LONDON, UK. January 28th, 2025 – To enable groundbreaking collaboration, Cranfield University has awarded Dr. Grant Van Ulbrich, the visionary founder of Scared So What Ltd (SSW), a prestigious visiting fellowship which will enable him to contribute to Cranfield’s Masters programmes. 

This collaboration will see, among others, the use of the innovative Personal Change Management (PCM) model and technology by SSW in the academic world. This fellowship marks the first time SSW’s PCM will be taught at a university level, setting a new benchmark in leadership and transformation education.

 

Dr. Van Ulbrich, an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, sales transformation coach, and Chief Researcher, developed the Scared So What personal change model and technology as a revolutionary approach to understanding and managing personal transformation. His groundbreaking model has gained global recognition for its practical applications, empowering individuals and organisations to navigate the complexities of change with clarity and confidence. Cranfield University’s use of the SSW PCM underscores its commitment to preparing future leaders to thrive in an era of unprecedented global challenges and rapid change.

 

Speaking of the fellowship, Dr. Van Ulbrich said: “Personal change is the foundation of effective leadership and organisational change and transformation success. The SSW PCM model equips individuals with the tools to understand and navigate their own journeys of transformation, which in turn fosters resilience, adaptability, and innovation. I am deeply honoured to collaborate with Cranfield University, a pioneer in executive education, to bring this cutting-edge model to the next generation of leaders.”

 

SSW PCM, encapsulated in Dr. Van Ulbrich’s acclaimed book Transforming Sales Management: Lead Sales Teams Through Change, and his widely celebrated TEDx talk, How Can You Manage Personal Change, has already transformed industries by enabling leaders to align personal growth with organisational goals. With this partnership, Cranfield students will gain exclusive access to SSW’s PCM proprietary tools and methodologies, bridging the gap between theory and practice in leadership and change management.

 

Cranfield University’s Andrew Hough expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. He said: “Cranfield has always been at the forefront of innovation in education and research. By using Dr. Van Ulbrich’s Personal Change Management model Scared So What in our programmes, we are providing our students with an unparalleled opportunity to master the dynamics of personal and organisational transformation. This collaboration embodies our mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions to real-world challenges.”

 

Dr. Van Ulbrich’s distinguished career spans over two decades, including his transformative work in the cruise industry and his service as a U.S. Navy veteran. Recognised by global platforms such as Forbes, MSN, Your Business, The Guardian, and Cover Entrepreneur’s 2024 Person of the Year, his thought leadership continues to inspire professionals worldwide. As a Fellow of Cranfield University, he brings his wealth of expertise and passion for sales transformation and pioneering inclusive change management to the academic community, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

 

This fellowship effective from December 2024 will allow students to benefit from hands-on learning experiences, case studies, continuing research, and cutting-edge technology designed to cultivate the skills needed to drive impactful change in their careers and beyond.

 

For more information on this collaboration and the Scared So What offering, visit www.scaredsowhat.com.

ENDS

BURBANK, CA. April 11th, 2024 – Airwave podcast network is proud to announce FACE-OFF: THE U.S. VS. CHINA, an eight-episode podcast hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist Jane Perlez and renowned China historian Rana Mitter. FACE-OFF launches with two new episodes on April 9, 2024.  

FACE-OFF is a podcast about China and the United States that shows how the two most powerful countries once talked with each other and how relations have fallen apart.  At a time when the United States government and much of the American public consider China to be the greatest threat to the United States, the podcast will appeal to a broad audience in the United States and around the world. It will appeal to those who seek to understand why current dangers are so high, and why relations went awry. It will appeal to a people attuned to international relations and culture, business and finance, and political history. Diplomats, spies, cultural stars and tech and military experts will feature in each episode and tell their stories. 

Episode One of FACE-OFF explores how smart diplomacy by a former American Navy Admiral resulted in the release of two dozen American airmen and women from detention in China in 2001, and how a similar incident might lead to very different results in today’s tense environment. Episode Two examines the complicated relationship between Apple and China.

FACE-OFF is hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist  and former New York Times Beijing bureau chief Jane Perlez. Her co-host is Professor Rana Mitter, renowned China historian at the Harvard Kennedy School. FACE-OFF is executive produced by Mia Label and fully funded by an endowment by the Carnegie Corporation. 

Listen and subscribe to FACE-OFF: THE U.S. VS. CHINA on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and all major podcast listening platforms. 

LONDON, UK. March 28th, 2024 – London Real host Brian Rose has gone viral on X (formerly known as Twitter) with his campaign for free speech, trending number 1 in the UK on March 26, with his #BeMoreElon message, which proved more popular than both England and Wales football matches, newly appointed Tory deputy chairman Jonathan Gullis MP, and even P Diddy.

Featuring imagery and vlogs from outside of YouTube’s headquarters where Mr. Rose put up a poster urging the platform to “Be More Elon”, his post has captured the attention of social media users worldwide, drawing attention to the fact that his popular YouTube channel, London Real, which had over 2.4 million followers and 1 billion views was deplatformed with no explanation or grounds for recourse.

As traditional campaigning methods merge with the digital age, Rose’s innovative approach has struck a chord with voters, igniting discussions about the importance of unrestricted expression in the online sphere.

His impassioned speeches and thought-provoking content have resonated with a diverse audience, ranging from Londoners concerned about censorship to individuals advocating for digital rights on a global scale.

At the heart of Rose’s campaign is a commitment to defending the fundamental right to freedom of expression, particularly in an era where online discourse plays an increasingly central role in shaping public opinion and political debate. With social media platforms facing scrutiny over content moderation practices and censorship concerns, Rose’s message has struck a chord with citizens eager to safeguard their ability to express themselves freely in the digital realm.

Speaking about his campaign, Brian Rose emphasised the need for London to lead by example in championing free speech: “In a city as cosmopolitan and dynamic as London, it’s imperative that we protect the fundamental right to free expression for all citizens, both online and offline. I believe that social media companies have a responsibility to provide content creators with a platform that is free from editorial and political censorship… and that includes Google… It’s time to Be More Elon!”

The viral success of Rose’s campaign underscores the growing importance of digital platforms in modern political discourse and the resonance of issues related to free speech and censorship.

LONDON, UK. March 22nd, 2024 – London Mayor candidate Brian Rose has sparked a censorship row with YouTube after plastering the media giant’s London HQ with free-speech messages.

 

Rose, who has made freedom of speech one of his key manifesto topics for the May 2 election, launched his raid on YouTube’s King’s Cross building last Friday (March 15).

 

He managed to stick up several posters reading ‘Free speech matters’, ‘Say no to censorship’ and ‘Be more Elon’, in reference to the outspoken owner of X before YouTube staff intervened.

 

Rose said: “I know first-hand how censorship can affect people and I know first-hand how much power a platform such as YouTube has over everyone who uses it.

 

“I was deplatformed by YouTube last year and, at a stroke, my business was put at risk.

 

“I had done nothing illegal and yet YouTube was able to freeze me out of my own channel, arbitrarily and without having to explain what was happening and why.

 

“Platforms such as YouTube hold great power over all their users, and make a great deal of money from those users, and yet they are not held to account for their abuses.”

 

Rose wants to make London a global centre of digital excellence and key to that will be more effective safeguards to protect users from censorship, as well as protecting platforms themselves from pressure to censor their customers.

 

He has previously warned of the dangers from tech giants acting as judge, jury and executioner, all while making billions from their platforms.

 

Rose said: “What I am fighting against here is a clear violation of human rights, an abuse of power that allows global mega-brands to crush the digital freedoms of the very people they rely on to make their vast profits.

 

“London – and the world – deserves better and, as Mayor, I will leverage my powers to work with the tech giants to ensure our capital is a best-in-class example of how we can embrace technology and, at the same time, protect our hard-won freedoms.”

LONDON, UK, 28 February 2024 – Riverside Radio announced today that Battersea Power Station will be the lead sponsor for the award-winning community radio station’s revamped Breakfast Show, which will be hosted by Jason Rosam, who left his popular early morning show across BBC Local Radio in January 2024. 

Riverside Breakfast with Jason Rosam and Battersea Power Station will launch on Monday 11th March at 7am with an outside live broadcast from the London landmark. Throughout the show, Jason and the Riverside Radio team will be speaking to members of the local community and people who work at the Power Station about what the new neighbourhood means to them.

On working with Battersea Power Station on the revamped breakfast show, Jason said: “I’m over the moon my new breakfast show has been sponsored so generously by the magnificent Battersea Power Station. I’m looking forward to putting my alarm on and getting up early again after a few months off air!

“The new breakfast show will champion life in south west London. I want to showcase the incredible diversity of the people living within our four boroughs of Richmond, Wandsworth, Merton and Lambeth and tell their stories.

“We’ll have lots of fun and interaction as well as updating listeners with all the local news, sport, weather and traffic and playing the best music.” 

The outside live broadcast will also feature a special visit to Lift 109, the Power Station’s unique chimney lift experience, which transports visitors 109m to the top of one of the building’s iconic chimneys. Lift 109 will be sponsoring the weather bulletins on the new show.

Alex Baker, Director of Communities and Sustainability at Battersea Power Station, said: “Supporting and working closely with local organisations has always been a key focus for our shareholders and the team at Battersea Power Station throughout the transformation of the Power Station and surrounding area into an exciting new town centre for Wandsworth.

“We’re delighted to be the lead sponsor for the Riverside Radio Breakfast Show with Jason Rosam and for our unique chimney lift experience, Lift 109, to sponsor the weather bulletins. We look forward to sharing all the exciting news from the Power Station with the new show’s listeners.”

Jason won’t be alone on the breakfast show – he will be joined throughout the week by three local legends who have hosted their own shows on the station. 

Alison Palmer, who set up the local Walk and Talk Movement as a response to the pandemic and is the co-founder of the charity, Book Clubs in Schools; former health and beauty magazine editor, Ali Ineson, and comedian and impressionist Suzi Wild, a finalist on the ITV variety show Britain’s Got Talent in 2022, will all be appearing on the show. The breakfast show will air Monday to Friday from 7am to 10am. 

Riverside Radio’s strength is its not-for-profit, community-based work, training volunteers interested in the world of radio to gain skills in presenting, production, editing and sound engineering. With newfound skills and expertise, many have found jobs in the media industry. 

Riverside’s all-embracing culture welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds wanting to join a special place where energy, enthusiasm, humour and friendliness are evident right across the station. 

It was Jason Rosam, in fact, who founded Riverside Radio ten years ago and is still its inspirational Managing Director.

“I set up Riverside a decade ago,” says Jason Rosam. “I never expected the station would become so successful. After spending sixteen years at BBC Local Radio I feel community radio is where I now belong.” 

The reason Jason set up Riverside Radio was to celebrate the area where he lives and to keep local people informed to create a proud, integrated, supported community and to create the same opportunities he’d been given. 

These include placements for students specialising in broadcast journalism to work with the news, sports and arts teams and a children’s radio club which hopes to inspire local young people to become the broadcasters of the future.

For more information on Riverside Radio, please visit www.riversideradio.com

For more information on Battersea Power Station, please visit www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk and follow @BatterseaPwrStn to keep up with the latest news and events.

ENDS

PHOENIX, AZ, December 19th, 2023 – A December 2023 Vinylly user survey provides intriguing insights into how its population of Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers view music in the context of relationships and social experiences. 

Music transcends age, but how it’s experienced and valued can vary significantly across generations. Key highlights of these generational differences found below. Deeper analysis can be found in Vinylly’s blog post on the survey results.

Spotify Wrapped: Not so accurate for all Everyone is talking about it and sharing it, but do they stand by it? While 72% of Millennials find Spotify’s recommendations on point, only half of Baby Boomers and Gen Z agree. Gen X feels especially misunderstood by their Spotify Wrapped at only 33% accuracy, suggesting a digital divide in the way this generations use Spotify. 

Geographical Barriers and Music Compatibility Interestingly, only 17% of Baby Boomers and 22% of Millennials would consider relocation for a music-matched partner, contrasting with a more eager 44% of Gen X and 40% Gen Z. 

Road Trip DJ Preferences: A Harmony of Control and Trust Baby Boomers have some conditions they’d like you to know about when it comes to music on car rides. Rather than being open to a partner DJing, Baby Boomers want the most control over the playlist with veto power or shared time. Meanwhile, Gen X and Millennials seem to be more laid back and may opt to lean into music discovery on a road trip. Gen Z, while not as opinionated as Baby Boomers still favor shared control. 

Concert Behaviors: From Sober Tunes to Buzzed Beats The majority of Baby Boomers (83%) and Gen X (61%) choose sobriety at concerts, valuing clear memories over buzzed experiences, a sentiment less prevalent in 39% of Millennials and 60% of Gen Z. Millennials were also the least likely to be mostly sober. 

Tech at Concerts: A Generational Split Screen Most Gen Z (50%) are comfortable with their concert companion being on the phone, indicating a generational shift towards digital integration at live events, unlike the 67% of Baby Boomers who prefer undistracted company. Millennials were most closely aligned with Baby Boomers here. 

Looks vs. Lyrics: What’s Your Dealbreaker? A significant 83% of Baby Boomers and Millennials, and a notable 80% of Gen Z, would prioritize music compatibility over looks, whereas Gen X shows a slight tilt towards aesthetics. 

“Music is a heartbeat that connects people, and our survey illustrates how deeply it influences relationships across generations,” said Rachel Van Nortwick, CEO and Founder of Vinylly. “From the intimacy of shared playlists to the social fabric of concerts, music weaves people together, and Vinylly is proud to orchestrate these connections.”

The survey’s findings not only underscore the app’s innovative approach to matchmaking but also underscore the nuanced role music plays in dating and social interactions.

DEVON, UK, 5 December 2023 – A visually impaired UK artist who was registered blind eight years ago has created a collection of paintings inspired by a period of blindness in his life and his passion for coastal living. 

Paul Stretton-Stephens, originally from Nottingham, was living in Spain in 2015 when he woke up one day to discover that he had lost his sight. After visiting many specialists throughout Europe, Paul never accepted that his cone and rod dystrophy were untreatable and proceeded to try many alternative treatments from around the world.

In 2022 after he returned to the UK, Paul developed what he calls ‘flashes of clarity’, where he would get some vision, just for a second or two. 

Paul said: “Wherever my head was looking, I would see for a moment. I could make out what could be the sock that I’m putting on my foot, the back of somebody’s head, the radiator. It would last for a second or two and occur once or twice a day. Over a period of months, this increased to about 10 to 12 times a day.”

Paul underwent a series of tests and his vision improved, despite a cataract and continued retinal dystrophy. The consultants didn’t know if the improvement in the vision was temporary. During this time, Paul cautiously explored his surroundings. The fear was that he could return to blindness at any moment. In March 2023, the doctors categorised Paul’s vision as stable.

After a visit to Santa Fe in New Mexico inspired him to gain an interest in art, Paul, who is a military veteran, came across another veteran who had been creating digital portraits of the fallen in Afghanistan. He discovered how to create art using specific equipment and applications, and since then he has been continually honing his artistic skills with the help of an art group and online tutors. Subsequently, he has continued to develop as an artist and now experiments and creates his works using mixed media and acrylics.

Paul said: “Prior to my visit to Santa Fe, I liked and appreciated some art. When I left Santa Fe, I fell in love with and appreciated all art in all its forms. And that love continues to grow and blossom to this day.”

Paul, who calls himself a ‘Visual Addict’, uses mixed media, photography, digital painting, and acrylics. He has a love for abstract and coastal life. He currently combines fabric, photography, and digital palettes to produce enhanced hybrid art. In their final-state, he produces the art as an original, open-edition or limited-edition print. Paul creates abstract art, as well as seascapes to complement his coastal life photography.

Paul added: “I’ve had a very varied background, from service in the armed forces to physical education instructor, senior education management and mindset coaching, but I decided that my passion for art and photography nourished my soul so much that I pursued these interests ardently. 

“I am delighted to see that my vibrant and contemporary abstract artwork is gaining in popularity and is becoming more collectible. My aspiration is to have my works hung on the walls of homes and other spaces around the world – something I would never have envisaged when I lost my sight eight years ago.”

For more information about Paul and his artwork, visit paulstrettonstephens.com.

ENDS

UNITED STATES, 25th April 2023 – Airwave Media, the leading edutainment podcast network, has signed an exclusive deal with the popular women’s finance podcast HerMoney with Jean Chatzky.  In addition to handling monetization, marketing, and distribution for the HerMoney podcast, Airwave will partner with HerMoney to launch new original podcasts from Tonya Rapley, Karen Finerman, and other influential women in business and finance.

Airwave has quickly built a reputation as the go-to network for smart podcasts for the “constantly curious” listener and has had success with business shows like Investing for Beginners and Earn & Invest.  The deal with HerMoney is part of the network’s ambitious plan to expand its existing footprint in the business and finance category and to grow its formidable roster of shows that are hosted and produced by women.

Ben Mathis, Head of Content for Airwave, says “No one understands the financial challenges and goals of women like Jean Chatzky. She uses her unparalleled financial savvy to give women the tools to achieve financial security and close the gender wealth gap. Airwave is excited to work with Jean and her team to take HerMoney to even greater heights and to grow the HerMoney brand with new original content.”

“After seven years with the HerMoney podcast, I’m thrilled to partner with Airwave on its ongoing efforts to bring great content to women,” says Jean Chatzky. “You can expect more great interviews on the HerMoney podcast and two fabulous new shows with Tonya Rapley and Karen Finerman. The HerMoney team is excited to join Airwave’s impressive lineup.”

HerMoney is a weekly women’s finance podcast hosted by Jean Chatzky, former financial editor of NBC’s TODAY Show, bestselling author, award-winning personal finance journalist and advisor to major financial firms. On every episode of HerMoney, Chatzky navigates her audience through the steps they need to take today to live comfortably (and worry-free) tomorrow by interviewing industry leaders and experts for the latest research and offering her award-winning personal advice. 

How She Makes Her Money is the entrepreneurial podcast for women, by women, hosted by Tonya Rapley, an award-winning millennial money expert and creator of My Fab Finance. This fast-paced 30-minute program will feature incredible entrepreneurs who will share their journeys, their numbers and their advice for how other women can walk similar paths to growth and success. The show will hold nothing back when it comes to discussing revenues and failures. Listeners will walk away understanding how she makes her money—which, let’s be honest, is what we all really want to know.  How She Makes Her Money will debut in 2023.

Now I Know How She Does it is hosted by Karen Finerman, Co-Founder and CEO of New York-based hedge fund Metropolitan Capital Advisors, panelist on CNBC’s Fast Money, and author of the New York Times best-selling book, “Finerman’s Rules: Secrets I’d Only Tell My Daughters About Business and Life.” Each episode is like a cocktail party conversation between two leaders about power, a woman’s place in the world, and the issues of the day. It’s a show about money — the fact that women have more of it than we used to, and what we’re doing with it to change the world. 

Airwave is home to 70 popular podcasts, including Big Picture Science, Good Job Brain, The History of Everything, Investing for Beginners, Tumble, Sleepy, What If World, The Explorer’s Podcast, The Purpose Show, The Movies That Made Me, Sleep Tight Stories, Ben Franklin’s World, Wake Me Up, History of the Second World War, The Team House, Redacted History, Who Arted, Ancient History Fangirl, Settle the Stars, A Mindful Moment, Queens Podcast, Earn & Invest, My History Can Beat Up Your Politics, Small Things Often, The History of Egypt, Unbiased Science, The Constant, History Tea Time, and Pulse of the Planet. Find a complete listing of all programs available on Airwave at www.airwavemedia.com. 

Airwave is a curated podcast network that believes learning and entertainment go hand in hand. Airwave empowers select podcast creators to do their best work, grow an audience, and increase revenue. Airwave’s programs are available for free across all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and more.

HerMoney is a media company focused on improving people’s relationships with money, started by personal finance expert, Jean Chatzky. With its educational content, financial coaching and investing club, HerMoney’s mission is to inspire people to take control of their personal finances so that they can build long-lasting security and confidence. Every week, HerMoney delivers the information women need to manage their money with its free newsletters and podcasts. Learn more and subscribe today at HerMoney.com.   

Visit www.airwavemedia.com for more information. 

CALIFORNIA, US February 22, 2023 – Network signs exclusive deals with Sleep Tight Media, What If World, and Tumble Science Podcast for Kids 

Airwave Media, the leading edutainment podcast network, announces a major expansion into the Kids & Family category with the acquisition of popular children’s podcasts What If World, Tumble Science Podcast for Kids, Sleep Tight Stories, Sleep Tight Relax, and Sleep Tight Science.  

From history and science to arts and wellness, Airwave has quickly built a reputation as the go-to network for fun, smart podcasts for the “constantly curious” listener. Airwave is excited to expand that brand into children’s programming with the first shows and plans to grow Airwave Kids with additional deals and original content in 2023. 

“Content for kids is a natural fit for Airwave,” says Ben Mathis, Head of Content for Airwave. “We believe in the power of podcasts to make us better, smarter human beings, and that starts when listeners are young. Parents who listen to our podcasts that educate and inspire want the same things for their children.”  

“Airwave is home to my first favorite podcast, ‘Good Job, Brain!’, a trivia show that perfectly captures Airwave’s fun & enriching brand.” says What If World’s Eric O’Keeffe. “We’re grateful that our new friends will help us keep the show growing and help us team up with some of the best kid-casts out there!”  

Tumble host Lindsay Patterson says, “We are excited to partner with Airwave to keep pioneering the future of children’s podcasts.” Sheryl McLeod, the host of Sleep Tight Stories, adds, “We can’t wait to partner with Airwave Media to help bring a happily ever after to more families’ bedtime routines.” 

Mathis expanded on the strategy for Airwave Kids, saying, “These five shows account for 2.6 million downloads per month, respectable numbers for any podcast, and yet the podcast industry as a whole has had a hard time figuring out what to do with programming for young people. We at Airwave are willing to bet that a fresh, flexible, and creative approach to how kids’ shows are marketed and monetized will unlock the full potential of children’s podcasting.” 

The first five podcasts to join Airwave Kids include: 

Airwave is home to 70 popular podcasts, including Big Picture Science, Good Job Brain, The History of Everything, Investing for Beginners, Sleepy, The Explorer’s Podcast, The Purpose Show, The Movies That Made Me, Ben Franklin’s World, Wake Me Up, History of the Second World War, The Team House, Redacted History, Who Arted?, Ancient History Fangirl, Settle the Stars, A Mindful Moment, Queens Podcast, Earn & Invest, My History Can Beat Up Your Politics, Small Things Often, The History of Egypt, Unbiased Science, The Constant, History Tea Time, and Pulse of the Planet. Find a complete listing of all programs available on Airwave at www.airwavemedia.com.

Airwave is a curated podcast network that believes learning and entertainment go hand in hand. Airwave empowers select podcast creators to do their best work, grow an audience, and increase revenue. Airwave’s programs are available for free across all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and more.

Visit www.airwavemedia.com for more information.