Managing a digital ecosystem at scale is no small feat, especially when balancing creativity and control. In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone sits down with Alan Botwright, Director of Product and Solutions Marketing at Acquia, to explore the evolving landscape of digital experience platforms (DXPs).

Together, they discuss the unique challenges of managing web estates across multiple brands, regions, and audiences. Alan shares insights from his decade-long journey at Acquia, reflecting on the evolution of Drupal from a developer-centric CMS to an adaptable, enterprise-grade DXP. They also tackle the pressing question: How can businesses empower local marketing teams while maintaining consistent brand governance?

If you’re navigating the complexities of content strategy, digital governance, or balancing IT and marketing needs, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear practical strategies and real-world examples from two industry veterans.

Send us a text

Support the show

In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone sits down with communications expert Matthew McCarthy to explore the dynamic world of global digital communications. With extensive experience managing communications for powerhouse brands like Syngenta and Novartis, Matthew shares his unique approach to crafting messages that resonate across diverse audiences.

🚀 Key Topics Covered:
•Balancing global brand consistency with local relevance
•Building empathy-driven communication strategies
•Navigating crisis management in global organizations
•The evolving role of AI in digital communications
•Why learning a second language is a game-changer for communicators

Matthew also dives into how his background in film, acting, and social media has shaped his unique perspective on storytelling and audience engagement. Whether you’re a communication professional, a digital strategist, or just curious about global brand management, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on the latest episodes!

Send us a text

Support the show

In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone sits down with Simon Sanett, Senior Group Digital Manager at National Grid, to unpack the realities of leading digital transformation inside one of the UK’s most critical infrastructure organisations.

Simon shares his journey from the music industry’s frontlines during the Napster era to heading up a complex digital estate that spans continents and audiences—from bill-paying US energy consumers to UK-based policymakers, investors, and regulators. Together, they explore how Simon’s team at National Grid is evolving from traditional project-based delivery to a modern, agile, product-led approach.

You’ll hear:

• How to align digital experience with diverse user intents

• Why agile isn’t always as ‘agile’ as people think—and how to get it right

• How product thinking, strategic partnerships, and a “one team” culture are helping National Grid scale digital operations

• The unique challenges of innovation in a highly regulated, security-conscious environment

• Where AI, user personalization, and continuous feedback loops fit into the future of energy sector websites

Whether you’re managing a large digital estate or seeking inspiration to modernise legacy processes, this episode offers actionable insight, delivered with humility and clarity by a true digital survivor.

Send us a text

Support the show

In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone sits down with Adam Bird, Senior Technical Website Development Manager at the British Business Bank. Adam shares his insights into managing a complex web estate that supports UK businesses with funding, investment and advice - especially in an environment shaped by government mandates, economic shifts and rapid digital evolution.

They discuss the challenges of re-platforming a growing web portfolio, the balance between governance and agility and the critical role of accessibility in delivering inclusive digital services. Adam also reflects on the impact of AI on content delivery and the future of personalised digital experiences.

Tune in for a conversation packed with real-world lessons on scaling web platforms, navigating public sector digital strategy, and making technology work for everyone.

Send us a text

Support the show

In this final installment of our conversation with Dr. Jonathan Sykes, we explore the journey from user research to leadership, uncovering the critical role of design thinking in driving organizational transformation. Jonathan shares insights from his experience working with financial institutions, local government, and global digital justice initiatives, emphasising the importance of stakeholder management, team empowerment and multidisciplinary collaboration.

We also dive into the future of AI in digital transformation, discussing both the efficiency gains it offers and the ethical challenges it presents. Jonathan’s reflections on research methodologies, resilience in the industry, and the evolving role of UX professionals provide invaluable advice for those looking to break into the field.

Join us for this thought-provoking conclusion, packed with practical insights, candid reflections, and a few controversial takes on the state of UX research today.

Send us a text

Support the show

In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone continues his conversation with Dr. Jonathan Sykes, exploring the critical role of content design, user research, and service transformation in the public sector.

Jonathan shares how understanding audience context, emotions, and stress levels is vital—especially when designing digital services for government users in crisis. They discuss how AI and content design can streamline complex services, making them more accessible while ensuring human-centered experiences.

Jonathan also reflects on his journey from academia to digital transformation, his work in human-computer interaction, AI, and gaming, and how the public sector is leading the way in user-focused digital innovation.

Listen now to discover why great digital experiences start with understanding people.

Send us a text

Support the show

In this episode of Digital Transformation Survivors, host Julian Tedstone sits down with Dr. Jonathan Sykes—aka “Dr. Fun”—to explore the groundbreaking use of AI in UK government services. With a background in academia, human-computer interaction, and digital transformation across public sector organizations, John shares his experience leading the first AI-driven customer service solution for the UK Foreign Office.

They dive into how AI can enhance, rather than replace, human processes—helping to triage consular inquiries, reduce response times, and ensure vulnerable individuals receive the right level of support. John discusses the importance of service design, content strategy, and ethical AI implementation in high-stakes environments, as well as the challenges of navigating bureaucracy and stakeholder concerns.

This episode is packed with insights on AI’s role in government, the future of digital services, and the value of human-centered design. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on transforming complex digital ecosystems while maintaining security, efficiency, and user trust.

Send us a text

Support the show

In this episode, we explore how AuPairWorld, the world’s leading au pair matching platform, manages global digital operations across six languages, multiple markets, and thousands of daily users.

Sara Redondo, Operations Manager at AuPairWorld, shares insights from her 12-year journey—starting as a linguist and customer support agent to leading digital transformation across content, marketing, and product development.

Key topics in this episode include:

Managing multilingual content – How to balance cultural differences, translations, and user expectations across global audiences.

Agile in a high-stakes environment – How AuPairWorld blends growth hacking and stability to meet evolving user needs.

The power of community – How user-generated content and social media shape engagement and trust.

The role of AI and personalization – Future plans for intelligent content tagging to enhance the user journey.

Lessons in digital transformation – Practical advice for balancing innovation, operations, and user experience in a fast-moving industry.

If you’re interested in scaling digital platforms, managing multilingual websites, or understanding how to stay agile in a complex digital landscape, this episode is packed with insight and real-world strategies.

Send us a text

Support the show