What does playing in a punk band and leading a digital agency have in common? Quite a lot, it turns out. In this episode of A Little Bit Radical, host Rob Fawkes sits down with Sepas Seraj, Founder of Pixeled Eggs, a purpose-driven digital agency working with organisations like the Earthshot Prize, World Cancer Research Fund, and the Royal Foundation for the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Sepas shares his journey from growing up in Iran and moving to the UK, to playing in punk bands, and eventually building a digital agency that helps mission-driven organisations thrive. This conversation covers creativity, collaboration, and the lessons he’s brought from the rehearsal room into the workplace.

🎸 From Punk to Pixels: How playing in bands shaped Sepas’ approach to leadership and creativity.🌍 A Purpose-Driven Business: The journey to founding Pixeled Eggs and why they focus on mission-driven clients.💡 Lessons from the Earthshot Prize: How working with Prince William’s environmental initiative embodies the agency’s values.💻 The Digital World’s Evolution: From pre-social media days to today’s digital chaos—what’s changed, and what’s stayed the same?🤝 Long-Term Client Partnerships: Why great digital work happens over time, not in quick wins.🎤 Radical Thinking: Why everyone should embrace collaboration, get off their backside, and just start something.

🗣️ "Work should feel like being in a band—you and a few people in a room, making something great together."🗣️ "We focus too much on what divides us and not enough on what brings us together."🗣️ "Great digital projects are like gigs—lots of practice, then a big moment where it all comes together."

• Sepas Seraj on LinkedIn: Sepas Seraj LinkedIn

• Pixeled Eggs Website: Pixeled Eggs

• Rob Fawkes on LinkedIn: Rob Fawkes LinkedIn

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In this episode, we discuss:Memorable Quotes:Follow Sepas and Pixeled Eggs:Stay Connected with Rob and 'A Little Bit Radical':

*Use code RADICAL10 for 10% off a standard ticket for Aspire Leadership's public courses.*

In this episode of A Little Bit Radical, host Rob Fawkes speaks with Pradeep Jeyaratnam-Joyner, Head of Company Development at Aspire Leadership, a B Corp consultancy focused on leadership, communication, and workplace culture. Pradeep shares his journey from growing up in Stoke to training as an actor, and how those experiences shaped his views on leadership, inclusion, and the power of storytelling. This insightful conversation explores what it means to be a leader today, the challenges leaders face in a changing world, and how storytelling and inclusion can transform workplace cultures.

In this episode, we discuss:

Pradeep’s Unconventional Path: From a South Asian upbringing in Stoke to acting school and eventually a career in leadership development.

Lessons from Acting: How acting taught Pradeep about resilience, self-awareness, and the dynamics of human interaction, and how these lessons translate to leadership.

The Leadership Landscape: How the role of leaders has evolved in recent years, including the challenges of enabling teams, creating psychological safety, and navigating external pressures like climate change and societal expectations.

The Power of Storytelling: Why stories are fundamental to human connection and how leaders can use storytelling to foster understanding, build trust, and create a shared vision.

Inclusion and Cultural Change: Pradeep’s thoughts on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and the importance of creating space for differing perspectives.

Radical Ideas for the World: Encouraging people to volunteer as trustees for small charities and why good governance is vital for local organisations.

Memorable Quotes:

"Leadership doesn’t always come from the top—it can come from anywhere in an organisation."

"Great storytelling isn’t just about the end of the story; it’s about showing how you got there."

"If we can learn to work with differing perspectives, we can work with any kind of diversity."

Further Reading and Resources:

The Gift by Lewis Hyde - A book exploring the nature of giving and art in society.

Aspire Leadership Website: Aspire Leadership

Follow Pradeep and Aspire Leadership:

Pradeep Jeyaratnam-Joyner on LinkedIn: Pradeep Jeyaratnam-Joyner LinkedIn

Aspire Leadership on LinkedIn: Aspire Leadership LinkedIn

Stay Connected with Rob and 'A Little Bit Radical':

Rob Fawkes on LinkedIn: Rob Fawkes LinkedIn

A Little Bit Radical Newsletter: Sign Up Here

In this episode of A Little Bit Radical, host Rob Fawkes talks with Matt Herbert, co-founder and co-CEO of Tracksuit, the brand tracking platform revolutionising how brands measure their impact. Matt shares his journey from an outdoorsy upbringing in New Zealand to co-founding a global tech company. They discuss the challenges of scaling a startup, enabling creativity through data, and making conscious personal choices that align with one’s values. This conversation provides inspiring insights into modern marketing, leadership, and the importance of action in turning ideas into reality.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Matt’s Entrepreneurial Roots: How growing up with a trailblazing father in New Zealand shaped Matt’s fearless and innovative mindset.

• The Tracksuit Story: How Matt and his co-founders bootstrapped their brand tracking platform and validated it with real customer needs before securing venture capital.

• Revolutionising Brand Tracking: How Tracksuit is making brand performance data accessible to all businesses, not just corporate giants.

• Balancing Brand and Performance Marketing: The importance of combining long-term brand building with short-term sales activation to drive sustainable growth.

• Startup Leadership: Lessons from co-leading a fast-growing startup, including empowering teams, hiring exceptional talent, and keeping the company mission clear.

• Conscious Personal Choices: Matt’s journey to veganism and how personal values can drive meaningful change.

• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: The power of starting small, talking to people, and embracing a bias for action.

Memorable Quotes:

• "The world of startups is littered with ideas that never got validated. Talk to people, ask for feedback, and make things happen."

• "Brands need a common language to show their impact and secure their seat at the boardroom table."

• "Sustainable growth comes from converting demand today and building demand for tomorrow."

Further Reading and Resources:

• The Long and the Short of It - Les Binet and Peter Field’s seminal work on marketing effectiveness.

• Future Demand - James Herman’s book on the importance of brand building for modern businesses.

Follow Matt and TrackSuit:

• Matt Herbert on LinkedIn: Matt Herbert LinkedIn

• TrackSuit Website: TrackSuit

Stay Connected with Rob and 'A Little Bit Radical':

• Rob Fawkes on LinkedIn: Rob Fawkes LinkedIn

A Little Bit Radical Newsletter: Sign Up Here

In this episode, host Rob Fawkes speaks with George Gabriel, co-founder of The Dad Shift, a campaign advocating for fairer paternity and secondary caregiver leave in the UK. George shares his personal story, from growing up with a feminist activist mother to leading campaigns for refugees and working in the tech sector at Meta. They discuss the urgent need for change in the UK’s parental leave policies, the challenges of launching a grassroots campaign, and how fatherhood shaped George’s perspective on equality and family life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• George’s Activist Roots: Growing up with a trailblazing feminist mother and how it influenced his passion for campaigning.

• Fatherhood and Parental Leave: George’s personal experiences during his paternity leave and the stark contrast between his opportunities and the statutory offer in the UK.

• Launching The Dad Shift Campaign: The mission to address the UK’s woefully inadequate paternity leave policies and the creative stunt used to grab public attention.

• Global Comparisons: Lessons from countries like Sweden, where shared parental leave policies help bridge the gender gap and support families better.

• Why Employers Should Care: The benefits of improved parental leave policies for businesses, from attracting and retaining talent to enhancing productivity.

• Advice for Aspiring Campaigners: Why starting, learning, and finding allies is key to building momentum for change.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Radicalism, candour, and kindness are muscles you have to build—and the only way to build them is to start."

• "The gender pay gap is a double bind—we can only solve it if more fathers take paternity leave."

• "Supporting families at critical moments isn’t just good for employees, it’s good for business too."

Get Involved:

• Sign the Dad Shift Letter to Labour: Visit The Dad Shift

Further Reading and Resources:

• The Fatherhood Institute: Advocating for gender equality in parenting.

• Pregnant Then Screwed: Fighting for parents' rights and better workplace policies.

• Richard Reeves' Book - Of Boys and Men: Exploring modern male challenges and solutions.

Follow George and The Dad Shift:

• George Gabriel on LinkedIn: George Gabriel LinkedIn

• The Dad Shift Website: The Dad Shift

Stay Connected with Rob and 'A Little Bit Radical':

• Rob Fawkes on LinkedIn: Rob Fawkes LinkedIn

• A Little Bit Radical Newsletter: Sign Up Here

In this episode of A Little Bit Radical, host Rob Fawkes speaks with Halima Begum, CEO of Oxfam GB, about her journey from grassroots activism to leading one of the world’s most impactful humanitarian organisations. Halima shares her vision for Oxfam’s future, her personal story of resilience and leadership, and her thoughts on the systemic changes needed to address inequality and injustice worldwide. This powerful conversation explores the challenges of modern philanthropy, the importance of empowering communities, and how to maintain hope and momentum in the face of global crises.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Halima’s Personal Journey: Growing up in East London as the daughter of Bangladeshi immigrants and how her upbringing shaped her passion for social justice.

• Leadership at Oxfam: How Halima is steering Oxfam towards tackling systemic inequality and addressing the root causes of poverty.

• Empowering Communities: Why listening to the voices of those impacted by poverty and inequality is key to meaningful change.

• The Future of Philanthropy: Halima’s take on the role of large organisations like Oxfam in a rapidly changing world.

• Radical Ideas for Change: How redistribution, climate action, and addressing corporate responsibility are central to creating a fairer world.

• Advice for Aspiring Changemakers: Halima’s reflections on the importance of staying true to your values and finding allies in your mission.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Empowering communities starts with listening to their stories and letting them lead the change."

• "Philanthropy isn't about charity—it’s about justice and addressing the systems that perpetuate inequality."

• "The world doesn't change with complacency; it changes when people act on bold, radical ideas."

Further Reading and Resources:

• Oxfam GB Website: Learn More About Oxfam’s Work

Follow Halima and Oxfam:

• Halima Begum on LinkedIn: Halima Begum LinkedIn

Stay Connected with Rob and 'A Little Bit Radical':

• Rob Fawkes on LinkedIn: Rob Fawkes LinkedIn

• A Little Bit Radical Newsletter: Sign Up Here

In this episode of A Little Bit Radical, Rob speaks with Clare Jones, CEO of Polarsteps, a popular travel app that allows users to plan, track, and relive their travel experiences. Clare, a former Chief Commercial Officer of What3Words, shares her journey from a childhood influenced by activism to becoming the leader of a travel-focused tech company. They discuss Polarsteps’ mission to encourage mindful travel, Clare’s experiences with transformative travel, and her thoughts on broader issues like Universal Basic Income (UBI).

In this episode, we discuss:

• Clare’s Background and Activism: Growing up with activist parents and how it shaped her views on social responsibility, ethics, and leadership.

• Becoming CEO of Polarsteps: Her journey to leading Polarsteps and why it felt like a natural fit.

• Polarsteps and Responsible Travel: How Polarsteps helps users travel in a more responsible and adventurous way, from discovering unique destinations to respecting local communities.

• Travel’s Transformative Power: Clare’s experiences with travel that deeply impacted her, both personally and professionally, and her advice on exploring new places mindfully.

• A Radical Vision for UBI: Clare’s interest in Universal Basic Income, inspired by her work with disadvantaged communities, and why she believes UBI could be a solution for supporting individuals in society.

• Advice for Aspiring Change-Makers: Encouraging people to share their ideas widely, gather support, and take steps toward making a positive impact.

Further Reading and Resources:

• Byway Travel - Clare’s sister’s company offering flight-free travel options across Europe.

• GiveDirectly - An organisation exploring the benefits of Universal Basic Income in communities worldwide.

Follow Clare and Polarsteps:

• Clare Jones on LinkedIn: Clare Jones LinkedIn

• Polarsteps Website: Polarsteps

Stay Connected with Rob and 'A Little Bit Radical':

• Rob Fawkes on LinkedIn: Rob Fawkes LinkedIn

• A Little Bit Radical Newsletter: Sign Up Here

In this episode of A Little Bit Radical, Rob is joined by Jambu Palaniappan, the CEO of Checkatrade, to discuss the evolution of the platform, the future of the UK tech sector, and his journey from Silicon Valley to leading a British startup. Jambu shares insights into the challenges and opportunities within the home improvement industry, his leadership philosophy, and how he balances ambition with effective decision-making. This conversation also delves into Jambu’s views on encouraging entrepreneurship in the UK and the importance of being comfortable with failure and ambiguity.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Jambu’s Background and Journey to the UK: From growing up in Silicon Valley to his early career at Uber, and what led him to Checkatrade.
• Leadership at Checkatrade: How Jambu approaches leading a well-established British brand with a focus on innovation, radical candour, and empowering his team.
• The Future of Checkatrade: Plans for expanding the platform’s value for both consumers and trade members, including the launch of a new consumer app and improved lead management tools for trades.
• UK Tech Sector and Entrepreneurship: Jambu’s optimistic view on the UK’s potential in tech innovation and the need for a cultural shift towards embracing risk and failure.
• Balancing Work and Life: Jambu’s personal routines, including fitness and family time, that help him maintain balance and focus as a leader.
• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: The importance of writing down ideas to gain clarity and seeking feedback from industry experts to build conviction.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Comfort with ambiguity will get you really far—it's something we as a society need to get better at."
• "We have a responsibility to think bigger, to ask how we can create 10 times or even 100 times more value."
• "There's a lot of power in writing things down; it brings clarity and helps you gain conviction in your ideas."

Follow Jambu and Checkatrade:

• Jambu Palaniappan on LinkedIn: Jambu Palaniappan LinkedIn
• Checkatrade Website: Checkatrade

Stay Connected with Rob and 'A Little Bit Radical':

• Rob Fawkes on LinkedIn: Rob Fawkes LinkedIn
• A Little Bit Radical Newsletter: Sign Up Here

In this episode of A Little Bit Radical, host Rob Fawkes talks with Bruce Taylor, the Founder and President of Enviro Stewards, an engineering consultancy focused on sustainable development. Bruce shares his journey from a traditional engineering career to founding a company that not only improves business efficiency but also significantly contributes to global sustainability efforts. The conversation explores the challenges and triumphs of leading decarbonisation projects for major companies like Unilever and Maple Leaf Foods, as well as Bruce's deep commitment to international development work in countries like South Sudan and Uganda.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Bruce’s Early Life and Career Path: How feeling like an outsider as a teenager and a “pre-life crisis” in his mid-20s shaped his approach to life and work.
• Founding Enviro Stewards: The motivations behind starting his own company, integrating volunteer work into the business model, and encouraging his employees to do the same.
• Decarbonization Strategy with Unilever: Insights into spearheading Unilever’s ambitious goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2027, and how deep conservation measures can drive significant savings and sustainability.
• Success Stories and Challenges: The strategic approach Bruce uses to help companies like Maple Leaf Foods and others achieve carbon neutrality while saving millions.
• International Development Work: The impact of Enviro Stewards' projects in South Sudan and Uganda, focusing on long-term sustainability and capacity building rather than traditional charity models.
• Leadership in Sustainability: The critical role of leadership and overcoming inertia in achieving sustainability goals, and the importance of empathy and understanding company culture.
• Global Responsibility: Why it’s crucial to think beyond local investments and consider the broader global impact, especially in developing countries disproportionately affected by climate change.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Sustainability isn’t just about reducing harm—it’s about creating a positive impact that benefits both the environment and society.”
• “Deep conservation first is the best way to go because that’s what generates the savings to pay for the rest of the journey.”
• “The problem with Africa is in our head—the way we think about helping can actually create damage if we’re not careful.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Bruce Taylor’s TEDx Talk: Watch here (Include link to the TEDx talk)
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Follow Bruce and Enviro Stewards:

• Bruce Taylor on LinkedIn: Bruce Taylor LinkedIn
• Enviro Stewards Website: Enviro Stewards

Stay Connected with Rob and 'A Little Bit Radical':

• Rob Fawkes on LinkedIn: Rob Fawkes LinkedIn
• A Little Bit Radical Newsletter: Sign Up Here