Everyone is told they need a personal brand. Post more. Go viral. Build influence. Hustle harder. But what if that advice is wrong? In this episode of Shifting Views with Willis, I’m joined by Chelsea Spencer, founder of brand agency, Big Reputation, to challenge the modern obsession with personal branding, influencer culture and vanity metrics. Chelsea argues that real success is built through reputation, experience and integrity, not algorithms or online noise. We talk about hustle culture burnout, the difference between brand and reputation, why so many founders get marketing wrong, and what it actually means to build trust in business. If you’re a founder, leader or professional trying to grow without losing your values, this conversation will make you think again. #branding #personalbranding #brandreputation #marketing #businessmarketing #businessbranding

Personal Branding is Broken. Let's Talk about Reputation.

Why Neurodivergent Thinking is a Competitive Advantage is AdLand.

Chris Murphy has risen through the echelons of the advertising industry. From his beginnings in Hull, UK, to working at global agencies such as Grey London and Saatchi &amp; Saatchi, Chris now lives in Sydney, Australia. He has served as General Manager at The Hallway and is currently Head of Creative and Design at G Squared, working on campaigns for some of the world’s most recognisable brands. Not bad for someone who struggled at school, is dyslexic, and was once told by a teacher that he wouldn’t amount to much. Chris joined the Shifting Views with Willis podcast to talk openly about how dyslexia has shaped his life and career. Rather than seeing it as a barrier, he explains how he learned to harness dyslexic thinking as a strength and a competitive advantage. Being neurodivergent has helped him spot patterns, approach problems differently, and see solutions others often miss. In this episode, Chris discusses: The challenges he faced in education and early life. His rapid rise through the advertising world before the age of 30. How dyslexia and neurodivergent thinking influenced his leadership and creative work. Why owning your difference matters more than hiding it. Chris also shares the thinking behind his Ignite Talk, “Success is a System”, where he introduces his End State Planning framework. It’s a practical way of breaking big ambitions into clear, achievable steps, especially when navigating personal or professional barriers. If you’re neurodivergent, whether that’s dyslexia, ADHD, autism or other traits, this conversation challenges the idea that you need to “fix” how you think. Your difference may be the very thing that gives you the edge. Watch Chris’s Ignite Talk, “Success is a System”, here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMmBy6agfEk #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #dyslexia #advertising #adland #creativeleadership #thinkingdifferently

Confessions of a Dyslexic Madman.

Wayne is joined by Kimberly Haley-Coleman, the founder and CEO of Globe Aware, to explore how immersive, community-led volunteering can transform the way we see the world. Kimberly explains why Globe Aware rejects the old charity model and instead builds programmes where volunteers work directly alongside local people on projects chosen and led by the community. This conversation highlights how short-term experiences can create deep personal change, build genuine global awareness and empower both volunteers and communities. In this episode: What ethical, community-driven volunteering looks like The impact of small, well-organised local projects How cross-cultural experiences build empathy and shift perspectives The role of soft power in shaping global relationships Why volunteers often gain as much (or more) as the communities they serve Why volunteering holidays are amazing for self-improvement This is a grounded and inspiring conversation about purpose, perspective and the power of stepping outside your own environment. #volunteering #gapyear #globalaid #volunteerimpact #globalcommunity

The True Benefits of Ethical Volunteering.

AI is reshaping the legal world, but what does that really mean for law firms, lawyers, and clients? In this episode of Shifting Views with Willis, I'm joined by Sam Thompson, a Lawyer and Partner at Gosschalks Solicitors in Hull, East Yorkshire, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal profession. From automating everyday legal processes to changing how lawyers train, think and deliver value. We discuss: How AI is automating legal tasks and freeing lawyers to focus on strategy, empathy and judgement. Why law firms must evolve to stay competitive in an AI-driven world. The ethical and regulatory challenges around AI-generated legal advice. How clients are already using AI for contracts and legal documents, and what risks that brings. The importance of training the next generation of lawyers to use AI effectively. Why AI won’t replace lawyers, but those who use it will replace those who don’t. Sam offers a candid view from inside one of the UK’s most respected regional law firms, reflecting on how traditional professions like law must adapt their culture, processes and people to stay relevant. Reach out to Sam Thompson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-thompson-308baa174/Gosschalks Website: https://www.gosschalks.co.uk/ #lawfirm #legaltech #ai #ailawyer

Will AI Replace Lawyers? How Artificial Intelligence is Changing Legal Work Forever.

How Oscar Sowden Changed His Life.

Chef-turned-entrepreneur Oscar Sowden went from unhappiness, burnout and 22 stone to building a thriving fitness and wellbeing business that helps others do the same. In this powerful episode, Oscar shares how small steps, honest self-reflection and relentless consistency helped him transform his body, mind and career.From that moment, he decided, “I’ve had enough of this.” Oscar has built a life built on purpose and proof, not motivation. He opens up about his struggles with confidence, social media pressure and self-doubt, and explains how he used those challenges to fuel lasting change. In this episode: <ul><li>The exact moment Oscar decided to change his life</li><li>How to replace motivation with discipline</li><li>Why confidence is built, not found</li><li>The reality of body image and social media pressure</li><li>The realities and myths of the fitness industry.</li><li>How Oscar turned self-improvement into a successful business</li><li>The importance of small, consistent actions</li><li>The lessons every listener can take to transform their own life</li></ul> Whether you’re trying to get fitter, find direction or build self-belief, this episode proves that change is possible for anyone. 🎧 Subscribe to Shifting Views with Willis for more conversations that shift perspectives in business, community and life. #Transformation #Motivation #Mindset #Discipline #Confidence #PersonalGrowth #FitnessJourney #SelfImprovement #Entrepreneurship #ShiftingViewsPodcast

From 22 Stone to Fitness Entrepreneur.

Why Collaboration is the Key to a Sustainable Future.

What does sustainability really look like inside an industry that keeps the world moving? In this episode of Shifting Views with Willis, Wayne is joined by Tony Prescott, Managing Director of GTS Logistics UK, to explore how collaboration, culture and innovation are transforming logistics — one of the most vital and complex sectors in the global economy. Tony talks about:<ul><li>Why logistics can be a major force in achieving net zero</li><li>The impact of moving freight from road to rail and smarter planning</li><li>How open communication and collaboration lead to better results</li><li>Why every business, regardless of size, should make sustainability part of its culture</li><li>The role of leadership in creating an environment where ideas can thrive</li></ul> Tony’s message is simple: change starts with conversation, and progress comes when people work together. From reducing emissions to empowering teams, this episode shows how sustainable thinking and leadership go hand in hand. #Sustainability #Leadership #Innovation #Culture #Collaboration #BusinessGrowth #NetZero #logistics

Can Logistics Ever Go Green? 

Business development is tough. Cold calls go unanswered, emails are ignored, and introductions rarely stick. But what if there was a better way to build influence, win opportunities, and create growth? In this episode of Shifting Views with Willis, I speak with Bob Spence, a former executive at Coutts Bank and now a consultant and trainer who helps leaders and professionals build valuable networks. This conversation is not about handing out business cards or delivering slick elevator pitches. It is about how to create genuine, mutually beneficial connections that unlock doors in ways cold outreach never can. Bob shares stories and examples that show how real opportunities come from being part of the right network and why influence flows through the people you know and trust. <ul><li>Why valuable connections are the most powerful tool in business development</li><li>The limitations of cold calls, emails, and one-off introductions</li><li>How to move beyond transactional networking into meaningful, long-term relationships</li><li>Real stories of opportunities created through networks</li><li>The practical steps to build a network that works for you, and how the process opens doors in business and beyond</li></ul> Networking is not only vital in business. It matters just as much in music, the arts, charities, hiring, sport and any arena where people and relationships are at the centre.If you are in sales, business development, or simply trying to grow your influence, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and actionable guidance on why your network might be your most important asset. 🔗 Follow and subscribe for more conversations that shift views in business, community and society. #NetworkingTips #BusinessDevelopment #SalesStrategy #BuildConnections #ProfessionalGrowth #InfluenceMatters #ShiftingViews

Is Your Network Really Your Net Worth?

I’m joined by Jonathan Leafe, former owner of the marketing agency Strawberry and coach to over 40 agency owners. We discuss the challenges faced by agency owners and service-based businesses more broadly in today’s fast-paced and competitive landscape. Jonathan shares his insights on: 🎯 The key challenges and changes facing the marketing and advertising industry. 🎯 How agency owners can adapt to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. 🎯 The debate between being a generalist versus a specialist. 🎯 Tips for spotting future trends and staying ahead of the competition. 🎯 Navigating the AI and technology revolution. 🎯 The must-have traits to grow as a marketing, advertising or digital agency. 🎯 Revenue sources to keep your agency in profit. This episode is packed with practical advice for agency owners and service-based businesses looking to grow, adapt, and succeed in an ever-changing environment. Subscribe for more debate, advice and insight on how we shift views on the challenges facing business, community and society. #agencygrowth #marketingagency #businessleadership #agencyowner #businesssuccess #marketingtrends #ShiftingViews #marketinginsights #adlife

Surviving and Thriving as an Agency Owner: A Guide for Marketing and Advertising Agencies.

What is solarpunk and why is it gaining momentum? Can storytelling and citizen science shape a more hopeful, sustainable future?In this episode of&nbsp;Shifting Views with Willis, I’m joined by Alan Raw — former BBC journalist, creative practitioner, eco-activist, and author of the solarpunk novel&nbsp;Salt &amp; Seeds. We explore how creative thinking, community action, and alternative knowledge networks like Grokkist are helping us reimagine life in a world facing climate breakdown. This is a conversation about optimism, systems change, and the quiet power of imagining something better. <h3>🔍&nbsp;What we talk about in this episode:</h3> 🌱 What is Solarpunk and why does it matter now?<ul><li>How solarpunk fiction inspires action through connection, not conflict</li><li>Replacing dystopian fear with practical hope</li><li>The role of speculative fiction in imagining regenerative futures</li><li> </li></ul>🧠 How does neurodivergent thinking help reimagine sustainability?<ul><li>Alan’s work with the Grokkist Network</li><li>Alternative education, polymaths, and creative systems thinking</li><li>Writing as “future-pacing” and making sense of complexity</li><li> </li></ul>📚 What inspired&nbsp;Salt &amp; Seeds&nbsp;and what does it explore?<ul><li>Climate resilience, community knowledge, and ancient wisdom</li><li>Citizen science and reclaiming shared knowledge</li><li>Storytelling as a tool for belonging and ecological awareness</li><li> </li></ul>🤝 What can local communities do right now?<ul><li>Why grassroots change matters</li><li>Blending eco-tech with local wisdom</li><li>Encouraging curiosity, connection, and collective action</li></ul> <h3>📣&nbsp;If you enjoyed this episode…</h3> <ul><li>Follow or subscribe for more conversations on Shifting Views, Systems Change, Sustainability, and Creative Futures</li><li>Leave a review — it really helps us grow</li><li>Share this episode with someone who cares about building better futures</li></ul>

Solarpunk, Grokkists, Climate Fiction, and Community-Led Sustainability: A podcast with Alan Raw.

Let's think differently about this.

Welcome to the Shifting Views podcast with Wayne Willis. A global innovation consultant, podcaster, musician, speaker, and content creator from the UK! This is a podcast for curious professionals who want to learn, improve themselves, and have a curiosity for new ideas. This show is all about thinking differently and shifting views about business, community and society challenges. We debate, we learn, we challenge the norms, we close the binaries. Subscribe for the latest episodes.

Shifting Views with Willis

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