
LEAP Listens
LEAP Listens is a bitesize podcast hosted by Sara MacGregor and Roger Cayless who are both leaders in Employer Branding, Candidate Experience and Recruitment Marketing. In this ongoing series of podcasts they tackle client and industry themes and along the way host expert guests who provide opinion, stories and advice on the world of ‘people communications’.
Latest episodes

Aug 16, 2024 • 18min
Episode 70 | Why your organisation is missing out on return to work talent, with Sean Allen
In the latest episode of LEAP Listens, hosts Roger and Sara chat with Sean Allen about the benefits of hiring return-to-work talent. With over 16 years of recruitment experience, Sean delves into how this approach can enhance workplace diversity and why organisations should embrace it. He also discusses the challenges these candidates face and how businesses can support them effectively. Don’t miss this insightful episode. Tune in now!LEAP Listens is brought to you by LEAP Create, an award-winning people communications agency. Find out more at leapcreate.co.uk

Jul 18, 2024 • 22min
Episode 69 | Designing experiences that are true to your employer brand with Shannon Smedstad
Join Roger Cayless and Sara MacGregor for the final episode of our special series with exaqueo. In this episode, Shannon Smedstad talks about designing experiences for company's that truly reflect their employer brand. With her expertise in employee communications, Shannon shares her insights on creating meaningful experiences that attract and retain top talent. She also discusses aligning brand messaging with employee experiences, building emotional connections, and empowering employees to help bring your employer brand to life.Don’t miss out on these expert insights. Tune in now!LEAP Listens is brought to you by LEAP Create, an award-winning people communications agency. Find out more at leapcreate.co.uk

Jul 15, 2024 • 16min
Episode 68 | Building authentic employer brands, unique to you with Emily Fritz
Join Roger Cayless and Sara MacGregor as we dive into episode three of our special series with exaqueo.In this episode, Emily Fritz talks about building authentic employer brands. With over 15 years of experience, Emily shares her insights on balancing individuality and brand identity, sharing how companies can celebrate employee's unique contributions while maintaining a consistent brand. Don’t miss out on these expert insights. Tune in now!LEAP Listens is brought to you by LEAP Create, an award-winning people communications agency. Find out more at leapcreate.co.uk

Jul 11, 2024 • 14min
Episode 67 | Transforming businesses by truly living your employer brand with Alyssa Bani
Join Roger and Sara for four exclusive episodes in partnership with exaqueo. In this special series, they team up with employer brand specialists to give you an insider’s perspective on life at a top employer brand consulting firm. In episode two, Alyssa Bani talks about the work she does in crafting compelling employer brand stories. Alyssa also shares how she uses her skills to help companies create positive changes in their workplace culture and keep employees engaged. Don’t miss out on these expert insights. Tune in now!LEAP Listens is brought to you by LEAP Create, an award-winning people communications agency. Find out more at leapcreate.co.uk

Jul 8, 2024 • 17min
Episode 66 | Why research is the foundation for a strong employer brandwith Jon Wenglikowski
Join Roger and Sara for four exclusive episodes in partnership with exaqueo. In this special series, they team up with employer brand specialists to give you an insider’s perspective on life at a top employer brand consulting firm.In the first episode, Jon Wenglikowski reveals how he leads exaqueo’s research team in crafting custom research plans for clients. Discover how these insights shape employer brands and transform the employee experience.Don’t miss out on these expert insights. Tune in now!LEAP Listens is brought to you by LEAP Create, an award-winning people communications agency. Find out more at leapcreate.co.uk

Jun 24, 2024 • 19min
Episode 65 | The impact AI is having on internal comms with Alex Hentschel
Join Roger and Sara as they chat with Alex Hentschel, Managing Director of Kademy. In this episode, Alex talks about the impact AI is having on internal comms teams, the ethical dilemmas it brings, and the human skills that will remain vital for internal comms teams as AI continues to evolve. Don't miss this insightful episode, tune in now!LEAP Listens is brought to you by LEAP Create, an award-winning people communications agency. Find out more at leapcreate.co.uk

Jun 10, 2024 • 24min
Episode 64 | Why companies should care about their ESG and DEI initiatives, with Bud Johnston
In the latest episode of LEAP Listens, hosts Roger and Sara chat with consultant Bud Johnston. In this episode, Bud shares his career journey and how he got into specialising in the DEI & ESG space, talking about the impactful work he's doing to help businesses create positive and inclusive cultures. Bud also highlights the initiatives he's set up, like Men of Melanin, and how they've built a community to support and help people. Don't miss this insightful episode, tune in now! LEAP Listens is brought to you by LEAP Create, an award-winning people communications agency. Find out more at leapcreate.co.uk

May 23, 2024 • 15min
Episode 63 | How EMJ's People-First Approach is creating 'Gold Medal Winners' at work with Joe Morrison
Join Sara and Roger as they chat with Joe Morrison, Head of People at EMJ, about his approach to empowering employees. Joe talks about how he supports employees in becoming 'Gold Medal Winners' through a scheme aimed at encouraging personal development and growth in a safe space at work. Joe also reveals his top tips for attracting and retaining top talent in high-performance roles. Don't miss out on this insightful episode!LEAP Listens is brought to you by LEAP Create, an award-winning people communications agency. Find out more at leapcreate.co.uk

May 13, 2024 • 21min
Episode 62 | Transforming workplace communication through the art of storytelling with Jamie Mackenzie
In to the latest episode of LEAP Listens hosts Roger and Sara chat with bestselling author Jamie Mackenzie. In this episode Jamie shares how a story about sprouts kickstarted his career and shares examples of how storytelling has been instrumental in leading his teams to success and improved day to day communication in the workplace. Tune in now to level up your communication skills today! LEAP Listens is brought to you by LEAP Create, an award-winning people communications agency. Find out more at leapcreate.co.uk

Apr 29, 2024 • 18min
Episode 61 | How brands are failing at anti-racist marketing with Lydia Puricelli
Join hosts Roger and Sara on the latest episode of LEAP Listens as they chat with Lydia Puricelli, Marketing Specialist and Director at Conscious Culture Coach. Together, they delve into the topic of racism in marketing. Lydia shares insights into how she assists brands in dismantling racism and stereotypes in their campaigns. From tackling tokenism to championing diversity in an authentic manner, Lydia discusses how brands can create inclusive and equitable representations within the industry. Tune in now.LEAP Listens is brought to you by LEAP Create, an award-winning people communications agency. Find out more at leapcreate.co.uk