Are you Sitting Uncomfortably? with Gemma Greaves

Dr Orit Wolf is inimitable. As an international concert pianist, she unconventionally blends her passion for music with the world of business. For many years she has disrupted traditional thinking and practices with her unique approach to creativity and innovation. Orit isn't afraid to push her own limits. By the age of 23 she had already acquired three degrees, has gone on to win numerous international awards, and her TED talk "Play the Keynote of your Life" saw her bring music, leadership and innovation into action. And if she wasn't busy enough, Orit is now proud author of her poetry book Love in B minor and is currently authoring the book “The Language of the Creative Mind”. In this episode of Are you Sitting Uncomfortably? host Gemma Greaves and Orit explore her discomfort of mistakes on stage, being judged both professionally and personally, and the uncomfortable nature of disruption. Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? is a Fresh Air original production, in partnership with Nurture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitch Oliver leads from the heart. With nearly 30 years experience in the consumer goods industry, she is responsible for shaping and communicating the Mars brand identity and vision. Mitch has a track record delivering some truly groundbreaking campaigns, she passionately believes that business can be both for profit and for good. Mitch has won multiple awards over her career and in 2022 she was on Forbes Magazines, Editors list of ‘43 people changing advertising for the climate’. She also has several non-executive roles including Unstereotype Alliance, an initiative for UN Women that aims to eliminate harmful gender stereotypes - something Mitch cares deeply about. In this episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? host Gemma Greaves and Mitch explore common misconceptions, the power of being yourself, and the importance of brands getting uncomfortable. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helen Tupper is a trailblazer. As the co-founder and CEO of Amazing If, Helen has created a company with an ambition to make careers better for everyone. As if she wasn't busy enough, together with her business partner Sarah Ellis, she is the author of two Sunday Times bestsellers The Squiggly Career and You Coach You, with a third book on the way. Helen is also the co-host of the UK’s number one careers podcast Squiggly Careers and was recently awarded a much-coveted place on the Ernst & Young entrepreneurial winning women programme. In this episode, host Gemma Greaves and Helen discuss her uncomfortable feeling of stopping, how to process difficult conversations, and the power of forging your own path. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheryl Calverley is a marketing and business powerhouse. She cut her teeth in Unilever, working on some of the UK’s most iconic brands and went on to lead marketing roles in Birdseye and the AA. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Cheryl took the leap to general management as Chief Executive of Eve Sleep in May 2020. With a passion to help others, Cheryl is now co-founder of her own start up, The Den, a first-of-its-kind social club giving teenagers a real life alternative to screens. In this episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? host Gemma Greaves and Cheryl explore making uncomfortable leadership decisions, not conforming to business stereotypes, and why she wants teenagers to have real connections in a digital world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eleanor Mills is formidable. A British journalist, broadcaster, campaigner, author, media consultant and multi award winning editor, she spent some 22 years with the Times Newspapers where she was at the helm as the editorial director of The Sunday Times and editor of its magazine until March 2020. After this, however, she found herself in a time of uncertainty from which she sought a new beginning. Eleanor is now the founder of Noon, an online media platform and community for women in their mid-life, or as Eleanor likes to call them, Queenagers. Created through her passion to change the narrative society tells about women in their mid-life, Noon is all about addressing the topics and concerns that other sites and publications shy away from. This is the age of opportunity, not the end. In this episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? host Gemma Greaves and Eleanor explore embracing change, address the issue of gendered ageism in media and advertising and celebrate finding new beginnings in mid-life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collette Philip is a true changemaker. From driving equity to tackling injustice, Collette works with organisations to embed anti-racism with her multi award-winning brand and strategy consultancy, Brand By Me... And you know you're onto a winner if you're named “Small Business of 2021” by Lloyds Bank and The Times! If that wasn't enough, Collette - along with seven other influential black women - recently launched Join Our Table in October 2023. A collective with a clear mission to celebrate Black women in the UK advertising and media industry and champion increased visibility throughout the sector. In this episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? host Gemma Greaves and Collette explore uncomfortable spaces, how discrimination is coded in language, and the power of being your true self. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best selling author of GOD and How Your Brain Is Wired, Crawford is quite possibly one of the most prominent behavioural change experts of our time. Co-founder of The Behavioural Architects, a multi award winning consultancy which works with some of the biggest companies and organisations around the world - he writes and lectures regularly on how new knowledge from the behavioural sciences can empower behavioural change and has had over 250 papers published. Married to Cathy (a social researcher and co author of his latest book) and Dad to Harry and Maddie, it’s fair to say Crawford is known in both Marketing and academic circles for his very big brain and crucially - the ability to make you think and do differently. In this latest episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? host Gemma Greaves and Crawford explore his unusual upbringing, the challenges of life on a tightrope, and embracing life's highs and lows. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeetendr Sehdev - affectionately known as Jay by his friends and family - is quite simply impeccable. From his beautifully tailored suits to his perfectly honed accent, he is someone that you can’t fail to notice and has a mind as sharp as his style. A New York Times best selling author of The Kim Kardashian Principle, celebrity brand expert, and UN Human Rights Ambassador, Jay believes in the power of being authentically yourself and using your platform to create change. In this latest episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? host Gemma Greaves and Jay explore his experiences of being bullied at school, unapologetically pushing boundaries, uncovering the uncomfortable truth about modern slavery, and calling out a homophobic Prime Minister ( ...while dazzling on the red carpet, naturally). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gail Porter is an absolute trailblazer. A proud Scot, TV Presenter, Writer, Broadcaster and now stand-up comedian, joining Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe. She is perhaps best known for shows such as Fully Booked and Top of the Pops, and that infamous image on the Houses of Parliament which she reflects on this special episode recorded in front of an audience. Today Gail is a role model to many, from her BAFTA-winning documentary Being Gail Porter where she shared her mental health journey, to being an advocate for many charities and good causes. In this launch episode of series two of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? host Gemma Greaves and Gail explore her experiences of living with anxiety, being incorrectly sectioned, and the uncomfortable truths of the TV industry. Listen and follow now to meet the incredible people who all have a story and who are all ready to sit uncomfortably. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Global Lead of IBM Garage, the unit that is revolutionising the work inside IBM and with its clients, Debbie Vavangas is a brilliant thought leader in the world of digital transformation. Having spent some 25 years in the organisation, Debbie is a relentless innovator and is on a mission to make a meaningful and authentic impact on businesses. Regularly featured in women in tech and inspirational leader awards, she is a phenomenal trailblazer and brings her whole self to work and encourages everyone around her to do the same. “But I think of the things that I've done as choices, not sacrifices. You can't have it all for sure. But, the things I have are the things I chose to have.” In the tenth and final episode of Season One of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? Host Gemma Greaves and Debbie discuss recruiting and retaining women in tech, the importance of diverse teams and why she’s uncomfortable with being comfortable. Tell Gemma & the Fresh Air team your story at uncomfortable@freshairproduction.co.uk. Listen and follow now to meet the incredible people who all have a story and who are all ready to sit uncomfortably. This is a Fresh Air Production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Clara Kavanagh. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The media giant that is Chris Maples is widely regarded as ‘a legend’ and ‘one of the most well-respected media operators’ in the UK advertising industry. Chris started his career on the Hanger Lane Roundabout before succeeding in roles across TV, radio, outdoor advertising and digital at Channel 4, Microsoft and Spotify. In a raw and vulnerable post on LinkedIn, Chris opened up about his recent breakdown that was met with an outpouring of love and support from peers and colleagues. “I think uncomfortable is about being real. You want to experience new things, right? You don't know where the good stuff is. Then go do the difficult thing. Go do the uncomfortable thing. You don't know where that's going to lead you to. I've always liked putting myself out there and then seeing where it goes to.” In the ninth episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? Host Gemma Greaves and Chris delve into his sense of belonging, the rollercoaster journey that led to his breakdown and the impact it had on family and friends. Tell Gemma & the Fresh Air team your story at uncomfortable@freshairproduction.co.uk. Listen and follow now to meet the incredible people who all have a story and who are all ready to sit uncomfortably. This is a Fresh Air Production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Clara Kavanagh. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrated chef, restaurateur and food writer, Mark Hix is best known for his original take on British gastronomy and unwavering honesty. After 17 years heading up kitchens in both The Ivy and Le Caprice and as their Chief Director, Mark left to open HIX Restaurants across London’s West-end and City and in his native Dorset, until they closed in 2020. He bounced back to open The Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis in July 2020 and he has now been appointed as Director of Food and Drink at London’s Groucho Club. Through perseverance, resilience and creative-thinking, Mark’s glass-half-full approach has beaten the odds and led to his success. "Selling my name is the only time I've really ever made any money in business. It's a good name, and then I had to buy it back.” In the eighth episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? Host Gemma Greaves and Mark explore the uncomfortable truths about running a restaurant, going into administration right before a global pandemic and what it felt like to buy back his own name. Tell Gemma & the Fresh Air team your story at uncomfortable@freshairproduction.co.uk. Listen and follow now to meet the incredible people who all have a story and who are all ready to sit uncomfortably. This is a Fresh Air Production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Clara Kavanagh. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caroline Casey is the powerhouse behind the Valuable 500, the world’s largest CEO collective and business movement for disability inclusion. With her team, she is on a mission to get business leaders to take full ownership of their agenda and to shed the constraints that stop inclusion from becoming a reality. She straddles the worlds of business and activism effortlessly. Since Caroline launched the Valuable 500 in 2019, they have signed up 500 multinational organisations with a combined revenue of over $8 trillion. “Stop trying to have the answers for something you don't. Accept that you don't know. And accept that you must begin.” In this seventh episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? Caroline joins host Gemma Greaves to share her experiences of being in the “disability closet”, why labels are for jam-jars, and how to disarm a CEO. Share your uncomfortable story with Gemma & the Fresh Air team at uncomfortable@freshairproduction.co.uk. Listen and follow now to meet the incredible people who all have a story and who are all ready to sit uncomfortably. Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? is a Fresh Air Production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Clara Kavanagh. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Ingram is a wordsmith. With 20 years in the media industry, she has worked in companies from Sky to Cartoon Network, and is now the guardian of The Evening Standard Brand as their Trade and Insight Marketing Director. Katie is herself a baby loss advocate and the incredible founder of the #NoWords campaign, created to improve the language surrounding this heart-breaking yet often silent issue. Finding solace in the stories of others, Katie is on a mission to break the silence and create safe spaces for those who have experienced such a tragic loss. “Putting my discomfort to one side to make change is so important, it allows me to cope with my grief. Personally, it helps to heal and push me forward”. In this sixth episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? host Gemma Greaves and Katie remember Ottilie; Katie’s daughter who was stillborn. They discuss the importance of talking about baby loss, how our language around grief can create lasting change, plus Katie’s ultimate aim is to find the word for parents like her and her husband, Ben. Tell Gemma & the Fresh Air team your story at uncomfortable@freshairproduction.co.uk. Listen and follow now to meet the incredible people who all have a story and who are all ready to sit uncomfortably. This is a Fresh Air Production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Clara Kavanagh. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Often referred to as a media guru (having spent some 24 years in the industry) Josh Krichefski is the GroupM CEO for EMEA and the United Kingdom, where he is responsible for worldwide growth. Josh is perhaps known as one of the most humble people in the industry and widely recognised for his advocacy work around mental health and workplace wellbeing. In his own words he believes that ‘people in business are our greatest assets’ and never before has there been a time that we should be thinking about our people’s well being than right now. “If there's something that I feel like I could have a lasting positive impact on the world, [it] would be to help workplace culture be a place where people can be happy and thrive and have joy in their life.” In this fifth episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? Host Gemma Greaves and Josh explore putting mental health at the top of his work agenda, being open about his insomnia, and the juggle between work and family life. Tell Gemma & the Fresh Air team your story at uncomfortable@freshairproduction.co.uk. Listen and follow now to meet the incredible people who all have a story and who are all ready to sit uncomfortably. This is a Fresh Air Production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Clara Kavanagh. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy Conroy is quite simply a remarkable human. Since beating the 50% survival odds of a childhood cancer, Amy started wheelchair basketball and quickly became a three-time Paralympian and a World and European Silver Medalist. She then went on to make history at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, winning bronze with Team England in the first ever appearance of wheelchair basketball in a Commonwealth Games. Amy is on a mission through her work as an ambassador, presenter, model and public speaker to show that nothing is impossible with the power of positivity. “When there are tough times in life, which are inevitable, sometimes you can reframe them in your mind. I really think gratitude is something that taught me the secret to joy and also focusing on the good bits rather than what you’ve compromised or lost, which can be natural for all of us to do.” In the fourth episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? host Gemma Greaves and Amy explore her experiences of overcoming cancer at the age of 12, the importance of being kind and her journey to finding strength and resilience. Before listening, please be aware that this episode contains references of emotional and sexual abuse. Tell Gemma & the Fresh Air team your story at uncomfortable@freshairproduction.co.uk. Listen and follow now to meet the incredible people who all have a story and who are all ready to sit uncomfortably. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jaz Ampaw-Farr is an unstoppable force. Often referred to as the resilience ninja, Jaz has travelled the world advising governments and educators and inspires thousands every year into action - perhaps most notably through her record breaking ted talk that has had over 100,000 views and still growing. As a former teacher and now Keynote speaker, TV Presenter and Author, Jaz’s authentic honesty and humour has a positive impact in everything she does. And then some. “The uncomfortable nature in my experience is every time you do take a tiny step towards discomfort, it's like floodgates. It releases so many other people. Every time you do that, you literally light fires in people. You cause the change that you want to see.” In the third episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? host Gemma Greaves and Jaz explore her experiences of being a foster care kid and a homeless teen, getting uncomfortable about race, and having the courage to show up as your full-fat self. Tell Gemma & the Fresh Air team your story at uncomfortable@freshairproduction.co.uk. Listen and follow now to meet the incredible people who all have a story and who are all ready to sit uncomfortably. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drew Povey is a public speaker, author and perhaps best known for changing the fortunes of an entire school as Head Teacher of Harrop Fold that became the subject of the Channel 4 series Educating Manchester. As well as being one of life’s good guys, he also has over twenty years’ experience of working with leaders across all sectors including education, the Police, the National Health Service, elite level sport (including Olympians and Paralympians), charities and international organisations. “People talk about being authentic and we're all quite happy to be authentic when it's going well. But what about being authentic when it's not going well?” In the second episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? host Gemma Greaves and Drew explore his dyslexia superpower, the uncomfortable moment of ending his time in education, and how to adapt when the clouds come – which is also the title and theme of his new book. Tell Gemma & the Fresh Air team your story at uncomfortable@freshairproduction.co.uk. Listen and follow now to meet the incredible people who all have a story and who are all ready to sit uncomfortably. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophie Morgan is an award-winning disability advocate, TV presenter and best-selling author - and one of the first women radically changing representation of disability. Sophie is a force of nature and perhaps put it best in her debut book - Driving Forwards, “I want to do extraordinary things, go to extraordinary places and meet some extraordinary people”. It’s fair to say, she has and then some. “I learnt quite early on that there's an awkwardness around disability that I was going to have to lean into. I had to kind of get used to this discomfort around me and embrace it.” In this first episode of Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? Sophie and host Gemma Greaves explore getting uncomfortable on a daily basis, fighting against closed doors in the retail space, and Sophie’s documentary that highlights the abuse towards the disabled community. Tell Gemma & the Fresh Air team your story at uncomfortable@freshairproduction.co.uk. Listen and follow now to meet the incredible people who all have a story and who are all ready to sit uncomfortably. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We don’t have enough of life’s difficult conversations. We avoid getting uncomfortable. But - you don’t learn anything new by staying in your comfort zone. In a brand new podcast from Fresh Air, join Gemma Greaves, Founder of Nurture & Cabal, and her prickly chair as she chats to courageous storytellers who are comfortable with getting uncomfortable. Are You Sitting Uncomfortably? is all about addressing the topics that truly matter and being a catalyst for change, both in our personal and our work lives. Tell Gemma & the Fresh Air team your story at uncomfortable@freshairproduction.co.uk. Listen and follow now to meet the incredible people who all have a story and who are all ready to sit uncomfortably. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.