Just One Thing with Mel Noakes and Max Fellows

Mel Noakes – Head of Sponsorship and Events at Santander and Co-founder of Elevate Mentoring

Our guest on this episode is my friend Mel Noakes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissanoakes01/], Head of Sponsorship and Events at Santander [https://www.linkedin.com/company/santander-uk/], and co-founder, with me, of the event industry’s largest mentoring and training provider, Elevate. Mel has worked both agency and client side and has spent the last 20 years creating and delivering world-class brand experiences and sponsorship activations globally for Santander, Sony Ericsson and Sony Mobile, Shell, L'Oreal, Budweiser, Jack Daniels, and Disney to name just a few. She’s also been lucky enough to work on some of the most iconic sponsorship properties including Ferrari, Formula 1, Williams Racing, UEFA Champions League, the World Cup, and Santander cycles. She’s also a successful coach and a published author.  She says, get comfortable with being uncomfortable because that’s where the magic happens.  Our sound and mix engineer is Matteo Magariello [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matteomagariello/] and our producer is Peter Kerwood [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkerwood/]. Elevate is a pioneering free mentoring programme that has been designed with a specific goal in mind – to inspire, inform and empower people within the event industry. Elevate operates, thanks to the generosity of our partners and supporters. Our partners are: Cvent [https://www.cvent.com/], Jack Morton Worldwide [https://jackmorton.com/], Live Union [https://liveunion.co.uk/], Powwow Events [https://www.powwowevents.co.uk/], Protein STUDIOS [https://www.proteinstudios.com/shoreditch/spaces] (venue partner), PSP [https://www.pspav.com/], The Production Department [https://theproductiondept.com/], We Are Collider [https://wearecollider.com/] and CastleBell Ltd [https://www.castlebell.co.uk/], SPECIAL SAUCE TRAINING LTD [https://www.thespecialsauce.co.uk/] (training partner), Times Ten Coaching [https://www.timesten.co.uk/], Nic Neal [https://www.nicneal.co.uk/] (people and culture partners). Our Supporters include; Trivandi [https://www.trivandi.com/en/contact], TRO [https://www.tro.com/] and Xquisite Productions [https://www.xquisite.com/]. Together, we’re changing lives, careers and the events industry for the better. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Max Fellows – Founder of Allpoints and Co-founder of Elevate Mentoring

Our guest on this episode is Max Fellows [https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-fellows-9186661b/], the founder of Allpoints [http://fromallpoints.co.uk/] and Co-founder of Elevate, the event industry’s largest mentoring and training provider. With nearly 20 years of experience, Max has successfully scaled global event businesses in commercial sales roles at some of the world's biggest agencies, and now leads a team of consultants delivering best in class support, helping business owners realise their companies full potential, this covers all aspects of growth, from training, sales and AI through to PR/ Marketing and M&A. Additional achievements include his TED talk and frequent global speaking engagements and commentary across mainstream news channels. His career success is a testament to his drive, determination, persistence, ingenuity and hard work. He lives by the mantra of his favourite quote: 'The brave may not live forever, but the cautious will never live at all.' Our sound and mix engineer is Matteo Magariello [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matteomagariello/] and our producer is Peter Kerwood [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkerwood/]. Elevate is a pioneering free mentoring programme that has been designed with a specific goal in mind – to inspire, inform and empower people within the event industry. Elevate operates, thanks to the generosity of our partners and supporters. Our partners are: Cvent [https://www.cvent.com/], Jack Morton Worldwide [https://jackmorton.com/], Live Union [https://liveunion.co.uk/], Powwow Events [https://www.powwowevents.co.uk/], Protein STUDIOS [https://www.proteinstudios.com/shoreditch/spaces] (venue partner), PSP [https://www.pspav.com/], The Production Department [https://theproductiondept.com/], We Are Collider [https://wearecollider.com/] and CastleBell Ltd [https://www.castlebell.co.uk/], SPECIAL SAUCE TRAINING LTD [https://www.thespecialsauce.co.uk/] (training partner), Times Ten Coaching [https://www.timesten.co.uk/], Nic Neal [https://www.nicneal.co.uk/] (people and culture partners). Our Supporters include; Trivandi [https://www.trivandi.com/en/contact], TRO [https://www.tro.com/] and Xquisite Productions [https://www.xquisite.com/]. Together, we’re changing lives, careers and the events industry for the better. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Simon Mitchell – CEO of KERB Food & Founder of KIN London

Our guest on this episode is Simon Mitchell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-mitchell-b0258514/], CEO of KERB Food [https://www.kerbfood.com/] and founder of events agency KIN [https://kinlondon.co.uk/]. Simon’s impressive career spans over two decades in events and hospitality, beginning behind the decks as a DJ before moving into event production and leadership, where his creative drive and commercial instinct really stood out. Ten years ago, he joined the fledgling street food collaborative KERB as Managing Director and now leads the business as CEO, overseeing its transformation into one of the most influential forces in the UK street food scene. Under Simon’s leadership, KERB has expanded from local markets to bricks-and-mortar food halls, securing long-term residencies at venues including Kew Gardens and the National Theatre. He continues to push the brand into new territory, with international ventures in Berlin and San Francisco, and a strong focus on nurturing the next generation of food entrepreneurs through KERB’s inKERBator programme. Simon brings sharp business acumen, creative energy and a deep understanding of what makes experiences and people succeed. We’re delighted to have him with us. Our sound and mix engineer is Matteo Magariello [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matteomagariello/] and our producer is Peter Kerwood [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkerwood/]. Elevate is a pioneering free mentoring programme that has been designed with a specific goal in mind – to inspire, inform and empower people within the event industry. Elevate operates, thanks to the generosity of our partners and supporters. Our partners are: Cvent [https://www.cvent.com/], Jack Morton Worldwide [https://jackmorton.com/], Live Union [https://liveunion.co.uk/], Powwow Events [https://www.powwowevents.co.uk/], Protein STUDIOS [https://www.proteinstudios.com/shoreditch/spaces] (venue partner), PSP [https://www.pspav.com/], The Production Department [https://theproductiondept.com/], We Are Collider [https://wearecollider.com/]  and CastleBell Ltd [https://www.castlebell.co.uk/], SPECIAL SAUCE TRAINING LTD [https://www.thespecialsauce.co.uk/] (training partner), Times Ten Coaching [https://www.timesten.co.uk/], Nic Neal [https://www.nicneal.co.uk/] (people and culture partners). Our Supporters include; Trivandi [https://www.trivandi.com/en/contact], TRO [https://www.tro.com/], Xquisite Productions [https://www.xquisite.com/]. Together, we’re changing lives, careers and the events industry for the better. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Natalie Duvall – Creative Director of March Muses & Culture Marketing Events Manager at Red Bull

Our guest on this episode is Natalie Duvall [https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-duvall-20672765], Creative Director of March Muses [https://www.marchmuses.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoq7vsCFFiWTW-Ua0ky9OsQqDeftbDdwVfNFAczYtalhHQJ5Kyc_] and Culture Marketing Events Manager at Red Bull, a Diversity and Inclusion Champion and a presenter on the award-nominated Black Mums Upfront podcast. Natalie’s work spans culture, creativity and entrepreneurship. At Red Bull, she leads event marketing across dance and music, working with major global artists and delivering high-profile events like Red Bull Dance Your Style. She’s also the co-founder of March Muses, the UK’s leading brand for diverse Christmas decorations. Since launching in 2019, the brand has grown from a kitchen start-up to a household name, with products now stocked in Selfridges, Liberty and Tesco. A 2022 appearance on Dragons’ Den helped take the business to new heights. Natalie is also a passionate speaker, trained actor and cultural commentator, with appearances on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and at major events including Stylist Live and Black Investor 360. She champions inclusion, storytelling and purpose-driven work, with a focus on women in business, Black maternal health and motherhood. Our sound and mix engineer is Matteo Magariello [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matteomagariello/] and our producer is Peter Kerwood [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkerwood/]. Elevate is a pioneering free mentoring programme that has been designed with a specific goal in mind – to inspire, inform and empower people within the event industry. Elevate operates, thanks to the generosity of our partners and supporters. Our partners are: Cvent [https://www.cvent.com/], Jack Morton Worldwide [https://jackmorton.com/], Live Union [https://liveunion.co.uk/], Powwow Events [https://www.powwowevents.co.uk/], Protein STUDIOS [https://www.proteinstudios.com/shoreditch/spaces] (venue partner), PSP [https://www.pspav.com/], The Production Department [https://theproductiondept.com/], We Are Collider [https://wearecollider.com/]  and CastleBell Ltd [https://www.castlebell.co.uk/], SPECIAL SAUCE TRAINING LTD [https://www.thespecialsauce.co.uk/] (training partner), Times Ten Coaching [https://www.timesten.co.uk/], Nic Neal [https://www.nicneal.co.uk/] (people and culture partners). Our Supporters include; Trivandi [https://www.trivandi.com/en/contact], TRO [https://www.tro.com/], Xquisite Productions [https://www.xquisite.com/]. Together, we’re changing lives, careers and the events industry for the better. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Louisa O’Connor – Managing Director and Founder of Seen Presents

Our guest on this episode is Louisa O’Connor [https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-o-connor-36773919], Managing Director of Seen Presents [https://www.seenpresents.com/], one of the UK’s fastest-growing brand experience agencies. Louisa’s impressive career spans nearly two decades in experiential marketing, working with major global brands like Netflix, TikTok, Amazon, and Live Nation. Starting as a project assistant, she quickly progressed into senior roles, ultimately founding the new Seen Presents, a dynamic, female-led agency recognised for transforming intangible brand stories into immersive, emotionally engaging experiences. Under Louisa’s leadership, Seen Presents has grown rapidly, securing prestigious awards including The Drum’s Leader of the Year 2023 and Campaign Experience Agency of the Year 2025. Louisa champions inclusive leadership, innovation, and creativity, continually pushing the boundaries of what brand experiences can achieve. We're thrilled she's joined us today. Welcome to the podcast, Louisa. Our sound and mix engineer is Matteo Magariello [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matteomagariello/] and our producer is Peter Kerwood [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkerwood/]. Elevate is a pioneering free mentoring programme that has been designed with a specific goal in mind – to inspire, inform and empower people within the event industry. Elevate operates, thanks to the generosity of our partners and supporters. Our partners are: Cvent [https://www.cvent.com/], Jack Morton Worldwide [https://jackmorton.com/], Live Union [https://liveunion.co.uk/], Powwow Events [https://www.powwowevents.co.uk/], Protein STUDIOS [https://www.proteinstudios.com/shoreditch/spaces] (venue partner), PSP [https://www.pspav.com/], The Production Department [https://theproductiondept.com/], We Are Collider [https://wearecollider.com/]  and CastleBell Ltd [https://www.castlebell.co.uk/], SPECIAL SAUCE TRAINING LTD [https://www.thespecialsauce.co.uk/] (training partner), Times Ten Coaching [https://www.timesten.co.uk/], Nic Neal [https://www.nicneal.co.uk/] (people and culture partners). Our Supporters include; Trivandi [https://www.trivandi.com/en/contact], TRO [https://www.tro.com/], Xquisite Productions [https://www.xquisite.com/]. Together, we’re changing lives, careers and the events industry for the better. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.