In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I speak with Sandra Johnson, a communications and policy expert with a fascinating career journey that spans Whitehall, digital transformation, and creative writing.

Sandra, a second-generation Windrush professional, shares insights into building a meaningful career, navigating imposter syndrome, and developing a strong personal brand. We talk about the evolving job market, the importance of soft skills, and how to position yourself in a global and digital world.

We also discuss the UK’s recent AI and copyright consultation, which closed in February 2025, and what the outcomes might mean for creatives and technologists.

Sandra’s passion for writing children’s books, mentoring, and continuous learning also shines through, making this conversation a powerful reminder that our careers can be as multidimensional as we are.

If you’re interested in career development, personal branding, or making sense of where tech is taking us, this episode is for you.

Listen in for practical advice, real-life stories, and future-facing ideas.

In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I sit down with Micallar Walker, founder of Dark Matter Agency, to discuss digital marketing strategies, AI in creativity, and marketing to Black audiences. Micallar shares her journey from working in cinema and film distribution to launching her innovative marketing agency, which specializes in community-driven campaigns and brand storytelling.

We explore: • How AI is transforming creative marketing • The future of copyright laws and content ownership • Social media marketing strategies and algorithm hacks • The power of newsletters and SEO for brand growth • Balancing business, creativity, and personal life

Whether you are a content creator, digital marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insightful tips on branding, audience engagement, and the future of digital marketing.

Listen now and learn how to build impactful, data-driven marketing campaigns while embracing the latest digital trends.

Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome to Talking Tech with Creatives 00:51 – AI in marketing: copyright, automation, and creativity 04:34 – Emerging technology: driverless vehicles and future trends 05:13 – Meet Micallar Walker, founder of Dark Matter Agency 06:30 – Marketing strategies for global markets like Dubai 14:51 – Micallar’s career in film distribution and brand marketing 17:30 – Launching Dark Matter Agency during COVID and industry shifts 30:00 – Challenges and solutions in marketing to Black audiences 36:15 – How content consumption has evolved post-COVID 36:57 – Instagram Lives and their impact on audience engagement 38:08 – Understanding and leveraging social media algorithms 38:49 – Why newsletters are a powerful marketing tool 41:02 – The role of storytelling in brand success 43:43 – Expanding into music, art, and new creative mediums 46:24 – SEO strategies and digital marketing growth hacks 52:02 – Marketing campaign successes and takeaways 01:03:12 – How Micallar balances work, family, and entrepreneurship 01:04:58 – Micallar’s personal passions beyond marketing 01:08:04 – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Micallar

Follow, Like Subscribe, rate, and share. Do not miss out on expert insights into digital marketing, branding, and the creative industry.

In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I sit with Ope Oduwole, Editor-in-Chief of Floor Magazine, to explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and community-building.

The conversation kicks off with a discussion on the UK government’s current AI consultations and the potential impact on creatives. Ope shares his journey in launching Floor Magazine, a platform dedicated to uplifting Black creatives across various art forms. We dive into the role of AI in journalism, how technology is shaping diversity in publishing, and the significance of fostering creative communities both online and in-person.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome to Talking Tech with Creatives

01:15 – AI policies and government consultation updates

04:02 – Autonomous vehicles in Cambridge

06:20 – Introducing Ope Oduwole and Flow Magazine

08:01 – The power of community for writers

18:14 – How technology is reshaping publishing

31:02 – Discovering and amplifying Black literature

32:00 – The influence of James Baldwin

35:08 – Building an engaged magazine audience

37:13 – Challenges and rewards of independent publishing

43:37 – Future plans and creative collaborations

48:13 – Balancing creativity, leadership, and life

51:13 – Advice for aspiring creatives

54:19 – Closing thoughts and where to connect

Join us for an insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of creativity and publishing in the digital age.

Corrections

This is episode 17. I keep getting my episode numbers wrong ah ah!

For the UK consultation it is Technology companies and not just startups.

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In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I sit down with Jendella Benson—author, editor, speaker, and head of editorial at Black Ballad, a digital platform amplifying Black women’s voices in Britain. We dive deep into her journey as an author, her work in media, and how technology is shaping representation in publishing.

We also discuss the rapid changes in AI, the impact of social media on the publishing world, and the importance of owning your creative work in a digital-first world. Jendella shares insights into her writing process, balancing creativity with career and family life, and her thoughts on the future of diverse storytelling.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Jendella’s journey from media and photography to becoming an author
• The importance of representation and digital platforms like Black Ballad
• How AI is disrupting media and the ethical concerns surrounding generative AI
• Social media’s role in publishing and why building a community is crucial
• Tips for new and emerging writers navigating the creative industry
• The power of storytelling and what’s next for Jendella Benson

Books by Jendella Benson:

• Hope and Glory – A powerful British-Nigerian story dealing with complex family relationships and set in Peckham, London.
• All That We’ve Got – A gripping story exploring community, belonging, and resilience

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re a writer, creative, or someone passionate about diverse storytelling, technology, and representation, this episode is a must-listen. Whether you’re trying to break into media or just love engaging discussions on culture and technology, Jendella brings a fresh and insightful perspective.

Subscribe now and never miss an episode on your favourite podcast platform and on YouTube:

https://talkingtechwithcreatives.com/podcast/talking-tech-with-creatives?v=rvlt

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In this solo episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, host Stella Oni delves into the podcast's mission and her unique journey as a crime fiction author with a career in technology. She explores the impact of AI on creative industries. She outlines the podcast's goals: educating creatives on emerging tech trends, highlighting success stories through interviews, and offering interactive masterclasses. Stella also shares insights from industry events and emphasises the importance of ethical tech practices and human connection in creative work. This episode sets the stage for the podcast's future direction.

In this episode of the Talking Tech with Creative Podcast, I sit down with Alex Bainbridge, a specialist in tourism and technology, to discuss the fascinating ways artificial intelligence is transforming the tourism industry. Together, we explore how AI enhances creativity in travel experiences, from personalized tours to autonomous vehicles.

Alex takes us through his journey in travel technology, sharing insights into how the industry has evolved and where it’s heading. We also discuss the balance between using AI to create global connections while preserving the authenticity of local storytelling—a key part of keeping cultural narratives alive in tourism.

Here’s what we cover: • How AI is reshaping travel technology • Creative ways AI can enhance tourism experiences • Balancing global AI trends with authentic local storytelling • The role of 5G and autonomous vehicles in tourism • The future of AI-driven personalization in travel and media

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a travel industry professional, or just curious about the intersection of technology and creativity, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Join me as we uncover how AI is shaping the future of tourism!

In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I welcome Abidemi Sanusi, an accomplished author and SEO expert. We dive into her journey from working in human rights to becoming a multi-faceted professional in writing and technology. I also share insights from the recent World Travel Market show in Excel, London, focusing on how AI is influencing the tourism industry. Abidemi offers her expertise on SEO, content strategy, and the evolving role of AI in writing. At the same time, we explore the differences between traditional and self-publishing and discuss why adapting to technology is crucial for today’s authors.

00:00 Welcome to Talking Tech with Creative Podcasts 00:28 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Journey 01:35 World Travel Markets Experience 03:09 Introducing Abidemi Sanusi 05:36 Abidemi's Background and Early Life 09:10 Journey into Writing and Education 17:12 Transition to Digital and SEO 21:31 Understanding SEO for Authors 26:37 Impact of AI on SEO and Writing 29:50 Using AI Tools for Writing and Marketing 37:44 Amplifying Author Voices in the Digital Age 40:20 Owning Your Writing Journey 40:34 The Business of Writing 41:19 Balancing Inspiration and Discipline 43:02 Overcoming Resistance 44:32 Finding Time to Write 46:43 Essential Writing Tools and Techniques 51:06 The Future of Writing with AI 01:01:03 Traditional vs. Self-Publishing 01:08:39 Final Thoughts and Resources

We interview Tony Abulu, an Nigerian filmmaker and CEO of Black Ivory Communications, whose extensive career spans over 30 years in film, publishing, and international marketing.

Abulu discusses his journey, from his storytelling roots inspired by his grandmother in Edo state to the business lessons learned from his uncle. Despite early societal expectations to pursue sciences, Tony followed his passion for the arts, leading him to launch a film career in the U.S. with African-themed productions like Back to Africa (1997), Doctor Bello (2012), and American Japa (2024).

Tony delves into the challenges and growth of the Nigerian film industry, recounting his path to self-distribution in the middle of piracy and limited cinema culture.

He shares his unique perspective on Afrocentric storytelling, urging more diversity in themes to fully reflect Nigeria’s cultural depth beyond popular Yoruba narratives.

Tony discusses the essential role of the Nigerian government in fostering the creative economy, citing the need for government-backed financial support to address barriers young filmmakers face, like high collateral requirements.

He critiques the millions allocated to Nigeria’s creative sector, expressing concern about its accessibility for grassroots creatives.

Tony’s vision is for a thriving industry powered by robust distribution and monetisation, with platforms like his upcoming Blaze Channel to reach the Nigerian diaspora and enhance economic opportunities for creatives.

This episode offers an inspiring journey through Abulu’s life, insights into the potential of Nigeria’s creative industry, and an earnest call for government and diaspora support to sustain its future.