Cally Beaton is a media executive, entrepreneur, and performer. She headed an independent television production company that was bought by ITV before becoming the youngest and only woman board member at the UK’s main commercial broadcaster (and for a while sat alongside David Cameron). She left ITV to start a creative consultancy and production company and joined US studio giant ViacomCBS as Senior Vice President of International Sales.

At ViacomCBS, Cally oversaw a £500 million budget for channels like Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and Paramount – look no further if you want someone to blame for bringing South Park and Spongebob Squarepants to the world. Responsible for selling programmes and formats, she combined working with on-screen and production talent with business planning and strategy, bridging the divide between creative and financial priorities.

While at Comedy Central her encounter with comedian Joan Rivers triggered her journey into stand-up comedy. She has performed nationwide, fronted her own show at the Edinburgh Fringe, and appeared as a guest on QI, The Apprentice You’re Fired, and on Radio 4’s The Museum of Curiosity. Her personality, love of performance and business knowledge has also seen her coach and train senior figures from a range of industries.