Stressed But Well Dressed hosted by Dahlia Stroud

Season 7, Episode 9: 'Improv' your confidence: Smiles, Style and Storytelling (with guest Pete Markey)

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Episode notes

Dahlia is joined by Pete Markey to discuss the unique hobby that has helped build his confidence on stage - and how it translates into the boardroom.

As CMO of Boots UK, Pete is a well known figure in the marketing industry and he discusses his love for creating a brand that tells a powerful story. Pete also shares the passion he has for improvised comedy and how this hobby has challenged him in new ways, encouraging him to think on his feet, work in a team and most importantly find ways to make people smile.

Dahlia and Pete discuss the iconic pieces of clothing that Pete has worn both on the comedy stage and as an industry leader and the influence they have had on how he feels (think everything from Hawaiian shirts to sequinned blazers).

The discussion includes an honest view from Pete on the fact that men don't talk about confidence and imposter syndrome enough (particularly those in leadership positions) and the importance of finding trust in your team to lift one another up in challenging or high pressure situations.

The conversation covers confidence, clothes, resilience, redundancy and of course some comedy!

Pete Markey is Chief Marketing Officer for Boots responsible for brand and marketing for the UK and ROI. He hasbeen awarded five prestigious Marketer of the Year awards and is a Fellow of the Marketing Society and the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Pete is very active in the marketing industry and is President at ISBA and Chair of theAdvertising Association’s Front Foot. In 2024 Pete was made an Honorary Doctor of Business by Solent University. He has regularly featured in the “Hall of Fame” in the Campaign Power 100 and the Marketing Week Top 100 most effectivemarketing leaders.