Fresh Meet

We dive into the evolving challenges of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today’s polarized climate, shaped by the political shifts of Trump’s era. Host Julian Obubo and industry expert Keshia Hannam explore how brands can navigate backlash, reimagine inclusivity, and stay true to their values.

The flood of ‘purpose-led marketing’ has seen it lose its meaning, and businesses wade into issues beyond their remit - neglecting their real ethical responsibilities. So what now for purpose? Joining Manifest's Chief Design Officer, Martin Farrar-Smith are Copywriter & Author Nick Asbury whose latest book, The Road to Hell argues that purposeful business results in bad marketing; Gemma Ballinger, Managing Director of Studio Output who build brands and digital experiences full of character, difference and purpose; and from Manifest, we have Creative Director Daisy Phillips and Founder & CEO Alex Myers who believe purpose-led marketing is over and are on a mission to inspire an era of ‘progress-driven marketing’.

In this insightful episode of Fresh Meet, our Creative Director Rosanna Bhanji has grabbed two of Swedens most influential people when it comes to DE&I; Nicole Kavander and Muntaga Sowe. Together they slam the uncomfortable questions around diversity and inclusion on the table, and speak honestly and freely around the issues currently affecting so many people.

In this episode of Fresh Meet, our Creative Director Rosanna Bhanji sits down with Head Coach and Co-founder of the customer experience agency Slash.ten, Anton Granlund. Together they share an honest and real conversation around all things company culture, human-first experiences and how life outside of work affects your daily grind. 

In our latest episode of Fresh Meet, our Founder and CEO Alex Myers sat down with entrepreneur, AI specialist and co-founder of Multiply, Rasmus Adler Wahlberg to chat about the highs, the lows and everything in between when it comes to artificial intelligence.

Ever wondered where all the women go in the PR, comms and creative industries?  In this episode of Fresh Meet we combine forces with PR Mums to have a conversation with the Rt Hon. Harriet Harman, politics’ most notable champion of women’s rights, hosted by Ali Maynard James of Manifest and Founding Mother of PR Mums. 

In our latest episode marking UK Black History Month, our Chief of Staff, Kellie Smith sat down with Claire Quansah, CEO of Quansah Consulting to discuss how the comms industry can attract and keep Black female talent

In our latest episode, our host Isabel Thomson-Officer discusses the rising phenomenon of greenwashing with a guest panel including Angie Farrugia, Director of Comms from B Lab AUNZ, Jahdon Quinlan, Sustainability Leader at Stone & Wood Brewing Co and Josh Kirkman, CEO of Surfers For Climate We talk about what it is, how and why brands fall foul to it, how you can spot it, and why brands need to ensure their efforts are authentic and genuine.

In this episode recorded in Melbourne, Australia we discuss how we can unlock the power of the beauty industry to challenge conventions and ensure minorities are seen, heard and represented. Our hosts are Jessie Bowers (Creative Director) of the Melbourne studio) and Kim Lewis (Senior Account Manager of the Melbourne studio) are joined by Chelsea Bonner, CEO of Bella Management and James Parr, model, disability advocate, and writer. This chapter of Fresh Meet goes into a lively discussion about how we should challenge traditional standards of beauty to be more inclusive.

In this episode, marking B-Corp month, we’ll discuss how and why purpose-led businesses emerge and thrive during economic downturns and recession. We’ll chat through the complexities of purpose-based marketing or brand activism in the face of a cost-of-living crisis and what a sustainable model for sustainability looks like.  Hosted by Manifest CEO and founder Alex Myers, with guests including Emily Laws (Head of Brand, Lucky Saint), Ian Hambleton (Co-founder, Ecologi) and Sinead Gray (Joint MD, Kindred).