[GUEST PODCAST] PRCA Fuse with Heather Blundell: Youngest CEO in UK PR

About this episode

Heather Blundell shares her journey as the youngest CEO in UK PR, discussing leadership, career challenges, and gender equality in the industry.

In this episode of the PRCA Fuse Podcast with Adrian Ma, Heather Blundell, UK CEO of Grayling - and one of the youngest leaders of a top UK PR agency - shares the unfiltered story behind her rapid rise, the risks she almost didn’t take, and what leadership really looks like behind the scenes. Heather talks about hustle, imposter syndrome, motherhood, and the moments that can change your career forever, from jumping straight from Associate Director to MD, to leading aglobal agency while raising two young children, to why “nobody is coming to save you” as a leader. You’ll hear Heather’s honest take on: - The breakthrough moment she almost talked herself out of - Why women hesitate to go for big roles and why that needs to change - What it takes to lead in a volatile, competitive market and Grayling's latest trends report - How Grayling UK achieved a 0% gender pay gap and 50/50 board representation - Why diversity of thought isn't optional, it's essential - Her best career advice: Put your hand up and chase the work others avoid. A must-listen for anyone building a career in PR, leadership, or creative industries. Download Grayling's latest trends report .

People in this episode

Host: Adrian Ma

Guest: Heather Blundell

Topics covered

• leadership
• career development
• gender equality
• public relations
• imposter syndrome
• diversity

Keywords

• leadership
• PR
• career advice
• gender pay gap
• imposter syndrome
• diversity of thought
• motherhood

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Grayling, PRCA Fuse

More episodes of The Grayling Media Podcast

• Beyond the Ballot Box: Wales Has Spoken. Now What? · May 12, 2026 · 42 min
• Grindr and PinkNews: perspectives on reaching LGBTQ+ audiences in a changing media landscape · March 24, 2026 · 44 min
• Media in Review 2025 · December 22, 2025 · 41 min
• Episode 26: Social Mobility with Rachel Yankey and Luca Hussain · November 27, 2025 · 40 min
• Episode 25: Inside Regional Media with Rob Parsons & Alex Turner · October 31, 2025 · 47 min
• Episode 24: Sam McAlister on Truth, Trust and Tribes in a New Media Age · October 21, 2025 · 30 min