How I Became ...

Jack Renwick is a multi-award-winning designer renowned for her passion for innovative ideas. She collaborates closely with clients, delving into the core of their challenges and demonstrating how creative thinking can drive progress. As the founder of Jack Renwick Studio, Jack has spent the past 25 years working on a diverse array of projects for high-profile clients such as Amnesty International, eBay, BBC, Nokia, Royal Mail, Sir Elton John, and Stella McCartney. Her work has garnered acclaim from the world's most prestigious awards.

Jack originates from Glasgow and is a Fellow, a board member, an examiner, an advisor, a judge, a writer and a speaker and has received the epic honour of being selected as the D&AD President for 2023/24.

Part 2 of Jack’s story dives into the pressures of perfectionism, overcoming life-threatening surgery, and invaluable career advice for young creatives.

We discuss:

-Becoming a creative director and nearly getting fired

-The differences women faces in the workplace

-Dealing with perfectionism and anxiety

-Getting a kidney transplant from your brother

-Resigning from your job and starting your own agency

-Buying a holiday park…

-The importance of teaching creative subjects at school

Rob Pierre is a renowned investor, advisor, and one of the UK's most successful media leaders. In 2005, he co-founded the digital marketing company Jellyfish. As CEO, he expanded the business to over 2,000 employees across 28 global offices, serving high-profile clients such as Google and Netflix. In June 2023, Jellyfish was acquired by The Brandtech Group. Today, Rob is dedicated to sharing his wealth of experience and passion for innovation to inspire the next generation of business leaders. 

This week, we delve into Rob's personal journey, discussing the loss of his brother at a young age, the significance of entrepreneurial spirit, and the importance of using one's privilege to help others.

We Discuss:

- Experiencing the vibrant culture of growing up in Trinidad

- Discovering the world of entrepreneurship from a young age

- Overcoming the profound loss of a brother during childhood

- Embarking on a journey with an IBM Computer Studies degree

- Achieving the milestone of becoming the highest-paid employee at Sunglass Hut

- Meeting a life-changing mentor

- Launching and growing Jellyfish into a successful business

- Sharing insights for building a multi-million dollar enterprise

- Emphasising the crucial role of challenging the status quo

- Navigating the process of selling your company

- Offering valuable advice for aspiring investors

Recorded Live at Spotify Beach in Cannes

Olympic swimmer and Syrian refugee Yusra Mardini fled the Syrian Civil War with her sister Sara, making the perilous journey to Europe at only seventeen, including a treacherous crossing of the Aegean Sea in 2015.

After finding refuge in Germany, Yusra was selected to compete as part of the inaugural Refugee Olympic Team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and again in Tokyo four years later. On World Refugee Day 2023, Yusra announced the launch of her nonprofit, The Yusra Mardini Foundation, which aims to improve access to sports and education for refugee communities. Yusra has become a powerful advocate for forcibly displaced people worldwide.

Episode 61 explores the challenges of living in a war-torn country, the importance of not judging refugees, and how to use your voice to make a positive impact.

We discuss:

- Being born in Syria

- Beginning to swim at age 3

- Dreaming of becoming the next Michael Phelps at age 9

- Facing the onset of war at age 13

- Enduring the traumas of the Syrian conflict

- Undertaking a 25-day journey from Syria to Germany

- Crossing the Aegean Sea on a dinghy

- Keeping the Olympic dream alive

- Helping establish the Refugee Olympic Team

- Aims to change the perception of refugees

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Fleeing Syria at 13 years old

(00:02:18) From Syria to Olympic Swimming

(00:04:48) Starting Swimming at a Young Age

(00:07:27) The Daily Routine in Damascus

(00:09:55) Witnessing the Start of War in Syria

(00:12:23) Mourning the Loss in Syria

(00:14:51) The Youth Olympic Games and Political Reasons for Quitting Swimming

(00:17:10) Pursuing a Different Path in Life

(00:19:22) Life in a War Zone

(00:21:30) Packing for the Journey

(00:26:24) The Expensive Boat Journey

(00:28:44) Guardian Angels on the Boat

(00:31:10) Heartbreaking Journey across the Ocean

(00:33:25) A Life-Threatening Situation at Sea

(00:35:40) The Rescue at Sea

(00:37:58) Journey to Germany

(00:40:26) Impressive Syrian Swimmers

(00:42:39) Representing a Refugee Olympic Team

(00:45:14) The Impact of the Olympic Stadium

(00:47:37) Competing at the Olympics

(00:49:54) The Struggles and Dreams of Refugees

(00:52:19) Refugees and Stereotypes in the UK

(00:54:49) The Importance of Welcoming Immigrants in Society

(00:57:10) Supporting the Refugee Olympic Team

(00:59:32) A Heartwarming Moment

(01:01:59) A Heartfelt Story of Gratitude

Recorded Live at Spotify Beach in Cannes

Dustee Tucker Jenkins is a seasoned leader with nearly two decades of expertise in communications, media relations, executive positioning, government affairs, community relations, and reputation management. Currently, she serves as the Chief Public Affairs Officer for Spotify, where she oversees Government Affairs, Public Policy, Global Experiential & Content Productions, and manages enterprise-wide communications across 183 markets.

In Episode 60 of "How I Became," Dustee shares her journey from a small town to thriving in big cities, offers advice for those starting their careers, and provides tips on balancing motherhood with a demanding career.

We discuss:

- Growing up in a small Texas town

- Uncertain about your future path

- Experiencing a new world by moving to New York

- Landing your first job on Capitol Hill

- Aspiring to work in journalism and breaking into the press room

- Advancing to press secretary

- Receiving a call from the White House

- Transitioning to Crisis Communication

- Managing a data breach at Target

- Joining Spotify

- Balancing motherhood with a demanding career