From the psychology of leadership and decision-making under pressure to the role of culture, storytelling, and momentum inside organisations, the panel explores how confidence is built (and lost) at an individual level, not just a macroeconomic one. The conversation also digs into the impact of AI disruption, the LinkedIn “doom loop,” and why long-form thinking may be the antidote to perpetual crisis thinking.

Later, world-class performance coach and psychologist Jamil Qureshi joins Nicole to break down the science of confidence, purpose-driven leadership, and how organisations can mobilise belief at scale, even in times of uncertainty.

If you’ve ever wondered how leaders are supposed to stay confident when the world feels like it’s constantly shifting, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to The UnTrended Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and never miss an episode.

Chapter Markers:

(03:00) What Does “Business Confidence” Even Mean?

Is confidence a measurable business metric or something far more human?

(10:30) Innovation, AI, and the Pace-of-Change Paradox

When everything is moving fast and nothing feels controllable.

(19:00) Personal Confidence Rituals for Leaders

What the panel actually does to stay confident when things feel wobbly.

(26:00) Long-Form Thinking as an Antidote

Why depth, context, and perspective matter more than hot takes.

(32:00) Purpose vs Targets

Why focusing on what you can be matters more than what you can have.

(42:00) One Thing Leaders Can Do Tomorrow

A practical mindset shift for staying confident amid uncertainty.

Useful Links:

Get to know Jamil Qureshi on LinkedIn

Follow Nicole Jones on LinkedIn

Touch base with Jon Lonsdale on LinkedIn

Connect with Billy Hamilton-Stent

Learn more from Jamie Fewery

For more information visit the Publicis Pro Website

In this episode of UnTrended, Nicole Jones is joined by Jamie Fewery, Jon Lonsdale, Billy Hamilton-Stent and a host of parents from across Pub Pro, for an open, funny, and deeply honest conversation about working parenthood.

Recorded with Nicole on the brink of becoming a parent herself, this episode explores the realities of balancing demanding careers with childcare, exhaustion, guilt, ambition, and identity; from newborn trenches to teenage years, and everything in between

Later in the episode, Nicole is joined by Katie Pospischill, Managing Partner at Pub Pro and working mum of two, who shares a powerful perspective on leadership, burnout, self-kindness, and what workplaces really need to understand about supporting parents.

This episode goes beyond tips and tricks. It looks at identity, ambition, and the cultural expectations placed on working parents, particularly women, in demanding industries like advertising and marketing.

It’s about accepting that you can’t have everything, all at once and that good enough really is good enough.

Whether you’re a parent, about to become one, thinking about it, or simply managing work alongside life’s bigger responsibilities, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and solidarity.

Subscribe to UnTrended for more conversations on work, culture, leadership, and life

Chapter Markers

(01:10) — Why working parenthood feels harder than ever

The changing realities of dual-income households, stress, and modern parenting.

(05:00) — “Everything is a phase” (even the brutal bits)

Why remembering this matters most for new parents.

(10:20) — Paternity leave and why it matters

How time off for dads changes outcomes for families and careers.

(16:10) — Kids in pubs, soft play, and cultural shifts

How parenting reshapes social life (and your tolerance levels).

(20:30) — Fear of losing professional identity

Why stepping away from work can feel scarier than parenting itself.

(28:40) — Burnout, boundaries, and being kinder to yourself

Why “just set boundaries” isn’t realistic for client-service roles.

(35:40) — Letting go of guilt and perfection

Why “good enough” really is enough.

(38:00) — Final reflections: you can’t have it all, all the time

Closing thoughts on balance, expectations, and shared experience.

Useful Links

Get to know Katie Pospischill on LinkedIn

Follow Nicole Jones on LinkedIn

Connect with Billy Hamilton-Stent

Learn more from Jamie Fewery

Touch base with Jon Lonsdale on LinkedIn

For more information visit the Publicis Pro Website

In this special holiday episode of UnTrended, Nicole Jones is joined by Jamie Fewery, Louise Brooks, and Billy Hamilton-Stent to unwrap the history, nostalgia, and creative madness behind Christmas advertising, including the ones that make us cry, the ones that make us cringe, and the ones that make us immediately donate £50 to charity.

The team also sits down with Franki Goodwin, Chief Creative Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi, to talk about taking the reins on the iconic John Lewis Christmas advert, the pressure that comes with it, and how you build a festive film that becomes not just a campaign but a cultural moment.

Plus: stuffing discourse, office party confessions, Christmas jumper controversies, and the eternal question… will B2B brands ever make a truly great Christmas ad?

Subscribe to The UnTrended Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and never miss an episode.

Chapter Markers:

(01:00) How Christmas Ads Became a Cultural Phenomenon

A whistle-stop tour from Coca-Cola Santa to John Lewis’ “The Shadow” and the birth of the Christmas ad as an annual national event.

(09:00) This Year’s Standout Christmas Ads

Shelter’s hard-hitting realism. Tesco’s painfully relatable family vignettes. Morrisons’ behind-the-scenes take on working Christmas. What lands and what doesn’t?

(13:30) The Shift in Christmas Storytelling

Why brands are moving from sweeping universal emotion to more specific, lived-in stories and why that might be the smartest path forward.

(19:00) Will B2B Ever Make a Christmas Ad?

The team explores seasonality, budget realities, category constraints, and whether a B2B brand will eventually take the leap. (Spoiler: it’s “inevitable” according to Jamie.)

(22:00) If We Could Make One: Our B2B Christmas Ad Pitches

Twilio emotional storytelling. Aviation rom-coms. Santa supply chain logistics. Red-and-white Caterpillar diggers. Genuinely good ideas? You decide.

(31:00) What We’re Looking Forward to This Christmas

Family reunions, young kids’ excitement, Boxing Day bubble & squeak, home cooking, and a rare chance to do absolutely nothing.

(32:00) Making the John Lewis Christmas Ad

Franki reveals how the team builds the brief, the early inspiration, and how music shaped this year’s story.

(36:00) How the Process Really Works

From open briefs to agency-wide idea generation and why everyone wants to work on the John Lewis Christmas ad.

(44:00) Story First, Product Second

Why John Lewis will always lead with emotion, not product, and how that shapes the creative process.

Useful Links

Get to know Franki Goodwin on LinkedIn

Follow Nicole Jones on LinkedIn

Touch base with Louise Brooks on LinkedIn

Connect with Billy Hamilton-Stent

Learn more from Jamie Fewery

For more information visit the Publicis Pro Website

Is it about audience reach, storytelling, or simply the glamour of the hospitality suite?

In this episode of UnTrended, Nicole Jones is joined by Jamie Fewery and Billy Hamilton-Stent to explore B2B’s growing fascination with sports sponsorship and why so many brands are racing to the pitch, track, and beyond.

Plus, Jamie sits down with Joel Seymour-Hyde, Head of Partnership Management at Formula 1, for an insider’s look at what makes a smart sponsorship work (and why sticking your logo on a car isn’t enough anymore).

From the logistics of moving F1 around the world to the cultural resonance of Sharp’s 90s Man United kit, the team uncovers the strategy, storytelling, and spectacle behind today’s biggest brand plays.

Subscribe to the UnTrended Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and never miss an episode.

Chapter Markers:

(01:10) Inside the World of Formula 1

Jamie interviews Joel Seymour-Hyde, Head of Partnership Management at F1, about the evolution of sponsorships, global brand partnerships, and how B2B brands fit into the sport’s ecosystem.

(09:00) The Hallmarks of a Great Partnership

How successful B2B sponsors connect their business objectives with the right platform and why clarity of purpose is everything.

(18:00) Passion vs. Pragmatism

Joel reveals why being a fan of a sport can actually make sponsorship decisions worse and why objectivity wins every time.

(21:00) Panel Chat: The Rise of the B2B Fanboy

Nicole, Jamie, and Billy dig into why B2B brands are flooding into sports, from the power of pre-made audiences to the pull of data-driven fanbases.

(28:00) The Value of Activation

Why the best sports partnerships are now multi-channel, creative, and experiential, not just a logo on a shirt.

(35:00) From Cigarettes to CRM

How sports sponsorship has evolved from nostalgia to nuance and what modern brands can learn from iconic partnerships like Marlboro McLaren and IBM Wimbledon.

(39:00) Cultural Resonance in Sport

The team explores how great sponsorships transcend marketing and become part of cultural memory, from Sharp and Man United to Rolex and golf.

Useful Links:

Get to know Joel Seymour-Hyde on LinkedIn

Follow Nicole Jones on LinkedIn

Connect with Billy Hamilton-Stent

Learn more from Jamie Fewery

For more information visit the Publicis Pro Website

In this episode of UnTrended, host Nicole Jones sits down with Heather Barnett, the LinkedIn comedy creator and freelance copywriter who’s bringing “LOL”s to lead generation, to talk about the business of B2B humour. Heather shares how she got started, what makes content resonate, and how brands can collaborate with creators without losing their authenticity (or their nerve).

Later, Nicole is joined by Billy Hamilton-Stent, Jamie Fewery, and Louise Brooks from Publicis Pro to unpack the creator-led content boom, from the Pope’s hot take on influencers to the risks and rewards of letting go of control.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make B2B content less cringe and more human, this one’s for you.

Subscribe to The UnTrended Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Chapter Markers:

(02:45) Falling Into Creation

Nicole kicks off Season 2 with Heather Barnett, diving into the world of B2B humour and why creator-led content is taking off.

(07:30) LinkedIn’s New Era of Humour

How COVID reshaped LinkedIn into a social space and why laughter has become the new engagement metric.

(12:00) Working with Brands

What happens when a creator’s authentic voice meets a marketing brief and how to keep it funny without turning it into an ad.

(18:45) Panel Chat: The Creator Capital C

Nicole, Billy, Jamie and Louise discuss the history of influencer marketing, from gladiators to the Pope and what “trust” really means in 2025.

(25:10) Creators Without the Cringe

How to balance entertainment and professionalism and why letting go of control might be the smartest move.

(34:20) Agency Challenges and Platform Fluency

The team reflects on the tricky business of finding the right creators and the rise of “vibe-based briefing.”

(39:00) Best in Class: Creator Campaigns

From freight jokes to female coders, the team shares favourite examples of creative partnerships done right.

Useful Links:

Get to know Heather Barnett on LinkedIn

Follow Nicole Jones on LinkedIn

Connect with Billy Hamilton-Stent

Learn more from Jamie Fewery

Touch base with Louise Brooks on LinkedIn

For more information visit the Publicis Pro Website

In this special bonus episode of UnTrended, Billy Hamilton Stent, Chief Strategy Officer at Publicis Pro, sits down with Mimi Turner, Head of Marketplace Innovation at LinkedIn, to explore one of the biggest shifts facing B2B marketing right now: AI-driven discovery and generative engine optimisation (GEO)

The conversation goes beyond technology, touching on culture, behaviour, and confidence and what it really takes for organisations to change when the future no longer resembles the past.

As Mimi puts it, this may be an epoch-changing moment, one that forces brands to grow up, get clearer on who they are, and build credibility in ways that both humans and machines recognise.

If you work in B2B marketing, strategy, growth, or leadership, this episode offers a grounded, human perspective on where AI discovery is heading and how brands can respond without chasing hype or fear.

This is less about tactics, and more about how trust, relevance, and authority will define success in 2026 and beyond.

Subscribe to The UnTrended Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and never miss an episode.

Chapter Markers

(01:55) — Looking ahead to 2026: what’s really changing

Mimi shares the two major shifts she sees shaping B2B marketing strategy over the next few years.

(05:45) — Why AI search rewards human qualities

Expertise, authority, trust, and relevance and how these human traits align with how LLMs prioritise content.

(09:50) — Why events — not ideas — drive real change

The cultural and organisational challenge of adapting when the future no longer looks like the past.

(13:10) — A more optimistic view of AI’s impact

How AI could lead to richer customer experiences, better marketing, and new roles.

(14:00) — A possible renaissance of trust and value

Mimi’s closing reflection on whether AI could usher in a more human era of business.

Useful Links

Get to know Mimi Turner on LinkedIn

Connect with Billy Hamilton-Stent

For more information visit the Publicis Pro Website

In today’s episode of UnTrended, host Nicole Jones sits down with Jon Lonsdale (CEO), Louise Brooks (Senior Copywriter), and Lottie Hutchins (Senior Account Director) from Publicis Pro to dive deep into the messy world of feedback: how we give it, how we take it, and how it’s evolving in modern workplaces.

From why Gen Z lawyers are apparently running to HR when told they're wrong to why agency creatives dread the words “make it punchy,” this episode strips back the layers on a topic that’s often sugar-coated — or worse, ignored.

Plus, we hear some of the most memorable (and brutally honest) pieces of feedback our team has ever received—from law professors with sharp pens to pitch rooms that ended in standing ovations.

Stick around to the end for our mailbag segment, where we tackle how early-career agency folks can figure out when to push back versus when to pick their battles.

Subscribe to The Untrended Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Chapter Markers:

(01:42) Gen Z, Gentle Parenting & Taking Criticism

From law firms hiring support workers for young staff to how upbringing shapes feedback tolerance.

(07:08) Have We Gotten Too Nice?

Is modern working culture too polite to be clear — and what’s the hidden cost?

(14:49) The Case for Course Correction

Are we heading for a swing back to tougher, more direct feedback cultures?

(19:44) Why Client Feedback Is So Hard

Pressure, feedback committees, and why clients often can’t articulate what they want.

(23:08) Beyond Track Changes

Why Jon hates markup, Lottie loves voice notes, and how to keep feedback human.

(24:58) Helping Clients Help Us

Why creatives should meet clients early, ask better questions, and build trust.

(26:39) The Most Memorable Feedback We’ve Ever Gotten

From university essays marked “learn to plagiarise better” to standing ovations in a pitch.

(30:52) Mailbag: Push Back or Pick Your Battles?

Advice for early-career marketers on when to stand firm and when to let it go.

Useful Links:

Follow Nicole Jones on LinkedIn

Connect with Jon Lonsdale

Learn more from Louise Brooks

Touch base with Lottie Hutchins on LinkedIn

For more information, visit the Publicis Pro Website

Together, they explore the identity crisis behind sudden rebrands, the subtle signals names send to customers, and why some names flop while others become fixtures in our cultural vocabulary. Whether it’s deciding between “Octopus” and “Snow Leopard,” or pitching names like “Almond” to stony-faced execs, this episode dives into the high-stakes (and highly subjective) world of brand naming—especially in B2B.

Find out what makes a name memorable, what makes it miserable, and why sometimes the best naming strategy is just to avoid anything ending in “AI.”

Subscribe to the UnTrended Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Chapter Markers:

(05:29) Are Names the Heart of the Brand?

Jon and Billy explain why names matter—and how executives often get the final say.

(07:25) What Makes a Name ‘Good’?

Emotion, alchemy, and strategy: dissecting the building blocks of strong brand names.

(12:30) From Octopus to Publicis Pro: A Rebrand Journey

The team recounts how Publicis Pro got its name and why clarity beat cool.

(17:04) Finding Your Extraordinary

The story behind the tagline and how “extraordinary” became Publicis Pro’s north star.

(24:14) The B2B Naming Hall of Fame (and Shame)

From MailChimp to Monzo, the team shares names that nailed it—and those that didn’t.

(31:28) Mailbag: Naming Mistakes to Avoid

From cultural missteps to overused buzzwords, the crew gives rapid-fire advice on how not to name your next product.

Useful Links:

Follow Nicole Jones on LinkedIn

Connect with Billy Hamilton-Stent

Learn more from Jamie Fewery

Touch base with Jon Lonsdale on LinkedIn

For more information visit the Publicis Pro Website

In this episode of UnTrended, Nicole Jones is joined by Publicis Pro’s Billy Hamilton-Stent, Jamie Fewery, and Zoe Hadsley for a lively and nuanced conversation on platform politics, advertising ethics, and whether brands should (or even can) be truly principled in their platform choices.

From Elon Musk’s X to Meta’s Threads, from the rise of absurdist “s**tposting” to the realities of brand risk in B2B marketing — it’s all on the table.

Subscribe to The Untrended Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Chapter Markers:

(04:39) Platform Vibes: Is X Still Worth It?

The team reflects on the user experience, bot takeovers, and whether engagement is dead on Elon’s watch.

(08:39) Are Platforms the New Nation States?

If social platforms have more power than governments, should we expect more from them — or just log off?

(14:40) Ethics vs. Exposure

Zoe breaks down brand safety, platform choices, and what it really means to be “responsible” in digital advertising.

(19:06) Why B2B Brands Don’t Like Risk

B2B companies love strategy but fear chaos — so how do they handle platforms that are unpredictable by design?

(23:41) Rethinking Social in B2B

Is it time to build social-first strategies instead of treating social like a dumping ground for campaign leftovers?

(24:32) S**tposting 101

What it is, why it works, and how it’s changing the way B2B voices show up on platforms like LinkedIn and TikTok.

(29:54) Mailbag: Do Brands Need to Be Good?

Do consumers really care about ethics — or just say they do in surveys?

Useful Links:

Follow Nicole Jones on LinkedIn

Connect with Billy Hamilton-Stent

Learn more from Jamie Fewery

Touch base with Zoe Hadsley on LinkedIn

For more information visit the Publicis Pro Website

In this episode, we are exploring the changing relationship between alcohol and creativity. From the legendary drinking culture of advertising’s past to today’s more sober-curious workforce, we ask: Does the hangover have any creative currency left?

The team tackles the myths and realities of alcohol-fueled inspiration, the shift away from pub culture, and what actually sparks great ideas. Is there any truth to the stereotype of the tortured creative genius, or have we all just been romanticising bad habits?

We also dive into alternative ways to build workplace culture, the surprising link between sorting LEGO and creativity, and the modern office’s obsession with plants over pints.

Packed with witty observations, generational perspectives, and a healthy dose of self-reflection, this episode takes a fresh look at an age-old industry tradition.

Subscribe to The Untrended Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Have a question or an idea for us to explore? Use the link in the episode description to send it our way.

Chapter Markers:

(01:11) Trend or Trash: Tough Mudders vs. Pub Crawls

Are agencies ditching the bar for extreme team-building challenges?

(03:27) Plants Not Pubs

Why companies are prioritising office design over work socials.

(06:22) Do Hangovers Ever Spark Good Ideas?

The team debates the link between alcohol and creativity.

(14:10) How Work Cultures Are Changing

Is the traditional agency drinking culture fading away?

(24:00) What Fuels Creativity?

The surprising science behind what helps (and hurts) creative thinking.

(26:50) Mailbag: The B2B Brands That Stood Out This Year

A listener question sparks a discussion on the most memorable brand campaigns.

Useful Links:

Nicole Jones

Billy Hamilton-Stent

Louise Brooks

Aditi Kulkarni

Publicis Pro Website

In this episode, we tackle a familiar struggle for creative professionals: Why don’t our parents understand what we do? From job titles that defy explanation to the way work shapes our identity, we explore the challenges of defining creative careers in a way that makes sense—both to family and the wider world.

The team also dives into the role of humor in B2B marketing, breaking down the Workbooks No BS CRM campaign. Is shock value the key to standing out, or is there a fine line between bold and too far?

Packed with witty observations, relatable struggles, and real-world examples, this episode explores the complexities of creative careers—why they’re so hard to explain, how they shape our identity, and what it really means to push boundaries in marketing.

Subscribe to The Untrended Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. 

Have a question or an idea for us to explore? Use the link in the episode description to send it our way.

Chapter Markers:

(01:09) Trend or Trash: Is Social Media Essential for Career Success? 

The team debates the necessity of personal branding on platforms like LinkedIn.

(10:02) Why Don’t Our Parents Understand What We Do?

The challenge of explaining creative jobs to family and friends.

(17:37) The Definition of a Creative

How the word “creative” has evolved and its different interpretations.

(18:57) The ‘Mad Men’ Comparison

Is marketing today anything like the world of Don Draper?

(20:19) Work, Identity & Purpose

The team discusses work-life balance and personal fulfillment.

(26:51) Mailbag: The No BS CRM Campaign

A listener question sparks a discussion on how far is too far in B2B marketing.

Useful Links:

Nicole Jones

Billy Hamilton-Stent

Alastair Kirk

Carly Auletta 

Publicis Pro Website

In this episode, Nicole Jones sits down with members of the Publicis Pro team, including Billy Hamilton-Stent, Jamie Fewery, and Shiri Wolff, to explore the transformative - yet contentious! - role of AI in the world of B2B marketing.  

The team dives into how tools like ChatGPT are influencing creativity, productivity, and critical thinking. Are these advancements pushing humanity forward - or are we simply heading toward cognitive decline?

This is a watercooler-type chat packed with insights, analogies, and real-world examples of how to think about AI in creative work - challenging the conventional view of how we use artificial intelligence in our everyday day and what it means for the future of work.

Subscribe to the Untrended Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, never to miss an episode.

Chapter Markers

(01:01) Trend or Trash: Fully AI-Generated Ads

The team debates the future of AI-generated ads.

(07:20) Brainstorming with AI

The panel discusses whether AI can truly enhance creativity or if it limits originality.

(15:21) Productivity Booster or Crutch?

We explore how reliance on AI affects daily tasks and decision-making.

(19:10) AI in PR and Creativity

The conversation then turns to the role of AI in content creation and its reception by professionals.

(21:53) The Long-Term Cognitive Impact of AI

The group shares their predictions about how AI could reshape human thinking over time.

(32:01) Mailbag! Rebrands and Bold Moves in B2B

Audience question on the Jaguar rebrand and its implications for B2B marketing.

Useful Links

• Nicole Jones
• Billy Hamilton-Stent
• Shiri Wolff
• Jamie Fewery
• Publicis Pro Website
• McKinsey’s Report on AI Adoption
• Google Cloud’s AI Research

Well, this isn’t one of them.

Welcome to the Untrended Podcast, where we uncover extraordinary stories about business and culture.

Brought to you by Publicis Pro, this show isn’t about “growth hacks” or corporate fluff. It’s about raw, honest, and sometimes ridiculous tales from the world of marketing and business.

From unexpected challenges to out-of-the-box ideas, we’re here to talk about the truths you won’t find in a handbook—the ones that truly shape creativity, strategy, and success.

Be sure to tune into episode one, where we sit down with Nicole Jones, Billy Hamilton-Stent, Jamie Fewery, and Shiri Wolff to explore the all-important question of what AI is doing to our brains.

The Untrended Podcast. Real stories. Real laughs. Nothing held back. 

Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts.