E43 | The Secret To Building Trust With Executives | WPP U.K. President, Karen Blackett OBE
Episode description
Karen Blackett OBE currently serves as the UK President for WPP, the world's largest marketing services group. A highly esteemed business leader, Karen boasts an impressive track record marked by her ability to foster vibrant cultures, inspire teams, and consistently drive business growth and success.
Previously holding the position of GroupM UK CEO, Karen successfully navigated the challenges posed by the critical period of the COVID pandemic. Beyond her executive roles, Karen is recognised as a seasoned keynote speaker, leveraging her wealth of experience to energise teams and advocate for diversity within the advertising and media industry, thereby cultivating dynamic company cultures.
Vogue acknowledged Karen's influence by naming her one of the 25 Most Influential and Inspirational Women of 2018. Additionally, she secured the top position on the EMpower 100 Ethnic Minority Executive Leaders list. In 2018, then-Prime Minister Theresa May appointed Karen as the national Race Equality Business Champion.
In this week's episode, we delve into Karen's wealth of experience, exploring valuable business and career advice, her journey as a single mother, and the significant impact of giving back to communities.
We Discuss:
- Strategies for advancing your career and expanding your business
- Navigating the emotional challenges following the loss of your father
- Discovering the delicate balance between work and personal life
- Embracing the journey of becoming a single mother
- Accepting a CEO role while adapting to the demands of new motherhood
- Recognising the crucial role of empathy in effective leadership
- Why every business should have fruit salad
- Overcoming imposter syndrome to achieve personal and professional success
- Simultaneously assuming the roles of GroupM UK CEO and WPP Country Manager, showcasing leadership prowess and versatility
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Devastation and Moving Forward
(00:05:35) Headline sponsor and daily update
(00:11:03) The Team that Felt Like Family
(00:16:25) Devastating Loss and Almost Leaving the Industry
(00:21:52) The Importance of Work-Life Blend and Loyalty
(00:27:32) Putting Yourself and Your Child First
(00:33:16) Bringing Mojo Back to Teams
(00:38:40) Building Trust and Understanding with CEOs
(00:43:42) Meetings and Team Dynamics
(00:48:54) The Importance of a Supportive Village
(00:54:07) Stalking and Reviewing Media Agency Relationships
(00:59:38) Winning the Tesco Account
(01:04:32) Impostor Syndrome and Invitations from Number 10
(01:10:09) Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and Adding Value
(01:15:37) Know Your Value and Numbers
(01:21:12) The Shock of Martin's Departure
(01:26:40) Building Collaboration and Teamwork
(01:32:00) Importance of Open Communication within Teams
(01:37:42) Transition to the Role of UK President of WPP
(01:43:40) The Importance of Understanding Target Implications
(01:49:11) The Importance of Bravery in the Face of Challenges
(01:54:23) The Need for a National Organization for Black People in the UK
(02:00:00) The Importance of Listening and Learning
(02:05:10) Returning Serena's tissues
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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: Stuart Aitken Camera Operator: Stuart Aitken Editor: Catherine Singh