Best Stuart Thomson Podcasts (2025)

1
Interview with Richard Gard, Nissan 28:55

15d ago28:55

28:55

In an interview episode, I talk to Richard Gard, Director and Head of External and Government Affairs Africa, Middle East, Europe, India, Oceania at Nissan Motor Corporation. We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, how he leads a small team covering such a huge region, his use of agency support, how the work of agencies has…

1
Interview with Robert Magyar, Weber Shandwick 34:04

2M ago34:04

34:04

In an interview episode, I talk to Robert Magyar, Head of Healthcare, APAC at Weber Shandwick. We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, his experience of public affairs and lobbying across Asia and, in particular, China, and how his experience of running a consultancy. More details about the book that Robert contributed to, …

1
Interview With Matt Day, Adobe 29:42

4M ago29:42

29:42

In an interview episode, I talk to Matt Day, Head of Government Relations, UK & Ireland. We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, his experience of working for in consultancy and in-house roles, and how he sees the profession developing in the future. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my edito…

1
Margaret Ann Rutter 39:56

4M ago39:56

39:56

In the 51st episode of Lifestory we are joined by the wonderful Margaret Ann Rutter in our Wee Museum studio. At the age of 80, Ann takes us through her family history via a rocky relationship with her Mother, vacations in Cornwall, teaching and lecturing in Edinburgh and a near death experience on the water, as well as everything in between!…

1
Interview with John Johnston, Politico, London Influence 48:07

6M ago48:07

48:07

In an interview episode, I talk to John Johnston, author of the weekly London Influence email for Politico which covers campaigning, lobbying and political influence in the U.K. We talk about his background and how he got into journalism, how he has found navigating the industry, and trends for 2025. There is also mention of the current consultatio…

1
David Flucker 42:05

8M ago42:05

42:05

Episode 52 of Lifestory sees us joined by the remarkable David Flucker, who is still volunteering for the St Columba's Hospice charity shop in Ocean Terminal at the wonderful age of 102 years old. David begins by taking us back in time to his childhood growing up in a family of fishermen and attending school in Newhaven in the 1920s and on to a won…

1
William Van Der Velde 43:12

8M ago43:12

43:12

In the 51st edition of Lifestory we are joined by regular Wee Museum visitor William Van Der Velde, who looks back on 78 years of life in Edinburgh. We travel back through his attending David Kilpatrick school up until the age of 14, reaching the ABA boxing finals at the Royal Albert Hall, accompanying Ken Buchanan on his rise to the world champion…

1
Interview with Doug Pinkham, President, Public Affairs Council 1:00:15

11M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

In an interview episode, I talk to Doug Pinkham, President of the Public Affairs Council. We talk about the importance of public affairs, its role in reputation management, how the industry has changed and what we can expect from the future. We also couldn't avoid talking about the forthcoming US Presidential election! This episode was recorded bef…

1
Sophia Abrahamsen - Stories of A Life in Newhaven 1:03:14

11M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

In the 50th edition of Life Story, we are joined by Sophia. She takes us through stories from throughout her life, from growing up in Newhaven, to her father's gambling, to singing lessons in school and delivering mail and packages over college breaks. Eventually she tells of life working in Conveyance with the National Service and finally about he…

1
Interview with Zoe Cohen, board level director, Master Coach and Activist 46:08

12M ago46:08

46:08

In an interview episode, I talk to Zoe Cohen, a highly experienced board-level director and Master Coach. We talk about the importance of taking action to save the planet, climate communications, her activism and work with Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil. This episode was recorded before the recent UK General Election and *…

1
Interview with John Harrington, Editor, PR Week UK 38:04

12M ago38:04

38:04

In an interview episode, I talk to John Harrington, Editor, PR Week UK. We talk about his work at PR Week, stories that he is particularly proud of, the main challenges facing the public affairs, and how it may evolve in the coming years. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.…

1
Risk Appetite in Communications: A Catalyst for Innovation and Growth 4:40

1y ago4:40

4:40

All organisations need to manage risk. Some do it better than others. Some make basic mistakes; others try to drive out all aspects of risk. But the reality is that some risk needs to be maintained, not least in communications, otherwise innovation can die. Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Five Challenges All Election Candidates Must Be Prepared For 7:28

1+ y ago7:28

7:28

Originally written for LabourList, and with Scott Goodstein, this episode outlines five crucial challenges for which every candidate should be prepared in creating their own winning election scenario. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Monitoring 25:06

1+ y ago25:06

25:06

In a different type of episode, we hear from five of the leading monitoring companies. Delivering public affairs training, I am often asked about who can monitoring services. So, I asked leading monitoring companies to tell us more about what they do. A huge thank you to all those who took part. To learn more about the companies took part (in alpha…

1
Interview with Craig Jones MBE, Fighting With Pride 35:48

1+ y ago35:48

35:48

In an interview episode, I talk to Craig Jones MBE, Executive Director of Fighting With Pride that supports the health and wellbeing of LGBT+Veterans, service personnel and their families. We talk about his background in the Royal Navy; the lifting of the ‘gay ban’ in the armed forces and the challenges he, and many others, faced; his varied career…

1
Interview with Paul Gerrard, Co-op 31:51

1+ y ago31:51

31:51

In an interview episode, I talk to Paul Gerrard, Campaigns, Public Affairs & Board Secretariat Director at the Co-op Group. We talk about his background in the civil service, the skills he learned and how he has applied them to public affairs and the fantastic campaign he has led tackling violence against shop workers. It is a case study that every…

1
Interview with Kirsty McHugh, Carers Trust 22:48

1+ y ago22:48

22:48

In an interview episode, I talk to Kirsty McHugh, CEO of Carers Trust. We talk about her impressive career, how it all started, and the benefits of serving of a local councillor. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Interview with Vallath Kavitha Krishnan 25:27

1+ y ago25:27

25:27

In an interview episode, I talk to Vallath Kavitha Krishnan, a Team Leader in the Scottish Government's Justice Transformation Policy Team. We talk about her background in public affairs and its benefits in her latest policy-focused role. All views expressed in the podcast are Vallath's own. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications T…

1
Alistair Bennett - A Co-Op Life in the Borders 28:15

2y ago28:15

28:15

In the 48th edition of Lifestory at the age of 80 Alistair looks back on 40 years of working life with the store, from joining Alloa branch as a clerk at 15 to becoming Chief Executive of Borders Co-Op.By The Living Memory Association

1
Interview with Philip Salter, Founder, The Entrepreneurs Network 23:10

2y ago23:10

23:10

In an interview episode, I talk to Philip Salter, Founder of The Entrepreneurs Network, a think tank for Britain’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. We talk about how he established TEN, its role and the challenges of running a think tank. I am one of TEN's advisers.By Stuart Thomson

1
Have the Politicians Left the Room? Understanding the Challenges of Engaging with Political Audiences 4:09

2y ago4:09

4:09

Engaging with political audiences can often feel like an uphill challenge for those seeking to make an impact. Even when an event seems directly relevant, politicians may not always want to take part. Why can it seem like they have left the room? Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
The One Public Affairs Question To Focus On: What Needs To Change To Make An Impact? 4:42

2y ago4:42

4:42

There can be a lot to consider when writing a public affairs strategy. It needs to think about the policy context, stakeholders, their timetables and much else. But sometimes thinking at a more granular, micro level can help focus and drive action. Always ask what needs to change to get the outcome you want. Thanks to my editor Callums World.…

1
How To Deliver Effective Public Affairs In A Small Team 3:43

2y ago3:43

3:43

There is a common belief that public affairs requires large, well-resourced teams. However, many organisations operate with smaller budgets and teams, which presents a challenge for achieving success. How can we make them effective? Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Andrew Grant - Jobs in the 1960s 29:34

2y ago29:34

29:34

The 47th edition of The Living Memory Association's 'Lifestory' podcast sees 85 year old historian Andrew Grant looking back on his working life in the 1960s after he had returned from time spent on the ocean waves. Taking us from the Royal Infirmary to record shops and driving Globe Juice bottles around in search of a daily wage!…

1
Micro practices for public affairs 3:20

2y ago3:20

3:20

Small changes in any working day can have a hugely beneficial impact. But what are the small practices that you could incorporate into a working day to improve the delivery of your public affairs? Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
The importance of personal branding 3:37

2+ y ago3:37

3:37

Standing out from the crowd is important at any stage of a career but it is best to get into good habits early on. Thinking about your personal branding should be one such early consideration. Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Interview with Rebecca Deegan, I Have A Voice 14:52

2+ y ago14:52

14:52

I talk to Rebecca Deegan, founder of I Have A Voice, about the campaign, and her experience of working in public affairs. If you want to contact Rebecca then email her at [email protected] Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Stuart Roy McIvor 1:09:07

2+ y ago1:09:07

1:09:07

The 46th edition of our Lifestory podcast features the colourful life of Stuart Roy McIvor, who spent 30 years in the Metropolitan Police and 5 years as a City Councillor in Edinburgh for the SNP. At the age of 78 with a great appreciation of the where he is now, Stuart looks back on a life packed to the full with both sunshine and shadow.…

1
Interview with Louise Abraham, Cafod 16:07

2+ y ago16:07

16:07

In our first interview, I talk to Louise Abraham, Senior Government Relations at Cafod about her experience of working in public affairs. We talk about how she entered the profession and hear about some of the most effective campaigns she has worked on. Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Can Labour become a party of Government? 4:03

2+ y ago4:03

4:03

Keir Starmer continues to face challenges as leader of the Labour Party. There is no doubting the improvement he has already made to their electability, but further change is promised. Is Labour likely to form the next Government? How should those in public affairs be preparing? Thanks to my editor Callums World.…

1
Reputation and Public Affairs 59:34

2+ y ago59:34

59:34

In a change to the usual format, I discuss Reputation Management & Public Affairs with Milos Labovic. We also discuss my latest book, 'Reputation in Business: Lessons for Leaders. Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Beware Closed Minds Around You 3:23

2+ y ago3:23

3:23

A creative working environment should recognise the abilities and contribution of everyone. Sadly, despite what they may say, not all organisations live up to the high standards they claim to live by. But don’t give up on them. Instead, think about how to encourage change. Thanks to my editor Callums World.…

1
Nothing Stays Secret Forever 4:15

2+ y ago4:15

4:15

There is no doubt that the reputation spotlight is expanding and intensifying. But more than anything, expectations are changing, and this brings with them a new set of rules for communications. Ignore those rules and risk your reputation. Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Don’t let communications run wild 4:12

2+ y ago4:12

4:12

Too often in a bid to save reputations, communications become the absolute focus. If the media statement kills the issue, then it will have been successful. But such an approach can inflict more damage. Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
The environment, reputation and politics 3:40

2+ y ago3:40

3:40

The development of a reputation takes time, effort, and resources. It should be central to all engagement and communications, internal and external. But there continue to be examples of the communications outstripping the reality and that brings with it political dangers. Thanks to my editor Callums World.…

1
Establish The Facts 2:59

2+ y ago2:59

2:59

It would be wonderful if a public affairs campaign could assume a level of knowledge or understanding by key audiences. But that would be the wrong starting point. You need to start by establishing the key facts. Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
David And Hilary Thomson - 55 Years of Marriage 52:07

2+ y ago52:07

52:07

Episode 45 of The THELMA Lifestory podcast introduces us to David and Hilary Thomson, happily married for 55 years in September 2022. We hear tales of growing up in Portobello and Ratho in the 1950s & 60 and of a romance born on the badminton court! Packed with great stories of a full life, working hard at business and family with a lot of laughter…

1
How to champion a local project 4:49

3y ago4:49

4:49

There are a number of issues facing any local project. It has to build the trust and support of local communities as well as decision-makers and there is often a role for central government too. But what are the key issues that local project champions should consider? Thanks to my editor Callums World.…

1
Always be active in your reputation management 3:43

3y ago3:43

3:43

Reputations need to be built, managed and protected. That means being active rather than passive when it comes to reputation management. This does not mean playing everything out in public. What are the practical steps you should take? Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Independent reviews are only the start 4:10

3y ago4:10

4:10

Governments love to commission independent reviews. They are launched and report back with significant fanfare. But all too often they are then immediately consigned to history. The reality is that they should be seen as the start of public affairs engagement, not an end point. Thanks to my editor Callums World.…

1
Every word matters, all the time in reputation management 3:41

3y ago3:41

3:41

Every public comment from an organisation can have an impact on reputation – positive or negative. That means being careful about every single word, all the time. If not, you are playing with your reputation. Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Martin Penny - Growing Up in London in the 50s & 60s 20:52

3y ago20:52

20:52

Born in Hackney in 1954, Martin Penny grew up in King’s Lynn and then moved to Enfield. His father was a successful businessman who sold feather dusters then moved into selling packaged butter, taking the family from no central heating into a house with all mod cons, from proper East End to privileged. We follow Martin's journey from throwing objec…

1
What MBAs don’t tell you: focus on government 4:11

3y ago4:11

4:11

There is no denying the need for everyone to undertake professional development at all stages of a career. But too often courses aimed at senior leaders, such as MBAs, fail to consider the critical role of public affairs. They are leaving a huge gap. Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
Tommy Carson 5; Eight tips for living a good life. 15:59

3y ago15:59

15:59

Our dear friend Tommy Carson sadly passed away in June 2022. He was 99 years old and an absolute force of nature. This is a short podcast where he goes through his eight tips for a good life. All practical suggestions from a man who remained active and living independently right until the end of his life. One thing shines through though, his positi…

1
Getting Stakeholder Meetings Right 3:37

3y ago3:37

3:37

It is a basic requirement but one that is very easy to get wrong. What are the steps you should take for preparing and conducting a useful public affairs meeting? Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
How To Lead The Debate 3:42

3y ago3:42

3:42

There can often be a need to get ahead of an issue and to lead the debate. This can help secure stakeholder attention and contribute to the process of becoming a trusted adviser. But how can you do that? Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
David Franks: From 1950s Jarrow & Hebburn to Glasgow 2022 49:07

3y ago49:07

49:07

Born in 1949, David Franks takes us on a reminiscence journey packed with stories from growing up in Jarrow and Hebburn all the way through to retirement in Glasgow. David's adventures take him from Junior School to Newcastle University, from audit assistant to partner in Price Waterhouse, with many twists, turns and laughs along the way.…

1
Improving stakeholder engagement 7:15

3y ago7:15

7:15

Talk from Westminster Forum conference, 20/5/22 Thanks to my editor Callums World.By Stuart Thomson

1
How to assess your level of political exposure 4:15

3y ago4:15

4:15

The higher your level of political exposure, the more need there is to engage with government and politics. Without this engagement, you are failing to manage your risks. Check out my website. Thank to my editor, Callum Thomson Callums World. MaverickMyersRadio for the use of the music shorturl.at/qJL24…

1
How do you use your monitoring? 4:31

3y ago4:31

4:31

Keeping track of political intelligence is the lifeblood of public affairs. But having information is not enough. The critical element is what you do with it. Check out my website. Thank to my editor, Callum Thomson Callums World. MaverickMyersRadio for the use of the music shorturl.at/qJL24By Stuart Thomson

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