My Duvet Flip by Jack Parsons

Episode GuestJosephine Parmee is Head of Social Equity at Virgin Media O2, where she leads initiatives focused on digital inclusion, online safety, and helping people thrive in an increasingly connected world. With a background spanning human rights, consumer rights, and social impact, she is passionate about using business as a force for positive societal change.Episode PartnerThis 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. Chapters0:00 Introduction2:04 Meeting Josephine Parmee3:18 How Josephine's Career Started4:50 Advice for Speaking to Senior Leaders5:58 14 Years in Human Rights and Social Impact7:28 Adapting to New Organisations and Roles9:02 The Skills Needed to Influence Change11:43 What Does a Head of Social Equity Do?13:07 Why Digital Inclusion Matters13:44 The Reality of Digital Poverty in the UK15:13 Tackling Digital Wellbeing and Online Safety16:25 How Virgin Media O2 Supports Digital Wellbeing19:31 Connecting People to What Matters Most21:38 Why Josephine Chose Telecoms22:20 The Side Project That Changed Her Career23:55 Why You Should Create Opportunities Outside Work25:31 Finding a Career in Digital Consumer Rights26:29 What Virgin Media O2 Taught Josephine About Trust27:30 Why Career Paths Are Never Linear28:04 The Power of Following Your Passion29:22 Josephine's Duvet Flip30:40 Final Reflections on Digital InclusionDisclaimer: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-adviceIf you're struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode GuestAlex Glover is Managing Director of Programmatic at Brainlabs, where he leads global innovation in data-driven advertising. His passion for programmatic strategy and graduate development is helping shape the next generation of media talent.Episode Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:12 Meet Alex Glover, MD of Programmatic at Brainlabs0:40 The job Alex nearly took (and why he didn’t)1:48 Discovering advertising through curiosity3:04 Early experiments with websites and Google Ads4:16 The career-changing advice Alex got from his dad5:06 Startup grind: no playbook, just problem solving6:10 From tiny clients to Mediacom’s biggest accounts7:33 Why Alex couldn’t stay away from programmatic8:48 Taking a bet on himself at Brainlabs10:00 The truth about programmatic advertising12:05 Advertising’s future: Netflix, Spotify, and beyond13:42 Inside the Brainlabs grad scheme in Buenos Aires15:37 How moving to Argentina can kickstart your career17:23 What makes someone thrive in programmatic?19:08 Building confidence, then passion21:07 Jack and Alex on being obsessed with your craft22:45 Getting promoted: it’s not just about extra projects24:10 How to stand out in your first job in media26:04 Why reporting taught Alex the most about marketing27:18 When Alex felt like a fraud (and what happened next)29:12 What it’s really like working at Brainlabs31:20 Why Brainlabs refuses to sell to a holding company32:46 The culture of innovation and automation at Brainlabs34:05 How AI is being used by grads at Brainlabs35:24 “If you do it three times, automate it”36:48 The one mindset shift every grad needs to hear38:04 Chapter 1 of Alex’s career: “Working it out”39:02 Most unexpected lesson from a ‘boring’ task40:00 When Alex truly felt imposter syndrome41:12 The job that led to Patagonia42:00 Jack’s final question: What’s your duvet flip?43:38 Why achievement, not titles, gets Alex up in the morning44:30 Final reflections and thank yousEpisode Partners📊 Compare the MarketDiscover 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/4i53SvjDisclaimer: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-adviceIf you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode GuestAndrew Lever is the Co-Founder and CEO of Brand Partnership Group, a leader in brand-focused sales and marketing services. With a career spanning Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Samsung, Andrew brings calm leadership and consistent growth to every organisation he touches.Episode Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:41 Why Andrew was one of the show’s first believers2:03 The power of consistency in careers and partnerships3:00 Andrew’s first job and how he became a CEO5:00 From Unilever to Paris — learning fast abroad7:40 Facing fears: new languages, new countries10:00 Returning for a dream role at Coca-Cola12:00 What Coke taught Andrew about human connection14:00 Brand loyalty and leadership lessons15:20 How to actually build consistency17:00 Calm leadership through change and chaos19:00 Navigating COVID and moving fast as a business21:00 Transforming Brand Partnership Group from the inside23:00 Learning from mistakes and knowing when to pivot25:00 Real partnership vs. transactional relationships27:00 Andrew’s rule if he was Minister of Partnerships28:30 What Brand Partnership Group actually does30:00 How Blue Square supports Samsung, HP & SharkNinja32:30 Training, retail support, and in-home repair34:00 Crew Live: From West End to global brand activations36:00 Rise: Engineering growth with data and insight37:45 A teaser for the next agency in the group38:30 Why youth opportunity is at the heart of BPG40:30 Supporting confidence, skills and mental resilience42:30 Apprenticeships and building the next generation44:00 Turning BPG into a talent pipeline for global brands45:20 Living company values — not just posting them46:50 The truth about culture and consistency48:10 Quick-fire: Remarkable notebooks & lion mascots49:20 The strangest pitch Andrew ever received50:15 Dreaming up a youth-focused business with Jack51:00 The motto Andrew would put on a Piccadilly billboard52:00 The brand Andrew wishes would call tomorrow53:00 Reflecting on friendship, support, and doing good54:30 Andrew’s evolved duvet flip: From chasing to creatingEpisode Partners📊 Compare the MarketDiscover 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/4i53SvjDisclaimer: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-adviceIf you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode GuestNick Foster is the General Manager for Mars Pet Nutrition in Northern Europe, where he leads with a passion for purpose, people, and pets. With nearly 20 years at Mars, he’s held diverse roles across sales, marketing, and supply chain, always driven by a desire to be a good ancestor.Episode Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:23 Meet the General Manager of Mars Petcare1:00 From RAF Dreams to a Business Career2:05 Finding Purpose Through Pet Care3:20 Nick’s Duvet Flip: Being a Good Ancestor4:10 Lessons from McDonald’s and Early Work Ethic5:15 Accidental Entry into Mars6:40 Career Advice: Squiggly Lines & Making Friends8:10 General Management Explained9:45 Mars Petcare’s Scale and Purpose11:15 Changing Law to Help Renters with Pets13:00 Cancer-Sniffing Dogs & Coral Reef Projects15:00 Mars’ Family Values and Long-Term Thinking16:40 Starting a Career at Mars: Advice to Young People18:00 The Myth of Work-Life Balance19:30 How to Build a Career with Impact21:10 Nick’s Leadership Style and Communication Growth23:00 The Power of Mentorship & Sponsorship25:00 Fun Q&A: Sloths, Brainstorms & Huskies28:00 Key Digital Skills for Petcare Careers30:00 Final Lessons on Career, Purpose & Progression33:15 What Gets Nick Out of Bed Each DayEpisode Partners📊 Compare the MarketDiscover 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/4i53SvjDisclaimer: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-adviceIf you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode GuestRhys Degruchy is the Graduate Development and Support Leader at Halo, where he mentors new talent and helps shape the next generation of high performers. With a background in physics and a passion for people, Rhys is driven by trust, autonomy, and a relentless desire to improve.Ben Thorpe is the Infrastructure Manager at Halo, having grown through the ranks over seven years. Obsessed with progress and delivery, Ben leads by example and is known for turning ambition into action across high-impact projects.Episode Timestamps0:00 Introduction0:44 Meet Rhys and Ben from Halo1:36 Why They Said Yes to My Duvet Flip2:18 Their First Ever Jobs (Coffee Shops & Sunglasses)4:23 Early Lessons in Communication and Confidence6:00 How They Found Halo (and Why They Stayed)8:19 From Suit & Tie to Shorts & Trust: The Halo Culture10:35 Why Halo Feels Like a Sports Team12:24 Obsession at Work: What It Means at Halo13:46 Why Young People Progress So Fast Here15:02 Who Shouldn’t Work at Halo16:28 What Halo Has Taught Them About Life18:10 The Message to Future Applicants19:20 Their Duvet Flip: Why They Get Out of BedEpisode PartnersCheck out the latest from Halo:https://halograduates.com and https://www.instagram.com/halonextgen/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-adviceIf you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:Matt Callaghan is the Chief Operating Officer at easyJet Holidays, where he leads customer experience, operations, and long-term strategy. With a background spanning Deloitte, British Airways, and frontline leadership at Heathrow, Matt brings a rare blend of operational grit and strategic vision.Episode Timestamps:0:00 Introduction1:23 Why Matt Said Yes to My Duvet Flip2:14 First Job at Next: Life Lessons from Retail4:00 Why Students Should Get a Job While Studying5:24 From No Plan to Deloitte Graduate Scheme7:01 Taking the First Step Without a 5-Year Plan8:20 What "All-In" Really Means10:16 Work-Life Blend and Being Present13:12 Failing Exams and Bouncing Back14:43 What Working Hard Means to Matt17:06 The Power of Curiosity — And Acting on It18:59 Why Matt Left Deloitte for British Airways21:00 Moving to London: Expectations vs. Reality23:00 Feeling Stuck and Choosing to Pivot24:57 Getting the Heathrow Operations Role Without Airline Experience27:11 Falling in Love with Aviation29:00 Why Matt Applied for a Job He Wasn’t Qualified For30:45 From Terminal 5 to easyJet32:11 A Global Role That Wasn’t Sustainable33:02 Joining easyJet and Shaping Strategy34:46 Building easyJet Holidays from the Ground Up36:00 Why easyJet Holidays Is a Special Place to Work37:43 Life Lesson: What Fostering Taught Matt About Leadership40:18 Matt’s Duvet Flip: Creating Joy and Connection Through TravelEpisode Partners📊 Compare the MarketDiscover 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/4i53SvjDisclaimer: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-adviceIf you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/