The Talent Show

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Season 2

This season of The Talent Show unpacks all the ins and outs of the Financial Times, its journalism and all the aspects of the global financial newspaper. From the newsroom to data, business development, marketing, and more - this podcast gives you a 360 degrees overview of how the FT and its leaders think, learn, and grow. Hear directly from FT experts, about their career paths, their big lessons, and the exciting things that they've accomplished - and how you can do it too.

Episodes

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How to lead a media organisation to success, with Jon Slade

Jon Slade, Chief Commercial Officer of the Financial Times, traces his unconventional path to a successful media career. He shares lessons learned about agility, innovation, integrity, and leadership amid disruption. Slade discusses balancing business success and editorial independence, collaborating across departments, communicating at scale, and empowering teams. He explores AI's transformative potential and ethical risks for journalism. With rapid change ahead, Slade stresses lifelong learning and keeping an open, opportunistic mindset. He offers insights for young professionals and emphasizes that leadership comes from attitude, not authority.

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How to revolutionise journalism through visual storytelling, with Juliet Riddell

In this compelling episode, we engage with Juliet Riddell, the Head of New Formats at the Financial Times. Riddell is at the forefront of a revolution in the way news is presented, with an innovative approach that involves the use of video formats to narrate stories through unconventional mediums such as dance, music videos, and data visualisation. She is challenging the traditional boundaries of news presentation, offering a more engaging and immersive experience to the audience, captivating new audiences by making her videos more accessible on social media platforms and surprising people with a fresh and unique approach to journalism.

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How to balance self-care and professional success, with Isabelle Campbell

Explore the unique career journey of Isabelle Campbell, VP of Portfolio in the Product and Technology department at the Financial Times. From English literature to accounting, and now tech, Campbell shares her mindfulness practices and strategies for maintaining focus. She discusses her recent transition to the Product and Technology department, the role her team plays at the FT, and offers advice for young professionals. The conversation concludes with insights on diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

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How to transform tech & innovation journalism, with John Thornhill

Join us as we explore the career of John Thornhill, Innovation Editor and Tech Columnist at the Financial Times. From his early days as a graduate trainee to reporting on Russia's market economy in the 1990s, Thornhill's journey is a testament to his adaptability and curiosity. He discusses the generational shift in journalism, the birth of his venture, SIFTED, and the importance of travel. Thornhill shares valuable advice for aspiring journalists, emphasizing the need for curiosity, truth-seeking, and understanding of technology.

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How to build a career in political journalism, with Stephen Bush

Join us as Stephen Bush, esteemed columnist and associate editor at the Financial Times, shares his journey in political journalism. Discover his insights on truth, accuracy, and the importance of intellectual curiosity in the industry. Sign up for his 'Inside Politics' newsletter for more

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How to Master the Art of Product Management, with Lindsey Jayne

Lindsey Jayne shares her unconventional journey to the top, a path that saw her take a hiatus from university to serve as cabin crew. This unique experience not only allowed her to see the world but also provided her with a valuable perspective on service design, as she was part of the team designing the upper class experience at Virgin Atlantic. This early exposure to understanding a user's journey through a service has undoubtedly shaped her approach in her subsequent roles. Lindsey delves into her career trajectory, highlighting the significance of engaging with meaningful projects and brands. From the Financial Times to Monzo, Lindsey's work has consistently aimed to create a positive impact on people's lives

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How to lead Communications in different markets for a Media business, with Finola McDonnell

In this enlightening episode , we delve into the dynamic career of Finola McDonnell, the Chief Communication and Marketing Officer at the Financial Times. McDonnell, with her rich experience spanning over a decade in public policy and political communication, shares her journey from working in education and business representative groups to lobbying in Brussels. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as she recounts her transition into international media, with a particular focus on business and economic media. Join us as we explore the intricacies of her career path and gain valuable insights into the world of media and communication.

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How to navigate the world of Financial Markets, with Katie Martin

Katie Martin, the markets editor and writer of the Long View column at The Financial Times, shares her journey from a farming background to an unconventional career in financial journalism, a testament to her determination and passion for the craft. As a markets editor, Martin navigates the complex global financial landscape with skill and insight. She adeptly sifts through a wealth of economic data and geopolitical shifts, simplifying complex financial narratives into accessible content. Her unique abilities set her apart in the field.

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How to master a Business and Environmental Journalism career path, with Pilita Clark

In this episode FT Business Columnist Pilita Clark, an experienced journalist from a small Australian town, shares her path to global business journalism.

Clark's writing spans a broad range of topics, from boardroom dynamics to diversity and career development in the corporate world. Her work is not confined to the desk; she often finds herself meeting extraordinary individuals, exploring fascinating places, and satisfying her curiosity about how the world operates.

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How to successfully write your dreamed career path, with Jonathan Black

In this insightful episode Jonathan Black charts his journey, which began in the realm of engineering and traversed diverse fields such as computer sales, management consultancy, and publishing, before culminating in his current influential role. With a career that has spanned continents and a proficiency in multiple languages, Mr. Black offers a truly global perspective on career development. He also shares his insights on the concept of mini-retirements and the delicate balance between career goals and personal aspirations, providing a nuanced view on the evolving nature of work.

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How to build a financially sustainable news organisation, with Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin, Deputy CFO at the Financial Times, explores finance, media, and mergers & acquisitions, sharing her journey and insights. She illustrates how the Financial Times uses its infrastructure, playbook, and brand to stimulate business growth. Sophie emphasizes the importance of curiosity and understanding of the news business for prospective team members, also highlighting the company's successful graduate schemes and internships that nurture talent and foster fresh perspectives.

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How to become an award winning interviewer and storywriter, with Henry Mance

Delve into the intricate art of journalistic interviewing with Henry Mance, a distinguished figure in the world of finance journalism. This insightful podcast features Mance's profound expertise on carrying out compelling interviews, underscored by anecdotes from his engagements with influential figures such as Boris Becker, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tyson Fury and Jordan Peterson. From the traditional tools of the trade — a reliable recorder, a resilient pen, a carefully crafted list of questions, and an ever-ready notepad — to a critical assessment of digital dependencies, Mance shares a panoramic view of the journalist's essential arsenal.

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How to design a consultancy career in and for the media industry, with Tara Lajumoke

Tara Lajumoke, the Managing Director of the media consulting start-up within the Financial Times, FT Strategies, highlights the importance of owning your career path as a consultant by sticking to your values, focusing on diversity, and surrounding yourself with the best talent.

After working for McKinsey for eight years, Tara was excited to take on a new challenge and question her preconceptions about working in the media industry. She founded FT Strategies to empower other businesses in the media industry to bring the truth to the public based on the lived and long experience of the Financial Times.

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How to build an unconventional career as a global economics commentator, with Martin Wolf

In this episode of the Talent Show, renowned economist and Financial Times journalist Martin Wolf delves into his journey from the World Bank to journalism. He underscores the importance of authenticity and career pursuits that ignite passion. Wolf also shares personal insights, acknowledging his family's influence on his values and the shaping role of history in his worldview. He offers advice on navigating an unpredictable world, emphasizing a broad perspective and deep historical knowledge. Reflecting on his education and inspirations, he highlights his internal drive and interaction with current events as key to his ideation and work.

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How to master fashion and lifestyle journalism, with Jo Ellison

Jo Ellison, Editor of HTSI, provides an insider's look into the intriguing world of luxury journalism and discusses the ever-evolving landscape of the industry. The conversation delves into the editorial strategies employed by How To Spend It (HTSI) at the Financial Times, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance between compelling content and stunning visuals. Jo also addresses the challenges of publishing the same content online as in print, emphasising the need to adapt and innovate in the digital age.

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How to navigate media law and defend journalistic integrity, with Nigel Hanson

Nigel Hanson is a media lawyer with more than a decade of experience as in-house counsel at the Financial Times. Hanson highlights the significance of comprehending newsroom dynamics, journalistic ethics, and the cognitive processes of reporters as essential components for success in his unique position. He recounts his involvement in a variety of notable cases, such as the Wirecard scandal and the President's Club investigation, demonstrating the meticulous journalism and collaborative efforts required to produce high-quality work.

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How to build an events business for journalism, with Orson Francescone

In this episode, Orson Francescone, Managing Director of FT Live, discusses his career journey, B2B media revenue streams, Covid challenges, and innovations in events. He offers insights for young professionals entering the industry, emphasizing the importance of tech and digital skills. Listen for leadership and team performance wisdom from Orson's expertise.

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How to feel confident about money, with Claer Barrett

Claer Barrett is Consumer Editor at the Financial Times, and author of "What They Don't Teach You About Money." Claer shares her wealth of knowledge on personal finance, providing valuable insights on how to manage your money and invest in the stock market and beyond. From her early days at the Investors Chronicle to her current role at the FT, Claer has become a trusted authority on all things money-related.

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How to become a marketer for journalism, with Fiona Spooner

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Fiona shares valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of media and marketing, also touching on career development, from the challenges of returning to work after maternity leave to the importance of being open-minded and curious in a constantly changing industry. Fiona also discusses the misconception surrounding marketing and the scientific data and technology that lies behind it, as well as the importance of creating and maintaining a positive culture in the workplace.

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How to Become an Investigative Journalist, with Dan McCrum

Dan McCrum, an investigative reporter at the Financial Times, discusses his journey of becoming one of the most renowned journalists in the financial news space, especially after his investigation into the fintech fraud Wirecard, which is considered one of the most significant financial scandals of the past decade. McCrum shares his insights on the essential steps to conducting a successful investigation, emphasising the importance of observing human behaviour and meticulously scrutinising a company's financials to identify the subtle details that reveal intriguing cases worth investigating.

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