In this episode of the Arete Executive Podcast, Richard Triggs sits down with Teva Smith, communications strategist, content creator and fractional communications consultant, to explore the power of creativity, personal brand and human connection in a world overloaded with digital noise.
Teva’s career has moved across countries, industries and creative disciplines. From growing up in South Africa and spending almost a decade in the UK, to building a strong professional background in pharmaceutical PR, marketing and independent education, her path has been anything but linear. Today, she brings together more than 20 years of communications experience with a bold, funny and highly human online presence that has opened new professional doors.
Richard and Teva discuss the rise of fractional work, why more businesses are looking for senior expertise without the risk or cost of a full-time hire, and how experienced professionals can bring value quickly across different organisations, projects and industries. They also explore the growing need for executives and business leaders to develop a more compelling online presence, not just as a polished career summary, but as a genuine expression of who they are.
The conversation then moves into Teva’s own creative journey. She shares how making videos started as a personal outlet, why humour and vulnerability have helped her content resonate, and how authenticity, when handled with integrity, can become a serious professional advantage.
This is a conversation about more than social media. It is about courage, creativity, reputation, reinvention and the importance of staying human in business. For leaders, executives and aspiring C-suite professionals, Teva offers a clear reminder: people do not just connect with credentials. They connect with personality, story and trust.
Key Timestamps
1:46 – Teva’s work across fractional communications, content creation and creative projects
2:16 – The rise of fractional work and why businesses are using senior expertise differently
6:07 – Teva’s journey from South Africa to Australia, the UK and back to Brisbane
8:00 – Creativity, storytelling and human connection as the thread through Teva’s career
10:09 – How Teva started creating online videos and developed her distinctive voice
13:04 – Balancing professional reputation with personal expression online
20:24 – How leaders and business owners can start building a stronger personal brand
34:58 – Teva’s final message on bravery, creativity and having more fun in business
USEFUL LINKS:
SUBSCRIBE HERE: Apple Podcast | Stitcher | Subscribe on Android | Player.fm | RSS | Spotify
