What happens when the career you worked so hard for no longer fits the life you are living?

In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Ann Currie shares her story of leaving the legal profession after nearly 20 years when she hit burnout, and questioned everything she thought success was supposed to look like.

She and Darren discuss the warning signs she ignored, the pressure of long hours and expectations and how a need for freedom led her to rethink work entirely - leaving behind the courtrooms for camper vans!

If you have ever felt stuck in a career that looks good on paper but feels wrong day to day, this conversation will resonate. Discover practical insights, hard earned lessons and reassurance that it is possible to change direction without having everything figured out in advance.

More about Ann:

Ann Currie is a former solicitor who made a bold career shift in search of a happier, more balanced working life. After nearly 20 years in law, she left the profession following burnout and went on to build her own camper van rental business, using it as a practical way to learn marketing, websites, and social media from the ground up. Ann now works in marketing and communications, primarily supporting smaller businesses and events that do not have in-house teams or large budgets, bringing a strong focus on clarity, consistency, accessibility, and brand voice.

You can connect with Ann here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-currie-a9b23b33/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ann.currie88/?hl=en

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ann.currie88/

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More leads will not fix a broken business.

Spending money on SEO, ads or networking without a proper sales process is one of the fastest ways to burn through a marketing budget and see nothing in return.

In today's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, discover why marketing should never come first, how slow or inconsistent follow ups are doing more damage than you think, and why so many businesses blame marketing when the real issue is happening after the enquiry comes in.

If referrals have dried up, leads have gone cold and work feels unpredictable, this episode will make you rethink your sales process.

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not every success story starts with a win.

In today's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Nathan Brown talks openly about the early missteps that shaped his career. From projects that went wrong, to being made redundant, to rebuilding teams before he really knew what he was doing, this is a proper, honest conversation about learning the hard way, and why some of the moments that feel like failures at the time turn out to be the foundations for everything that follows. It's safe to say that Nathan is now smashing it.

If you’re running a business, growing a team or feeling like you are figuring things out as you go, this episode is for you. Start the new year off on the right foot by giving this one a listen.

About Nathan:

Nathan Brown is the founder of Robus Marketing, a UK based digital marketing agency that works heavily with franchise networks. He has no formal A levels or degree and started out in live music and events before moving into the care sector, where he progressed into senior roles and then took responsibility for marketing and sales. He later completed a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing with the CIM.

After being made redundant in 2014, Nathan became Marketing Manager for a home care franchise, which shaped his franchise marketing experience. He launched Robus Marketing in 2017, grew it primarily through business networking and retained relationships, and now runs a fully remote team across the UK and the Philippines delivering Google Ads, social media, website projects, and marketing strategy, while he focuses on sales, client relationships, and scaling systems.

Connect with Nathan:

Website: https://robusmarketing.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robusmarketing/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robus_marketing/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbrownp/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/robus-marketing/

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you give people a second chance if they waste your time?

Your time is your most valuable asset - and once it's wasted, you don't get it back. In today's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren goes deep on professional standards, boundaries and why how people handle their diary tells you everything you need to know about how they value your relationship.

This isn't about being rigid or difficult - it's about protecting your time, setting clear expectations and deciding when a second chance is earned rather than automatically given.

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"It’s a very painful lesson learned"

In this week's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren is joined by Les Murray. Les is both an executive coach and leadership consultant who works closely with business owners, managers and founders to sharpen strategy, simplify operations and build leadership teams that truly thrive.

During this conversation, Les explains why some roles are only truly valued once they’re gone and the costly lessons businesses learn as a result.

About Les Murray:

Les Murray is a coach and speaker at 20-20 Coaching, working with individuals and business leaders who want greater clarity, confidence, and stronger decision making, particularly when operating under pressure or responsibility.

His journey into coaching and public speaking did not come from performance or presentation, but from recognising moments where he wanted to help others and realised he was not yet equipped to do so effectively. That honesty led him to develop his communication, thinking, and leadership skills through environments such as the Professional Speaking Association. Les focuses on competence before confidence, helping people grow into leadership roles through clearer thinking, better questions, and personal accountability. His work centres on the belief that real development starts by acknowledging gaps, taking responsibility, and committing to consistent improvement.

You can connect with Les here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesmurray/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@20-20management?si=_Ca9_0UANYAklH7v

Website: https://20-20management.com/

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some stories stop you in your tracks.

For The Engaging Marketeer’s special 200th episode, Darren invited BNI Global Convention host Greg Davies-Polaine to share tales that every business owner needs to hear.

Greg has a way of turning real life moments into valuable lessons. He talks about resilience, consistency, the power of community and why the people around you can accelerate your progress faster than any tactic or trend. This episode goes deeper into how you build trust, stay top of mind and create opportunities simply by being the person others rely on.

If you want practical mindset shifts and a fresh perspective on what drives long term business growth, this is the episode to watch.

About Greg Davies-Polaine:

Greg Davies-Polaine is the executive director for BNI in London South East and Croydon, a role he describes as “the best job in the world” because it allows him to help business owners grow through meaningful relationships.

A former signage company owner, he built his reputation inside BNI as a leader, trainer and storyteller, eventually creating his public speaking persona, The Story Fella. Greg has launched and grown multiple successful chapters, including long-standing groups such as Achievers in Sussex, and has gone on to host both the UK National Conference and the BNI Global Convention, including the main stage in Hawaii. Alongside co-authoring books such as Infinite Legacy with Dr Ivan Misner, he continues to champion the power of stories, structured networking and “givers gain” as tools to change lives, support local charities and create business communities that outlast the people who start them.

You can connect with Greg here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregdavies1979/

Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregdavies1979/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregdavies1979/

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A single interview question could cost your business thousands… and most employers don’t even realise they’re asking it.

In this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, HR expert Joanne Moss explains why small, everyday mistakes in hiring and people management can lead to five-figure consequences. She talks about how one inappropriate question can trigger a discrimination claim, and why “I didn’t know” is never a defence when things go wrong.

Jo also breaks down the hidden HR risks most business owners overlook, and explains the steps every employer can take to protect themselves and create a safer, fairer workplace without drowning in paperwork. If you hire people, plan to hire people or simply want to avoid expensive HR mistakes, this episode is essential viewing.

Read more about Joanne

Joanne Moss is the Founder and Managing Director of Moss HR, an independent HR consultancy based in Suffolk. She is a Chartered member of the CIPD with more than twenty years of experience in HR and people management across sectors including motor retail, warehousing and distribution, hospitality and not-for-profit. That broad background shaped her reputation for offering clear, practical and commercially minded HR advice that helps small and medium-sized businesses stay compliant while still treating people well.

Through Moss HR, Joanne supports organisations with outsourced HR retainers, project-based HR work and straightforward advice on recruitment, employee relations, contracts and policies. She is also the creator of the popular Simple Steps toolkit for business owners taking on their first employee, combining legally sound documents with clear guidance that helps employers understand their responsibilities with confidence. Joanne is an active member of the BNI business community and is known for her contributions, referrals and leadership within her chapter. She also speaks regularly for local business groups on topics such as workplace wellbeing, mental health and people management.

You can connect with Joanne here:

Website: https://mosshr.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-moss-52719514/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MossHRLtd/

X: https://x.com/mosshrltd?lang=en

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ll never get referrals if you can’t answer THIS one question.

In today's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren breaks down the 10 biggest networking mistakes that hold business owners back.

If you’ve ever walked out of an event wondering why nothing comes from it, this episode will hit home. Darren reveals what actually makes people remember you, what makes them trust you and what makes them willing to introduce you. You’ll discover how small shifts in how you show up can make a big difference, opening more doors to genuine opportunities through the people you meet.

Ready to change the way you network for the better? Then this one's for you.

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Support the show: https://engageweb.club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.