About Helio presents: Now & Next in Public Affairs
Hear from experienced public affairs professionals, as our host Jack Talbot discusses the past, present and future of the profession with those who are shaping it.
From the days of posting letters to the future of technology-driven practices and AI insights, discover how the industry has changed, what its main focuses are now, and where it will be going.
Paul Smith, Royal College of Occupational Therapists
On this episode, we are joined by Paul Smith, Policy & Public Affairs Lead Wales at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. He and Jack discussed shifts in working practices (for better or worse), what makes Welsh politics different, and making statistical gaffes in front of political gaffers.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://www.heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/)
7 Apr 2026
Joseph Carter, Asthma & Lung UK
In this episode, we speak to Joseph Carter, Head of Devolved Nations at Asthma & Lung UK, about politician meetings mirroring speed dating, changing fortunes for parties ahead of May elections, and calling out road rage in unlikely settings.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://www.heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/)
3 Apr 2026
Devin Scobie, RIA
For this edition, we welcome Devin Scobie, a freelance public affairs consultant. He spoke to Jack about toxicity in Scottish politics, the impacts of this year's elections, and a questionable nomination for US President.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://www.heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/)
1 Apr 2026
Catriona Matheson, Linco
This time, Jack is joined by Catriona Matheson, Founding Partner of Linco, who discusses her journey from frontline politics to public affairs consulting, the impact of AI at different levels of politics, and how she really feels about Nicola Sturgeon.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://www.heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/)
27 Mar 2026
Vlad Olteanu, Loyens & Loeff
This episode, we are joined by Vlad Olteanu, Senior Counsel EU Law & Policy at Loyens & Loeff. He shares his thoughts on Brussels before the Bubble, the grey areas that drive public affairs, and plenary sessions with a petting zoo twist.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://www.heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/).
24 Mar 2026
Max Sugarman, Intelligent Transport Systems UK
This week we welcome Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK, to discuss upskilling from public affairs to business leadership, controversial takes on the coalition, and unappetising surprises in meetings with MPs.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://www.heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/).
18 Mar 2026
Damien Zachlod, EnBW
This episode we welcome Damien Zachlod, Managing Director at EnBW Generation UK, to discuss moving from commercial to public affairs roles, entry level jobs in a world of AI, and the age old conflict of Hacker vs Humphrey.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/).
24 Feb 2026
Christopher Sherwood, NSPCC
This episode, we are joined by Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive at NSPCC. Chris brought the perspective of business leaders in public affairs, as we delved into the relationship between functions, people power, top 40 hits vs Prime Ministers and unexpected beach finds at party conference.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/.).
28 Nov 2025
David Hickling & Alice Barrs, RWE
This episode, we are joined by 2 guests from RWE: David Hickling, Head of UK Public Affairs, and Alice Barrs, Head of Corporate Affairs UK. They discussed how the two roles work together, trust vs truth, and an unusual collection of memorabilia.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://www.heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/).
3 Nov 2025
David Boot, Road Haulage Association & CIPR
Our guest this episode is David Boot, Director Public Affairs at Road Haulage Association and Chair of CIPR Public Affairs Group. David joins us to discuss the education-public affairs pipeline, how AI is changing organisational structures and his nominations for future nominations.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://www.heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/).
24 Oct 2025
Nathalie Errard, Airbus
This episode, we are joined by Nathalie Errard, SVP, Head of European & NATO Affairs at Airbus, who discusses what finance can teach public affairs, reforming the EU, and the next phase of events in the Bubble.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://www.heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/).
16 Oct 2025
Christiaan Smits, Cloudflare
This episode, Christiaan Smits, Head of EMEA Public Policy at Cloudfare, discusses how the EU adapted to Brexit and COVID, AI vs the human factor in public affairs, and picking favourites when it comes to MEPs.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/.
9 Oct 2025
Susana Braz, DS Smith
This episode, Jack speaks to Susana Braz, Head of Government Affairs at DS Smith, about how to spend reclaimed time, to TikTok or not to TikTok, and the question she just can't answer.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/).
2 Oct 2025
Ali Plummer, Wildlife and Countryside Link
This episode, we were joined by Ali Plummer, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Wildlife and Countryside Link, to talk about the green between the black and white, whether you can still call it "tweeting" and those 49 days.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/).
18 Sept 2025
Dan Hooper, Rolls-Royce
This week, Dan Hooper, VP Government Affairs at Rolls-Royce, discusses new routes to engagement, career trajectories, actions vs words and Prime Ministerial paradigm shifts.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/).
11 Sept 2025
Claire McParland, RSPCA
This episode, we welcome Claire McParland, Senior Public Affairs Manager at the RSPCA, as she discusses changing working practices, technology, trust and which ministers' dad-dancing she's witnessed first hand.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/).
4 Sept 2025
Martin Casey, Cemex
This week we welcome Martin Casey, former Director of Public Affairs at Cemex, to discuss the evolution of public affairs, the roles of people and technology in the industry, and, of course, Sir Robert Peel.
If you'd like to get in touch, please reach out via heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/ (https://heliointelligence.com/now-next-in-public-affairs/).
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