From Morecambe to the Pyramids

AI Won’t Save You, But This Human Skill Might

AI is changing how we work. But if we are going to lead, influence, create, and connect in a more human way, prompts alone will not save us. In this episode, Chris Baréz-Brown is joined by Frankie Kemp to explore the human skills that matter more than ever in the age of AI: presence, creativity, confidence, communication, play, and genuine connection. Frankie brings her background in theatre, improv, performance, and communication to show why the most powerful leaders are not the ones trying to “wow the room” — they are the ones who know how to connect with themselves first, then connect with others. Together, Chris and Frankie explore how people shrink in professional environments, why technical teams often become too “vanilla,” and how theatre and improv can help us expand our range, take up more space, and bring more electricity into the room. They also dig into why play is more useful than “embracing failure,” how to build real presence without pretending to be someone else, and why our humanity may be our greatest advantage in a world increasingly shaped by AI. In this episode: - Why AI makes human connection more important, not less - The problem with trying to “wow the room” - How to stop shrinking in professional environments - Why play unlocks creativity better than pressure - What theatre and improv can teach leaders - How presence and charisma really work - Why changing the world will not happen with prompts alone If you want to lead with more impact, speak with more confidence, and become a little less vanilla, this conversation is for you. Watch now to discover the human skill AI cannot replace.

From Morecambe to the Pyramids

In this episode of Who’s Elvis Round Here?, Chris Baréz-Brown sits down with long-time friend, creative leader, and Multiply founder Dr. Mark Fowlestone for a rich conversation about creativity, business, humanity, and the energy that brings people to life. From growing up in Morecambe to leading workshops beneath the pyramids, Mark shares stories from his journey through Ogilvy, Havas, and 20 years building Multiply into one of the UK’s most respected creative agencies. Together, Chris and Mark explore: * Why the best leaders create space, not pressure * The difference between “culture” and energy * How human connection still beats process and technology * Why creativity needs freedom, play, and experimentation * The power of empathy in business and life * How a wrong-number phone call led to winning a major client * Why presence matters more than long-term plans * The importance of keeping humanity alive in a tech-driven world This is a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, laughter, and honest reflections on what really makes businesses — and people — thrive. If you care about leadership, creativity, innovation, culture, or simply becoming more human in the way you work and live, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations with extraordinary people doing things differently. #Leadership #Creativity #Innovation #Culture #Business #Podcast #ChrisBarezBrown #MarkFowlestone

Why The Best Teams Always Have Fun

What makes a great team? Why do some workplaces energise us while others drain us? And in a world increasingly shaped by AI, what does it actually mean to be more human at work? In this episode of Who’s Elvis Round Here?, Chris Baréz-Brown sits down with former Twitter VP and workplace culture expert Bruce Daisley to explore the future of work, leadership, creativity and human connection. Bruce shares the story of how a hand-drawn cartoon CV landed him his first job, why “fun” is often misunderstood in business, and the simple leadership behaviours that make people feel seen, valued and motivated. Together they dive into: Why the best teams are usually the ones having the most fun The psychology of “mattering” at work Why having a best friend at work changes everything The hidden cost of AI-driven efficiency How leaders can create more human workplaces Why creativity and connection are becoming MORE valuable in the AI era This conversation is packed with practical insights, brilliant stories and refreshing optimism about the future of work. If you care about leadership, culture, creativity, teamwork or building better organisations — this one’s for you. 🎙️ Guest: Bruce Daisley Former VP Twitter EMEA | Author | Workplace Culture Expert 📚 Bruce’s work: Newsletter: https://www.makeworkbetter.info/ Books: https://www.brucedaisley.com/ 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with extraordinary leaders exploring how to create more human, energising and meaningful work. #Leadership #WorkCulture #AI #FutureOfWork #Teamwork #BruceDaisley #Podcast #ChrisBarezBrown #WorkplaceCulture #Creativity

The AI mistake no one saw coming

What happens when you introduce AI to “help” your people… and they all go on sick leave? In this episode of Who’s Elvis Around Here?, Chris sits down with leadership expert Joe Hildebrand to explore the human side of AI — and why so many organisations are getting it wrong. As AI rapidly reshapes the workplace, leaders are facing a critical choice: 👉 Use AI purely for efficiency, cost-cutting, and productivity 👉 Or use it to unlock human potential, creativity, and growth Joe shares real-world stories (including one AI rollout that completely backfired), powerful leadership frameworks, and why psychological safety, storytelling, and co-creation are more important than ever. This conversation dives into: - Why removing “mundane work” can actually harm employees - The hidden stress AI can create in teams - The “Red Pill vs Blue Pill” decision every leader faces - How to balance structure and freedom in modern leadership - Why the biggest risk right now is losing the human connection If you’re a leader, founder, or simply navigating change in the age of AI — this episode will challenge how you think about work, people, and the future.

Painted Nails. Broken Rules.

What if changing masculinity… started with something as simple as painted nails? In this episode of Who’s Elvis Around Here?, Chris sits down with author, entrepreneur, and rule-breaker Sam Conniff for a surprising, thought-provoking conversation about identity, culture, and the hidden rules we all live by. What begins as a trip to a Harry Styles concert with his daughter quickly turns into something much bigger — a nationwide experiment with hundreds of men, challenging ideas of masculinity and unlocking conversations many have never had before. This episode dives into: Why small acts of rule-breaking can create big cultural shifts  What the “man box” is — and how it shapes behaviour  Why men expected backlash… and what actually happened  The link between uncertainty, anxiety, and human potential  How leaders can unlock creativity by embracing the unknown One of the most powerful takeaways?  👉 What we often see as weakness can actually be a source of strength. If you’ve ever questioned the rules you live by - or wondered how real change actually happens - this conversation will stay with you. And if you want more from Sam, you can learn more about his work here https://www.samconniff.com [https://www.samconniff.com] and explore his latest book The Uncertainty Toolkithere: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/sam-conniff/the-uncertainty-toolkit/9781035060054 [https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/sam-conniff/the-uncertainty-toolkit/9781035060054]