Podcast · Business

Climb Show

by Ritchie & Mark · English · Business

Welcome to Climb Show hosted by two of the most prominent names in marketing, Mark Evans, the MD of Marketing at Direct Line Group and Chairman of the School of Marketing and Ritchie Mehta, the CEO of the School of Marketing. Expect weekly insights into the marketing space and what it takes to make

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 46 min
Latest: 25 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

25 Sep 2026 · 45 min

How to Find Growth When Everyone Says There Is None | Rob Weston

What does it take to keep growing when the obvious growth levers stop working? In this episode, we sit down with Rob Weston, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Loop EarPlugs, whose career has taken him from Unilever and McKinsey to M&S, Samsung, Beauty Pie, Asda and now Loop Earplugs. Rob shares the lessons he’s learned from moving between some of the world’s biggest companies and fast-growing businesses, including why “the grass is rarely greener, it’s a different shade of green” and why he’s always been drawn to change, reinvention and growth. We also dive into how Loop grew from…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · 18 Sep 2026 · 46 min
How to Lead in the Age of AI, Move Faster & Actually Love Your Work | Sophie Devonshire
What if managing your energy matters more than managing your time? In this episode, we welcome back Sophie Devonshire, CEO of The Marketing Society, for a fascinating conversation about leadership, marketing, ambition, AI, career growth and what it really means to thrive at work. Sophie shares why she believes we are entering a new golden age of marketing, why marketers need to become better at “marketing marketing”, and how the profession can play a bigger role in driving responsible business growth. We also get into the very practical side of leadership: managing your energy, staying…
S1 · 14 Sep 2026 · 43 min
How to Build a Brand People Love | Sara Holt on Marketing, Leadership & AI
What makes a brand so good that customers keep coming back? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Holt, CMO of Center Parcs UK & Ireland, to unpack the thinking behind one of the UK’s most loved experience brands, her approach to marketing leadership, customer experience, commercial growth and the rapidly changing world of AI. Sarah shares how Center Parcs achieved record revenue of £758 million, record EBITDA of £323.9 million and its highest ever occupancy of 97.5%, while revealing why the real secret to the brand’s success isn’t advertising. It’s the experience customers have once…
S1 · 3 Sep 2026 · 43 min
The Truth About Bad Clients, Great Brands & AI | Ed Birth
What does it take to build a distinctive brand in a low-interest category like insurance? And how might AI completely change the way insurance is bought? In this episode, we sit down with Ed Birth, Head of Brand Marketing at Hiscox UK, to unpack what great brand leadership really looks like — from his nearly 20 years in agency life to moving client-side, building Hiscox’s brand relaunch in 2023, and thinking about the future of marketing in an AI-driven world.
S1 · 28 Aug 2026 · 48 min
Why Customers Aren’t Loyal Anymore, And How Brands Can Fix It | Simon Jamieson
What really makes a customer loyal? Is it points, discounts and loyalty programmes or something much deeper? In this episode, we sit down with Simon Jamieson, Managing Director of Marketing Lounge Partnership (MLP), to unpack what customer loyalty really means in a world where information, choice and convenience have become completely commoditised. Simon shares why brands need to move beyond short-term retention metrics and focus on creating positive emotions, building relationships and influencing customer behaviour. From his “happy heart, happy wallet” philosophy to his Loyalty Layer Cake,…
S1 · 24 Aug 2026 · 42 min
The Future of Search Is NOT Google: Max Sinclair on AEO, AI Agents & What’s Coming Next
AI is changing the way we search, shop, work and make decisions and according to Max Sinclair, we’re only at the beginning. In this episode, we sit down with Max Sinclair, Founder & CEO of Azoma, an AI search and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) agency working with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Mars, Colgate, P&G, Reckitt, Unilever and Zappos. Max breaks down what comes after traditional SEO, why brands need to start thinking about AEO, and how AI agents could completely change the way consumers discover and buy products. We also get into the bigger questions around agentic…
S1 · 14 Aug 2026 · 45 min
Stop Following the Playbook: How to Become a Better Marketer | Lauren Berkemeyer
In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Berkeymeyer, Chief Marketing Officer at u life, for a candid conversation about unconventional careers, hustling, taking risks, building from scratch and thinking beyond the traditional marketing playbook. Lauren describes herself as a “non-boxy CMO” someone who thrives on unpredictability, experimentation and carving her own path rather than simply following a prescribed playbook. We talk about what hustling really means in marketing, why marketers need to get out into the field and experience rejection, how to identify your North Star, and why…
S1 · 7 Aug 2026 · 45 min
The Career Advice Every 20 & 30-Something Needs to Hear (From a Global Marketing Leader)
From teaching pottery in South India to leading Global Insights, Planning & Brand Strategy at Standard Chartered, Tim Hulbert has had one of the most unconventional careers you’ll ever hear about. In this episode, Tim shares how curiosity, saying “yes” to opportunities, and embracing uncertainty shaped a career that spans television, digital publishing, Fortune 500 companies, and global banking. We dive into the future of careers, AI, leadership, marketing, stakeholder management, wealth psychology, luck vs hard work, and why the best career advice might simply be: “Just do something."
S1 · 31 Jul 2026 · 41 min
How L’Oréal Uses AI to Transform Marketing Effectiveness | Global Marketing Leaders Reveal All
In this episode, we sit down with Vasileios Kourakis, Global Marketing Effectiveness Director at L’Oréal, and Camille Erard, Luxury & Beauty Partner at Ekimetrics, to unpack how one of the world’s biggest beauty companies is transforming marketing through AI, advanced measurement and data-driven decision making. From building a culture of marketing effectiveness to scaling AI across global teams, this conversation explores how leading brands move beyond dashboards and reporting to create real business impact.
S1 · 23 Jul 2026 · 56 min
Why Hard Work Alone Isn’t Enough Anymore | Mike Soutar
What does it take to lead in an AI-first world? In this episode, Mike Soutar, former The Apprentice advisor, entrepreneur, and author of Next Gen CEO shares the leadership frameworks every modern leader needs.
S1 · 16 Jul 2026 · 47 min
How Top CMOs Think in 2026 (AI, Leadership & Marketing Strategy)
Marketing is changing faster than ever. AI is reshaping the industry, customer behavior is evolving, and marketers are being asked to do more with less. So what does it actually take to lead marketing in 2026? In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Fuller, Chief Marketing Officer at The AA, whose career spans some of the UK’s most iconic brands including Procter & Gamble, Nando’s, British Airways, John Lewis, and more. Sarah shares practical lessons on leading high-performing marketing teams, building brands that customers genuinely trust, using AI without losing creativity, and why…
S1 · 9 Jul 2026 · 51 min
Why Most Marketers Will Struggle with AI (And How to Stay Ahead) | Tamara Rogers
This week, we’re joined by Tamara Rogers, former Chief Marketing Officer at Haleon and former Unilever marketing leader, for a masterclass on modern marketing, leadership, AI, consumer insights and building billion-dollar brands. After spending 25 years at Unilever and helping build Haleon into one of the world’s largest consumer health companies, Tamara shares what it really takes to build brands that consumers trust, how global marketing is evolving, why critical thinking matters more than ever in the AI era, and the leadership principles behind high-performing teams. Whether you’re a…
S1 · 2 Jul 2026 · 39 min
How to get your dream job
In this episode, we sit down with Kate Gandhi, VP of Marketing at Bally’s Interactive, to unpack the twists, setbacks, and pivotal moments that shaped her career. From being rejected by her dream graduate scheme at Diageo to building an international career across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, startups, and global brands, Kate shares the lessons she’s learned about leadership, confidence, career growth, and navigating uncertainty.
S1 · 26 Jun 2026 · 54 min
Why Great Brands Win (And Weak Brands Get Exposed by AI) | Nick Emmel
What happens when AI stops listening to what brands say… and starts revealing what they actually are? In this episode, we sit down with Nick Emmel, Founder of Mr. President, one of the UK’s most distinctive creative agencies, to unpack why most brands are built backwards and what it really takes to create brands people believe in. From Ryanair and Apple to Vodafone and Metro Bank, Nick shares why brand isn’t advertising, identity or a campaign, it’s the total experience.
S1 · 22 Jun 2026 · 39 min
She Applied to 200 Jobs Before Landing EasyJet - Jessica Houston
From sending 200 job applications to leading Marketing Strategy & Operations across EMEA at EasyJet, Jessica Houston’s career journey is a masterclass in resilience, networking, growth and building a career with intention. In this episode, Jess opens up about: - Breaking into consumer marketing - Building relationships that create opportunities - Navigating restructures and uncertainty - Why marketing operations deserves more attention - How AI is changing the future of work - Burnout, boundaries and redefining success - Mentoring, leadership and continuous learning
S1 · 4 Jun 2026 · 41 min
The Future of B2B Marketing, AI & Growth | Elly Sherwin, CMO of Fundament
From helping scale Silicon Valley Bank across global markets to leading through one of the most dramatic moments in modern banking history, Elly Sherwin has seen leadership, growth, resilience, and marketing from every angle. In this episode, Elly shares what it was really like navigating the collapse of SVB, the transition into HSBC Innovation Banking, and why she ultimately chose to return to startup life as CMO of Fundament. We explore how modern B2B marketing is evolving, what it takes to drive predictable growth, how marketers can build stronger relationships with customers, and why…
S1 · 29 May 2026 · 48 min
How Wise Built A $10B Brand Without Traditional Marketing
What actually makes a startup scale into a billion-dollar brand? In this episode, we sit down with Lukas Bergmans, former Marketing Director at Wise and marketing leader behind brands like Kazoo, MoneySuperMarket, Pepsi, Heineken & Britvic.
S1 · 22 May 2026 · 45 min
The Future of Marketing Isn’t AI Content… It’s Human Psychology | Justin Lane
What if the future of marketing isn’t about trends, algorithms or viral hooks… but understanding human psychology at a deeper level than ever before? In this episode, we sit down with Justin Lane, founder of Culture Pulse, former Oxford researcher & AI expert, to unpack one of the most mind-bending conversations around AI, marketing, psychology & human behavior. From studying conflict zones in Belfast, Bosnia & Palestine to building psychologically realistic digital twins powered by behavioral science, Justin explains why most AI systems fundamentally misunderstand how humans make decisions.
S1 · 14 May 2026 · 46 min
AI Won’t Replace Great Marketers, Rightmove CMO Explains Why
In this episode, we sit down with Matt Bushby, CMO at Rightmove, to explore how marketing is evolving in the age of AI, audience fragmentation, and changing consumer behavior. Matt shares practical insights on brand building, segmentation, creativity, LLM search, and why AI should empower marketers, not replace them.
S1 · 7 May 2026 · 46 min
Google Reveals the Future of Work & Marketing ft. David Black
AI is no longer hype, it’s driving real business results. In this episode, we sit down with David Black (Managing Director at Google) to break down how AI is transforming marketing, creativity, and the future of work. From 60% faster business growth for AI-leading companies to 27% more conversions using AI-powered tools, this conversation dives deep into what’s actually working right now. We explore how Google is building the future with AI, from Gemini models and TPUs to changing consumer behavior across searching, streaming, scrolling, and shopping.
S1 · 30 Apr 2026 · 43 min
How to Build a Brand That People Love & Pay For | Annabelle Cordelli
What does it really take to build an iconic brand in today’s world? In this episode, Annabelle Cordelli (SVP, Virgin Atlantic) shares powerful insights on modern marketing, brand building, and leadership from understanding culture and consumer behavior to creating unforgettable customer experiences. From competing on price in crowded markets to maintaining brand differentiation, this conversation dives deep into the fundamentals that stay constant across industries and what’s changing fast.
S1 · 24 Apr 2026 · 48 min
You don’t need a perfect plan, You need better thinking | Maria Koutsoudakis
What does it really take to build a career in modern marketing? In this episode,Maria Koutsoudakis (Chief Brand Officer at VodafoneThree) shares a brutally honest and refreshingly grounded take on marketing, career growth, and leadership.
S1 · 16 Apr 2026 · 34 min
How To Build An Extraordinary Career | Real Talk with Anna Braithwaite
What does it really take to build an extraordinary career in today’s fast-changing world? In this live podcast episode, we sit down with a senior leader from John Lewis to unpack real, unfiltered insights on career growth, leadership, AI, failure, and what actually drives long-term success. From navigating the first 90 days in a new role to creating visibility at work, embracing messy opportunities, and handling high-pressure failures, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately.
S1 · 10 Apr 2026 · 47 min
What Great Leaders Do Differently Today Explained | Simonetta Rigo
What does it really take to succeed in modern marketing? In this episode, Simonetta Rigo, Chief Client Officer at Rathbones and former McKinsey consultant, breaks down the reality of marketing today, from rapid growth pressures to evolving technology, and why the best marketers think beyond campaigns and focus on customer experience. This is a deep dive into leadership, brand strategy, and sustainable growth in one of the most competitive industries today.
S1 · 2 Apr 2026 · 47 min
AI, Creators & The Future of Advertising | Ruth Mortimer
In this episode, we sit down with Ruth Mortimer, Global President of Advertising Week, to unpack the future of marketing, leadership, and the creator economy. From starting her career in archaeology to leading a global media and events business, Ruth shares powerful insights on building a non-linear career, scaling organizations across continents, and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.
S1 · 27 Mar 2026 · 43 min
Marketing Strategy Explained by ASOS EVP | Ben Blake
What does it take to lead marketing at one of the world’s biggest fashion platforms? In this episode, Ben Blake (EVP Customer & Commercial at ASOS) breaks down the real truth about marketing, storytelling, and building brands in a cluttered digital world. From reporting in war zones with CNN to consulting at McKinsey & Company, and leading roles at Expedia, Ben shares how storytelling became the common thread across his career.
S1 · 20 Mar 2026 · 41 min
Marketing Secrets from a Global CMO | Paul Fletcher
What does it really take to build a high-performing marketing career, lead at the highest level, and create lasting customer loyalty? In this episode, we sit down with Paul Fletcher, Group CMO of Schroders Wealth Management, to unpack the realities of modern marketing, from career pivots and imposter syndrome to building teams, staying relevant, and leading with energy. Paul shares how he thinks about incremental growth, why energy attracts opportunity, and what truly drives customer loyalty in high-trust industries like wealth management.
S1 · 12 Mar 2026 · 49 min
Leadership Advice for an AI Era | Career Insights from Laura Joseph
What does the future of AI, leadership, and marketing really look like? In this episode, we sit down with Laura Joseph, Chief Customer Officer at Tesco Mobile, to explore her extraordinary journey from studying classics and science fiction to leading customer strategy at one of the UK’s biggest telecom brands. Laura shares how early exposure to technology, combined with a personal challenge with arthritis, pushed her toward computing during the early days of the internet. From building her first computer to launching broadband products and now navigating the AI revolution, her career sits at…
S1 · 5 Mar 2026 · 47 min
How a Marketer Became CEO of The Economist | Luke Bradley-Jones on AI, Media & Leadership
Only 4% of C-suite marketers ever become CEO. So how did Luke Bradley Jones make it? In this episode, we sit down with Luke Bradley Jones, CEO and President of The Economist Group, to unpack the real journey from marketing to CEO and what most leaders get wrong. From launching NOW TV at Sky, to leadership roles at BBC and Disney, to becoming custodian of a 180+ year old global brand, this is a masterclass in modern leadership.
S1 · 27 Feb 2026 · 47 min
AI, Influencers & The Future of Marketing | Richard Bowden
In this episode, we sit down with Richard Bowden, Marketing & Digital Director at Boots No7 Beauty Company, to explore how modern marketing is evolving, from AI and agencies to influencers and leadership. Richard shares lessons from his career across major global brands including Unilever, and the transformation of No7 into a science-led skincare powerhouse.

About Climb Show

Climb Show is a English business podcast from Ritchie & Mark. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Ritchie & Mark
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 46 min
Latest episode: 25 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1536877345
Rights: Ritchie & Mark

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