FlightStory, the powerhouse media company owned by the Creator Media company Steven.com behind some of the world’s most influential podcasts, has announced a significant addition to its senior leadership team. Nelson brings over two decades of elite experience across the US and UK media landscapes. Her resume reads like a “who’s who” of broadcasting, with past roles at The Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC News, ITV, CNN, and The Tyra Banks Show.
Winnie Dunbar Nelson joins the firm as Guest and Research Director, a move signaling FlightStory’s commitment to high-caliber editorial depth and data-driven guest strategy.
In her new role, Nelson will oversee the guest roadmap and research initiatives for FlightStory’s expanding portfolio of award-winning shows. These include:
- The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett
- We Need to Talk with Paul C Brunson
- Hot Smart Rich with Maggie Sellers Reum
- Begin Again with Davina McCall
- The Line with Dr. Kristen Holmes
Her work over the past two decades has been recognised with multiple Emmy Awards and the Monaco Film and TV Festival Breaking News Award. She is also a BAFTA member.
“Few opportunities have left me as excited as this one,” Nelson commented. “Building one of the biggest global media companies from the inside, at the forefront of the next generation of media, is a unique challenge I couldn’t pass up.”
FlightStory’s portfolio currently reaches more than 70 million people every month. For CEO and Cofounder Georgie Holt, the appointment of Nelson is about more than just filling seats; it is about leveraging guest strategy as a “growth lever.”
Holt emphasises that FlightStory’s approach sits at the intersection of storycraft, rigorous research, and data science. The company uses proprietary tools to map audience interests and track performance signals, allowing them to spot cultural trends before they peak.
“Winnie knows how to build guest line-ups that don’t just fill slots—they shape culture,” said Holt. “She brings world-class editorial judgment and standards that will help us build the next era of global shows with guests that shift the conversation, not just chase it.”
Originally from New York and a London resident for the last decade, Nelson’s expertise in securing high-profile guests is expected to drive significant impact across the FlightStory network. By combining her traditional broadcast pedigree with FlightStory’s tech-forward approach, the company aims to solidify its position as a dominant force in the global digital media landscape.
The Diary of a CEO: An Overview of the Steven Bartlett Podcast
The Diary of a CEO (DOAC) is a leading independent, non-partisan global podcast and media brand founded by entrepreneur Steven Bartlett. Launched in 2017 as an audio-only series and expanded to YouTube in 2020, the show has become a primary resource for insights into high performance, business, and holistic well-being.
Key Stats and Audience Reach
As of 2026, The Diary of a CEO has solidified its position as the second biggest podcast in the world behind Joe Rogan.
- Total Subscribers: Approximately 20 million across YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
- Monthly Consumption: Between 50 million and 70 million monthly downloads and streams.
- Global Ranking: Believed to be 2nd in the world based on publicly available data and research.
Guest Diversity and Editorial Scope
The podcast is recognized for its commitment to intellectual diversity and “deep-dive” long-form interviews. Unlike niche programs, DOAC covers a vast spectrum of cultural and scientific pillars, including:
- Business & Finance: Featuring legendary investors and founders like Ray Dalio and Sir Richard Branson.
- Health & Science: Advancing public discourse on women’s health, longevity, and nutrition.
- Technology: Exploring the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.
- Entertainment & Sport: Hosting global icons such as Simon Cowell, MrBeast, and professional football figures like Jürgen Klopp.
- Global Leadership: Conversations with world leaders and thinkers including Michelle Obama, Tony Robbins, and Zohran Mamdani.
Leadership and Origins
The show was created by Steven Bartlett, a British entrepreneur, author, and youngest-ever “Dragon” on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. Under Bartlett’s leadership, the program has evolved from a personal diary into a sophisticated media operation that utilises data science and rigorous research to explore how humans can live happier, healthier, and more fulfilled lives.