The Global Discussion

John Murray is a leading headshot photographer renowned for his unique approach to photography, which goes beyond capturing stunning images. He travels the world teaching people to unconditionally love themselves and their faces, a mission encapsulated in his hashtag, #EmbraceYourFace. John's work is a testament to his belief in the power of self-love and acceptance. His photography is not just about creating a beautiful headshot; it's about helping individuals see their own beauty and worth. His mantra, "I travel the world teaching people to unconditionally love themselves and their faces," speaks volumes about his passion and dedication. John is an award-winning portrait photographer, a certified Life Coach in Neurolinguistic Programming, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and a Mindfulness Master Practitioner. He has been a speaker and self-awareness educator at platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook and at conferences like The Mental Health & Wellbeing Summit and The Networking Summit. He shares stages regularly with people such as New York Times Best Sellers, Marshall Goldsmith, and Deepak Chopra. In 2017, John Murray Headshots became a supplier and part of the Google Supplier Diversity Program. In 2020, he partnered with Dial Global for the Dial Faces Campaign, celebrating diversity, inclusion & belonging by photographing thought leaders and change-makers in the area of Diversity and Inclusion, including leaders from global brands like L'Oreal, The English Football Association, F1 Racing, and Bank of England. Working with everyone from Bank Managers to Bond Villains & helping cancer survivors see the beauty within. John is highly respected in his industry and shares his latest adventure on the water in this episode! About The Global Discussion: The podcast features carefully curated guests from an exciting cross-section of creatives, leaders, and thinkers. New episodes are available on Apple, Google, and Spotify podcasts and several leading podcast platforms. You can listen to and watch the episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel and the website.  To learn more about The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com Audio: Spotify | Google | Apple  Video: YouTube | Website  Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

In this episode, Simon Bewick joins The Global Discussion. Simon is a Co-founder and driving force behind Bay Tales. This annual event supports authors and publishers through a comprehensive suite of online, in-person activities and festivals. As a Co-founder and Marketing Director, Simon delivers on many aspects of branding, planning, and execution. He also works closely with many of the world's leading publishers. Bay Tales is an annual crime fiction writer's festival that has quickly become a highlight of the literary calendar. The annual event promises to be bigger and better each year. The festival is already working on special fringe events and additions for the next event. The festival's Patron is Ann Cleeves, OBE. Ann is a British mystery crime writer. She wrote the Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez, and Matthew Venn series, all of which have become TV shows. She was awarded the Duncan Lawrie Dagger for her novel Raven Black. Cleeves received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Sunderland in 2014. In 2015, she served as the Programming Chair for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. That same year, Ann became shortlisted for the Dagger in the Library UK Crime Writers' Association award, which recognizes an author's body of work in British libraries. Cleeves was chosen as the recipient of the Cartier Diamond Dagger from the Crime Writers' Association in 2017 in recognition of her sustained excellence in crime fiction. The Bay Tales festival includes fringe events such as Noir at the Bar Bay event, an evening of fun, and a special event at Whitley Bay Library. These events are free for Day Ticket holders, but places are limited due to venue size and on a first-come-first-served basis. Simon Bewick's experience and passion for crime fiction, publishing and marketing shine through in this episode. His journey is a masterclass in adaptability, innovation, and leadership, and his insights are invaluable for anyone navigating the ever-evolving landscape of these sectors. Simon's career is a rich tapestry of roles and responsibilities, each contributing to his comprehensive understanding of the publishing industry. His journey began at Oxford University Press, where he spent over 25 years honing his skills and saw him becoming the Head of Digital Marketing. Bay Tales, now firmly established on the calendar, is more than a festival; it's a community for authors, publishers, and readers. The event hosts various online and physical events, including the popular Bay Tales Live, a celebration of storytelling and literature. Bay Tales was founded initially as a response to the lockdown. Simon and Co-founder Vic Watson transformed the long-running Noir at the Bar into an online show. Today, Bay Tales supports publishers in their promotional activity and offers services for a wide range of authors and publishers. In addition, Simon is engaged as the Marketing Manager at McGraw Hill, which sees him at the helm of the marketing operations of a leading education company. McGraw Hill's mission to unlock the potential of each learner aligns perfectly with Simon's passion for education and his expertise in marketing, publishing and digital strategies. About The Global Discussion: The podcast features carefully curated guests from an exciting cross-section of creatives, leaders, and thinkers. New episodes are available on Apple, Google, and Spotify podcasts and several leading podcast platforms. You can listen to and watch the episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel and the website. To learn more about The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com Audio: Spotify | Google | Apple Video: YouTube | Website Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Timmy Highley joins us on this episode of The Global Discussion. Timmy is a renowned digital artist and filmmaker making waves in the industry with his innovative use of generative AI technology. Timmy's expertise sees him utilising this cutting-edge technology to create captivating media. Timmy is a true pioneer in the field of generative AI art. He has been at the forefront of this emerging field, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Through his work, Timmy combines his deep understanding of generative AI technology with his creative vision to produce inspiring short films that captivate audiences. As a digital 3D artist, Timmy possesses a remarkable skill set encompassing various facets of the creative process. His proficiency in using software and his expertise in video editing and production has enabled him to deliver exceptional work consistently. Whether collaborating with diverse teams of artists, designers, and engineers or managing the entire production process, Timmy showcases his versatility and dedication to his craft. Timmy's unwavering passion for generative AI technology is contagious. He firmly believes that it has the potential to revolutionise the way we create and consume art. By leveraging the capabilities of generative AI, Timmy envisions a future where artists can explore new creative realms and bring their ideas to life in ways previously unimaginable. His work is a testament to the incredible possibilities that arise when art and technology converge. He recognises the transformative power of generative AI technology and its ability to shape the future of the creative industry. Timmy strives to inspire others through his films and raise awareness about the limitless potential in this emerging field. He is always eager to connect with fellow creatives, share insights, and foster collaborations that push the boundaries of art and technology. About The Global Discussion: The podcast features carefully curated guests from an exciting cross-section of creatives, leaders, and thinkers. New episodes are available on Apple, Google, and Spotify podcasts and several leading podcast platforms. You can listen to and watch the episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel and the website. To learn more about The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com Audio: Spotify | Google | Apple Video: YouTube | Website Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Aacia Hussain, a distinguished On-Air Host and Producer at WPKN, is a guest on The Global Discussion. Her unique approach to politics, critical thinking, and community engagement made Hussain's participation an insightful episode. Aacia is a multifaceted media personality and a host of a captivating series on WPKN Radio, where she discusses topics through critical thinking. Her show features insightful commentary from her community, unique music, and engaging guest interviews. WPKN, founded in 1963, is a 10,000-watt listener-supported radio station that reaches a listenership of 1.5 million people in Connecticut, Long Island, and parts of New York and Massachusetts. In addition to her role at WPKN, Aacia serves as the Co-Chair of Kicklight Productions. This film and media production company commits to supporting young filmmakers by helping them secure financing for their projects. Hussain is the creator and host of Radio Uninvited, a weekly interview-driven podcast that explores politics, polarization, and cultural events. With 14 years of experience in startup technology sales and leadership, she has successfully transitioned into the world of radio and social audio, where she tells powerful stories of authors, politicians, changemakers, and performing artists. Along with Bob Johnson, Brice Noble, and Ariel Ray, she is one of the voices behind WPKN Radio's popular late-night segment. This team brings the conversation to the masses in a weekly exchange with thought leaders, politicians, changemakers, and pop culture personalities. About The Global Discussion: The podcast features carefully curated guests from an exciting cross-section of creatives, leaders, and thinkers. New episodes are available on Apple, Google, and Spotify podcasts and several leading podcast platforms. You can listen to and watch the episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel and the website. To learn more about The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com Audio: Spotify | Google | Apple Video: YouTube | Website Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sherry Grant is a Musician and Poet. As a guest on The Global Discussion, Sherry's multifaceted talent, energy, and inspiring journey are not to be missed! Born in Taiwan and now in New Zealand, Sherry is a performing cellist, pianist, and collaborative pianist. Her journey in classical music is as diverse as it is impressive. In 2019 alone, she organized 14 concerts, performed in 12, and collaborated with principal violists from the USA and New Zealand in 10 performances. Sherry's projects include the War and Peace Arts & Music Festival and the 100 Years Journey Concert Tour are a testament to her innovative approach to music. These events often include beautifully combined music, arts, and poetry, offering audiences a unique and immersive experience. When she began writing poetry, Sherry's artistic journey took a new turn in June 2020. She has written over 1050 poems in various forms in a short span. Her work has not only been accepted for publication by journals and anthologies worldwide but has also received recognition as being long-listed at the Glass House Poetry Festival Competition and short-listed at the NZ Heritage Literary Awards. As the artistic director of the International Katherine Mansfield 100 Festival, Sherry is leading a celebration of one of New Zealand's most influential authors. The festival will explore Mansfield's New Zealand connection and her influence on the world of literature and arts. The event will feature presentations, recitals, and panel discussions from musicians, artists, writers, philosophers, and scholars worldwide. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sherry is a dedicated mother to four children. Juggling the demands of a busy career and family life, she embodies the spirit of perseverance and passion. We hear from Zoe Grant, Sherry's daughter, on her first book Bat Girl. Zoe is actively involved in the international haiku community and has written many linked poems (mostly rengay) with her mother, Sherry, and poet friends. Rengay is a collaborative six-verse linked thematic poem written by two or three poets alternating three-line and two-line haiku or haiku-like stanzas in a regular pattern or form. It is important to remember that each verse is a standalone haiku in either three or two lines. Sherry Grant's story is a symphony of talent, dedication, and inspiration. Her journey from a classical musician to an acclaimed poet is a testament to her indomitable spirit. About The Global Discussion: The podcast features carefully curated guests from an exciting cross-section of creatives, leaders, and thinkers. New episodes are available on Apple, Google, and Spotify podcasts and several leading podcast platforms. You can listen to and watch the episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel and the website. To learn more about The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com Audio: Spotify | Google | Apple Video: YouTube | Website Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Finola Howard is a seasoned Brand Builder, Marketing Strategist, and Thinking Partner to businesses across various sectors, including Tech, Engineering, Recruitment, Tourism, and Thought Leadership. Her unique marketing and brand positioning approach has made her a recognised Keynote Speaker and the Get Strategic Get Results ™ Marketing & Entrepreneurship Course creator. The marketing approach that Finola takes is impressive. She deeply understands a business's unique essence, which can help you focus on your core strengths and use them as a foundation for growth. Understanding your business's essence can significantly enhance your marketing efforts. Finola is the Creator and Founder of How Great Marketing Works, a platform that helps businesses of all sizes across a variety of industries to understand and leverage marketing strategies. She built a map any business could use to carve out its success called Get Strategic Get Results™. This map has been tested and expanded to different parts of the world. She is known for her listening skills. Finola listens to understand and to hear you. She believes that we all want our truth shared, and when she hears yours, she moves quickly to carving out the path that helps you release that truth in all your marketing and achieve your purpose. Finola Howard is more than just a marketing strategist; she is a guide, a mentor, and a business partner. She believes in the power of truth and the potential of businesses to create a unique and impactful narrative. Her work has been instrumental in helping companies to scale and achieve their vision. About The Global Discussion: The podcast features carefully curated guests from an exciting cross-section of creatives, leaders, and thinkers. New episodes are available on Apple, Google, and Spotify podcasts and several leading podcast platforms. You can listen to and watch the episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel and the website.  To learn more about The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com Audio: Spotify | Google | Apple  Video: YouTube | Website  Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Host Simon Hodgkins catches up with John Espirian, Relentlessly helpful® LinkedIn nerd, Espresso+ community leader, LinkedIn trainer and Consultant. John is the Author of Content DNA and is known for his simple, fun, and engaging writing style and his dedication to helping businesses maximise their online visibility. John Espirian is a technical copywriter and a LinkedIn expert. He has been working as an independent writer since 2009, helping B2B clients plan, produce, and promote content for their ideal audience. His writing style is simple, fun, and engaging, and he has put all the lessons he's learned about good content creation into his book, Content DNA. John is a former Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) in the Consumer Mac category and a former Director of what is now the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. His social media network of choice is LinkedIn, and John describes himself as a "relentlessly helpful LinkedIn nerd," his brand identity, or Content DNA, is built on the following building blocks: Teacher not preacher: John writes simple explanations of how things work. He doesn't pretend to know it all and doesn't make others feel inadequate. Cheeky geek: John likes to have fun with his content, making it more engaging. Attitude of gratitude: John enjoys thanking and including others in his content. He looks for ways to collaborate with and promote others. Eager experimenter: John enjoys testing things, especially on LinkedIn, to see how they work. He loves sharing the results of his nerdy experiments. Relentlessly helpful: If John has a good tip, he's sharing it. John doesn't hold back information. When people ask questions, he provides excellent answers. During his appearance on The Global Discussion, John shared his insights on how businesses can improve online visibility, particularly on LinkedIn. Join us for a terrific episode, ideal for business owners who want to take control of their personal and business brand, content, and marketing. John's relentlessly helpful approach and dedication to simplicity helped to make this episode extraordinarily informative. We highly recommend watching, listening and sharing this episode with anyone who uses LinkedIn or is looking to improve their engagement and visibility. About The Global Discussion: The podcast features carefully curated guests from an exciting cross-section of creatives, leaders, and thinkers. New episodes are available on Apple, Google, and Spotify podcasts and several leading podcast platforms. You can listen to and watch the episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel and the website. To learn more about The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com Audio: Spotify | Google | Apple Video: YouTube | Website Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

We catch up with May King Tsang, The FOMO Creator, in this episode of The Global Discussion. May King is a dynamic force in social media and event promotion. Her unique approach to creating a buzz around events, products, and services has made her a sought-after professional. May King's journey into the realm of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) creation was entirely accidental. She started her career with a tea business, reflected in her social media handle, @MayKingTea. As one of the top 50 recommended speakers of tea in the world, she began amplifying the buzz and excitement for her tea business on various social media platforms. As her social media presence grew, others noticed her knack for creating excitement and asked if she could do the same for their events or businesses, leading to her career as a FOMO Creator. While she continues to sell tea to dedicated tea lovers, her passion for being a FOMO Creator has taken centre stage. As a FOMO Creator, May King Tsang wears many hats. Her primary role is to amplify the buzz and excitement around an event, product, or service. While event hosts are busy with their responsibilities, May King keeps their social channels active. She uses platforms like Twitter, Instagram Stories, LinkedIn, and Facebook Live to engage with the audience. She also conducts live interviews with attendees, speakers, and sponsors at events to highlight their experiences and create FOMO for those who didn't attend but might be interested in future events. May King's services extend to both pre-event and during-event promotions. She generates buzz and excitement on social media by interviewing speakers, sponsors, and hosts. This strategy is effective even for those who don't have an event but want to showcase their authority, credibility, and impact through an interview. May King serves as a Live Community Champion for digital challenges or networking events. She keeps the conversation flowing, helps attendees feel supported and motivated, and ensures they get the most out of the event. She provides the support attendees need, cheering from the sidelines and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Beyond her work as a FOMO Creator, May King Tsang is an International Speaker and the Director of 'My Network for Women', a social enterprise aimed at empowering women thinking about starting a business. The organisation hosts networking events, runs training courses, and organises various events to make networking in the Yorkshire City region more inclusive, accessible, and effective. May King Tsang's innovative approach to social media promotion and her ability to create a sense of FOMO has made her a valuable asset in event promotion and social media marketing. Whether it's a conference, product launch, or music festival, May King is the go-to person to amplify the buzz and excitement, ensuring no one wants to miss out. Her additional roles as an international speaker and director of a women's network further demonstrate her commitment to empowering others and making a positive impact. About The Global Discussion: The podcast features carefully curated guests from an exciting cross-section of creatives, leaders, and thinkers. New episodes are available on Apple, Google, and Spotify podcasts and several leading podcast platforms. You can listen to and watch the episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel and the website.  To learn more about The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com Audio: Spotify | Google | Apple  Video: YouTube | Website  Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

The Global Discussion - Fiona Walsh: Insights from a Microsoft Master Instructor Microsoft Master Instructor Fiona Walsh shares insights and tips on delivering winning presentations in this episode of The Global Discussion. Fiona transitioned from managing large, multidisciplinary project teams to specialising in PowerPoint training and presentation consultancy. Through her company, Empower Presentations, she offers unique training experiences, brand consultancy services, and an unwavering dedication to improving how businesses present themselves. As a Microsoft Master Instructor, Fiona provides in-house onsite and online PowerPoint and presentation training. She holds an MSc in Digital Innovation from The Smurfit School of Business at University College Dublin, a Diploma in ICT Teacher Training, an Advanced Diploma in Coaching with Neuroscience, and a Project Management Diploma. Originally a scientist, Fiona has over 20 years of corporate experience across QC, R&D, and IT Training fields. Fiona believes that every great presentation is built on three pillars: People, Purpose, and Place. She has dedicated herself to turning data, facts, and figures into captivating information that audiences value. Fiona is convinced that great presenters are made, not born – and her clients' results testify to this belief. Fiona shares valuable insights about creating engaging, professional PowerPoint slides and how her customised training helps to make the learning process more relevant. We discuss tips for PowerPoint, explore Fiona's strategies for preparing to speak at events (in-person or online), and examine the pitfalls that many organisations fall into with their PowerPoint templates. Join us on The Global Discussion as we catch up with Fiona Walsh and uncover the secrets of compelling presentations and practical training. Her passion for empowering others through effective presentation techniques is contagious and inspiring. About The Global Discussion: The podcast features carefully curated guests from an exciting cross-section of creatives, leaders, and thinkers. New episodes are available on Apple, Google, and Spotify podcasts and several leading podcast platforms. You can listen to and watch the episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel and the website.  To learn more about The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com Audio: Spotify | Google | Apple  Video: YouTube | Website  Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

In this episode, we explore the world of historical fiction and crime writing with the incredibly talented novelist Natalie Marlow. Natalie Marlow is a rising star in the literary scene, known for her enthralling novels that transport readers to captivating landscapes and intriguing characters. Inspired by the stories passed down by her grandparents, Marlow weaves together historical elements and classic crime fiction to create genuinely compelling narratives. With a Master's degree in Creative Writing (Crime Writing) from the University of East Anglia and pursuing a PhD at Birkbeck, University of London, Marlow's dedication to honing her craft shines through in her work. She resides in Warwickshire with her family, finding solace and inspiration in the region that fuels her creative spirit. One of Marlow's notable achievements is her debut novel, Needless Alley, which has garnered critical acclaim and was even named an FT Best Summer Thriller in 2023. Set against the backdrop of 1933 Birmingham, Marlow masterfully transports the hardboiled Hollywood noir of the 1940s to the backstreets of the Midlands, creating a tale replete with seamy glitter and cynical grime. The Daily Mail describes Needless Alley as having "all the seamy glitter and cynical grime of the genre." At the same time, The Times praises Marlow's ability to create "a great sense of period and place" that evokes "an atmosphere of mounting menace and dread." These accolades highlight Marlow's exceptional skill in immersing readers in her meticulously researched historical setting. In Needless Alley, readers are introduced to the protagonist, private enquiry agent William Garrett. Damaged by a dark childhood spent on Birmingham's canals, Garrett specializes in facilitating divorces for the city's male elite. However, his conscience is plagued by remorse after each job, mainly when he photographs unsuspecting women in flagrante. But when he accidentally falls in love with Clara Morton, the wife of a dangerous client, Garrett's life takes a treacherous turn. Marlow takes readers on a thrilling journey through seedy canal-side pubs, crumbling Warwickshire manor houses, and the hidden spaces of Birmingham's Queer bohemian society. Marlow's ability to capture the essence of 1930s Birmingham and infuse it with moral corruption and seedy entanglements has garnered high praise. Financial Times heralds her engaging protagonist as potentially marking the birth of a new genre: Midlands Noir. Matthew d'Ancona, Tortoise, lauds Needless Alley as "pulp fiction of the highest quality" and emphasizes Marlow's emergence as a fabulous new thriller writer. With Needless Alley being just the beginning, Marlow is following up with her second William Garrett book, further cementing her place in the world of crime fiction. Her distinctive blend of style, elegance, and gritty storytelling akin to classic hardboiled fiction is eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike. Marlow provides unique insights into her writing process, the significance of place in her work, and the influences of authors like Raymond Williams and Raymond Chandler. Her passion for the genre, coupled with her meticulous research and evocative storytelling, has established her as a notable crime writer with a distinct interest in the power of place. About The Global Discussion: The podcast features carefully curated guests from an exciting cross-section of creatives, leaders, and thinkers. New episodes are available on Apple, Google, and Spotify podcasts and several leading podcast platforms. You can listen to and watch the episodes on our dedicated YouTube channel and the website.  To learn more about The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com Audio: Spotify | Google | Apple  Video: YouTube | Website  Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn