In a recent LinkedIn post, Steven Bartlett announced a significant new addition to his team at FLIGHTSTORY and simultaneously engaged his audience by soliciting guest suggestions for his popular podcast, The Diary of a CEO. The post highlights the strategic importance of talent acquisition and audience participation in shaping the future content of his media empire.
Bartlett introduced Winnie Dunbar Nelson, describing her as “arguably the very best in the world at what she does.” He emphasized her Emmy-Winning, global impact and her respected position within her industry. This strong endorsement sets the stage for Nelson’s role in overseeing the guest roadmap and research initiatives for FLIGHTSTORY’s expanding portfolio of shows.
“Winnie is arguably the very best in the world at what she does, her work is Emmy-Winning, global and she is one of the most respected professionals in her industry.”
The article details Nelson’s responsibilities, which will include managing the booking strategy for a roster of acclaimed shows. These include Bartlett’s own The Diary of a CEO, We Need to Talk with Paul Carrick Brunson, Hot Smart Rich with Maggie Sellers Reum, Begin Again with Davina McCall, and The Line with Dr. Kristen Holmes, among others. Bartlett expressed his honor in having Nelson join the team, noting her leadership qualities.
Strategic Importance of New Hire
Steven Bartlett underscored the caliber of Winnie Dunbar Nelson, positioning her appointment as a key strategic move for FLIGHTSTORY. As Bartlett notes, Nelson “leads with a calm, ambitious, optimism that is incredibly infectious and we feel so honoured to have her!” This description suggests that beyond her professional accolades, Nelson brings a valuable dynamic to the company culture. Her expertise in guest relations and research is critical for maintaining and elevating the quality of content across all the shows under the FLIGHTSTORY umbrella.
Elevating Content Through Expert Curation
The role of a dedicated guest curator is vital in the podcasting and media landscape, where the right guests can significantly impact a show’s reach and influence. Bartlett’s emphasis on Nelson’s Emmy-Winning background and global experience points to a deliberate strategy to secure high-profile and impactful individuals for interviews. This focus on talent aligns with the success of The Diary of a CEO, which has become a leading platform for business and entrepreneurship discussions.
“In her new role, Nelson will oversee the guest roadmap and research initiatives for our expanding portfolio of award-winning shows here at FLIGHTSTORY.”
Audience Engagement for Future Content
Beyond the professional announcement, Bartlett actively involved his audience by posing a direct question: “Who would you like to see us interview this year on The Diary Of A CEO???” This interactive approach serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it allows Bartlett and his team to gather direct, real-time feedback on potential guests, tapping into the collective knowledge and desires of their listener base. Secondly, it fosters a sense of community and co-creation, making the audience feel more invested in the show’s development.
Leveraging Fanbase for Guest Acquisition
By asking his followers to name “just ONE name who would it be and why???”, Bartlett is not only seeking suggestions but also insights into the reasoning behind those choices. This can provide valuable data on who resonates most with the audience and why. As Steven Bartlett points out in his post, this direct line to the audience is crucial for ensuring the continued relevance and appeal of The Diary of a CEO.
“Please join me in welcoming her and let me know the ONE guest you want her team to book on The Diary Of A CEO this year!!! ❤️”
The call to action encourages immediate engagement, turning a professional announcement into a participatory event. This strategy exemplifies Bartlett’s understanding of modern media engagement, where listener interaction is as important as the content itself. The success of The Diary of a CEO is a testament to this approach, and the addition of Winnie Dunbar Nelson is expected to further enhance the show’s ability to attract top-tier guests, guided by both expert curation and audience demand.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Steven Bartlett on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 22, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →