My Duvet Flip by Jackson Parsons

Hosted by Jackson Parsons

Business Careers EducationInterviews guests

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Episodes

234

Latest episode

Sep 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

My Duvet Flip is the UK's leading careers show, created and hosted by Jackson Parsons. Join Jackson as he delves into an enthralling discussion with people and their careers, where he explores some of their most memorable instances of making mistakes and the valuable lessons they gained from them.

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60 recent

November 12, 202625 min

Emily Barnett, Head of Commercial at Compare the Market: How to Change Careers the Right Way

Episode Guest Emily Barnett is Head of Commercial at Compare the Market. She started her career on an investment banking trading floor, then walked away from a fast-rising career with nothing lined up. She spent six months having coffee with anyone who would talk to her, and that led her into tech. Emily shares the career scorecard she uses to make every big decision, why “it’s a numbers game” applies to networking, and how purpose, flexibility and family moved up her list of priorities. She also talks about the legacy left by her grandmother, one of the UK’s first female law firm partners, and the legacy she wants to pass on to her own kids. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:48 Welcome Emily 02:14 First jobs and an investment banking internship 03:01 Advice to her younger self: find your voice sooner 04:11 Asking the questions that actually matter 06:15 How to actually make a career change 06:56 Leaving with nothing lined up 09:36 How to land the coffee chats 11:00 Networking is a numbers game 11:59 Why tech? 12:25 The career scorecard 13:44 How your scorecard changes over time 15:16 Why Compare the Market 16:53 An ego-less, high-performance culture 18:31 What a Head of Commercial actually does 19:57 What 18 months has taught her 20:50 Legacy and the working mums who inspired her 22:26 Advice for anyone entering the workforce 24:03 What’s your duvet flip? Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

September 10, 202625 min

CEO at Publicis Connected Media UK: What It REALLY Takes to Run a 4,000-Person Business

About Niel Bornman Niel Bornman is CEO of Publicis Connected Media UK, leading more than 4,000 people across the business. With almost three decades of experience, he is passionate about growth, leadership, adaptability and helping the next generation build careers in marketing. About Publicis Connected Media UK Publicis Connected Media UK brings together media, data, technology and marketing expertise to help brands connect with people and grow. Its teams work across areas including media investment, creators, search, AI and emerging technology. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:51 Meet Niel Bornman 2:17 Adapting to British Workplace Culture 3:55 Why Feedback Is Essential for Career Growth 5:16 Every Meeting Is an Interview for Your Next Job 5:42 Building Your Personal Brand and Reputation 6:34 What Makes a Great Leader? 7:34 Why Rapid Adaptability Is a Future Skill 8:01 How to Embrace Change and Develop a Growth Mindset 9:20 What Niel Learnt From Two Very Different Bosses 10:42 The Career Mistake Niel Never Made Again 11:36 Niel’s Leadership Philosophy in Three Words 12:42 Where Is the Marketing Industry Going? 15:15 How to Start a Career in Marketing With No Experience 17:41 Why Customer Service Experience Can Help Your Career 18:41 Why Teamwork Will Set You Apart 19:11 What Niel Actually Does as a CEO 21:58 The Invisible Secret Behind Niel’s Success 22:24 Why People Have to Choose to Follow You 23:52 What Gets Niel Out of Bed Every Morning 25:16 Final Thoughts Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

September 3, 202623 min

Roberta Cretella, Director of Data and AI at Compare the Market: How to Build a Career AI Can’t Replace

Episode Guest Roberta Cretella is Director of Data and AI Solutions at Compare the Market, where she leads the organisation’s data and AI strategy. Passionate about creating meaningful impact, she champions responsible AI, diversity in technology and building a career on your own terms. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:43 Meet Roberta Cretella 2:20 Will AI Take Our Jobs? 3:45 Building Resilience When Life Does Not Go to Plan 5:00 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt 6:34 Why Roberta Chose to Create Her Own Path 7:04 Breaking Expectations and Building a Different Future 9:03 Where Roberta’s Drive and Determination Come From 10:06 Why Young People Should Aim High 11:22 Meet Roberta Properly 11:43 Roberta’s First Year at Compare the Market 13:12 How to Become a Better Presenter 14:46 The Hardest Moments of Roberta’s Career 17:12 Why Asking for Support Matters 17:43 Being Bold and Brave Enough to Be Yourself 18:49 Why Diversity Is Essential for Responsible AI 21:15 Why Join Compare the Market? 22:34 Roberta’s Duvet Flip: Making an Impact Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

August 27, 202622 min

Justin Pegg, CEO at DPD UK: I Left School at 15, Now I Run a £2.5 Billion Business

About Justin Pegg Justin Pegg is the CEO of DPD UK, having built an extraordinary career with the business spanning more than 36 years. From working night shifts to leading the organisation, Justin is passionate about developing people, putting family first and creating a culture where everyone feels valued. Check out DPD UK Careers below: https://jobs.dpd.co.uk/ https://drivers.dpd.co.uk/ About DPD UK DPD UK is one of the UK’s leading parcel delivery businesses, helping deliver millions of parcels for customers across the country. Led by Justin Pegg, the wider UK business includes DPD UK, CitySprint and DPD Ireland, with revenues exceeding £2.5 billion. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Justin’s 36-Year Journey at DPD UK 2:46 Growing Up with Very Little in Birmingham 3:06 Why Young People Need to Look Beyond Their Screens 4:42 Why Justin Wanted to Inspire the Next Generation 5:15 Becoming a Manager at Just 22 6:04 Leaving School at 15 and Earning £1 an Hour 7:23 The Bike Ride That Started Justin’s Career 7:41 Working Night Shifts for 25 Years 8:35 Why Working Smarter Beats Working Harder 9:21 Why Justin Puts Family Before Work 10:35 Justin’s Greatest Achievement as a CEO 11:06 Treat People Like Adults and They’ll Work Like Adults 12:17 The Hardest Chapter of Justin’s Career 13:43 Why Justin Never Hires People Like Himself 14:07 Why Making Mistakes Can Make You Successful 16:03 The Leadership Advice Jack Never Forgot 16:41 Why Frontline Workers Are the Real Heroes 17:51 Justin’s Invisible Secret to Success 19:14 The Power of a Handwritten Note 20:16 How to Make Your People Feel Valued 20:46 What Gets Justin Out of Bed Every Morning 21:20 How to Train Your Mind to Be More Positive 22:04 Justin Discovers Drake 22:12 Final Thoughts Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

August 20, 202624 min

Robert Berkeley, CEO at EKCS: What 20+ Years in Business Taught Me About Careers

Guest Bio Robert Berkeley is the CEO of EKCS Group and a seasoned entrepreneur with decades of experience building and leading businesses across technology, creative production and marketing operations. His career has been driven by curiosity, calculated risk-taking and a belief that the best opportunities often come from taking the less obvious path. EKCS Group Bio EKCS Group is a global provider of outsourced, technology-enabled creative production and marketing support services. With more than 500 people worldwide, the business supports brands, agencies and creative teams around the clock. Chapters 0:00 Robert Berkeley on 20+ Years in Business 1:25 Meet Robert Berkeley, CEO of EKCS 1:55 Robert’s First Job and Early Career 3:42 Why Robert Chose the Lower-Paying Job 6:07 How a Credit Card Bill Sparked His Entrepreneurial Journey 9:24 Turning Curiosity Into Career Opportunities 11:07 Taking the Leap and Starting a Business 12:30 Robert’s Advice for Becoming a Better Networker 15:09 Why Curiosity Is Your Networking Superpower 16:26 Inside EKCS and What the Business Does 18:27 What 20+ Years in Business Taught Robert 18:44 Why Entrepreneurs Shouldn’t Chase the Money 20:45 Robert’s Biggest Lesson About Leadership 21:18 The Invisible Secret Behind Robert’s Success 22:26 What Gets Robert Out of Bed Every Morning 23:37 Robert’s Final Advice for Success Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

August 13, 202620 min

Suzanne Speak, Managing Director UK&I at Radisson Hotel Group: What 30 Years in Hospitality Taught Me About Success

About Suzanne Suzanne Speak is Managing Director for UK & Ireland at Radisson Hotel Group, with 30 years of experience in hospitality. From her first job at 13 to leading across the UK and Ireland, Suzanne is passionate about people, networking and creating career opportunities for the next generation. Radisson Hotel Group Radisson Hotel Group is an international hospitality group with hotels and career opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, from hotel operations to finance, legal, marketing and sustainability. The group focuses on memorable guest experiences while developing talent and creating opportunities for people to build long-term careers in hospitality. Chapters 0:00 Meet Suzanne Speak 1:13 Suzanne’s Journey into Hospitality 1:46 Building a Strong Work Ethic from a Young Age 3:54 Why Networking Is Essential for Career Success 5:18 The Importance of Being Authentic 7:08 The Sacrifices Behind a 30 Year Hospitality Career 9:10 Why Hotels Offer More Careers Than You Think 10:37 Suzanne’s Journey to Radisson Hotel Group 12:13 What Does a Managing Director Actually Do? 13:08 Building a People First Company Culture 13:54 Why Suzanne Became a Managing Director 14:31 Learning from Difficult Leaders and Experiences 15:16 Suzanne’s Advice for Young People Looking for Work 16:49 What Suzanne Would Tell Her 18 Year Old Self 17:33 The One Skill Suzanne Would Never Give Up 18:27 Suzanne’s Duvet Flip 19:32 The Quote That Perfectly Defines Suzanne’s Career Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

July 28, 202624 min

Julia Klein, Director of Performance Marketing at Compare the Market: How to Start a Career in Marketing

Episode Guest Julia Klein is Director of Performance Marketing at Compare the Market, where she leads the teams responsible for driving digital customer acquisition across paid media, search, SEO and content. Originally from Germany, Julia has built an international career by combining analytical thinking, curiosity and people-first leadership. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:25 Meeting Julia Klein 2:00 Julia's first job in Germany 2:52 The communication skills every career needs 5:13 Why every job teaches transferable skills 6:39 Moving from Germany to the USA and Scotland 8:00 Changing career plans from law to business 10:24 Why Julia chose marketing over consultancy 11:44 The confidence to apply before you're ready 12:48 Falling in love with performance marketing 13:26 What paid search actually is 14:06 Do you need to be good at maths? 15:13 Career advice for aspiring marketers 15:50 What is a T-shaped marketer? 17:13 How AI is changing marketing forever 19:47 Becoming Director of Performance Marketing 20:20 Leading high-performing marketing teams 22:19 Win or bin: Julia's leadership mindset 22:33 Why Compare the Market stands out 23:49 Julia's Duvet Flip 24:27 Final thoughts Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

July 23, 202624 min

Kate Hayward, UK Managing Director at Xero: How to Build a Network When You Know Nobody

About Kate Kate Hayward is the UK Managing Director at Xero, where she leads the company's mission to empower small businesses, accountants and bookkeepers through technology. Passionate about entrepreneurship, financial education and inclusive leadership, Kate is a strong advocate for helping people realise their potential regardless of their background. About Xero Xero is a global cloud accounting platform that helps small businesses, accountants and bookkeepers manage their finances more efficiently. Its software and educational resources are designed to simplify business finances and support sustainable growth. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:15 Kate's first job and the power of asking for feedback 2:42 Why you should build your own network 3:24 How to build a network when you know nobody 4:27 What "putting into your network" really means 5:34 How to demonstrate effort on your CV 6:25 Growing up with a self-employed dad 7:02 Perfectionism, resilience and believing anything is possible 8:46 Introversion, imposter syndrome and earning your place 9:57 Kate's journey to becoming UK Managing Director at Xero 11:15 Why you can't do it all and why that's okay 12:33 Dyslexia, AI and turning challenges into strengths 14:09 Why small businesses are struggling right now 15:49 Who teaches you to be an entrepreneur? 17:06 The one financial skill every business owner needs 18:02 What Xero does and supporting 1.3 million UK businesses 20:06 Breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship 20:49 Would Kate ever become an entrepreneur? 21:39 The quote that defines Kate's leadership 23:29 Kate's invisible success 24:13 Kate's Duvet Flip Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

July 9, 202628 min

Jeff Cleaven, Field Service Technician at Virgin Media O2: Why Customer Experience Is the Best Career Skill

Episode Guest Jeff Cleaven is a Field Service Technician at Virgin Media O2, helping customers across London stay connected by installing, maintaining and troubleshooting broadband, TV and phone services. Originally from South Africa, Jeff brings a people-first approach, a passion for learning and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Episode Partner This episode is part of My Duvet Flip's Choose Customer series, produced in partnership with Virgin Media O2. Virgin Media O2 is one of the UK's largest and most recognisable connectivity brands, delivering mobile, broadband, TV and business services to millions of customers across the country. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:28 Meeting Jeff Cleaven 2:48 Jeff's first job teaching children to swim 4:22 Why Jeff walked away from becoming a pilot 5:20 Changing careers and taking risks 6:05 Jeff's advice for anyone starting their career 7:06 Finding mentors by showing up 8:19 A day in the life of a Virgin Media O2 Field Service Technician 9:34 Installing broadband and solving customer problems 11:04 How every career taught Jeff something valuable 12:13 Why customer experience matters more than ever 13:46 How to deliver exceptional customer service 16:32 The technical skills behind the role 17:30 Dealing with difficult customers 20:12 Lessons from protecting wildlife in South Africa 22:10 Becoming a Field Service Technician at Virgin Media O2 23:01 Career opportunities and apprenticeships at Virgin Media O2 25:01 Learning, training and support at Virgin Media O2 26:27 Jeff's Duvet Flip 27:42 Final thoughts Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counselling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

July 2, 202623 min

Dom Burrows, Team Manager at Virgin Media O2: Why Customer Service Is the Best Place to Start Your Career

Episode Guest Dominic Burrows is an Executive Team Manager at Virgin Media O2, leading teams that resolve complex customer issues while developing future leaders. He is passionate about customer trust, resilience and helping people grow through great leadership. Episode Partner This episode is part of My Duvet Flip's Choose Customer series, produced in partnership with Virgin Media O2. Virgin Media O2 is one of the UK's largest and most recognisable connectivity brands, delivering mobile, broadband, TV and business services to millions of customers across the country. Chapters 0:00 Why I Wanted to Be a Millionaire 1:29 Introduction 2:37 Studying Marketing and Landing My First Sales Job 4:22 Why Money Isn't Everything 5:08 The #1 Skill You Need in Sales 5:59 Starting at Virgin Media O2 6:42 Why Customer Service Builds Great Leaders 7:59 What It's Really Like Managing Customer Complaints 9:03 How to Build Customer Trust 9:51 How I Got Promoted to Team Manager 10:49 What Makes a Great Leader? 11:50 The Book Challenge 12:19 Going Above and Beyond for Customers 14:35 Skills You Need to Succeed in Customer Service 15:22 Why I Chose a Career in Telecoms 16:12 Why Telecoms Is a Great Industry to Join 17:20 What Customer Trust Really Means 18:01 Helping Hundreds of Customers 19:56 Staying Positive When Every Day Brings Complaints 20:43 Why Every Complaint Is an Opportunity 21:05 My Duvet Flip 22:02 Final Thoughts Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counselling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you're struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

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