Steven Bartlett’s FlightStory is excited to announce the appointment of Leon Farrell as Product Director, leading the Creator Ventures Studio. With a background spanning music, technology, and digital media, Leon brings a wealth of experience in driving revenue, forging strategic partnerships, and amplifying creative ventures.
Leon joins FlightStory from Warner Music Group, where he played a pivotal role in revenue generation for some of the world’s biggest artists, including Dua Lipa, Muse, and Ed Sheeran. His expertise in global campaign management and strategic brand partnerships has been instrumental in boosting artist revenues and expanding their digital footprint. Prior to his tenure in the music industry, Leon worked in AdTech, collaborating with brands like Nike, Heineken, and Samsung to measure and optimize their digital campaign impact through data-driven strategies.
His journey also took him to Thailand, where he spent nearly three years pursuing architecture before transitioning into entertainment—a shift that ultimately led him to blend creative storytelling with business strategy. His diverse experience aligns perfectly with FlightStory’s mission to reshape the media landscape by fusing culture, technology, and investment.
Leon Farrell on Joining FlightStory:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to join FlightStory and be part of a team telling amazing stories, building vibrant communities, and backing bold founders. When Paul C Brunson described it as the modern Def Jam, it instantly clicked – I grew up watching that label become legendary, and the energy here feels just as electric.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Leon is an avid Arsenal supporter and season ticket holder, often attending games with his twin brother and father. He has traveled to World Cups in Brazil and Qatar, attends Wimbledon annually, and spends his free time either in the gym or painting his latest oil series.
Steven Bartlett on Welcoming Leon Farrell to FlightStory:
“Leon’s ability to merge creativity, strategy, and revenue growth is exactly what FlightStory needs as we expand our Creator Ventures Studio. His experience working with global icons and major brands will be invaluable in shaping the future of creator-led media and digital storytelling. We’re thrilled to have him on board.”
Additional information:
Steven Bartlett is a distinguished entrepreneur, investor, and host of the acclaimed podcast, The Diary of a CEO. He is the founder of FlightStory, a global media and investment company, founded to inspire a happier, healthier humanity. FlightStory is home to The Diary of a CEO podcast, and in just a few years, it has achieved remarkable success, ranking as the world’s second most downloaded podcasts, based on global downloads and YouTube views. In 2023, Bartlett released his second book, The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life, which became the fastest-selling personal development book since records began in its home market, with 1 million copies sold globally.
Steven Bartlett’s private office functions as a comprehensive family office, overseeing his diverse investments in more than 50 companies, personal affairs, and lifestyle arrangements.
In 2024, Steven Bartlett teamed up with Georgie Holt and Christiana Brenton to co-found FlightStory, a global media and investment company. Georgie Holt, now CEO of FlightStory, boasts over 20 years in the media industry across the UK and US. Her career includes global leadership roles at prominent organisations such as Acast, The Stylist Group, Hearst UK, Clear Channel UK, and DMT Media. Notably, as Managing Director for the Americas at Acast, she was recognised among the most influential figures in global podcasting. Holt’s extensive experience in leading global teams and creating and scaling influential intellectual property is instrumental in driving FlightStory’s mission to innovate within the global media landscape.
Christiana Brenton, now Chief Revenue Officer of FlightStory, brings over a decade of media experience across the APAC, EMEA, and US markets. Her career began at Nova Entertainment, one of Australia’s largest media companies, where she earned recognition as one of B&T Magazine’s 30 Under 30. In 2019, she joined Acast in the UK, becoming the company’s top global revenue generator and playing a key role in scaling their Acast Creative offering for global advertisers. In 2022, Brenton relocated to New York to lead Acast’s US transformation – where she met FlightStory co-founder Georgie Holt – rebuilding US sales operations and re-crafting the company’s market positioning. Her strategic leadership and consistent delivery of double-digit year-on-year growth have been instrumental in shaping FlightStory’s commercial success.
FlightStory aims to redefine the podcast media and investment industry by focusing on every component of podcast development, creation, growth, and monetisation. The company has launched several video-first podcast brands, including shows by prominent figures such as Davina McCall, Paul C Brunson, Dr Tara Swart, Africa Brooke, and Kristen Holmes. To date, every FlightStory media brand has achieved a top 10 position in its respective home market’s audio charts, which is an unrivaled and unprecedented achievement.
FlightStory’s Studio operates global production studios in London, Manchester, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles, positioning itself as a leader in the evolving podcast landscape.