she's back, bringing fresh insight, big picture thinking, and a whole lot of heart to whatever comes next. So grab a cup of tea, and join me for an inspiring conversation with my friend, Clare Donald!Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

In this episode of Standing Out, Standing Strong, I continue my wonderful conversation with Lisa Gunning. If you haven't listened to Part 1, I encourage you to listen to it first to get context. Lisa is an incredible storyteller and the kind of creative who never waits around, she builds the next chapter herself.From her early days editing commercials and feature films to directing major projects like the outstanding Netflix series Black Doves, Lisa’s career is all about instinct, resilience, and a brilliant knack for seizing opportunities.Website: Lisa GunningInstagram: @gunning8Support the showSupport the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

In this episode of Standing Out, Standing Strong, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Lisa Gunning — an incredible storyteller and the kind of creative who never waits around, she builds the next chapter herself.From her early days editing commercials and feature films to directing major projects like the outstanding Netflix series Black Doves, Lisa’s career is all about instinct, resilience, and a brilliant knack for seizing opportunities.I loved our conversation so much that I’ve split it into two parts. Enjoy Part 1 and tune in next week for Part 2.Website: Lisa GunningInstagram: @gunning8Support the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

This week we are thrilled to have Linda Knight on the podcast. She's just been named CCO at FlyteVu, an award winning agency working at the intersection of tech and entertainment. Before that, she led Observatory, as CCO and then President, creating some of the most visionary work in advertising.I love Linda's creative spirit and positive energy, she's such an inspiration and a fantastic role model for women looking to to break into our industry.Website: FlyteVuSupport the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong

First up, I’m so excited to welcome Kelly Bayett to the very first episode of Standing Out, Standing Strong! Kelly is a creative powerhouse—the founder of the award-winning sound studio Barking Owl and co-founder of the highly respected and very cool production company Love Song.She’s not only a leader and mentor, but also a fearless challenger of the status quo, with a real passion for pushing the industry forward. Most of all, Kelly is a generous, inspiring human, and I’m so grateful for our conversation.Instagram: @kellybayettLove SongBarking OwlSupport the showInstagram: @standingoutstandingstrong