My Duvet Flip by Jackson Parsons

About Niel BornmanNiel Bornman is CEO of Publicis Connected Media UK, leading more than 4,000 people across the business. With almost three decades of experience, he is passionate about growth, leadership, adaptability and helping the next generation build careers in marketing.About Publicis Connected Media UKPublicis Connected Media UK brings together media, data, technology and marketing expertise to help brands connect with people and grow. Its teams work across areas including media investment, creators, search, AI and emerging technology.Chapters0:00 Introduction1:51 Meet Niel Bornman2:17 Adapting to British Workplace Culture3:55 Why Feedback Is Essential for Career Growth5:16 Every Meeting Is an Interview for Your Next Job5:42 Building Your Personal Brand and Reputation6:34 What Makes a Great Leader?7:34 Why Rapid Adaptability Is a Future Skill8:01 How to Embrace Change and Develop a Growth Mindset9:20 What Niel Learnt From Two Very Different Bosses10:42 The Career Mistake Niel Never Made Again11:36 Niel’s Leadership Philosophy in Three Words12:42 Where Is the Marketing Industry Going?15:15 How to Start a Career in Marketing With No Experience17:41 Why Customer Service Experience Can Help Your Career18:41 Why Teamwork Will Set You Apart19:11 What Niel Actually Does as a CEO21:58 The Invisible Secret Behind Niel’s Success22:24 Why People Have to Choose to Follow You23:52 What Gets Niel Out of Bed Every Morning25:16 Final ThoughtsDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode GuestRoberta Cretella is Director of Data and AI Solutions at Compare the Market, where she leads the organisation’s data and AI strategy. Passionate about creating meaningful impact, she champions responsible AI, diversity in technology and building a career on your own terms.Episode Timestamps:0:00 Introduction1:43 Meet Roberta Cretella2:20 Will AI Take Our Jobs?3:45 Building Resilience When Life Does Not Go to Plan5:00 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt6:34 Why Roberta Chose to Create Her Own Path7:04 Breaking Expectations and Building a Different Future9:03 Where Roberta’s Drive and Determination Come From10:06 Why Young People Should Aim High11:22 Meet Roberta Properly11:43 Roberta’s First Year at Compare the Market13:12 How to Become a Better Presenter14:46 The Hardest Moments of Roberta’s Career17:12 Why Asking for Support Matters17:43 Being Bold and Brave Enough to Be Yourself18:49 Why Diversity Is Essential for Responsible AI21:15 Why Join Compare the Market?22:34 Roberta’s Duvet Flip: Making an ImpactEpisode Partners📊 Compare the MarketDiscover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.https://bit.ly/4i53SvjDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

About Justin PeggJustin Pegg is the CEO of DPD UK, having built an extraordinary career with the business spanning more than 36 years. From working night shifts to leading the organisation, Justin is passionate about developing people, putting family first and creating a culture where everyone feels valued.Check out DPD UK Careers below:https://jobs.dpd.co.uk/https://drivers.dpd.co.uk/About DPD UKDPD UK is one of the UK’s leading parcel delivery businesses, helping deliver millions of parcels for customers across the country. Led by Justin Pegg, the wider UK business includes DPD UK, CitySprint and DPD Ireland, with revenues exceeding £2.5 billion.Chapters0:00 Introduction1:30 Justin’s 36-Year Journey at DPD UK2:46 Growing Up with Very Little in Birmingham3:06 Why Young People Need to Look Beyond Their Screens4:42 Why Justin Wanted to Inspire the Next Generation5:15 Becoming a Manager at Just 226:04 Leaving School at 15 and Earning £1 an Hour7:23 The Bike Ride That Started Justin’s Career7:41 Working Night Shifts for 25 Years8:35 Why Working Smarter Beats Working Harder9:21 Why Justin Puts Family Before Work10:35 Justin’s Greatest Achievement as a CEO11:06 Treat People Like Adults and They’ll Work Like Adults12:17 The Hardest Chapter of Justin’s Career13:43 Why Justin Never Hires People Like Himself14:07 Why Making Mistakes Can Make You Successful16:03 The Leadership Advice Jack Never Forgot16:41 Why Frontline Workers Are the Real Heroes17:51 Justin’s Invisible Secret to Success19:14 The Power of a Handwritten Note20:16 How to Make Your People Feel Valued20:46 What Gets Justin Out of Bed Every Morning21:20 How to Train Your Mind to Be More Positive22:04 Justin Discovers Drake22:12 Final ThoughtsDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Guest BioRobert Berkeley is the CEO of EKCS Group and a seasoned entrepreneur with decades of experience building and leading businesses across technology, creative production and marketing operations. His career has been driven by curiosity, calculated risk-taking and a belief that the best opportunities often come from taking the less obvious path.EKCS Group BioEKCS Group is a global provider of outsourced, technology-enabled creative production and marketing support services. With more than 500 people worldwide, the business supports brands, agencies and creative teams around the clock.Chapters0:00 Robert Berkeley on 20+ Years in Business1:25 Meet Robert Berkeley, CEO of EKCS1:55 Robert’s First Job and Early Career3:42 Why Robert Chose the Lower-Paying Job6:07 How a Credit Card Bill Sparked His Entrepreneurial Journey9:24 Turning Curiosity Into Career Opportunities11:07 Taking the Leap and Starting a Business12:30 Robert’s Advice for Becoming a Better Networker15:09 Why Curiosity Is Your Networking Superpower16:26 Inside EKCS and What the Business Does18:27 What 20+ Years in Business Taught Robert18:44 Why Entrepreneurs Shouldn’t Chase the Money20:45 Robert’s Biggest Lesson About Leadership21:18 The Invisible Secret Behind Robert’s Success22:26 What Gets Robert Out of Bed Every Morning23:37 Robert’s Final Advice for SuccessDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

About SuzanneSuzanne Speak is Managing Director for UK & Ireland at Radisson Hotel Group, with 30 years of experience in hospitality. From her first job at 13 to leading across the UK and Ireland, Suzanne is passionate about people, networking and creating career opportunities for the next generation.Radisson Hotel GroupRadisson Hotel Group is an international hospitality group with hotels and career opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, from hotel operations to finance, legal, marketing and sustainability. The group focuses on memorable guest experiences while developing talent and creating opportunities for people to build long-term careers in hospitality.Chapters0:00 Meet Suzanne Speak1:13 Suzanne’s Journey into Hospitality1:46 Building a Strong Work Ethic from a Young Age3:54 Why Networking Is Essential for Career Success5:18 The Importance of Being Authentic7:08 The Sacrifices Behind a 30 Year Hospitality Career9:10 Why Hotels Offer More Careers Than You Think10:37 Suzanne’s Journey to Radisson Hotel Group12:13 What Does a Managing Director Actually Do?13:08 Building a People First Company Culture13:54 Why Suzanne Became a Managing Director14:31 Learning from Difficult Leaders and Experiences15:16 Suzanne’s Advice for Young People Looking for Work16:49 What Suzanne Would Tell Her 18 Year Old Self17:33 The One Skill Suzanne Would Never Give Up18:27 Suzanne’s Duvet Flip19:32 The Quote That Perfectly Defines Suzanne’s CareerDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode GuestJulia Klein is Director of Performance Marketing at Compare the Market, where she leads the teams responsible for driving digital customer acquisition across paid media, search, SEO and content. Originally from Germany, Julia has built an international career by combining analytical thinking, curiosity and people-first leadership.Episode Timestamps:0:00 Introduction1:25 Meeting Julia Klein2:00 Julia's first job in Germany2:52 The communication skills every career needs5:13 Why every job teaches transferable skills6:39 Moving from Germany to the USA and Scotland8:00 Changing career plans from law to business10:24 Why Julia chose marketing over consultancy11:44 The confidence to apply before you're ready12:48 Falling in love with performance marketing13:26 What paid search actually is14:06 Do you need to be good at maths?15:13 Career advice for aspiring marketers15:50 What is a T-shaped marketer?17:13 How AI is changing marketing forever19:47 Becoming Director of Performance Marketing20:20 Leading high-performing marketing teams22:19 Win or bin: Julia's leadership mindset22:33 Why Compare the Market stands out23:49 Julia's Duvet Flip24:27 Final thoughtsEpisode Partners📊 Compare the MarketDiscover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.https://bit.ly/4i53SvjDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

About KateKate Hayward is the UK Managing Director at Xero, where she leads the company's mission to empower small businesses, accountants and bookkeepers through technology. Passionate about entrepreneurship, financial education and inclusive leadership, Kate is a strong advocate for helping people realise their potential regardless of their background.About XeroXero is a global cloud accounting platform that helps small businesses, accountants and bookkeepers manage their finances more efficiently. Its software and educational resources are designed to simplify business finances and support sustainable growth.Chapters0:00 Introduction1:15 Kate's first job and the power of asking for feedback2:42 Why you should build your own network3:24 How to build a network when you know nobody4:27 What "putting into your network" really means5:34 How to demonstrate effort on your CV6:25 Growing up with a self-employed dad7:02 Perfectionism, resilience and believing anything is possible8:46 Introversion, imposter syndrome and earning your place9:57 Kate's journey to becoming UK Managing Director at Xero11:15 Why you can't do it all and why that's okay12:33 Dyslexia, AI and turning challenges into strengths14:09 Why small businesses are struggling right now15:49 Who teaches you to be an entrepreneur?17:06 The one financial skill every business owner needs18:02 What Xero does and supporting 1.3 million UK businesses20:06 Breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship20:49 Would Kate ever become an entrepreneur?21:39 The quote that defines Kate's leadership23:29 Kate's invisible success24:13 Kate's Duvet FlipDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode GuestJeff Cleaven is a Field Service Technician at Virgin Media O2, helping customers across London stay connected by installing, maintaining and troubleshooting broadband, TV and phone services. Originally from South Africa, Jeff brings a people-first approach, a passion for learning and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.Episode PartnerThis episode is part of My Duvet Flip's Choose Customer series, produced in partnership with Virgin Media O2. Virgin Media O2 is one of the UK's largest and most recognisable connectivity brands, delivering mobile, broadband, TV and business services to millions of customers across the country.Chapters0:00 Introduction1:28 Meeting Jeff Cleaven2:48 Jeff's first job teaching children to swim4:22 Why Jeff walked away from becoming a pilot5:20 Changing careers and taking risks6:05 Jeff's advice for anyone starting their career7:06 Finding mentors by showing up8:19 A day in the life of a Virgin Media O2 Field Service Technician9:34 Installing broadband and solving customer problems11:04 How every career taught Jeff something valuable12:13 Why customer experience matters more than ever13:46 How to deliver exceptional customer service16:32 The technical skills behind the role17:30 Dealing with difficult customers20:12 Lessons from protecting wildlife in South Africa22:10 Becoming a Field Service Technician at Virgin Media O223:01 Career opportunities and apprenticeships at Virgin Media O225:01 Learning, training and support at Virgin Media O226:27 Jeff's Duvet Flip27:42 Final thoughtsDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counselling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode GuestDominic Burrows is an Executive Team Manager at Virgin Media O2, leading teams that resolve complex customer issues while developing future leaders. He is passionate about customer trust, resilience and helping people grow through great leadership.Episode PartnerThis episode is part of My Duvet Flip's Choose Customer series, produced in partnership with Virgin Media O2. Virgin Media O2 is one of the UK's largest and most recognisable connectivity brands, delivering mobile, broadband, TV and business services to millions of customers across the country.Chapters0:00 Why I Wanted to Be a Millionaire1:29 Introduction2:37 Studying Marketing and Landing My First Sales Job4:22 Why Money Isn't Everything5:08 The #1 Skill You Need in Sales5:59 Starting at Virgin Media O26:42 Why Customer Service Builds Great Leaders7:59 What It's Really Like Managing Customer Complaints9:03 How to Build Customer Trust9:51 How I Got Promoted to Team Manager10:49 What Makes a Great Leader?11:50 The Book Challenge12:19 Going Above and Beyond for Customers14:35 Skills You Need to Succeed in Customer Service15:22 Why I Chose a Career in Telecoms16:12 Why Telecoms Is a Great Industry to Join17:20 What Customer Trust Really Means18:01 Helping Hundreds of Customers19:56 Staying Positive When Every Day Brings Complaints20:43 Why Every Complaint Is an Opportunity21:05 My Duvet Flip22:02 Final ThoughtsDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counselling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:Samreen Khan is a Store Leader at Virgin Media O2 with over seven years' experience in telecommunications, progressing from sales into leadership. She is passionate about developing people, coaching high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.Episode Partner:This episode is part of My Duvet Flip's Choose Customer series, produced in partnership with Virgin Media O2. Virgin Media O2 is one of the UK's largest and most recognisable connectivity brands, delivering mobile, broadband, TV and business services to millions of customers across the country. Chapters:0:00 Introduction2:42 Meet Samreen: From Student to Store Leader3:22 Starting Work at 18 and Finding an Unexpected Career4:32 Why Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone Matters5:59 Learning to Deal with Customers Every Day7:15 Building Resilience While Living with Anxiety8:28 Why Great Customer Service Is About How People Feel9:50 Falling Into a Career in Telecoms11:04 The Skills Every Young Person Needs at Work12:15 The Family Story That Built Samreen's Drive13:28 The Book That Changed Samreen's Perspective on Failure14:47 Turning the Region's Worst Store into One of the Best16:18 Leading a Team Through Consistency18:17 Why Caring About People Makes You a Better Leader20:10 Why Samreen Loves Working at Virgin Media O221:11 Helping Young Team Members Grow22:11 Career Progression at Virgin Media O223:13 Samreen's Duvet Flip24:25 Final ThoughtsDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counselling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/