In this episode of The Business of Modelling, Tessa is joined by Alex Babahmadi, Head of PR & Brand Partnerships at Freedom Models LA, about how talent is changing in today’s fashion landscape – and why authenticity, kindness and long-term thinking are helping reshape the industry.

With a career working for Elite, Premier & Amanda Wakeley and more. He brings a global perspective to talent management, from catwalks of London to brand campaigns in LA and the Middle East. We trace his journey from diplomatic dreams to fashion PR, discussing launching models in the spotlight and exploring why the most powerful personal brands are often built through collaboration, purpose, and real connection.

www.freedommodels.com

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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Producers With Purpose: Rewriting the Rules of Sustainable Production

In this episode of The Business of Modelling, Tessa Dewing sits down with Camilla Sørenson, co-founder of Perma Collective, to talk about redefining production through a sustainability lens.

With over 15 years of industry experience, Camilla has produced global campaigns for brands like Google, Harley-Davidson, and KPMG. Now, she's part of a new wave of producers bringing low-impact, high-ethics thinking into every aspect of creative production. We discuss her journey from ad agency receptionist to B Corp-certified business owner, and what it takes to run environmentally conscious shoots - from carbon reporting and wardrobe rentals to vegan catering in the Spanish hills.

Whether you're a creative, freelancer, or brand strategist, this episode is a practical, honest deep dive into doing business better, without sacrificing creative standards.

www.perma-collective.com

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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Late Nights, Big Sets, and Even Bigger Vision: What It Really Takes to Run a 300-Person Shoot.

In this episode of The Business of Modelling, host Tessa Dewing travels to Dubai to meet Ishani Pawar, Managing Partner of Magnet Connect — one of the UAE’s leading production companies. From her early days modelling in India to becoming a powerhouse producer and female CEO in a traditionally male-dominated environment, Ishani shares a story of reinvention, resilience, and creative leadership.

We explore how Dubai’s production industry has evolved, why international brands are flocking to the Middle East, and what it takes to manage 300-person shoots in the desert. Ishani also discusses the reality of launching Magnet Connect, the influence of mentors, and her optimistic view on AI’s role in production. Whether you're a model, creative, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers an inside look at what it takes to thrive in one of the world's fastest-growing media markets.

www.magnetconnect.com

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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Behind the Bookings: Building Careers, Navigating Chaos, and Championing Change

In this episode, Tessa meets Sophie Tataryn – senior model booker at The Hive and one of the sharpest commercial minds in the modelling industry. With a career spanning top agencies, Sophie knows exactly what it takes to build a model’s career from first test to international campaign.

From negotiating usage rights to handling last-minute no-shows and six-figure bookings, Sophie shares what really goes on behind the scenes of the booking process. She discusses the evolution of diversity, the power of saying no to bad contracts, and why empathy, stamina and a good spreadsheet are essential tools for any model booker.

www.thehivemanagement.com

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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From Stockbroker to Storyteller: Reclaiming Identity and Redefining Representation

In this episode, Tessa meets Saaj Raja – a former stockbroker turned multi-hyphenate performer, writer and choreographer whose journey spans Bollywood stages, BBC radio, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Known for blending art with identity, Saaj isn’t just chasing roles – he’s reclaiming space as a British South Asian creative.

From navigating cultural expectations to finding his voice on stage, Saaj shares how he left corporate life behind and stepped into storytelling with purpose. He discusses the weight of representation, the value of mentorship, and why embracing your roots can become your greatest creative strength.

www.saajraja.com

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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From Campaigns to Character: Humanising the Industry One Shot at a Time

In this episode, Tessa meets Sane Seven - the award-winning photographer behind some of the most striking portraits in fashion and business. Known for challenging industry norms and reframing representation through photography, Sane isn’t just capturing faces, but telling stories with purpose.

From photographing CEOs and campaign stars to co-authoring a book on leadership, Sane shares how she went from outsider perspectives to insider impact. She discusses the importance of empathy in image-making, how photography can shift power dynamics, and why creating a more inclusive industry begins with asking better questions, not just taking better pictures.

www.saneseven.com

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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Redefining Representation: From Top Agent to Model Mentor.

Greg Chan's career is anything but conventional, from top New York agencies to TikTok advice and beach cleanups, in this episode, Tessa meets the former DNA and Wilhelmina agent who helped shape the modern men’s modelling market, and is now using that experience to empower new talent through Ask a Model Agent and The Supermodel Project.

Greg shares his path from scouting in California to leading divisions at some of the most prestigious agencies in the world. He opens up about burnout, ego, and learning to listen, and why a model’s emotional confidence matters just as much as their portfolio.

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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The Power of Influence: How Brands and Creators Connect in the Digital Age

In this insightful episode, Chrissy Mangan - Dublin-born influencer marketing specialist, shares her journey from studying law to leading in one of the fastest-growing sectors in fashion and media.

Chrissy demystifies the influencer landscape, breaking down the differences between nano to mega influencers, and offers practical advice on building personal brands, securing brand deals, and maintaining authenticity online.

She explores the future of digital marketing, from AI influencers to unfiltered content, and explains why trust and storytelling now matter more than follower counts. A must-listen for aspiring influencers, models, and brands alike.

Get Chrissy's Top Tips for improving your social presence:

📥 Comment 'Send Top Tips' below to get the free PDF guide sent over to you.

🎧 And don’t miss her full episode on the podcast, streaming now.

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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