Virtually Anything Goes - a Made To See Podcast

What if the most powerful leadership lessons start long before your first title? We sit down with Sumi Shukla, VP of Global Marketing at Riverbed, to explore how immigrant roots, blended cultures, and early responsibility shape a career built on resilience, fairness, and authenticity. Sumi’s story moves from a childhood balancing identity in a predominantly white town to leading global teams across field marketing, ABM, partners, and digital. Along the way, she learned to trade control for trust, to define outcomes clearly, and to give people the space to deliver in their own way.We get into the big tension leaders face: courage versus perfection. Sumi argues that fearless presence beats “flawless” execution when it carries substance—evidence, iteration, and accountability. She shares concrete examples from marketing, including how her team launched ambitious account‑based marketing programmes, read the data honestly, then made the tough call to scale back and reinvest where results were strongest. You’ll hear how to normalise experimentation without recklessness, drop sunk costs without leaving gaps, and build a culture where learning is a habit, not a post‑mortem.Mentors and representation play a central role here. Sumi highlights the impact of formidable female leaders early in her career and the insights from her Global Voices of Leadership: Women Who Inspire series—stories of resilience, unconventional paths, and sponsors who opened doors. Together we map a practical leadership playbook: be clear on the outcome, be consistent and fair, lead from the front or the back as needed, and stay humble because you might be wrong. We close with a simple, moving question about legacy - what remains when titles fade - and why the answer should guide how we show up at work and at home.If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague who’s growing a team, and leave a quick review to help others find these leadership stories. Your feedback shapes what we explore next.Don't miss the "Virtually Anything Goes" question at the end, where Lev faces Sumi's unscripted question for the first time!Subscribe for more inspiring leadership conversations and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message today.Sumi Shukla is the VP of Global Marketing, at Riverbed Technology, where she leads all field marketing teams, ABM, Partner and Alliances, and Digital marketing. Sumi has 25 years of experience working in Tech Marketing, having spent over 10 years working at Cisco and having now been with Riverbed Technology since 2016. If that wasn't enough, Sumi is also a strong advocate for Women in Tech and has established the “Women at Riverbed EMEA” initiative.Connect with Sumi Shukla on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumi-shukla/Lev Cribb is the Founder and Managing Director of Made To See, a UK-based Video and Livestreaming Agency, specialising in the strategic and tactical use of video across B2B organisations. Lev is also the host of the Virtually Anything Goes podcast.Connect with Lev Cribb on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levcribb/For more information, content, and podcast episodes go to https://www.madetosee.com or our YouTube channel  @madetoseemedia ​

Leadership gets real when you stop chasing titles and start creating willing followers. That’s the heart of our conversation with Anna Lämber, VP of EMEA Marketing at AVEVA, whose career stretches from HP to ServiceNow’s hypergrowth years and into board work and executive coaching. We dig into the practices that actually move careers forward, such as writing goals, prioritising outcomes over hours, and leading with empathy and accountability, while staying honest about the hard parts.Anna shares how working full-time while studying taught her that effort isn’t the same as impact, and why she still writes down goals with weekly and quarterly check‑ins. We explore how to reframe failure as a trial run, a source of data that sharpens judgment and builds resilience. From the inside of a company growing 40–60% year over year, Anna explains how to stay adaptable, create clarity without a perfect playbook, and scale through cross‑functional teams across sales, pre‑sales, partners and customer outcomes.We also talk about the traits that don’t get enough airtime: active listening, real presence and the discipline to hire for mindset over pedigree. Anna’s coaching stories show how belief and structure can turn curiosity into capability. She breaks down the difference between leadership and management, why authenticity conserves energy, and how daily movement, such as horse riding, Tabata, and long walks, keeps performance sustainable.If you’re aiming for a promotion, building a team or resetting your path, this is a practical guide to intentional leadership, career development and high‑growth operating. Follow the show, share it with a colleague who’s ready for their next step, and leave a quick review to help others find these conversationsAnna Lämber is the Vice President of EMEA Marketing at leading industrial software company AVEVA. Anna started her career in Marketing at Hewlett Packard where she spent 8 years, before moving too TrendMicro where she also spent 8 years. In 2015, Anna joined ServiceNow in 2015 where she led the EMEA North Marketing function until 2024 during ServiceNow’s meteoric growth.Connect with Anna Lämber on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caktus/Lev Cribb is the Founder and Managing Director of Made To See, a UK-based Video and Livestreaming Agency, specialising in the strategic and tactical use of video across B2B organisations. Lev is also the host of the Virtually Anything Goes podcast.Connect with Lev Cribb on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levcribb/For more information, content, and podcast episodes go to https://www.madetosee.com or our YouTube channel  @madetoseemedia ​

In this episode of Virtually Anything Goes, we dive deep into the remarkable leadership journey of Chris Knerr, VP of Strategy (MedTech) at Veeva Systems, Chris is a leader whose path spans entrepreneurship, Fortune 500 executive roles, and a lifelong love of philosophy.Chris shares how his early academic pursuit of philosophy shaped his thinking, his leadership style, and his ability to navigate complex human dynamics inside some of the world’s largest organizations. From his 14-year rise at Johnson & Johnson to building and exiting his own company to guiding digital transformation for global medtech leaders, Chris opens up about the turning points that defined his professional identity.You’ll hear candid stories from inside high-stakes transformation programs, including the pivotal moments where mentors challenged him, encouraged him, or changed the course of his career with a single sentence. Chris reflects on the transition we all face when moving from individual contributor to leader: the moment you stop “knowing everything” and start empowering others who may know more than you. His honesty about fear, confidence, and learning to “lighten up” makes this one of the most relatable leadership conversations in the series.We also explore the political realities of leadership, how to spot the difference between visionaries and survivors at senior levels, and the underestimated role of luck and timing in every success story. Chris brings a rare blend of philosophical depth and practical experience as he unpacks what leaders really need to understand about influence, organizational behavior, and decision-making under pressure.Finally, the conversation shifts into AI, autonomy, and the future of leadership. Chris shares thoughtful, and sometimes provocative, insights on how algorithms shape human choice, what worries him most about invisible automation, and how leaders should prepare for a world where AI is embedded in every workflow.If you’re a leader, aspiring leader, or simply fascinated by how people grow, decide, and influence at scale, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe for more conversations that go beyond the surface.Chris Knerr is the VP Technology Strategy (MedTech) at Veeva Systems. He is a 20+ year multi-disciplinary Life Sciences industry veteran (Med Device, Pharma, Consumer OTC) driving change and key results in growth, operating leverage, differentiation and competitive position at enterprise scale; Chris is a former J&J VP, has founded and exited his own company, and his experience spans Fortune 50, management consulting, portfolio company, and tech start-ups.Chris is also an industry thought leader and writer; Cornell MBA; frequent guest lecturer at Cornell MBA program in Digital Strategy & Strategic Brand/Product ImmersionsConnect with Chris Knerr on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisknerr/Lev Cribb is the Founder and Managing Director of Made To See, a UK-based Video and Livestreaming Agency, specialising in the strategic and tactical use of video across B2B organisations. Lev is also the host of the Virtually Anything Goes podcast.Made To See: https://madetosee.com/For more information, content, and podcast episodes go to https://www.madetosee.com or our YouTube channel  ⁨@madetoseemedia⁩  

The Leadership Conversation That Challenges Everything You Think You KnowJoin Lev Cribb on the Virtually Anything Goes podcast for an extraordinarily candid conversation with Charles McLachlan, Founder of the CEO Growth Academy. This isn't your typical success-story interview. It's a raw, honest exploration of failure, mental health, vulnerability, and what leadership actually means when you strip away the corporate facade.Three Truths That Define This Episode:Charles shares his journey from being "basically unemployable" to building multiple businesses and becoming a sought-after executive coach. But the real story lies in what happened between those milestones: a catastrophic mental breakdown at 17, three years in psychiatric hospitals, electric shock therapy, and the terrifying prospect of permanent institutionalization. This experience taught him the most valuable leadership lesson of all: working harder and smarter won't solve every problem. And trying will destroy you.Why We're Failing at Failure:Charles exposes how our obsession with defining success implicitly defines failure, yet we have no cultural mechanisms for engaging with it. From Premier League managers to politicians to corporate leaders, everyone pretends failure doesn't exist. This denial is massively damaging. Charles argues for mourning failure, acknowledging it openly, and building cultures where vulnerability replaces toxic positivity.The VUCA Framework Reimagined:Forget vision, clarity, and agility. Charles proposes responding to today's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world with vulnerability, unity, community, and acceptance, i.e. a framework that transforms how leaders operate and creates space for extraordinary results.Plus: The CEO who almost died chasing success, why "leadership" might be a delusion, the power of followership, and Charles's painful exit from a family business that taught him everything.This conversation will change how you think about success, failure, and what it means to lead.Subscribe for transformative leadership conversations!Charles McLachlan is the Founder of the CEO Growth Academy, as well as InspiredCEOs, and the Portfolio Executive Community. Connect with Charles McLachlan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesmclachlan/More info at:CEO Growth Academy https://ceogrowth.biz/about-us/FuturePerfect https://futureperfect.companyPortfolio Executive Community https://PortfolioExecutive.bizLev Cribb is the Founder and Managing Director of Made To See, a UK-based Video and Livestreaming Agency, specialising in the strategic and tactical use of video across B2B organisations. Lev is also the host of the Virtually Anything Goes podcast.Made To See: https://madetosee.com/For more information, content, and podcast episodes go to https://www.madetosee.com or our YouTube channel  @madetoseemedia ​

Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Jacynth Ivey MBE, a trailblazing leader whose journey from the daughter of Windrush generation immigrants to becoming the first Black Chief Nurse in the West Midlands will leave you inspired and empowered.In this powerful episode of the Virtually Anything Goes podcast, Jacynth opens up about the obstacles she faced, the microaggressions she navigated, and the resilience she built from childhood through to receiving an MBE from His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales in 2024. From being told she'd "never make anything of herself" to transforming healthcare leadership, her story is a testament to courage, faith, and unwavering determination.Discover the leadership lessons that shaped a pioneer, including the unexpected turning point that changed her career trajectory, the power of servant leadership rooted in Christian faith, and why she ultimately chose to leave her executive role on her own terms. Jacynth shares invaluable advice for current and aspiring leaders about self-awareness, embracing difference, and why obstacles aren't failures but are part of your journey.This isn't just another leadership interview, it's a masterclass in resilience, authentic storytelling, and creating spaces where everyone can shine. Whether you're navigating your own career challenges, leading diverse teams, or simply seeking inspiration, Jacynth's wisdom will resonate deeply.Don't miss the "Virtually Anything Goes" question at the end, where Lev faces Jacynth's thought-provoking challenge about bold moves without limitations!Subscribe for more inspiring leadership conversations and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message today.Jacynth Ivey MBE is an Author,, Executive Coach, and Non-Executive Director for the NHS. Connect with Jacynth Ivey MBE on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacynth-ivey-mbe-6647192b/Website: https://jacynthivey.com/Lev Cribb is the Founder and Managing Director of Made To See, a UK-based Video and Livestreaming Agency, specialising in the strategic and tactical use of video across B2B organisations. Lev is also the host of the Virtually Anything Goes podcast.Made To See: https://madetosee.com/For more information, content, and podcast episodes go to https://www.madetosee.com or our YouTube channel  @madetoseemedia ​

In this episode, host Lev Cribb sits down with Emma Acton, VP of Marketing EMEA at Zendesk, to explore her career journey, leadership lessons, and what it takes to thrive as a modern marketing leader. Emma shares candid insights from her early days in sales, how that experience shaped her perspective on the vital partnership between sales and marketing, and why alignment across teams has never been more critical.She takes us behind the scenes of marketing’s evolution from the days before websites and mobile phones to today’s complex martech stacks and sophisticated demand-generation engines. With authenticity and clarity, Emma explains how marketing has grown into a driving force for business growth, customer engagement, and sustainable revenue.You will also hear Emma’s reflections on leadership challenges, including being underestimated and the importance of knowing your numbers. She offers practical advice for marketers navigating high-pressure environments: understanding performance data, demonstrating value, and building strong relationships with sales counterparts. Her message is clear: credibility comes from insight, accountability, and measurable results.The conversation also turns personal, as Emma discusses the often-misunderstood concept of “imposter syndrome.” Rather than viewing self-doubt as a weakness, she reframes it as a natural, even useful, tool for growth. By breaking challenges down into achievable steps, seeking validation, and remaining open to input from mentors and colleagues, Emma shows how leaders can use moments of uncertainty to sharpen focus and fuel innovation.Whether you’re a marketing professional looking for career inspiration, a business leader navigating the complexities of team alignment, or simply interested in authentic leadership stories, this episode delivers valuable takeaways. Emma’s journey is a powerful reminder that resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to learn are the foundations of long-term success.This episode is part of our Leadership Stories Series, where we speak to leaders from a variety of different backgrounds, including AI, Strategy, Marketing, Executive Coaching, Healthcare and others! Subscribe and check out our other episodes on Youtube at  @madetoseemedia Connect with Emma Acton on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaacton/)Connect with Lev Cribb on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/levcribb/)For more information, content, and podcast episodes go to our Youtube Channel   @madetoseemedia or https://www.madetosee.com

Step into the future of media with the creator of Virtually Parkinson, the world-first podcast hosted by an AI recreation of legendary broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson. In this episode of Virtually Anything Goes, Deep Fusion Films CEO and Co-founder Ben Field reveals how he and his team brought the iconic interviewer back to life through cutting-edge AI and groundbreaking production workflows.AI That Thinks, Listens, and Interviews Ben takes us behind the scenes of building “AI Parky,” trained on more than 100 hours of classic interviews to hold entirely unscripted conversations with celebrity guests. He shares how the custom-built “Squawk” software allows the virtual host to react in real time and creates surprisingly personal, even therapeutic, discussions that feel authentically Parkinson.Setting the Standard for Ethical AI Beyond the show’s wow factor, Ben is shaping the global conversation on responsible AI. From writing ethical frameworks for the BBC’s Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted to advising broadcasters and policymakers, he’s helping define how AI can enhance creativity while protecting intellectual property and artist rights.The Journey Behind the Innovation Ben also reflects on the career twists, from acting and BBC comedy writing to award-winning directing, that prepared him to lead at the frontier of technology and storytelling. His message: bold experimentation, trust in your team, and clear ethical guardrails can turn big ideas into reality.If you’re curious about where AI and entertainment collide, or how policy and creativity can coexist, this conversation delivers inspiration and insight in equal measure.This episode is part of our Leadership Stories Series, where we speak to leaders from a variety of different backgrounds, including AI, Strategy, Marketing, Executive Coaching, Healthcare and others! Subscribe and check out our other episodes on Youtube at @madetoseemediaConnect with Benjamin Field on Linkedin or find out more at https://www.deepfusionfilms.com/Connect with Lev Cribb on LinkedinFor more information, content, and podcast episodes go to our Youtube Channel or https://www.madetosee.com     

Is addiction really a brain disease, or have we been misled? On this eye-opening episode of the Virtually Anything Goes Podcast, we sit down with Professor Derek Heim from Edge Hill University, a leading voice in the psychology of addiction. In this episode, Professor Derek Heim challenges the traditional narrative by suggesting that addiction may be more of a societal label for undesirable behaviors rather than an actual disorder. We dissect the nuances between habits and addictions, urging listeners to consider these behaviors as normal actions with adverse consequences rather than pathologies. This thought-provoking discussion aims to reframe how we understand and address addiction, offering a fresh perspective that highlights the power of individual agency in overcoming addictive behaviors.Stigma is a major barrier preventing people from seeking help, and we dive into its ramifications on health and socio-economic status. From the ethical dilemmas around gambling advertisements to the necessity of supportive environments, we tackle the multifaceted approach needed to combat addiction. Professor Derek Heim sheds light on the importance of specialized support programs for veterans and the significant role friends and family play in recovery. We also explore societal strategies for reducing substance consumption and the positive impact of peer influence. With this episode, we aim to reduce stigma, foster understanding, and empower listeners to believe in their capacity for change. Join us for an enlightening conversation that could redefine how we collectively combat addiction.If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode, take a look at these additional resources:- UK SMART Recovery: https://smartrecovery.org.uk/- The Adullam Programme: https://www.adullamprogramme.co.uk/- NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/- UK Government Debt Advice: https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceThis episode is part of our Expert Series, where we speak to experts from a variety of different backgrounds, including Sleep & Insomnia, Addiction, Public Speaking, Eye Surgery, Crisis Communications, and even Magic! So be sure to subscribe and check out our other episodes on our Youtube Channel at  @madetoseemediaFind out more about Professor Derek Heim at https://research.edgehill.ac.uk/en/persons/derek-heimFind and listen the audio-only version of this episode on your favourite podcast platform. For more information, content, and podcast episodes go to our Youtube Channel or https://www.madetosee.com Connect with Lev Cribb at https://www.linkedin.com/in/levcribb/

Eye Surgeon Mr Andrew Davies joins host Lev Cribb on the Virtually Anything Goes Podcast Expert Series to share his insights, stories, as well as humorously busting some myths about Eye Surgery. Andrew is an Ophthalmic Consultant, who is one of very few surgeons who specialise in Vitreoretinal Surgery, i.e. surgery at the back of the eye.Ever wondered how advanced surgical techniques are pushing the boundaries of eye care? Discover the intricate world of vitreoretinal surgery with our esteemed guest, Mr. Andrew Davies, a leading consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon. With extensive training from Moorfields Eye Hospital and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Andrew brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, offering a detailed look into the anatomy of the eye and the complexities of surgeries involving the vitreous and retina.Join us as we break down the evolution of eye surgery, likening the human eye to a traditional camera to simplify the understanding of these complex procedures. Andrew shares his personal journey into the highly specialized field of vitreoretinal surgery, explaining why it attracts only a select few due to its unpredictable and often emergency nature. We discuss the remarkable advancements in surgical techniques and technologies over the past 100 years (and beyond), highlighting how modern innovations have significantly increased the safety and precision of eye surgeries.This episode also light-heartedly addresses common myths and fears associated with eye surgery, providing clarity and reassurance to potential patients. Andrew recounts real-life cases, including a dramatic incident involving a jeweller, to illustrate the range and severity of conditions treated with vitreoretinal surgery. Furthermore, we explore the collaborative efforts of surgical teams, the future of robotic surgery in ophthalmology, and practical eye health tips to help you maintain optimal vision. Don’t miss our engaging "virtually anything goes" question segment to wrap up this enlightening conversation.This episode is part of our Expert Series, where we speak to experts from a variety of different backgrounds, including Sleep & Insomnia, Addiction, Public Speaking, Eye Surgery, Crisis Communications, and even Magic! So be sure to subscribe and check out our other episodes on our Youtube Channel at  @madetoseemediaFind out more about Mr Andrew Davies at https://lancashireeyeclinic.co.uk/meet-the-team/ Find and listen the audio-only version of this episode on your favourite podcast platform. For more information, content, and podcast episodes go to our Youtube Channel or https://www.madetosee.com Connect with Lev Cribb at https://www.linkedin.com/in/levcribb/

Public Speaking Expert and Coach Maryanne Johnston joins host Lev Cribb on the Virtually Anything Goes Podcast Expert Series to share advice and insightful stories about Public Speaking.Curious about the secrets of mastering public speaking? Our latest episode features Maryanne Johnston, a seasoned public speaking coach with over two decades of experience, who compares conquering stage fright to learning to drive a car. Maryanne breaks down how understanding your natural communication style can help you transition smoothly into more formal settings and conquer common fears, like stage fright and the fear of the unknown. You'll discover tailored techniques to harness your strengths and build lasting confidence in any speaking scenario.Unearth the art of crafting engaging presentations with our deep dive into audience analysis and message structuring. Maryanne passionately explains how understanding your audience's background and expectations serves as a compass for your narrative. Learn the power of compelling stories, case studies, and visual aids to create memorable and impactful presentations. We also discuss the dual importance of preparation and delivery to ensure your content hits the mark every time.Our episode concludes with practical tips on mastering delivery strategies, from maintaining a conversational pace to using strategic pauses and embracing silence. Maryanne shares cautionary tales about the pitfalls of humour and underscores the significance of cultural sensitivity, especially in international settings. You'll also get insightful advice on balancing scripting with spontaneous speaking and strategies for recovering from mistakes. With lessons drawn from TED Talks and real-world anecdotes, this episode equips you with the tools to excel in any public speaking endeavour.This episode is part of our Expert Series, where we speak to experts from a variety of different backgrounds, including Sleep & Insomnia, Addiction, Public Speaking, Eye Surgery, Crisis Communications, and even Magic! So be sure to subscribe and check out our other episodes on our Youtube Channel at @madetoseemediaFind out more about Maryanne Johnston at https://www.maryannejohnston.co.uk/ or connect with her on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannejohnston/Find and listen the audio-only version of this episode on your favourite podcast platform. For more information, content, and podcast episodes go to our Youtube Channel or https://www.madetosee.com Connect with Lev Cribb at https://www.linkedin.com/in/levcribb/