Meet our Trustee, Piers Bradford

By : Konstantina Katsikari | November 5, 2024

1. Can you tell us a bit about your professional journey? 

After starting with work experience at BBC Radio 1, I quickly found myself in a pivotal role working with Zoe Ball on the station’s new breakfast show, answering phones—a critical job before the digital era. This experience evolved into an 18-year journey where I moved up to assistant producer, producing various shows, and later took on executive roles overseeing daytime programming and creative projects, like covering Glastonbury and organizing Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Later, I became a commissioning editor at both Radio 1 and 1Xtra, managing independently produced programming and developing documentaries on social issues. I led impactful social action campaigns, highlighting issues like mental health and youth challenges, which fostered my interest in the intersection of entertainment and social issues.

This experience helped when I was approached to work with Richard Curtis and the United Nations on Project Everyone, which focuses on promoting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They hired me to launch a global radio station that would reach everyone, and we pulled it off, airing in 75 countries with many influential national figures to promote and communicate these goals. I’m now the managing director, leading campaigns, events, and creative content to raise awareness on the SDGs. Working alongside partners such as the UN, the Gates Foundation and Google.org, I drive projects that combine creativity with purpose, aiming to raise global awareness and accelerate progress on key issues.

2. What drew you to the charity sector, and more specifically to Speakers Trust?

What drew me to the charity sector was the desire to create a tangible, visible impact, something that complements the high-level, “top-down” work I do in my primary role. My day job involves influencing key decision-makers, but I feel an urge to work from the “bottom-up” as well, where I can help amplify voices from diverse backgrounds. I want to ensure that the next generation has a seat at the tables I help convene, bridging my passion for education and human rights with hands-on impact in the charity sector.

3. Do you have any personal stories to share relating to an experience with public speaking?

One memorable experience in public speaking was last year at COP in the UAE. We were hosting a dinner event with a UN agency, and just an hour before it began, I was informed that our designated UN host had been called away. Suddenly, I had to step in and lead the dinner, with zero preparation nor expertise on the topic. Of course I was terrified, but it was absolutely fine because I realised all anyone really wants you to do in those situations is to be your authentic self and, you know, to make light of the situation and to put people at ease.

By sharing the story of my unexpected role, I managed to connect with everyone, and it ended up going well. Another memorable (and intimidating) speaking moment was at my own wedding, where I had to follow a speech by my wife’s brother—a cabinet minister. As you can imagine, that was a challenging act to follow!

4. Why do you think young voices matter?

Young voices matter so much because they bring fresh ideas, unfiltered honesty, and a real drive for change. They’re often the ones that speak truth to power and are gloriously unafraid to be the voice of disruption. It’s unfair to just expect the “next generation” to fix things without really listening to them now. Instead, we should be involving them in the conversation right now, not just as “tokens”, but by truly valuing their perspectives like any other voice in the room.

5. If you were to participate in the Speak Out Challenge, what topic would you choose to give a 3-min speech about?

If I were to do the Speak Out challenge, I’d choose to talk about the global goals. I’d like to point out that it fascinates me, what clever titles the young people comes up with for their speeches, so in thinking that, my title would likely be something like “Why We Must Leave No One Behind.” I’d focus on the importance of having a unified, global agenda for progress, especially now when society feels increasingly fragmented and fractured. I believe it is a vital topic of discussion.

6. What are you most looking forward to as a Trustee at Speakers Trust and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?

What I’m most looking forward to at Speakers Trust is simply getting started and really diving into how everything works. I’m eager to attend events and witness young people speaking, seeing firsthand the impact of the incredible work done here.

For my legacy, I hope to bring some “left-field” thinking, using creativity to explore new approaches and amplify existing initiatives. Throughout my career, I’ve looked for ways to expand projects creatively, like transforming Radio One’s Live Lounge into an album and tour. Speakers Trust is at a very promising and exciting moment, and I’m just going to throw myself into being part of that moment.