BLOOM UK

Bloom Talks is a podcast show bringing you guest speakers talking about the topics that really matter for women in the communications industry and beyond.Meet the presenter:Susi Castle is a marketer and the founder of Anders & True, a strategic marketing consultancy, with over a decade of experience helping businesses achieve measurable results. A WACL Talent Award winner and Patricia Mann Award winner, she's been part of the Bloom community since 2017, and for four years, a member and proud mentor.As host of Bloom Talks, Susi loves asking unexpected questions and celebrating people's successes. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life, she brings a unique perspective to every conversation – one that helps her spot connections others might miss.When she's not building brands with her consultancy clients, she's helping professionals get comfortable with discomfort to push them to ever greater growth.ADHD Awareness: Understanding the Challenges and Championing the StrengthsIn this episode of Bloom Talks, Susi & Britt share their lived experiences of having ADHD - how it can shape your work life and the unique strengths it brings to the table. Britt busts some myths about ADHD and talks us through both the challenges and advantages of being ADHD/ND in professional environments, shining a light on the areas that are less known about and what that can mean for ADHDers in the workplace. Britt and Susi discuss diagnosis and Britt shares her journey as well as some quick, actionable tips for leaders and colleagues to foster true inclusivity. Most importantly, we celebrate the creativity, energy and all the good that often comes with ADHD.Britt Sarony is a Creative Catalyst, Strategic thinker, expert problem-solver, and Neurodiversity & Age Consultant, with 25 years in advertising, recognised for her award-winning work. She specialises in reframing problems as opportunities, challenging assumptions, and delivering breakthrough ideas and solutions fast. A late-diagnosed ADHDer, she co-won Creative Equals’ first Disabled Creatives pitch for Guinness Six Nations rugby, then developed an insight-led inclusion initiative for Disabled and neurodivergent fans. She has chaired panels on self-advocacy and burnout and co-led Bloom ND for three years. Britt empowers brands, organisations and individuals to unlock their potential through insight, ideation, and neuroinclusive thinking. She champions the value of ND workers; late-diagnosed women and, freelancers.CREDITS -Host - Susi CastleContributor - Britt SaronyPost production - Laura Gran, Naz Erten, Gina Miller

Bloom Talks is a podcast show bringing you guest speakers talking about the topics that really matter for women in the communications industry and beyond.Meet the presenter:Susi Castle is a marketer and the founder of Anders & True, a strategic marketing consultancy, with over a decade of experience helping businesses achieve measurable results. A WACL Talent Award winner and Patricia Mann Award winner, she's been part of the Bloom community since 2017, and for four years, a member and proud mentor.As host of Bloom Talks, Susi loves asking unexpected questions and celebrating people's successes. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life, she brings a unique perspective to every conversation – one that helps her spot connections others might miss.When she's not building brands with her consultancy clients, she's helping professionals get comfortable with discomfort to push them to ever greater growth.Celebrating Hispanic Heritage and the Call for VisibilityIn this episode of Bloom Talks, we explore what it means to celebrate Latin heritage in a space where visibility often feels limited. Recorded shortly after Hispanic Heritage Month, this conversation features Kelly Cuesta, Bloom's co-lead of Bloom in Colour, who shares her experiences as a Latina professional living in London and the challenges that come with not being visible in data and cultural representation. From navigating limited identity options on official forms to finding pride and power in her heritage, this discussion highlights why visibility matters and how community and culture can be incredible sources of strength.Kelly Cuesta is a bilingual, multi-award-winning marketing and communications consultant, social impact leader, and DEIB advocate with over a decade of experience in the tech industry. Currently serving as Director and Founder of Latinas in Tech in Spain, she is known for creating inclusive cultures that empower women and underrepresented talent to thrive. Originally from Ecuador and based between in London, Kelly is passionate about transforming narratives around leadership, visibility, and belonging — especially for women in tech, migrant professionals, and non-native English speakers navigating global industries. CREDITS -Host - Susi CastleContributor - Kelly CuestaPost production - Naz Erten, Gina Miller

Bloom Talks is a podcast show bringing you guest speakers talking about the topics that really matter for women in the communications industry and beyond.Meet the presenter:Susi Castle is a marketer and the founder of Anders & True, a strategic marketing consultancy, with over a decade of experience helping businesses achieve measurable results. A WACL Talent Award winner and Patricia Mann Award winner, she's been part of the Bloom community since 2017, and for four years, a member and proud mentor.As host of Bloom Talks, Susi loves asking unexpected questions and celebrating people's successes. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life, she brings a unique perspective to every conversation – one that helps her spot connections others might miss.When she's not building brands with her consultancy clients, she's helping professionals get comfortable with discomfort to push them to ever greater growth.Why Menopause Matters: Knowing Your Body and Owning the ChangeIn this episode, Susi talks to Kerry, Bloom's Head of Membership, about why Menopause awareness is so important. It is a natural transition that 51% of people will go through, but it's often misunderstood or overlooked. Kerry helps demystify the experience from highlighting the vast range of symptoms, to recognising what’s happening in your body. She discusses the importance of education, open conversations, and supportive workplaces, reminding listeners that knowledge and advocacy are key to navigating this chapter with confidence and care.Kerry Nortcliffe is the founder of Full Beam which sets out to shine a light on Mental Wellbeing. She spent over 20 years working in Media at start-ups and large corporations before qualifying as a therapist. Full Beam is on a mission to make workplaces more empathetic places with better communication, increased support and reduced stress through a series of programs and workshops. She also developed the workshop Menstrual Cycle to Work which aims to reduce the stigma of discussing Menstrual Health in the workplace through education and support. She launched this after experiencing early menopause and not feeling she could access the support she needed at work.CREDITS -Host - Susi CastleContributor - Kerry NortcliffePost production - Naz Erten, Gina Miller

Bloom on the GoBloom on the Go is a short podcast series from Bloom’s Parents and Carers Inclusion Group, sharing real stories from women balancing work, care, and everything in between.Each episode going forward will be 5–10 minutes long – perfect for the school run, the walk to nursery, or those rare five minutes to yourself. You’ll hear honest reflections, practical tips, and moments of solidarity from across the Bloom community.It’s not about having it all figured out – it’s about sharing what’s real, in our own words.Meet the presenterGemma Comley is a senior marketing leader at Ghyston and a Bloom member who found connection and solidarity through the Parents and Carers Inclusion Group. She brings warmth, curiosity and lived experience to the mic — creating space for honest conversations about the realities of care and career.When she’s not recording episodes in between school runs and strategy meetings, you’ll likely find her scribbling on a whiteboard or searching for someone’s missing shoe.Episode 1: The juggle is real – with Tina FrenchIn our first episode, Gemma chats to Bloom’s very own Tina French about what the juggle looks like right now, the small things that help, and the one thing she’d love every manager to understand.Plus, we ask the all-important question: what’s your go-to anthem when you need a confidence boost?Tina French has worked in the media industry for over 20 years, spanning both publisher and agency sides. She currently works for an independent media agency and is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive workplaces. Tina is the Co-Lead of the Parents and Carers Group at Bloom and also serves as Deputy Head of Events for the organisation, helping to champion connection and community across the industry. Tina is a proud mum to two girls and loves watching them grow into confident young women encouraging them always to be the stars of their own show.CREDITS -Host - Gemma ComleyContributor - Tina FrenchPost production - Gemma Comley, Gina Miller

Bloom Talks is back and we are starting our resurgence with a look back on some of our thought-provoking podcast episodes that were recorded at Bloomfest 2024.This episode was recorded in February 2024.In this episode, Nadine Leighton is in discussion with fellow Join Our Table co-founder Collette Philip. They explain how and why Join Our Table was founded, share more details about the goals of the collective and discuss the importance of creating community with people with shared lived experiences. Collette Philip is founder of multi-award-winning anti-racist consultancy, Brand by Me.  She is also co-founder of Join Our Table, an initiative to increase the visibility of Black women in the communications industries.   Nadine Leighton is Marketing Director at Bright, an accounting and finance software business. She is also a Join Our Table co-founder and one of the 2024 Bloom in Colour co-leads. The BloomTalks podcast is a podcast show bringing you guest speakers talking about the topics that really matter for women in the communications industry and beyond.Find out more about Bloom on our website www.bloomnetwork.ukInspired by something you’ve heard? Reach out on Instagram @bloomuk_org or LinkedIn – BloomUK. While you’re there, give us a follow!CREDITS -Introduced by - Louise YoullProducer - Aimee CloakPost production - Summer Baxter, Mia Abeyawardene, Gabriella Cox, Gina Miller

Bloom Talks is back and we are starting our resurgence with a look back on some of our thought-provoking podcast episodes that were recorded at Bloomfest 2024.This episode was recorded in February 2024.In this episode, Bloom member Chloe Davies is joined by Michael Brown live from Bloomfest. Their discussion, inspired by the Booth of Truth, covers how leaders can 'walk the talk' in being allies & make sure they're not 'pulling up the ladder', how ERGs can engage people & progress goals and the tools they use to practice self-care.    Chloe Davies:  Advertising Week Europe 2024 The Future is Female Winner, named on the 2024 Campaign Magazine UK A-list and one of their 2023 Trailblazers of the Year - Chloë Davies is an award winning founder, creative, passionate social impact consultant, chef, and entrepreneur who has dedicated much of her 20+ year career campaigning for inclusion and equality in all spaces, whether in-house at agency level, corporate organisations or through wider community engagement. With over 15 years of experience in retail, artist management, and PR, Chloë has honed her expertise in leadership, social impact and inclusive representation. Her work centres around authentic storytelling, creating spaces of belonging, mental health & well-being, self-empowerment, culture change and workplace advocacy. Simply put, she is trying to change the world for the better. In April 2023 she founded ‘It Takes A Village Collective’ - a global hub for Black women in advertising, media, marketing and comms whose mission is to ensure that 1 in 5 people in adland will be a Black woman by 2028. By celebrating & championing them, for their talents to be seen, heard & amplified and together shape the collective industries into a space where Black women can have agency and thrive. Chloë is also a co-founder of Join Our Table and a member of Forbes BLK, WACL, MEFA & BLOOM UK. Alongside volunteer roles for UK Black Pride and The London Queer Fashion Show, she is an Ambassador for Mental Health First Aid England, Founding Ambassador (Community Engagement) for LBTQ Women and a Trustee for The London LGBTQ+ Community Centre Charity. In 2024, Chloë took on the role of Chair of Judges for Campaign UK’s ‘40 over 40’ Awards, is a member of the D&AD24 Impact Jury, on the Jury for Festival of Media Cause Campaign Awards, a Judge for the Pros Awards and a returning judge for the Creative Circle and Prolific North Creative Awards. Michael Brown is Senior Managing Partner of Insight & Research at UM UK & EMEA. He has a particular passion for using traditional research methods to give a platform to marginalised voices in society. Michael sits on the IPA’s Talent Leadership Group and is founder and chair of MRSpride, the market research sector’s LGBTQ+ network. In 2023, Michael was made a Fellow of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and the Market Research Society in recognition of his contribution to the advertising and market research sectors. He is Senior Honorary Fellow at Bayes Business School, City, University of London. The BloomTalks podcast is a podcast show bringing you guest speakers talking about the topics that really matter for women in the communications industry and beyond.Find out more about Bloom on our website www.bloomnetwork.ukInspired by something you’ve heard? Reach out on Instagram @bloomuk_org or LinkedIn – BloomUK. While you’re there, give us a follow!CREDITS -Introduced by - Louise YoullProducer - Aimee CloakPost production - Summer Baxter, Mia Abeyawardene, Gabriella Cox, Gina Miller

Bloom Talks is back and we are starting our resurgence with a look back on some of our thought-provoking podcast episodes that were recorded at Bloomfest 2024.This episode was recorded in February 2024.In this episode, Bloom members Kelly Jacobson-Collins & Alison Finnegan talk about the Bloom MPower inclusion group, change making and mentorship, and their reflections & takeaways from Bloomfest.  As VP Governance, Ethics & DPO at Blis, Kelly Jacobson-Collins is dedicated to ensuring data protection compliance and leading the company’s ESG strategy. Passionate about all things DEI, Kelly spearheads employee DEI efforts for Blis as the chair of Rise. A staunch advocate for gender equality, she co-founded dawn (digital advertising women's network) in 2012, sat on the global council for Women at Microsoft and has been a Bloom member for 2 years. Kelly is co-lead for Bloom’s Mpower group. Kelly believes by discovering your passion and purpose, we can all become changemakers in the communities we live and work. Allie Finnegan is an insight and strategy consultant working across the media and events business. Prior to having her own business, Allie worked at Immediate Media, The Guardian and Fairfax Media in Australia. She is also a co-lead of Bloom’s Mpower group. The BloomTalks podcast is a podcast show bringing you guest speakers talking about the topics that really matter for women in the communications industry and beyond.Find out more about Bloom on our website www.bloomnetwork.ukInspired by something you’ve heard? Reach out on Instagram @bloomuk_org or LinkedIn – BloomUK. While you’re there, give us a follow!CREDITS -Introduced by - Louise YoullProducer - Aimee CloakPost production - Summer Baxter, Mia Abeyawardene, Gabriella Cox, Gina Miller

Bloom Talks is back and we are starting our resurgence with a look back on some of our thought-provoking podcast episodes that were recorded at Bloomfest 2024.This episode was recorded in February 2024.In this episode, Bloom members Maninder Paul & Dominika Czechowicz discuss the Bloom in Colour Bloomfest theme of authenticity; how to hold onto your authentic self, embracing changes, and how being authentic to yourself can mean diverging from expectations placed on you.  Maninder Paul is a Growth Marketing Leader with nearly 2 decades of experience transforming tech businesses for global companies like Adobe, Vodafone, and Accenture. Passionate about innovation, she focuses on creating practical and responsible AI solutions to tackle real-world marketing and business challenges. As Head of Partnerships for Bloom in 2024, she collaborates with leading agencies and industry partners to drive meaningful change and promote inclusivity in the marketing and communications industry. A key part of her role includes fundraising for Women’s Aid, supporting their vital work to help women and children affected by domestic abuse. She is passionate about breaking barriers, championing equality, and ensuring the industry becomes a more inclusive and supportive space for everyone. Dominika Czechowicz is a Senior Sales Media Manager at Taboola. In her role, she works with large advertisers to help them embrace native advertising within a full-funnel digital strategy. Dominika is a proud mentor for Bloom. She is also a dedicated AgeUK volunteer and according to her AgeUK friend Andy she is “an absolute angel”. Prior to Taboola, Dominika worked for over 4 years at Dentsu across Programmatic, Display and Native in the UK and US markets. Episode guests:Maninder Paul, Special guest host, AI Trainer & Senior Marketing Specialist, Bloom Head of Partnerships 2024Dominika Czechowicz, Brand and Agency DirectorThe BloomTalks podcast is a podcast show bringing you guest speakers talking about the topics that really matter for women in the communications industry and beyond.Find out more about Bloom on our website www.bloomnetwork.ukInspired by something you’ve heard? Reach out on Instagram @bloomuk_org or LinkedIn – BloomUK. While you’re there, give us a follow!CREDITS -Hosted by Kelly BadalIntroduced by - Louise YoullProducer - Aimee CloakPost production - Summer Baxter, Mia Abeyawardene, Gabriella Cox, Gina Miller

BloomTalks is back with Episode 2: Women's Health in the workplace. Why it's time to talk In this month's episode we will be hearing from three members of Bloom, all of whom have personal experience of women’s health issues & navigating them within the work environment. They offer candid insights into the challenges faced by women regarding menstrual health, fertility, chronic health conditions, and menopause. Their combined expertise and diverse perspectives will explore practical ways to support women in the workplace, emphasising the significance of workplace policy and culture change. We hope you come away from today's episode having gained some invaluable knowledge and with some actionable strategies to create a supportive and inclusive work environment for all women.Episode guests:Kelly Badal, Special guest host, Planning Director at TMW Unlimited and Allyship & Intersectionality Lead at BloomAnneka Vestey, Head of Production with over 15 years experience producing branded content, commercials and documentary filmNatalia Kasnakidis, Business Director at VaynerMedia and founder of The Limitless Collective [with over 10 years’ experience at some of the UK’s top integrated agencies]Sam Frankel, a consultant in brand, business & marketing strategy who has worked in creative communications for over 25 years across brand, agency, production company & not-for-profit rolesThe BloomTalks podcast is a monthly show bringing you guest speakers talking about the topics that really matter for women in the communications industry and beyond.Find out more about Bloom on our website www.bloomnetwork.ukInspired by something you’ve heard? Reach out on Instagram @bloomuk_org or LinkedIn – BloomUK. While you’re there, give us a follow!CREDITS -Fireside chat written & hosted by Kelly BadalRegular host - Louise Youll Producer - Aimee CloakPost production - Summer Baxter, Mia Abeyawardene, Gabriella Cox