E30 | ‘I Buzz Off Stress’ - How To Cope With Severe Stress & Insomnia - A Guide From Multi-Billion Pound Company CEO, Josh Krichefski
Episode description
Josh Krichefski, recognised in the advertising industry for his advocacy of mental health and cultural change, assumed the role of GroupM CEO for EMEA and the U.K. in early 2023. Krichefski's association with GroupM dates back to 2011 when he initially joined MediaCom as the Chief Operating Officer for EMEA. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in the agency's expansion, modernisation, and day-to-day operations. Krichefski's influence extends beyond GroupM, making him a prominent figure championing cultural change and mental health awareness initiatives in the wider industry. Josh serves as a trustee for the Transformation Trust, dedicated to enhancing career development opportunities for underprivileged children. Additionally, Krichefski is a Founding Member of the World Well Being Movement and is part of the MS Society Appeal Board. In December 2022, he was nominated to assume the role of President at the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA), the industry trade body and professional institute in the UK. Furthermore, he is a Fellow of the Marketing Society. In this episode, Josh shares a personal and emotional account of nearly losing his brother and his efforts to raise awareness about mental health at work. We Discuss: -Life at a boarding school -Crossing paths with a special someone at the age of 13 -Embarking on an exploration throughout South East Asia during a gap year -Developing a profound love for anthropology -Navigating the challenging process of his parents' divorce -The realisation that a career in advertising held promise for him -Grappling with the onset of insomnia -Receiving two enticing job offers on the same day -”Do I want to become CEO of the largest media agency in the UK?” -A heartfelt account of almost losing his brother -Advocating for mental health awareness within the workplace
Chapters:
(00:00:00) A Journey into Stress and Insomnia
(00:08:17) The Market Share of GroupM
(00:16:31) The Path to University
(00:23:58) Finding Stability Amidst Family Challenges
(00:31:45) Career Progression and Relationship Breakup
(00:39:29) Getting Ready for the Morning
(00:47:16) A Fun and Unique Workplace
(00:55:09) Meeting with Nick Lawson
(01:03:16) The Jump to CEO
(01:10:40) Emotional Intelligence and Coaching in Career Development
(01:19:06) Insomnia and Coping Mechanisms
(01:26:44) Focus on Well-being and Mental Health
(01:34:18) The Miraculous Recovery
(01:42:06) A Period of Success and Perspective
(01:50:12) Managing GroupM's Business Strategy
(01:57:39) Leadership and Making a Difference
(02:05:06) Trusting Your Gut
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Unity & Motion - A London based production company specialising in commercials and branded content Email: [email protected] This is a UNIFY Podcast. Produced by Unity & Motion Credits: Director: Charles Parkinson Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie Sound Recordist: Aurelija Ausembergaite Camera Operator: Stuart Aitken Editor: Catherine Singh