Smiling Isn't a Lightweight Practice

What happens when you strip away the company name, the job title and the external validation?For Emily Trenouth, that question sits at the heart of an unconventional career that took her from leaving school at 16 to MediaCom, Amazon and becoming a leading voice in the creator economy.Her career would go on to look very different.Emily became an early leader in the creator economy, built influencer capability at MediaCom and later joined Amazon to help shape its global approach to working with influencers. Today, she works independently with brands, agencies and platforms across the creator economy.But this episode of Behind the Title isn't really about the names on Emily's CV.It's about what sits underneath them.Danny and Emily talk candidly about growing up quickly, learning to manufacture confidence, being underestimated because of her age, chasing external validation and the moment she realised an accolade such as Forbes 30 Under 30 couldn't determine her worth.Emily also opens up about leaving Amazon and experiencing something many people don't talk about: what happens to your identity, your relationships and your sense of value when the big company and title disappear.And for anyone waiting for the promotion, opportunity or permission to take the next step, Emily leaves us with one simple thought...Don't wait to be chosen.In any industry, job titles carry power, perception, and pressure. But behind every title CEO, CMO, CFO is a person navigating private challenges, mental health struggles, and silent turning points that shape who they are and how they lead.Behind the Title is a candid podcast that pulls back the curtain on these personal stories.Through honest, structured conversations with leaders at all levels, we explore the inner lives that fuel (and sometimes unravel) outer success.Think of it as Alcoholics Anonymous for the media industry, but instead of substance, we talk about silence, stress, self-worth, and the systems that shape us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie Street is the founder of Street Agency, a successful B2B marketing business working with brands including Microsoft, Adobe and Shopify.But behind the title lies a story of extraordinary resilience.In this deeply honest conversation, Katie shares what it was like growing up with a mother suffering from severe bipolar disorder, becoming a single parent when her husband was sent to prison, being investigated herself, and navigating years of uncertainty whilst raising her daughter alone.Katie opens up about masking pain, carrying guilt, building a business through adversity, receiving an ADHD diagnosis in her forties, and why honesty has become her greatest superpower.This is a conversation about survival, ambition, motherhood, identity and the courage to tell the truth about who you really are.Key Themes we cover:- Single parenthood- Resilience through adversity- Growing up around mental illness- Leadership and vulnerability- Entrepreneurship- ADHD diagnosis in adulthood- Women in business- Shame, stigma and judgement- Authenticity on social media- Self-discovery and healing#BehindTheTitle #SingleParenting #Entrepreneurship #Authenticity #LeadershipIn any industry, job titles carry power, perception, and pressure. But behind every title CEO, CMO, CFO is a person navigating private challenges, mental health struggles, and silent turning points that shape who they are and how they lead.Behind the Title is a candid podcast that pulls back the curtain on these personal stories.Through honest, structured conversations with leaders at all levels, we explore the inner lives that fuel (and sometimes unravel) outer success.Think of it as Alcoholics Anonymous for the media industry, but instead of substance, we talk about silence, stress, self-worth, and the systems that shape us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I waited two years to get Shaun Simons on Behind the Title. Not because he was hard to get hold of, because I knew there was a story behind the LinkedIn posts, the business success and the opinions people see online.What I didn't appreciate was just how much of Shaun's mindset was shaped by what happened away from work.Launching a business during the financial crisis.A son born four months premature.Losing his dad.Starting again in the middle of a pandemic.And somehow coming out the other side believing that adversity isn't something to survive.Most people spend their lives trying to avoid storms. Shaun's built businesses in them.In this episode, we explore resilience, bravery, culture, leadership and why some people are shaped by adversity while others are changed by it.In any industry, job titles carry power, perception, and pressure. But behind every title CEO, CMO, CFO is a person navigating private challenges, mental health struggles, and silent turning points that shape who they are and how they lead.Behind the Title is a candid podcast that pulls back the curtain on these personal stories.Through honest, structured conversations with leaders at all levels, we explore the inner lives that fuel (and sometimes unravel) outer success.Think of it as Alcoholics Anonymous for the media industry, but instead of substance, we talk about silence, stress, self-worth, and the systems that shape us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're living in a world of cheap dopamine.It's one of the many insights Chris Forester shared during one of the most honest conversations we've had on Behind the Title.After nearly 30 years in senior leadership roles across media, Chris made the decision to leave corporate life behind and dedicate his next chapter to improving men's mental fitness through The Wingman Project.We explored:- Why success doesn't always equal fulfilment- The impact of adoption, grief and Hillsborough- Masculinity in modern society- Why men struggle to ask for help- The difference between mental health and mental fitness- The simple framework Chris believes can help us all live better lives- A conversation full of vulnerability, wisdom and practical takeaways#BehindTheTitle #MentalFitness #Leadership #MensWellbeingIn any industry, job titles carry power, perception, and pressure. But behind every title CEO, CMO, CFO is a person navigating private challenges, mental health struggles, and silent turning points that shape who they are and how they lead.Behind the Title is a candid podcast that pulls back the curtain on these personal stories.Through honest, structured conversations with leaders at all levels, we explore the inner lives that fuel (and sometimes unravel) outer success.Think of it as Alcoholics Anonymous for the media industry, but instead of substance, we talk about silence, stress, self-worth, and the systems that shape us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people associate dyslexia with challenges in reading, writing or spelling. Paul Wright sees something different.After building a career spanning Sky, Apple, Amazon, Uber and Farfetch, Paul believes the same trait he spent years trying to manage helped shape the way he thinks, leads and builds businesses.In this episode, Paul shares why dyslexic thinking often creates stronger entrepreneurs, how pattern recognition can become a competitive advantage, and why great leaders learn to embrace different ways of thinking rather than forcing people to conform.We also explore the moments behind the CV: losing confidence, experiencing poor leadership, going to therapy, and learning that success isn't measured by job titles but by the impact you have on others.This is a conversation about leadership, neurodiversity, entrepreneurship and discovering that the thing you thought was holding you back may actually be pushing you forward.In this episode:• Building a career across Sky, Apple, Amazon, Uber and Farfetch• The hidden reality of living and working with dyslexia• Losing confidence and finding perspective through therapy• Why great leaders adapt to people, not the other way around• The connection between entrepreneurship and neurodiversity• Learning, growth and the power of mentoring others• Why your network matters more than you realise#BehindTheTitle #Leadership #Dyslexia #Neurodiversity #Podcast #CareerJourneyIn any industry, job titles carry power, perception, and pressure. But behind every title CEO, CMO, CFO is a person navigating private challenges, mental health struggles, and silent turning points that shape who they are and how they lead.Behind the Title is a candid podcast that pulls back the curtain on these personal stories.Through honest, structured conversations with leaders at all levels, we explore the inner lives that fuel (and sometimes unravel) outer success.Think of it as Alcoholics Anonymous for the media industry, but instead of substance, we talk about silence, stress, self-worth, and the systems that shape us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lee Bofkin is the co-founder of Global Street Art, Europe's leading hand-painted advertising company. But behind the murals, creativity workshops and infectious optimism lies a fascinating story of neurodiversity, loss, resilience and personal growth.In this episode, Lee opens up about his autism diagnosis in his 40s, the loss of his co-founder and mentor, Conrad, the lessons he learned from a silent retreat, and why he believes creativity is a skill everyone can develop.From building an extraordinary archive of inspiration to rebranding tinnitus as his "life alarm", Lee shares a refreshingly different perspective on leadership, happiness and what it really means to thrive.This conversation is packed with insight, humour, wisdom and more quotable moments than any episode we've recorded.#BehindTheTitle #Leadership #Neurodiversity #Creativity #Autism #MentalHealthIn any industry, job titles carry power, perception, and pressure. But behind every title CEO, CMO, CFO is a person navigating private challenges, mental health struggles, and silent turning points that shape who they are and how they lead.Behind the Title is a candid podcast that pulls back the curtain on these personal stories.Through honest, structured conversations with leaders at all levels, we explore the inner lives that fuel (and sometimes unravel) outer success.Think of it as Alcoholics Anonymous for the media industry, but instead of substance, we talk about silence, stress, self-worth, and the systems that shape us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 30 years old, Neil Tookey thought he was indestructible.His career was thriving, he was building momentum in the media industry, and life felt firmly on track. Then everything changed with a diagnosis he never saw coming: testicular cancer.More than a decade later, after building a successful 20-year career across some of the industry's biggest businesses, another unexpected chapter arrived: redundancy.In this honest and deeply personal conversation, Neil shares the reality of navigating both moments. The uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis. The hidden emotional impact of redundancy. The pressure to keep showing up when life feels anything but stable. And ultimately, how he rebuilt his confidence, identity and purpose through family, fitness, entrepreneurship and community.From agency leader to consultant, gardener and proud dad, Neil's story is a reminder that our biggest setbacks do not have to define us.Most importantly, he shares an incredibly important message for men: Check your balls. Don't ignore the signs.We discuss:• Surviving testicular cancer at 30• The importance of checking yourself and acting early• The unseen emotional impact of serious illness• Why men often struggle to ask for help• Redundancy, identity and career transitions• Building a new chapter after unexpected change• The power of relationships, community and support• What "Forward Always" means when life doesn't go to plan#BehindTheTitle #MensHealth #TesticularCancerAwareness #Leadership #Resilience #CareerDevelopment #Redundancy #MentalHealth #MediaIndustryIn any industry, job titles carry power, perception, and pressure. But behind every title CEO, CMO, CFO is a person navigating private challenges, mental health struggles, and silent turning points that shape who they are and how they lead.Behind the Title is a candid podcast that pulls back the curtain on these personal stories.Through honest, structured conversations with leaders at all levels, we explore the inner lives that fuel (and sometimes unravel) outer success.Think of it as Alcoholics Anonymous for the media industry, but instead of substance, we talk about silence, stress, self-worth, and the systems that shape us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Maloney spent 24 years building a remarkable career in media, rising from a working-class upbringing in Elephant & Castle to some of the industry's most senior leadership roles.But behind the success was a very different story.In this candid conversation, John opens up about the anxiety, imposter syndrome and self-doubt he carried throughout much of his career, despite outward success. He shares the moment he hid in a bathroom at a senior industry event because he felt he didn't belong, the pressure of public speaking, and the lessons he's learned from leading teams, building confidence and staying authentic.We also dive into the incredible story behind Media Fight Night, which has raised more than £2.2 million for grassroots charities, and explore why John made the brave decision to leave a successful 18-year career at WPP to prioritise family, purpose and the next chapter of his life.This is a powerful conversation about belonging, identity, confidence, success and having the courage to redefine what matters most.Topics include:• Growing up in social housing in South London• Anxiety, imposter syndrome and confidence• Working-class backgrounds in corporate environments• Building Media Fight Night• Raising £2.2 million for charity• Leadership and authenticity• Leaving WPP after 18 years• Family, purpose and reinvention#BehindTheTitle #Leadership #MentalHealth #Authenticity #Media #Anxiety #CareerDevelopment #ImposterSyndrome #MediaFightNightIn any industry, job titles carry power, perception, and pressure. But behind every title CEO, CMO, CFO is a person navigating private challenges, mental health struggles, and silent turning points that shape who they are and how they lead.Behind the Title is a candid podcast that pulls back the curtain on these personal stories.Through honest, structured conversations with leaders at all levels, we explore the inner lives that fuel (and sometimes unravel) outer success.Think of it as Alcoholics Anonymous for the media industry, but instead of substance, we talk about silence, stress, self-worth, and the systems that shape us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suicide is now the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK and it’s rising fastest among young women.But it is one of the most preventable causes of death, yet it remains one of the hardest things to talk about.In this episode of Behind the Title, I'm joined by Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM, to explore why the way we talk about suicide prevention matters just as much as whether we talk about it at all.Simon challenges familiar mental‑health narratives, questions whether “it’s okay not to be okay” goes far enough, and explains why prevention shouldn’t be surrounded by fear, shame or awkwardness. Instead, he makes the case for everyday conversations, small actions, and shared responsibility not as a burden, but as something deeply human.We also explore the personal cost of carrying difficult conversations, the hidden weight leaders and parents carry, and why avoiding the subject doesn’t keep people safe it keeps them silent.The bravest conversations are the ones we avoid.Listener note: This episode discusses suicide prevention. Please take care when listening In any industry, job titles carry power, perception, and pressure. But behind every title CEO, CMO, CFO is a person navigating private challenges, mental health struggles, and silent turning points that shape who they are and how they lead.Behind the Title is a candid podcast that pulls back the curtain on these personal stories.Through honest, structured conversations with leaders at all levels, we explore the inner lives that fuel (and sometimes unravel) outer success.Think of it as Alcoholics Anonymous for the media industry, but instead of substance, we talk about silence, stress, self-worth, and the systems that shape us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Behind the Title, I sit down with Hannah Blake, Managing Director of Creative & New Media at Daily Mail Group, for a candid conversation about what leadership really costs when no one’s watching.Hannah opens up about the moments where everything appears fine externally while internally you’re paddling furiously just to keep going. She shares what it was like running a business that was running out of cash, motivating a team while privately waiting on “one or two emails” that would decide everyone’s future and how “pretending everything is fine” can feel like lying.She also talks about driving innovation inside big corporates, the burnout that hit just as things were going well, and the identity spiral that followed: Ultimately, this episode is about ambition with awareness asking what you’re driving towards, and giving yourself permission to pause before your body forces you to.Plus I love Hannah’s simplest career advice: “Sit at the front.” Show up, be curious, and ask the questions other people are too scared to ask.In any industry, job titles carry power, perception, and pressure. But behind every title CEO, CMO, CFO is a person navigating private challenges, mental health struggles, and silent turning points that shape who they are and how they lead.Behind the Title is a candid podcast that pulls back the curtain on these personal stories.Through honest, structured conversations with leaders at all levels, we explore the inner lives that fuel (and sometimes unravel) outer success.Think of it as Alcoholics Anonymous for the media industry, but instead of substance, we talk about silence, stress, self-worth, and the systems that shape us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.