In this episode of the emPOWER Breakfast Podcast, Athene Parker is joined by emPOWER’s inaugural speaker for the Men's series - emPOWERMENt guest speaker, Barny Wright, CEO and Partner of No.8 London, for an open and powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, grief, leadership and mental health within the advertising industry.
Back in April, Barny joined us to launch the very first emPOWERMENt event, a space created to encourage more emotionally honest conversations amongst men in the creative industries and to explore vulnerability, resilience and authentic leadership through the male experience. In this candid conversation, Barny opens up about his personal journey through addiction and recovery, reflecting on the pressures of working in advertising, the emotional impact of losing his nephew, and the ongoing commitment required to maintain sobriety while navigating a high-pressure industry.
With warmth, humour and honesty, Barny shares what recovery has taught him about identity, connection, self-awareness and leadership, offering a powerful reminder that vulnerability and emotional openness are not weaknesses, but strengths.
Together, Athene and Barny discuss:
This is a moving and inspiring conversation about healing, humanity and the courage it takes to confront difficult truths — both personally and professionally.
The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy. 🎧✨
Track 1 – Don’t You Want Me - Hooj Mix - Felix
Track 2 – Prayer - Prospa
Track 3 – White Lines - Grandmaster Flash
Track 4 – Starfish and Coffee - Prince
Track 5 – Wildfires - Sault
The emPOWER Breakfast – Barny Wright Spotify Playlist
We asked Barny what helped him stay on track and here are a few of the books that he turned to to help him get through his experience of not only addiction, but also the grief of losing his nephew.
Addiction:
The Ongoing Path by Mark Dempster
Running (running is Barny’s ‘goto’ to maintain mental wellness and resolve):
Grief:
A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney
We also thought these links might be helpful resources.
NA - Narcotics Anonymous
AA - Alcoholics Anonymous
Remember, If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction please source support. Unmasking and reaching out to your community for help and advice will make you feel better than you think. If someone you know is struggling and it is impacting you, the first thing you must do is support yourself. You don’t have to do this alone.
Barny Wright, No.8 London, addiction recovery, sobriety, advertising industry, men’s mental health, emotional resilience, authentic leadership, leadership podcast, recovery journey, grief and loss, emotional wellbeing, mental health conversations, vulnerability in leadership, workplace wellbeing, creative industries, personal growth, empowerment podcast, emotional honesty, recovery and leadership
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