Qualversations with guest Polly McMaster

In the 9th and final episode of this mini-series, AQR member Emma Kirk sits down with Seema Hope, the Global Head of Consumer Research at The Economist. With over 20 years of experience in publishing, Seema offers an insider’s perspective on the industry, proudly embracing her role as well-rounded generalist. Seema shares invaluable life lessons drawn from her extensive career. This episode provides an authentic glimpse into the realities of working in publishing, balancing a career with raising two daughters, and confronting personal vulnerabilities.  This candid conversation with someone who has a wealth of experience is truly unmissable.

In the 8th episode of the AQR podcast "Qualversations," AQR member Emma Kirk chats with Alex Hodgson about her fascinating journey from advertising and media to international research. Alex, an open-minded and dynamic guest, has embraced every opportunity that came her way, living in Spain, London, the Midlands, and spending the last 20 years in Australia. Tune in as they cover a wide range of topics, from travel and motherhood to invaluable career advice. This episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration, and we hope you find it as enriching as we did.

In the 7th episode of the AQR podcast "Qualversations”, AQR member Emma Kirk sits down with Rhea Fox to discuss her dynamic and successful career in insight and beyond. Join them as they delve into the key differences between agency and client-side roles, the art of establishing an insight-driven culture, and the value of sometimes taking a step back to move forward. Rhea also shares her insights on the importance of resilience in the face of redundancy and the benefits of broadening your professional scope. Whether you're passionate about insights or marketing more broadly, this episode is a must-listen.

In our 6th episode of the AQR podcast Qualversations AQR Board member DebbieNewbould chats with Anna Cliffe founder and joint chief exec of research agency TrinityMcQueen.  Debbie and Anna cover everything from what it takes to be an entrepreneur, management buy outs and being a female business owner.  Oh, and there’s a sprinkling ofDolly Parton in there too.Qualversations : designed to expand perspectives and deliver thought provoking opinionpieces

In our 5 th episode of the AQR podcast Qualversations, AQR Board member Judy Taylor chatsto Julie Fuller, who went from nurse, to health visitor, to mum-at-home recruiter, tofounder and co-owner of The Fuller Research Group. They talk Julie’s role in changing ourindustry, building businesses and being an employer of almost 100 people. Julie talks aboutwhy being a carer personality has held her in good stead all her life and why chaos suits her.Qualversations : designed to expand perspectives and deliver thought provoking opinionpieces

In our 4 th episode of the AQR podcast Qualversations, AQR Board member Judy Taylor talksto Vicki Cooke, co-founder and Chair of Thinks Insight about her prolific research career.Together they talk values, being disenchanted at school and how inspirational it has been towork with real leaders, like the (then) Prince of Wales and Tony Blair.Qualversations : designed to expand perspectives and deliver thought provoking opinionpieces

In the third and final podcast in our Mini Series Debbie Newbould interviews Ellie Consta.  Ellie set up the all female strings quartet Her Ensemble.  In covid Ellie had an epiphany moment asking the question:  why aren’t we showcasing more female composers in classical music? Why aren’t we challenging  classical music norms?  Debbie chats to her about  being a young female leader in the classical music scene and what it takes to step up and take action.

In the second episode of the AQR podcast Qualversations AQR Board member Debbie Newbould interviews Polly McMaster, Founder and CEO of the clothing brand The Fold.  Polly’s ambition is to empower women through helping them achieve their ambitions.  Debbie chats to her as she tracks her journey from researching mouse herpes (yes, you read that right) to dressing royalty.  Qualversations : designed to expand perspectives and deliver thought provoking opinion pieces

Our first podcast for AQR members features Jill Pay, the first female Sergeant at Arms of the Houses of Parliament.  A glass ceiling that took almost 700 years to break through!  Debbie chats to her about being at the heart of British pageantry, meeting the Queen and Barack Obama and her current role with the Gender Pay Index.This episode of Qualversations is presented by Debbie Newbould.For more information from AQR please visit https://www.aqr.org.uk or search #theaqr