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In this episode of Coach Class, I sit down with Leah Spears, Head of Brand at Paddy Power, to discuss her career journey and the lessons she’s gathered along the way.
With over 20 years of experience, Leah shares how her childhood dream of working in television transformed into a passion for marketing, eventually leading her to roles at Brazen PR, a long tenure at Asda, where she embraced an entrepreneurial culture that encouraged creativity and risk-taking.
Leah reflects on her time at Asda as “more than a job…a second home,” where she learned from inspirational leaders like Rick Bendel and Judith McKenna and adopted a “never ask for permission, always ask for forgiveness” approach that shaped her professional outlook. She also highlights the significance of female leadership, particularly under her current Marketing MD, Michelle Spillane, and the impact it’s had on her understanding of leadership and its role in empowering others.
In a candid discussion on work-life balance, Leah acknowledges the challenges of balancing a high-profile career with personal life, particularly as today’s culture places a higher value on mental well-being and boundaries than it did in earlier years. She shares how evolving attitudes toward work-life balance allow professionals to thrive without sacrificing their personal lives: “Everyone’s just trying to do their best…you have to give them credit where credit’s due for all facets of their life.”
Leah’s advice to young professionals includes invaluable insights on resilience, grit, and blocking out negativity. She stresses the importance of “being a student” of one’s industry, soaking up as much knowledge as possible, and staying motivated through setbacks: “Don’t listen to any negativity…anyone can do anything that they put their mind to. Stick at it because it’s always going to be tough.”
Finally, Leah reveals her dream of someday working in the film industry, sharing her ongoing curiosity and drive for new experiences. For those with a passion to explore new paths, she recommends “manifesting” their goals with an open mind, optimism, and resilience: “Sometimes you might be shy and sometimes you might not have all of the opportunities…but if you just keep pushing, believe in it, and try your hardest, then things happen in a good way.”
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