Synopsis
Shelf Impactors. Brought to you by Blue Nectar Design and hosted by Mark Grey, this podcast series is based around the world of branding and packaging design. Breaking down the secrets of the movers and shakers within the industry and delving into how we can learn from those at the top of their creative game.
Episodes
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Shelf Impactors™ Podcast S4E09 - Disruptor Brands
30/09/2025 Duration: 29minShelf Impactors™ PodcastSEASON 4 - EPISODE 9Disruptor Brands - Still Breaking the Mould?Podcast Hosts: Lisa Hastings from SGKMark Grey from Blue Nectar DesignOverviewIn this conversation, Mark and Lisa explore the evolution of disruptive and challenger brands, discussing how these brands have shifted from being bold and noisy to more nuanced and culturally specific. They analyze the impact of media, consumer expectations, and the need for brands to continuously reinvent themselves in a crowded market. The discussion also touches on emerging trends in branding and the future of maverick brands, emphasising the importance of authenticity and emotional connection with consumers.Chapters00:00 The Evolution of Disruptive Brands03:08 Challenger Brands in a Crowded Market05:58 Cultural Specificity of Disruption09:04 The Role of Tone and Media in Disruption11:54 Reinventing the Brand: From Disruptor to Norm14:57 Consumer Expectations and Brand Authenticity17:56 Emerging Trends in Maverick Branding21:01 The Future of
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Shelf Impactors™ Podcast S4E08 - Ethics in Branding
16/09/2025 Duration: 30minShelf Impactors™ PodcastSEASON 4 - EPISODE 8Ethics in BrandingPodcast Hosts: Lisa Hastings from SGKMark Grey from Blue Nectar DesignOverviewIn this conversation, Mark and Lisa explore the complex relationship between ethics and branding. They discuss various categories that pose ethical dilemmas for designers, such as tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and pharmaceuticals. The conversation delves into the challenges of ethical sourcing, consumer awareness, and the impact of cost sensitivity on purchasing decisions. They also touch on the role of AI in branding and the moral responsibilities of designers in today's market.Chapters01:43 Ethics in Branding: A Deep Dive04:48 Navigating Unethical Practices in Design07:42 Consumer Choices: Cost vs. Ethics10:32 The Role of Brands in Sustainability13:25 Alcohol Branding: A Designer's Perspective16:29 Processed Foods and Health Claims16:44 The Ethics of Marketing Addictive Products19:49 The Role of AI in Creative Processes27:19 Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Design#s
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Shelf Impactors™ Podcast S4E07 GUEST EPISODE - Matt Maletestnic
02/09/2025 Duration: 26minShelf Impactors™ Podcast SEASON 4 - EPISODE 7Guest Episode - Matt Maletestnic from SGKPodcast Hosts:Lisa Hastings from SGKOverviewIn this episode, Lisa interviews Matthew Maletestinic, a global executive in transformation and continuous improvement. They discuss Matthew's journey, the importance of living in the present, and the value of diverse experiences in coaching. Matthew shares insights on the challenges of coaching, the significance of storytelling, and the principles of Kaizen. They also explore the future of coaching in relation to AI and the importance of authentic human connections in the coaching process.Chapters/ Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Transformation and Coaching02:09 Living in the Present: Insights on Time and Experience04:05 Diverse Background: From Military to Corporate Coaching05:37 Challenges in Coaching: Building Relationships09:54 Core Values of a Great Coach12:22 The Uncoachable: Recognizing Limits in Coaching Relationships14:41 Understanding Kaizen: A Unique Approach to Imp
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Shelf Impactors™ Podcast S4E06 UNWRAPPING NOSTALIA
19/08/2025 Duration: 28minShelf Impactors™ Podcast SEASON 4 - EPISODE 6Unwrapping NostalgiaPodcast Hosts:Lisa Hastings from SGKMark Grey from Blue Nectar DesignOverviewIn this engaging podcast, Lisa and Mark explore the theme of nostalgia in branding and packaging. They discuss how retro packaging evokes memories and emotions, the psychological impact of nostalgia, and the significance of iconic brands. The conversation also delves into the Museum of Brands, showcasing how it serves as a trip down memory lane for many. They highlight the evolution of packaging formats, the importance of sustainability, and innovative solutions for modern branding. Ultimately, they emphasize the intersection of old and new in branding, providing insights for brands looking to tap into nostalgia while remaining relevant in today's market.Chapters/ Timestamps00:00 Unwrapping Nostalgia: The Power of Retro Packaging02:41 The Impact of Nostalgia on Branding05:10 Exploring Iconic Brands and Their Evolution07:58 The Role of Packaging in Evoking Memories10
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Shelf Impactors™ Podcast S4E05 Beyond the Logo
05/08/2025 Duration: 25minShelf Impactors™ Podcast SEASON 4 - EPISODE 5Beyond the logo - your brand!Podcast Hosts:Lisa Hastings from SGKMark Grey from Blue Nectar DesignOverviewIn this conversation, Mark and Lisa explore the concept of branding beyond just logos, discussing how brands are defined by their reputation, story, and promise. They delve into the evolving landscape of branding, particularly in the digital age, and the impact of AI on brand communication. The discussion highlights the importance of brand experience, authenticity, and the need for brands to connect with consumers in meaningful ways. They also analyse case studies of successful and failed branding efforts, emphasising the significance of understanding brand DNA and consumer expectations.Chapters/ Timestamps00:00 Defining Brand Beyond the Logo02:05 The Evolution of Brand Presence04:48 The Role of AI in Branding07:36 Consumer Expectations and Brand Experience10:17 Brand Identity and Authenticity12:57 Case Studies: Successes and Failures in Branding15:33 The Futur
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Shelf Impactors™ Podcast S4E04 IN or OUT-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY
22/07/2025 Duration: 31minShelf Impactors™ Podcast SEASON 4 - EPISODE 4In or Out-House Photography - which one rules?Podcast Hosts:Lisa Hastings from SGKMark Grey from Blue Nectar DesignOverviewJoin Mark and Lisa as they delve into the world of in-house photography studios. Discover the benefits and challenges of maintaining an in-house studio versus outsourcing, and how these choices impact design agencies and brands. From the role of AI in photography to the importance of brand consistency, this episode covers it all.Chapters/ TimestampsChapters/ Timestamps00:00 In-House vs. Outsourced Photography02:37 The Evolution of Photography in Design05:21 The Role of Space and Equipment in Photography07:50 The Importance of Style and Niche in Photography10:43 Balancing In-House and Freelance Photography13:36 The Future of Stock Photography16:43 Brand Authenticity and Representation17:34 The Role of AI in Image Creation18:17 Photography Techniques and Cost Efficiency20:29 Client Expectations and Concept Visualization22:26 In-House vs. External
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Shelf Impactors™ Podcast S4E03 Green Washing
08/07/2025 Duration: 30minShelf Impactors™ Podcast SEASON 4 - EPISODE 3Green WashingPodcast Hosts:Lisa Hastings from SGKMark Grey from Blue Nectar DesignOverviewIn this conversation, Mark and Lisa delve into the complexities of sustainability and greenwashing, exploring how brands communicate their environmental practices and the impact on consumer trust. They discuss the evolution of sustainability in marketing, the challenges of recycling, and the importance of transparency in brand communications. The conversation highlights the need for consumers to be informed and skeptical, as well as the responsibility of brands to provide honest information about their practices. They also touch on the future of sustainable investments and the role of innovation in packaging solutions.Chapters/ Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Greenwashing02:32 Defining Greenwashing and Its Impact05:17 Examples of Greenwashing in Packaging08:03 Consumer Skepticism and Trust Issues10:43 The Role of Corporations in Sustainability13:31 The Challenge of Electric Ve
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Shelf Impactors™ Podcast - Embracing AI
01/07/2025 Duration: 35minShelf Impactors™ Podcast - SEASON 4 - EPISODE 2Embracing AIPodcast Hosts:Lisa Hastings from SGKMark Grey from Blue Nectar DesignOverviewIn this conversation, Lisa and Mark explore the evolving role of AI in the creative industry, discussing past fears, current tools, and future implications. They emphasize the importance of embracing AI as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement, while also addressing concerns about authenticity, job displacement, and the need for ongoing adaptation in creative practices.Chapters/ Timestamps00:00 Embracing AI: A New Era in Creativity02:51 AI's Impact on Design and Craftsmanship05:47 AI in Education: A Double-Edged Sword08:47 The Evolution of AI Tools in Creative Industries11:40 AI as an Assistant: Enhancing Creativity14:43 The Future of Briefs: AI's Role in Client Communication19:14 The Role of AI in Creative Processes24:47 Navigating Creative Licensing and Ownership29:48 AI in Voiceover and Language Translation35:00 Future Perspectives on AI in Creativity#shel
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Shelf Impactors™ Podcast - Big Agency vs Small
24/06/2025 Duration: 32minShelf Impactors™ Podcast - SEASON 4 - EPISODE 1Big vs Small Design Agency – Which is Better?Podcast Hosts:Lisa Hastings from SGK (large global agency)Mark Grey from Blue Nectar Design (smaller, bespoke agency)Both Mark and Lisa have previously worked at a mid-sized agency that scaled up significantly over a 20 year period.In this first episode back heading into season 4, Mark and Lisa dive into the juicy subject of Big Agency vs Small Agency. Is growth inevitable? Mark and Lisa discuss the pros and cons of both big and small agencies from both a client's perspective and more over from an employee's perspective. The conversation also goes on to explore whether small agencies naturally grow into large ones (via acquisitions, mergers, etc.)Mark and Lisa debate how agency size affects creativity, client service, and project execution—challenging assumptions and exploring whether bigger really is better!Chapters/ Timestamps00:00 Big Agency vs. Small Agency: An Overview07:43 Pros and Cons of Big Agencies16:14 Explo
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#S3E16 Shelf Impactors™ Anneli Hansson
28/11/2023 Duration: 40min#S3E16 Shelf Impactors™ Guest Episode - Anneli Hansson with Lisa Hastings Lisa has an extremely insightful conversation with Anneli Hansson, one of Sweden's top Brand Strategists, discussing how Anneli forged her own path within the world of strategy. KEY AREAS OF DISCUSSION: 1. HOW DID ANNELI GET INTO BRAND STRATEGY 2. THOUGHTS ON HOW THE DESIGN INDUSTRY AND CLIENTS ARE EMBRACING STRATEGISTS NOW MORE THAN EVER. --------------------------------- Anneli Hansson: Website - wwww.annelihansson.com Email - hello@annelihansson.com Twitter: @annelihansson74 Instagram: @theannelihansson LinkedIn: @theannelihansson --------------------------------- Lisa Hastings: Website - www.lisahastings.me Twitter - @shoebox20 Instagram - @shoebox20 LinkedIn - Lisa Hastings Mark Grey: Website - www.bluenectardesign.co.uk Twitter - @bluenectar LinkedIn - Mark Grey
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#S3E15 Shelf Impactors™ Wanna be a freelancer?
22/09/2023 Duration: 43min#S3E15 Shelf Impactors™ 'Wanna be a Freelancer?' with Mark Grey and Lisa Hastings. SO YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT TURNING FREELANCE? Mark and Lisa unpick what it is to be freelance designer, discussing the highs and the lows. 1. WHAT IS A FREELANCER? - What does it the term mean to Mark and Lisa? 2. EXPERIENCES OF BOTH BEING AND USING FREELANCERS - Mark and Lisa share their experiences of the world of Freelancers 3. JUGGLING FREELANCE WORK AND YOUR OWN CLIENT WORK - Mark discusses how he manages both sides of the coin, sharing his strategy for a harmonious approach 4. DID THE PANDEMIC BENEFIT THE WORLD OF FREELANCE? - How Covid actually improved the design industry's ability to work with freelancers, especially when working remotely 5. 3 TOP TIPS FOR DESIGNERS LOOKING TO GO FREELANCE --------------------------------- Shelf Impactors™ Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-impactors Lisa Hastings: Website - www.lisahastings.me Instagram - @shoebox20 LinkedIn - Lisa Hastings Mark Grey: W
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#S3E14 Shelf Impactors™ Chris Do is Back
15/08/2023 Duration: 37min#S3E14 Shelf Impactors™ Guest Episode - Chris Do with Lisa Hastings Lisa catches up with one of our favourite globe trotting guests Chris Do. Following on from our Shelf Impactors convo with Chris (2 years ago!), Lisa grabs a quick update chat in with Chris discussing what's he's up to right now and his thoughts around: KEY AREAS OF DISCUSSION: 1. WHAT CHRIS BEEN UP TO SINCE WE LAST SPOKE? 2. BEING VULNERABLE Is being vulnerable essential in todays world to connect with people better? Can we be too vulnerable? 3. BEING AUTHENTIC Lisa and Chris discuss what it means to be authentic --------------------------------- Chris Do: Website - www.thefutur.com Email - hello@thefutur.com --------------------------------- Lisa Hastings: Website - www.lisahastings.me Twitter - @shoebox20 Instagram - @shoebox20 LinkedIn - Lisa Hastings Mark Grey: Website - www.bluenectardesign.co.uk Twitter - @bluenectar LinkedIn - Mark Grey
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#S3E13 Shelf Impactors™ Chat GPT_Where are we going?
23/05/2023 Duration: 26min#S3E13 Shelf Impactors™ 'Chat GPT - Where are we going?' with Mark Grey and Lisa Hastings. CHAT GPT What is it? What have we tried? What is it good for? Will it remove the role of writers, researchers? Smart answer no - it is just a tool. 1. HAVE WE ADOPTED CHAT GPT YET? - Are we seeing a place for it in the creative tool box - How are we using it right now? 2. THE SOCIAL GENERATIONS OF THE WESTERN WORLD - As 'Gen Z' are likely to be the power used of this technology from the outset, just who are the 'Gen Z's' - For ease of conversation and to help Mark's confusion - a quick breakdown of the generational consumer brackets we all refer to! 3. CHAT GPT EXAMPLES - Mark and Lisa discuss their experiences with Chat GPT so far and how they intend to utilise his growing platform. --------------------------------- Shelf Impactors™ Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-impactors Lisa Hastings: Website - www.lisahastings.me Instagram - @shoebox20 LinkedIn - Lisa Hastings Mark Grey: Website
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#S3E12 Shelf Impactors™ Creative Culture Trends 2023
11/03/2023 Duration: 45min#S3E12 Shelf Impactors™ 'Creative Culture Trends for 2023 and beyond' with Mark Grey and Lisa Hastings. CULTURE TRENDS Shelf Impactors like to look forwards and see what is inspiring the design world. This time Mark and Lisa talk culture. 1. NEW REALITIES… - The rise of Meta - how credible will this space become? - Will we all be living in a Meta world soon - as tech immersion advances we see this new phase of 'phygital' - physical meets digital. 2. CREATOR COMMUNITIES - Creatives are ever curious, how does this trend play out and amplify our need for more, replacing consumption for regeneration 3. CLIMATE OPTIMISM - The way we source information and entertainment is changing, with subscription packages, opt in or out services, everyone is now a potential creator? Even AI - Midjourney, Dalle and now the rise of Chat GPT 4. ARTISAN WAVE - The rise of the side hustle! Discuss the rise in hand crafted, and finding ways to make money - changing the way we work, or shop… 5. SITUATIONSHIPS... - Employee mono
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#S3E11 Shelf Impactors™ Food and Drinks Trends 2023
04/02/2023 Duration: 38min#S3E11 Shelf Impactors™ 'Food and Drinks Trends for 2023 and beyond' with Mark Grey and Lisa Hastings. BRAND NEW YEAR - Means BRAND NEW Trends... Mark and Lisa discuss what they're anticipating and noticing in the world Foods and Drinks for the coming year: 1. SPACE FOOD - To infinity and beyond - What will be we packing in our outer galactic hampers? 2. CBD products - Will we see the CBD drinks grow in the NO/LOW Category 3. FOOD AND DRINK BRANDS IN THE METAVERSE - Pixel flavour?! - How will virtual experiences inform physical food and drinks products? 4. THE EVER GROWING NO/LOW CATEGORY - Health and wellbeing leading the way for more 'teetotalers' than ever 5. PLANT BASED MEAT - Where is it heading? Petri dish pork? 6. ENERGY EFFICIENT FOODS - Stoveless, gassless cuisine --------------------------------- Shelf Impactors™ Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-impactors Lisa Hastings: Website - www.lisahastings.me Instagram - @shoebox20 LinkedIn - Lisa Hastings Mark Grey: Websi
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#S3E10 Shelf Impactors™ John Dalziel
09/01/2023 Duration: 43min#S3E10 Shelf Impactors™ Guest Episode - John Dalziel with Lisa Hastings Lisa takes the reigns in this podcast episode and is joined by the inspiring guest, Marketing Strategist - John Dalziel We all want to BE BRAVE From creatives coming up with the wackiest ideas - social media wanting us all to be GAME CHANGERS - Businesses saying they think and act Brave. 1. BRAVERY Define... 2. ARE YOU BRAVE? Lisa and John discuss their brave moments! 3. ARE BRANDS LOSING THIER BRAVE HEART? In the middle of the pandemic it seemed easy to take risks (we may lose everything anyway, from career swaps, start ups or bold pivots - have brands reverted back to safety (global economy downturn) and who just keeps charging ahead? 4. BEING BRAVE EVERYDAY Embracing bravery - tips on the small stuff we can do to have a big impact! --------------------------------- John Dalziel: LinkedIn - John Dalziel --------------------------------- Shelf Impactors™ Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-impactors Lis
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#S3E09 Shelf Impactors™ November Challenge Update
21/11/2022 Duration: 39min#S3E09 Shelf Impactors™ 'November Challenge Update' with Mark Grey and Lisa Hastings. 1. NOVEMBER CHALLENGE UPDATE - Lisa and Mark discuss their challenges for November and how they're tracking: • Mark - Carnivore diet for the month (AGAIN!) and 1x30 minute sketch per day (based on our word of the day)! • Lisa - Cold showers daily for the month and 1x15 minutes per day creative writing (based on our word of the day)! 2. FOOD TRENDS FOR 2023 (Setting the scene for the next podcast) Mark and Lisa touch on the subject of the upcoming podcast and skim the surface of some upcoming trends which will undoubtedly be hitting the shelves throughout next year and beyond... 3. THE ADOBE PANTONE SPLIT Thoughts on how the Adobe / Pantone separation will affect us all? --------------------------------- Shelf Impactors™ Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-impactors Lisa Hastings: Website - www.lisahastings.me Instagram - @shoebox20 LinkedIn - Lisa Hastings Mark Grey: Website - www.bluenectardes
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#S3E08 Shelf Impactors™ Awards
17/10/2022 Duration: 35min#S3E08 Shelf Impactors™ 'Design Awards - are they worth it?' with Mark Grey and Lisa Hastings. 1. OUR THOUGHTS ON DESIGN INDUSTRY AWARDS - Do they favour big names over boutique design houses? 2. WHY ARE DESGIN AWARDS IMPORTANT? - Do they add value to the designer/ agency 3. WHY WE SHOULD NOT DESIGN JUST FOR AWARDS - Unproductive approach to design brief - Compromised goals 4. NOVEMBER CHALLENGE - Mark and Lisa define their challenges for the month of November --------------------------------- Shelf Impactors™ Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-impactors Lisa Hastings: Website - www.lisahastings.me Instagram - @shoebox20 LinkedIn - Lisa Hastings Mark Grey: Website - www.bluenectardesign.co.uk LinkedIn - Mark Grey
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#S3E07 Shelf Impactors™ Matt Essam
26/09/2022 Duration: 51min#S3E07 Shelf Impactors™ Guest Episode - Matt Essam with Lisa Hastings How to market yourself as a creative and win those dream clients! KEY AREAS OF DISCUSSION: SALES AND MARKETING (For Creative Agencies) 1. DEFINITIONS Marketing, Sales, Branding, let’s just pull them apart - why they need each other to survive. 2. A BIT DEEPER Freelance v Agency - what is holding great talent back from attracting new clients? Is it just about winning business, earning the most money, doing great work - and how best can agencies drive that? 3. TIPS AND TRICKS Ways to discover what actually drives us, and what the future looks like for marketing creative. --------------------------------- Matt Essam: Website - www.mattessam.co.uk LinkedIn - Matt Essam --------------------------------- Shelf Impactors™ Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-impactors Lisa Hastings: Website - www.lisahastings.me Instagram - @shoebox20 LinkedIn - Lisa Hastings Mark Grey: Website - www.bluenectardesign.co.uk LinkedIn
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#S3E06 Shelf Impactors™ Creative Networking
18/08/2022 Duration: 41min#S3E06 Shelf Impactors™ 'Creative Networking - Do's and Don'ts' with Mark Grey and Lisa Hastings. 1. HOW IMPORTANT IS NETWORKING IN OUR INDUSTRY? – What does networking mean to us – What are our experiences 2. BUILDING YOU CURRENT NETWORK – How to keep you network informed, interested and engaged – Our advice on network building 3. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY – When first starting to build a network - how do you chose between quality over quantity? 4. 5 KEY WAYS TO NETWORK - Some insights and recommendations --------------------------------- Shelf Impactors™ Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelf-impactors Lisa Hastings: Website - www.lisahastings.me Instagram - @shoebox20 LinkedIn - Lisa Hastings Mark Grey: Website - www.bluenectardesign.co.uk Twitter - @bluenectar LinkedIn - Mark Grey