Season 12
The Global Interview season 12 brings a group of exceptional members to our community of creatives, leaders and thinkers. Being the last season of the year 2020, a challenging year for many people, had ups and downs. They share their experiences and how they are progressing through this challenging time.
“Exceeding expectations and seeing that huge grin from the client when I present them a teaser or a final product. It's never about the money for me – it's about the emotion. I do everything with my iPhone, and this blows people's minds.”
Lee Axon
Lee Axon
Filmmaker, DigiFin
Lee Axon is a Filmmaker of DigiFin. Lee is from Newcastle but lives in Sunderland with 3 Chihuahuas. His career has always centred on customers and customer service no matter what the arena. He has worked for Game Ltd, Blockbuster Video, The Automobile Association, T-Mobile / EE and 2Touch.
For him, his biggest highlights were the time as an Operations Manager in the call centre world, and then in 2015, when he decided to go alone and became a freelance Personal Trainer.
“I never see limits, only opportunities. Everything I have built has been as a result of needing to make my writing better and passing on that experience and knowledge. Sometimes you have to pivot - not necessarily start again, but reorientate and look at something from a new angle, to think outside the box.”
Vanessa Fox
Vanessa Fox O'Loughlin
aka Bestselling Author Sam Blake
Vanessa Fox O'Loughlin is the founder of Writing.ie, the award-winning writing resources website. The Inkwell Group publishing consultancy and Murder One, Ireland's International Crime Writing Festival.
She has developed and spearheaded many projects from Writers Web TV to the National Emerging Writer Programme. Vanessa is a board member of the Society of Authors, and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.
Always looking for new talent, she is Ireland's leading literary scout. As Sam Blake, she writes bestselling, Irish Book Award shortlisted, crime fiction - Keep Your Eyes on Me is out now with The Dark Room, her fifth book, out in January 2021.
“Don't ever be afraid of asking anyone – people are more than giving when they feel that they are helping people to grow. Make sure you ask the right people. Perseverance and tons of patience. This doesn't happen overnight.”
Jason Cooper
Jason Cooper
Sales Training Coach, Podcast Host, Radio Presenter
For over 25 years, Jason Cooper has worked in the UK, Ireland and other European markets and has been in the corporate area and has co-founded two startups. Jason has also helped numerous businesses and individuals grow.
Since 2016 Jason has helped transform salespeople and sales teams. He helps salespeople realise their true potential - not just as professionals but as colleagues, as team players, and business advocates.
“Success: is making a difference every day. Have the right attitude; Stay true to who you are; Always develop yourself; Look after your people; Work hard and never lose determination.”
Louise Phelan
Louise Phelan
CEO at Phelan Energy Group Ltd
Louise spent 13 years as Vice President at PayPal leading and developing the business, taking a large performance team from 200 people to 3000 people, across multiple geographies and established greenfield sites in Berlin, San Paulo, Chandler and Dundalk.
Louise has delivered outstanding results for PayPal, leading a global team that processed 7.8 billion payments worth US$451billion, supporting 125 markets in Continental Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Prior to PayPal Louise spent 16 years with General Electric in various leadership roles.
“Lessons learned, never give up, surround yourself with positive, successful people. Learn from them, what they do, how they work. Stay focused, and continue to learn.”
John Cassidy
John Cassidy
Director of EMEA Business Development at Unisys
John Cassidy has held a number of EMEA leadership roles in Security Software, Cloud technologies and hardware solutions. A highly experienced professional, self-motivated leader committed to delivering results.
Working and managing sales organisations, both internal and external with channel partners remotely, focusing on revenue growth, relationship development, coaching and mentoring key talent.
He has transformed and changed management expertise, helping to improve productivity, customer experience and staff retention.
“If things aren't going your way, don't react impulsively. Take a step back, walk away from the situation and try to think clearly. Time and space can help you to put things in perspective. If you take that time and space, your response will be communicated in a way that you will ultimately be happier with.”
Gillian French
Gillian French
Chief People Officer at CubicTelecom
Gillian French is Chief People Officer at Cubic Telecom. As CPO, Gillian leads a team responsible for building on the talents of the employees and oversees all aspects of people development, culture, employee engagement, policies and practices.
She performs a central role in increasing operational flexibility and implementing well-being initiatives, while also working with each team to drive the company’s corporate strategy.
Prior to joining Cubic, Gillian held the position of Chief People Officer at CarTrawler, where she was an integral member of the leadership team for 12 years.
“Reach out to others and build a community for you to support, learn from, and so you will have support from them when you need it. Giving and helping others to succeed will always come back to you and make you successful. When you make a difference in others, you create a life worth living!”
Russ Hedge
Russ Hedge
Inspiration Specialist, Coach & Motivational Speaker
Russ Hedge is a positive force in today's busy, hectic, and often negative business environment. He is a master connector, working in marketing and sales for over 30 years.
He has been recognized as a Top Salesperson in multiple industries for his skills in Networking and Connecting! He is also a licensed minister and has served in worship ministry for over 30 years.
Russ loves to encourage, inspire, and make people smile. He has been married to his beautiful wife Leah for almost 33 years and has two adult children Kyla and Connor, and a daughter-in-law, Gabby.
“People are just fascinating and always so surprising. Everyone has a different story and perspective.”
Colleen Becker
Colleen Becker
Principal at Redsand Ventures
Colleen Becker is a Principal at Redsand Ventures, a London VC aligned with sustainable development goals and executing on environmental and societal mandates through FinTech.
She is responsible for building and growing the company's product and Venture Studio, and for originating and managing the ideation, design, development and commercialization of Redsand’s sustainable innovations, as well as contributing to group business development and strategy.