Leading Conversations

Hosted by Lane

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

In this first short series, we speak to a number of senior leaders within the Marketing industry in Scotland, discussing a wide range of topics - from the trials and tribulations of starting and building a successful marketing agency, to marketing innovation within the drinks industry, the hot topic of sustainability and marketing in a pre and post Covid world. This podcast series highlights the creativity, passion, resilience and success of some of our talented industry colleagues.

Listen to episodes

43 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 4236 min

WACL Special - Claire & Juliet - Ep 42

Barry sat down with WACL President Claire Sadler and Juliet Simpson fresh from the Festival of Talent in Edinburgh — and it's one not to miss.WACL - Women in Advertising and Communications Leadership - are on a mission to accelerate gender equality across marketing, media and advertising.From inspiring the next generation of talent, to redefining what great leadership actually looks like to pushing for 50% female CEOs— the conversation with Claire and Juliet covers it all.

May 21, 2026Episode 4120 min

Navigate: Now & Next Live 2026 - Jodie & Michael - Ep 41

The latest episode of the Leading Conversations podcast was recorded live at the recent Marketing Society Scotland's Navigate (formerly known as Digital Day) in front of a packed auditorium at the Glasgow Science Centre. It was a day of actionable inspiration and practical conversations, bringing together Change Leaders, industry experts, and the people shaping marketing’s digital and technological evolution whilst redefining business, brand growth, and customer experience. As is now tradition, guest host Paul Borthwick was joined on stage by some Rising Stars of the Marketing Society's Future Leaders' Advisory Group (FLAG).

April 20, 2026Episode 401 hr 0 min

Scotland championing Scotland - Vicki Miller and Marie Owen - Ep 40

In this episode, Barry talks to Vicki Miller, CEO of Visit Scotland and Marie Owen, Founder & CEO of LS Productions about Scotland championing Scotland. Despite their varied roles and career journeys to date, their inspiring stories intertwine and illustrate their passion for our small but mighty, beautiful country.

February 24, 2026Episode 391 hr 2 min

B2B Marketing - being future fit – Kate Bremner & Julie McConnell – Ep 39

The latest episode of Leading Conversations is out now. In Episode 39, Barry is joined by Kate Bremner and Julie McConnell for a deep dive into the world of B2B marketing - breaking down the complexity of long sales cycles, the principles behind great marketing, and why adaptability is more important than ever. The conversation spans analytics, evolving buyer behaviour and the role of AI - with a powerful reminder to use AI as “an assistant, not an assassin.”

December 10, 2025Episode 3847 min

Shaping the Industry & the Next Generation - George Shepherd - Ep 38

The latest episode of our Leading Conversations podcast is out now and it's a good one.... Barry has a candid conversation with George Shepherd about his varied career in advertising, spanning 35 years working all over the world on behalf of blue chip brands including Heinz, Kelloggs, KFC, Lego, Star Wars, Nike and the BBC. George tells stories from the creation of his company Red Spider, to lock ins at Lego and the inspiration behind the Advertising course that he has curated at Napier University, inspiring the next generation of talent.

November 11, 2025Episode 3724 min

Changemakers: Marketing in the age of AI - Ep 37

This special episode was recorded live at the Marketing Society Scotland's Changemaker conference in Edinburgh. Barry was joined by Ian Duncan and Kathryn Strachan, as they explored how marketers can embrace AI innovation responsibly and what it means for ethics, trust and creativity.

October 9, 2025Episode 3626 min

Turning AI hype into strategy - Ep 36

In this special episode of Leading Conversations, recorded live at Lane’s 'AI in the Third Sector' event at Edinburgh’s Everyman Cinema, Barry takes to the stage with a panel of sector leaders to unpack the reality of AI beyond the hype.Josiah Lockhart (Changeworks), Judith Turbyne (Children in Scotland), John Fitzgerald (SCVO), Lora Vernon(VOCAL) and Declan Mair (Worldwide Cancer Research) share honest perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and ethical dilemmas AI brings to the Third Sector.With nearly 70 people in the room, this episode captures the energy, debate and inspiration of an afternoon that showed how AI can move from buzzword to strategy. 🎧

August 19, 2025Episode 351 hr 0 min

Brand Builder, Team Builder & Legacy Maker - Ian McAteer - Ep 35

In the latest episode of Leading Conversations, Barry meets Ian McAteer, until recently the Chairman of The Union agency - a man of many stories, industry anecdotes, nicknames and wise words. Ian candidly shares his story from his early days as a barrister, to landing a role at Saatchi and Saatchi, co-founding The Union in a park and subsequently buying a Church, infamous agency parties, why his wife calls him "Heinz 57" and how he recently led transition for The Union to become an Employee Owned Trust.

May 27, 20251 hr 1 min

Copy, Campaigns & Creativity - Gerry Farrell - Ep 34

In the latest episode of Leading Conversations, Barry meets the copywriting legend that is Gerry Farrell. Their conversation meanders from Gerry’s unconventional start in advertising to making some of the most famous adverts in Scotland over the last few decades.Amongst many other things, Gerry reminisces on the perfect three-word Irn-Bru brief (“Out Christmas Coke”), how Caledonia was note-perfect for that famous Tennent’s ad, how he received a testimonial from a knight of the realm - and the importance of ‘filling your bin’ - an important lesson for aspiring young creatives…

May 7, 2025Episode 3330 min

Digital Day Live 2025 - Ep 33

The latest episode of the Leading Conversations was recorded live at the recent Marketing Society Scotland Digital Day. We were joined by some inspirational speakers from leading brands, platforms and agencies, who shared their learnings, insights and exciting new technologies to a packed auditorium at the Glasgow Science centre. Barry Fearn was joined on stage by some Rising Stars of the Marketing Society, future leader members to reflect on the discussions of the day and to share their own key take outs and learnings.