Panel Discussion: From Brand Disruption to Commercial Impact – The Unlikely Link Between 3 Distinct Category Trailblazers

14 Oct 2026
Changemaker Theatre

What does it take to break through in a crowded category and turn distinctiveness into commercial impact? Hear from three completely different category trailblazers -Lebara, Monzo and Hastings Direct - on what actually drove their success, and the unlikely thread that connects them

  •  What did you refuse to look, sound or behave like, that everyone else in your category took for granted?
  • Crowded categories usually compete on price or product spec so how did you make the conversation about something else entirely?
  • Telecoms, insurance and banking look nothing alike on paper, what is  the one thing all three of you did that made distinctiveness commercial, not just memorable?
Moderator
Parry Jones
Parry Jones, CEO - THE SPECIALIST WORKS
Speakers
Tom Daniell
Tom Daniell, Chief Marketing Officer - HASTINGS DIRECT
Charlotte Ford
Charlotte Ford, Brand, Content & Partnerships Senior Director - MONZO
David Clyde
David Clyde, Group Brand Director - LEBARA