Share Sounds. presented by Sue Dougan related to Entertainment / Review

Ardi Kolah is director of the GDPR programme at Henley Business School, and the author of a recent guide to implementing the much-discussed regulation. He’s a lawyer by background, and a graduate of King’s College in London. He worked in corporate law before joining the BBC as a trainee, and later became one of the first voices on BBC Radio 5 (now 5 Live). Ardi has also taught law – even teaching Nick Clegg at Westminster School – and has run his own communications and PR agency. He says his track record may not look ideal, but it’s exactly the approach he would encourage anyone embarking on a career today to take. He says it’s all about taking chances and following your heart!

Karen Jones is the founder of Citywealth magazine and the supporting organisation, which has been running for almost a decade. She shares how a trip to Nicaragua inspired her to set up her own business, seeing her through to working with high net worth individuals, and becoming an advocate for women in business. Karen also delves into her love of the outdoors, extensive travelling across the globe, and a love of dogs that somehow crept up on her.

Joining Sue Dougan in the hot seat is Sarah Kelly, CEO of Stagecoach Performing Arts, for Stagecoach’s 30th anniversary since its inception in 1988. She discusses the importance of performing arts in helping children to develop well-rounded life skills for adulthood, as well as providing a safe space for self-expression and creativity – especially in the wake of a huge drop in Government funding for the creative arts in mainstream education. Sarah shares her earliest memories of visiting her father at his chain of butcher shops, and how she developed her strong work ethic from him – as well as never forgetting her mother’s saying, “Choose what you enjoy and you’ll always be good at it”. Plus, she talks about how her own experience of amateur dramatics as a teenager feeds into the way she approaches her CEO role now; why she thinks pushing boundaries and moving with the times is so central to successful business; and how failure is important for future success.

Mic Martin is a former police dog handler who found fame as the no-nonsense trainer in BBC TV’s ‘Dog Borstal’ and now runs a successful dog training business, and trains animals for film and TV. His latest project is the movie ‘Show Dogs’, working with up to 40 animals a time. He adores the animals he works with and says that often the humans who also require training. He’s been responsible for dogs used in the Harry Potter films, in some of the Bond franchise films and in numerous TV adverts.

Mark Wright started early – his favourite anecdote is about charging his siblings to use the television in the family lounge! You’ll know him best as the winner of ‘The Apprentice’ in 2014 and he’s since started a digital business with Lord Sugar’s backing. He’s worked in sales and digital marketing in the past and is intending to expand his business, Climb Online, internationally this year. His big tip to secure a great position? “Never ask what the salary is”. Rather, show how good you are in the first few weeks so an employer can work out how valuable you’re going to be!

Sue Dougan interviews Jonathan MacDonald, an expert in managing change who has worked with major organisations such as IKEA, Procter and Gamble, Google, Apple and Unilever. He draws on a tough childhood – he was often bullied at school owing to his ethnic origins and holds his hardworking parents in high regard. He advocates applying ‘your passion and purpose into practice’ and surrounding yourself with those who share your vision. He’s now a published author and wants us all to start each day with spirit and positivity! His latest book is Powered by Change: How to Design Your Business for Perpetual Success.

In this episode of Track Record, Sue Dougan is joined by Ebony Gayle, a talented dancer who was one of the first intake at the BRIT School of Performing Arts in the 90s. Despite loving performance, a business module at the school fired her enthusiasm for public relations. Now a consultant, writer, presenter and volunteer with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Ebony says we can all work on a freelance or consultative capacity – so long as we're prepared! She also discusses how easy it can be to become fearful in the workplace, questioning our own skills and experience – and how we can overcome that.

In the latest episode of Track Record, Sue Dougan is joined by Amanda Watkin, the General Secretary of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland. Amanda discusses her varied background of experience, ranging from working on oil rigs, to businesses in holistic and complementary therapies, to her commitment to local volunteering.

James Hookham comes from an environmental background where he was a specialist in the transportation of dangerous chemicals. He's also written extensively about transport logistics, environmental concerns and logistics technology. He's worked as a journalist for trade publications before joining the Freight Transport Association. He's 30 years in a number of roles at the association., where he is deputy CEO, overseeing road, rail, air and sea freight.

Dave Birss works in the corporate world, helping companies find new ways of coming up with ideas – and following them through. He's worked as a musician, a poet, and as a presenter; as well as for some of London's biggest marketing and advertising agencies. He's billed as an expert in creativity, and also writes. Sue Dougan finds out more in the latest episode of Track Record.